Which to go with?

[ArcticFun]

I know there is already a thread on a similar issue but I'm inquiring about different circumstances.
Alright I'm currently looking at two different rifles:

Number One:
Desert Tactical SRS
.308, .300WM and .338LM barrels

Number Two:
Accuracy International AW with folding stock and quick adjust options
.300WM and .338LM barrels

Whatever I get will be topped with a S&B 5-25x56mm PM II with a P4 reticle.

The toss up is this: They both will cost roughly the same with the accessories and cases and barrel changing gear. The primary use of the rifle will be long range target shooting but it has to fulfill this secondary obligation too: hunting. I hunt up here in the Last Frontier and I need a rifle that will go through freezing temperatures, mud, silt, sand, debris, grass, water, salt water and extreme abuse from packing it on four wheelers, through alders, and across extremely rough terrain. The quality I'm looking for is the ability to go through all this and still put the bullet EXACTLY where it needs to go to make a good, clean kill. I realize the AI has it's military origins and is already proven but everything I've read on the DTA says it will stay right there with it.

Thank you for your input.

 

[BobinNC]

Re: Which to go with?

Artic Fun,

You live in Alaska, so I guess you know what you need. I only hunted in Alaska once. But I can hardly think of a more unsuitable rifle for hunting big game in the alders than a 15lb rifle with a 5-25 power scope. Sorry, but that's my opinion. You are of course free to buy whatever suits your fancy.

I'm thinking more like a 9 lb. 375 H&H, with a scope that tops out at around 6x-8x. But hey that's just me. You got shit that can eat your ass in Alaska, and they do like to come to sound of the gun. But you live there, so I guess you know that too.

Yes, hunting caribou on the tunda, or blacktails on the flats, then a AIAW is certainly rugged enough and accurate enough. A good LR rifle is just the ticket. But there is no LR hunting of dangerous game, so the AIAW LR talents are bit wasted in that department, and you don't need a 338 Lapua for caribou, or blacktail for that matter.

But moose in the thickets and bear in the alders? No I'd want that light and fast 375 H&H. YMMV.

 

[1911fan]

Re: Which to go with?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BobinNC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I can hardly think of a more unsuitable rifle for hunting big game in the alders than a 15lb rifle with a 5-25 power scope. </div></div>

What he said. You really need TWO rifles, one for the long-range stuff and one for CQB with the big toothy/edible stuff. I agree with the .375 H&H too, a lot of power with fairly mild recoil. Damn it, now I want another one!


1911fan