Why is AXMC always the answer to multi cal?

[m6z]

It's a great platform, no doubt about that, but I'm after some more details.

Does it have the long action bolt travel with the short action calibers?

How exactly does the Allen screw barrel retention work?

Is there a spacer or something to switch from long action to short action mags?

Why hasn't a custom action manufacturer made an action that will take the same AXMC barrels?

 

[Lowlight]

Its an AI - Enough Said

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Because it’s the only one that functions and feeds properly and is bomb proof reliable with short and long rounds. All the questions your asking except for the last one have been answered over and over again. Do a little research.

 

[Bkultra]

1) bolt travel is the same length for LA & SA. You won't notice the slight added length

2) loosen the 4mm hex to remove barrel and simply unscrew the barrel. Drop the new barrel in, screw in the barrel and torque to 49lbs

3) There is a mag adapter to go down to SA

 

[W54/XM-388]

If you want a reliable system that has wide support and you can run everything from the 6mm rounds to the .338 rounds, there is little that compares up to the AI.

The DTA system is quite nice as well, but there is a much wider availability of barrels on the shelf for the AXMC system.

 

[winniethepooh]

Every other system is a pita to swap calibers. The AI is perfect

 

[supratt96]

It's a great platform, no doubt about that, but I'm after some more details.

Does it have the long action bolt travel with the short action calibers?

How exactly does the Allen screw barrel retention work?

Is there a spacer or something to switch from long action to short action mags?

Why hasn't a custom action manufacturer made an action that will take the same AXMC barrels?

While AXMC is definitely a fantastic platform, it isn't "always the answer to multi cal" as you assert in your subject line. DTA is a hugely popular and capable platform as well that can swap out barrels in under a minute. There's a reason why the DTA thread in the sticky section is by far the biggest thread on this site now at nearly 1.5mm views.

I'm not disparaging AI in any way. Just saying they are definitely not the only game in town when it comes to multi caliber rifles.

 

[CRT2]

While AXMC is definitely a fantastic platform, it isn't "always the answer to multi cal" as you assert in your subject line. DTA is a hugely popular and capable platform as well that can swap out barrels in under a minute. There's a reason why the DTA thread in the sticky section is by far the biggest thread on this site now at nearly 1.5mm views.

I'm not disparaging AI in any way. Just saying they are definitely not the only game in town when it comes to multi caliber rifles.

Price may be a consideration DTA versus AI.

 

[flyright]

The DTA is a fine choice if you're looking for a more compact system. Ergonomically, it can be a PITA for some. I've always favored shorter rifles and had minimum issues adapting to the DTA platform. It's not difficult to shoot well. Mags are DTA only but work flawlessly and barrels are a bit more expensive too. SA to LA is easy with a spacer to adjust the bolt throw. Accuracy is absolutely as good as AI. You will most likely end up committed to one platform or the other but there are many shooters that use both. Either way you'll have a modular and precise system.

 

[OH58DViper]

AI - One rifle to rule them all, one rifle to find them, One rifle to bring them all and in the darkness bind them

 

[Baer45]

I have a Desert Tech and AX...I’ve grown to love the DT...not better, just different...

 

[WeiserBucks]

My DT suits my needs perfectly, never been around an AI

 

[MACHTECH]

I have a Desert Tech and AX...I’ve grown to love the DT...not better, just different...

Same with me. I had an AXMC for a while and went back to a DT Covert and HTI.

 

[Snipe260]

I have Ai and dt, love them both!

 

[Long Range 338]

Not a ton of other options out there and most aren’t as well supported by the Manufacturer/Aftermarket options. I’m only aware of the following that are factory multi caliber options:

AXMC - Gold Standard
Desert Tech - Quite popular and well supported but a bull pup isn’t for everybody
Kraken - If it ever hits the street looks very nice
MRAD - Great platform but Barrett hasn’t done a great job of supporting
Ritter & Stark - Looks like a nice option, but I thought they were out of business?

Need a barrel? You can get one for an AI off the shelf in most standard calibers and any caliber you want with a reasonable wait time. Carbon fiber barrels, muzzle breaks, cerakote options, etc all supported by AI and others.

And at the end of the day its an AI.....

 

[canuckistaninia]

I love my Barrett mrad. It doesn't exactly have the most calibre options, but it has the ones that matter to me. I'm not sure why it isn't considered anywhere near as often of the dta or the AI, but it's a good piece of kit.

 

[m6z]

With that being said, AI being the gold standard.

Do you think we will see other Action makers adapt the AI quick change barrel system and utilize AI barrels or is that not feasible?

Something like a Defiance action with the additional features. That way you could use a Manners or similar stock and still have the option for 338 Lapua through 6mm Creedmoor.

It seems like we are already half way there with Bighorn and their swappable bolt heads.

 

[Covertnoob5]

@m6z check out the Curtis Vector. That’s using a system with set screws sort of kind of like an AI. I just got mine and it’s silky smooth. Lighter bolt lift than my AI, but haven’t tested overall reliability yet.

 

[Long Range 338]

Do you think we will see other Action makers adapt the AI quick change barrel system and utilize AI barrels or is that not feasible?

Sounds like patent infringement.

There are multiple options now with the Curtis, WTO, etc quick change setups. These are mostly based on Rem700 actions or clones and each has their own ideas on how to best accomplish the repeatability when swapping barrels. The problem with DTA and Barrett are that they require barrel extensions/bolt heads so other manufacturers are not able to simply spin up barrels.

If you want to go custom the Defiance and Bighorn stuff looks great but that’s not factory

 

[jlficken]

While AXMC is definitely a fantastic platform, it isn't "always the answer to multi cal" as you assert in your subject line. DTA is a hugely popular and capable platform as well that can swap out barrels in under a minute. There's a reason why the DTA thread in the sticky section is by far the biggest thread on this site now at nearly 1.5mm views.

I'm not disparaging AI in any way. Just saying they are definitely not the only game in town when it comes to multi caliber rifles.

After seeing how DTA handled the MDR release though I want nothing to do with them as a company.

ETA: I was >< close to trading my AT on one as well when that shitshow started up.

 

[Stag556]

It’s depends on your planned usage. I shoot PRS and have seen a couple guys try to run a DTA. It’s not very easy and god forbid you have a weak side stage. The AI gets the win there hands down.

If PRS isn’t your thing and not a concern, both have a great reputation and will be great choices either way. Bull pups aren’t for everyone and you’d have to decide that on your own. I own an AX and have handled a DT. My own personal opinion is this...

I own the AX308 (Not the MC) and it’s perfect for my PRS use. A DT (in my opinion) is the perfect long action platform. You can run 338LM with a 30” Barrel and still have a decently compact platform. I personally wouldn’t want a DT for a short action setup.

Boils down to your preferences. Good luck.

 

[flyright]

After seeing how DTA handled the MDR release though I want nothing to do with them as a company.

ETA: I was >< close to trading my AT on one as well when that shitshow started up.

I'm sure DT will miss your business. The MDR was a stumbling point but they remain a stand up company with innovative ideas. If you can't operate an SRS smoothly weak side then that is sad. But, loving bullpups is its own thing...

 

[davidwiz]

The Desert Tactical, Sako TRG M10, Barrett MRAD, Tubb Adaptive Target Rifle, and Cadex Kraken, to name a few, are all viable alternatives.

 

[Silvan]

Not a ton of other options out there and most aren’t as well supported by the Manufacturer/Aftermarket options. I’m only aware of the following that are factory multi caliber options:

AXMC - Gold Standard
Desert Tech - Quite popular and well supported but a bull pup isn’t for everybody
Kraken - If it ever hits the street looks very nice
MRAD - Great platform but Barrett hasn’t done a great job of supporting
Ritter & Stark - Looks like a nice option, but I thought they were out of business?

Need a barrel? You can get one for an AI off the shelf in most standard calibers and any caliber you want with a reasonable wait time. Carbon fiber barrels, muzzle breaks, cerakote options, etc all supported by AI and others.

And at the end of the day its an AI.....

Forgotten is a TRG M10.

 

[Schwartzwee]

Has a weird stock, but the T/C Dimension does everything from .223 to .300 Win Mag and weighs 8 lbs. The best option for hunting and real-world value that i've seen so far. I was thinking of getting one and figuring out how to get an aftermarket chassis made for it.

 

[Baer45]

I haven both and oddly have fallen in love with DESERT tech. I can shoot any caliber and the aftermarket barrels from short action customs are the most consistently accurate of any barrel I own or we shot.../

 

[Baer45]

If you want a reliable system that has wide support and you can run everything from the 6mm rounds to the .338 rounds, there is little that compares up to the AI.

The DTA system is quite nice as well, but there is a much wider availability of barrels on the shelf for the AXMC system.

Cold be wrong but with the ddition of short action customs and others in the secondary market I think DT has way passed AI IN the caliber options and with ungodly accurate barrels as well from SAC./

 

[pinhead]

I have a Desert Tech, so I may be biased. I haven't used an AI, but will someday.
In regards to the barrel cost - the barrel cost is the barrel cost. Smith''s charges are similar. It's the barrel extension that puts a DT barrel at a ~$300 premium over the next manufacturers barrel. But once you have the barrel extension, the cost is all the same, whether its an AI or another custom, and the barrel extension can be used on your next barrel.
There are lots of smiths that can cut a barrel for you. DMR in Vegas, ES Tactical, TS Customs, SAC, SPR to name a few. I can call any number of them up today and get a finished barrel in 2-3 weeks if I need to. Hell I can go to www.es-tactical.com and order one right off the website and it will show up and my door and drop into my chassis. I am sure that Mike @ Mile High wouldn't mind assembling a DT barrel either (lots of SH Podcast entering my earholes lately).

However it seems that more and more people are requesting switch barrel designs, so when the market needs it, someone will create it. Isnt that why the Bugnut was created by SPR and the Barloc was created by ARC?

ES Tactical - https://www.es-tactical.com/shop/Desert-Tech/ES-Tactical-SRS-Barrels--Conversion-Kits.htm

Southern Precision Rifles Bugnut - https://www.bugholes.com/category-s/1820.htm
American Rifle Company Barloc - https://www.americanrifle.com/product/barloc-quick-change-barrel-device-for-barrels-with-shoulders/

@OP - to address your last question "Why hasn't a custom action manufacturer made an action that will take the same AXMC barrels?" With the Bugnut or the Barloc, that's possible with the action you may already have that uses their own threads. Now it is 60 or 120 second barrel changes like the DT or AI? Maybe not, but I have zero need to change a barrel in 60 seconds, and would be perfectly happy with another method if I wasn't already spoiled with a torque wrench as the tool to make barrel changes.

 

[MarinePMI]

Nothing against the Desert Techs, they're nice rifles. And while they may be as accurate as AI's there are two main weaknesses (in my mind) the DT option.

1. It's very hard to shoot support side.

2. The magazines are problematic and long (for 10rds, or 9 as the case may be, I can't recall how many rds their large mag holds).

From what I have seen, they are nearly the same quality as an AI, but are not as robust in magazine or trigger.

On the flip side, AXMC's are heavy and can be awkward because of the weight.

All around though, I'd give the nod to the AXMC over the DT. Just on reliability alone.
JMTCW...

 

[Hondo1]

Meh. Been there, I’m a DTA guy, not saying it’s better but I hunt with it and the AI doesn’t really fit the bill for that.

 

[Basher]

Meh. Been there, I’m a DTA guy, not saying it’s better but I hunt with it and the AI doesn’t really fit the bill for that.

Says the guy with an AI profile image...

 

[Hondo1]

Says the guy with an AI profile image...

I’m still very much an AI shooter. The Op’s question is if the AXMC is the end all of multi cal systems. My AXMC was a heavy unwieldy pig, it wasn’t a good fit for me as a do all rifle. Hunting coyotes out of the front seat of my Jeep just wasn’t working, also throwing in my Eberlystock pack while hunting elk wasn’t ideal either. My DT shines at both of those examples. Now I still have a AX308 that I absolutely enjoy shooting, I love the quality and feel but it will never be only answer to a multi cal system.

 

[Sinned]

Has anyone heard anything new on the Steyr SSG M1? Looks an awful lot like a Sako TRG M10. Anxious to see but haven't heard of any imported into the US yet.

 

[Basher]

I’m still very much an AI shooter. The Op’s question is if the AXMC is the end all of multi cal systems. My AXMC was a heavy unwieldy pig, it wasn’t a good fit for me as a do all rifle. Hunting coyotes out of the front seat of my Jeep just wasn’t working, also throwing in my Eberlystock pack while hunting elk wasn’t ideal either. My DT shines at both of those examples. Now I still have a AX308 that I absolutely enjoy shooting, I love the quality and feel but it will never be only answer to a multi cal system.

I hear you there, my comment was in jest. I just thought it was funny, that's all.

 

[davidwiz]

Has anyone heard anything new on the Steyr SSG M1? Looks an awful lot like a Sako TRG M10. Anxious to see but haven't heard of any imported into the US yet.

According to this, it's an updated SSG, not a replacement for the M10. https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2018/03/08/new-modular-steyr-mannlicher-ssg-m1-2018/

 

[Sinned]

Nope, not an update, totally new rifle with the ability to change caliber. The M10 is manufactured by Sako, the SSG by Steyr, competitor not replacement. I only mentioned the Sako because of the similarities in looks and capabilities.

 

[brianf]

if all rifles are equal durability/accuracy etc, still go with a AI.
practically all parts and almost every caliber barrel can be found on the net, and be delivered to your home by UPS the next day.
everything breaks and when it does i want spares immediately from a company that will be around 10 years down the road.
Not a flash in the pan special action that is the bees knees yet when the company goes under your $#5000 rifle becomes a really nice stick.