Accuracy International Mkiii vs ?

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sealkid

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Just wondering if anyone owns one of these and if they are worth the money? Is there a better option out there for this type of money? I primarily intend to use it for long distance 600 yards + shooting and longer range hunting. Yes I know how heavy it is and already have a rifle backpack that I use.
 
Man, for $4000 you could sure build an great rifle and have some money left over to put towards a really nice scope. I know the Accuracy International guns are great, but I personally think you would be better off spending your $4000 on a custom action ($1000-$1500), match barrel installed ($700), decent trigger ($150), and some sort of stock that uses AI magazines ($1200, fitted/bedded), and put whatever you have left towards buying a scope. However, that's just me.
 
I have an AI AE MKII and I can say from personal experience that they are worth every penny. I have had it for just under three yrs and have close to 4000 rounds through the original barrel and still shoots in the .3's with 5 rd groups using Federal Gold Medal 168 gr and slightly better with handloads. The big thing with the rifle is not only is it accurate but it is built like a tank and utterly reliable in every condition and abuse it has been subjected to. I like the legacy stock and the outstanding 2 stage trigger as well. There is nothing that needs to be done to the rifle except shoot it. It is also built from the ground up as a purpose built platform, not a hunting action modified to suit the same purpose. I have an AI action wrench and can change a barrel myself in 15 minutes and all parts are interchangeable with any other AI rifle. Again they built for a purpose and lots of things possible with the rifle are not possible with a custom rifle, again a custom is not designed for that purpose. I could go on and on but I think they are worth every penny for several reasons. I think can make an informed comparison because I also have a custom Remington in an AI chassis that cost as much as the AI and can tell you again from personal experience that the custom Remington is no more accurate and without a doubt not as reliable, as the AI. The custom rifle had failed in similar conditions where AI had no issues whatsoever. I cant interchange parts ie I can't use a bolt from another custom rifle, can't change a barrel in 15 minutes etc. Custom rifles also have a harder time selling if for some reason to end up selling it. AI rifles hold their value extremely well and seldom do you see one for sale. I like my custom rifle as well but if my or somebodies life depended on it, there is no comparison.
 
Thanks for the advice guys. I am really leaning towards the mkiii, it's just the price that makes me want to be extra sure that I will not be disappointed.

As for saving money for a good scope, not an issue as I already have a Nightforce.
 
Buy the A.I. If thats what you want, don't get sidetracked with the "go custom" routine. Theres a lot to be said for a high end factory precision rifle. Particularly the A.I. Or TRG's
 
So I was sold on an Accuracy International till I found out about the Prairie Gun Works Coyote. Any opinions on the better one?
 
I would really like to have a Coyote. I believe they are used by our Canadian forces so accuracy, toughness and reliability are there. Not to mention Canadian made and a huge sponsor of the Canadian shooting community.
 
I have shot both the Coyote and Timberwolf and no doubt the Coyote is a fine rifle. The only major drawback I find with the Coyote compared to my AI and this is only my opinion is the magazine. The 8 rd magazine I find gets in the way for positional shooting vs the more flush magazine on the AI. I don't know if the parts ie bolt etc are interchangeable with other Coyotes or if barrels are easily swapped by the user like they are with AI rifles.
 
My two cents are, try to feel, fondle and shoot both of them if you can. One thing for AI is that you can take a dozen of the them, completely disassemble them, put all the many parts in a duffle bag, shake bag, dump the contents on the deck, start assembling rifles blindfolded. Voila all will be in spec. Try that with other makes:p
 
highspeedlowdrag said:
Slightly off topic, but I noticed recently that Wolverine doesn't list the AE series on their website. Are these still available for purchase right now?
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Within the last month they had two different AE's on the website, one tan, one black. Both were only up there for about 1 or 2 days. Whenever they get in AE's or AW's, people buy them right away. They cannot keep them in stock. Tells you something about the shooting public's enthusiasm for the AX series. Most of the AX's are out of stock on the website as well, but a few seem to have sat there for a good long while.

They can order you whatever you want. Like every other online retailer of firearms and accessories, what is on the website is not - by any means - the sum total of what they have or what they can sell you.

Accuracy International, the Wolverine guys tell me, is a "victim" of the gun buying craze that has been going on in the U.S. for... awhile now... and it is hard to predict what you can get and when. There is an AI shippment which is "wheels up" (oars in the water? :)) now, but if you want an AE, order it, otherwise you will be in a credit card quick draw match with the other 40 guys waiting to see what shows up on the website.

AW's rock by the way. Love mine. Hope to have some new pics with a new updated look sometime this year.
 
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Buy the AI AE MK III, you will not be disappointed. If you are, you can sell it in a heartbeat for what you paid...try that with ANY custom.
 
Went with the mkiii. Apparently they are now being discontinued so I am glad I got this one. Now I just have to wait for it to show up.
 
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