Accuracy International Owners out there?
- Thread starter mareshow
- Start date
mareshow,
I am in Edmonton and have a AX 308, currently have 308 and 6.5 CM barrels. I have had an AI rifle for over 10 yrs, started with an AE Mk 11, then had a AT and now an AX. I would have liked to keep all three but unfortunately not that rich. Of all the rifles I have had over the years, TRG 22, HS Precision x2 ,a couple of custom rifles but I always kept an AI. I also had the opportunity to shoot pretty much all the high end rifles out there and in my opinion I don't think any are as accurate reliable and robust as an AI rifle.They were designed from the ground up as a field rifle to function in less than ideal conditions and this is where they excel. I was fortunate enough to compete in the CISC in Gagetown on two occasions and shot with several police and military teams who use and deploy with AI's so I have a bit of experience with guys who used them for what they were designed for. Anyways I am in the US until the middle of March but you are more then welcome to meet up try the AX when I get back.
Lots of interesting thoughts on the AI and switchbarrel stuff on here, great to hear others experiences.
I am currently running a leftie AIAT, and a leftie Desert Tech, plus a couple switch barrel set ups from Insite, so have some experience with these rifles, and would agree, after several hard shooting seasons, and lots of different barrels and calibers, that they all have minor pluses and minuses.no real big negatives to purchase any of them, as long as you know what those downsides are, and do not have unrealistic expectations.
I personally feel like the Desert Tech has the best, and easiest, switch barrel set up, and you can throw a barrel in after running 3-4 other barrels, and it is usually within .25 MOA or less, every time. Very impressive. The AI is a bit bigger poi shift, but they do not always have POI shifts either. As long as you know this can be a quick of Switch Barrel set ups, before you buy, you will never be disappointed.
If you absolutely needed that first round/cold bore 1000 meter hit first time, every time, then that is asking too much after a barrel swap.
The advantages though, inmo, far outweigh these small limitations. To change out hot barrels, swap totally different calibers, never have a rig sitting at the Smith for a month, are all amazing reasons to own a switch barrel. Plus, if you’ve ever cleaned a barrel with no action and stock attached to it, you can never go back, lol!
My Desert Tech has seen at least 8-10 different barrels and many thousands of rounds over the years, and, even though the rig is beat up, the action is pretty worn in, it is still an absolute hammer with any new barrel.
Some guys don’t like the bullpup and average trigger in the Desert Tech, some guys don’t like the big grip and big feel of the AI stuff, and a custom rig can fit like a glove for sure, but a guy really needs to spend a bit of time personally behind one before dismissing it.
I’d have a really hard time choosing just one, they all are fantastic, just in slightly different ways, and definitely no bad choice. And for me, and the style of shooting I do, I’d never own a non Switch barrel rifle now, but I am not a true PRS or that type of comp guy, I’m a set up, relax, and shoot steel long distance shooter.
I am currently running a leftie AIAT, and a leftie Desert Tech, plus a couple switch barrel set ups from Insite, so have some experience with these rifles, and would agree, after several hard shooting seasons, and lots of different barrels and calibers, that they all have minor pluses and minuses.no real big negatives to purchase any of them, as long as you know what those downsides are, and do not have unrealistic expectations.
I personally feel like the Desert Tech has the best, and easiest, switch barrel set up, and you can throw a barrel in after running 3-4 other barrels, and it is usually within .25 MOA or less, every time. Very impressive. The AI is a bit bigger poi shift, but they do not always have POI shifts either. As long as you know this can be a quick of Switch Barrel set ups, before you buy, you will never be disappointed.
If you absolutely needed that first round/cold bore 1000 meter hit first time, every time, then that is asking too much after a barrel swap.
The advantages though, inmo, far outweigh these small limitations. To change out hot barrels, swap totally different calibers, never have a rig sitting at the Smith for a month, are all amazing reasons to own a switch barrel. Plus, if you’ve ever cleaned a barrel with no action and stock attached to it, you can never go back, lol!
My Desert Tech has seen at least 8-10 different barrels and many thousands of rounds over the years, and, even though the rig is beat up, the action is pretty worn in, it is still an absolute hammer with any new barrel.
Some guys don’t like the bullpup and average trigger in the Desert Tech, some guys don’t like the big grip and big feel of the AI stuff, and a custom rig can fit like a glove for sure, but a guy really needs to spend a bit of time personally behind one before dismissing it.
I’d have a really hard time choosing just one, they all are fantastic, just in slightly different ways, and definitely no bad choice. And for me, and the style of shooting I do, I’d never own a non Switch barrel rifle now, but I am not a true PRS or that type of comp guy, I’m a set up, relax, and shoot steel long distance shooter.
TacticalTeacher
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Georgian Bay, ON
Okay about them switch barrels......
I’m a switch barrel guy and I just love the convenience when your gunsmith sets things up for you. I just have to verify the headspace for my own peace of mind.
That AI AT of mine was selected from my 2 years of dragging around an AX belonging to the kind folks at Wolverine Supplies and I went to school on that system.
You guys get to shoot at your matches and that’s cool. My situation has me the MD, bringing sample rifles for my shooters (all having been 308, IAW Garrison Petawawa Range Control rules) I purchased an AT (in 308...that’s all there is) for this reason. Once in a while I actually get a chance for some trigger time and let other people be the MD for a change. Then all sorts of people at DCRA ‘s NSCC bug me on the firing mound to go and sort out whatever delay is currently happening. Hahahahaha
So here is the AT with its new barrel by IBI. There’s a reason I’m an anally retentive shooter with that 260 cartridge and it’s because it employs the SAME headspace gauges as it’s parent cartridge, the .308....besides I’m coming from the SR arena where EVERYTHING is loaded magazine tolerant. Anything other than magazine (very) tolerant is begging for disaster....
And here I am at a rare moment of peace behind the trigger with my 308 factory barrel that I can shoot at Garrison Petawawa and / or the oncoming zombie invasion, hahahahaha
Here is my backup NSCC rig in 260....it’s mt beloved Magpul Remmy in an AICS 1.5 found here on EE forums.
And for this years’ PRS fun at Garrison Petawawa where we can only (for now) shoot out to 600m....my wife’s Remmy SPS Tac in 223 resting in my beloved MDT ESS
I will be launching 68 gr Hornady Match HPBT booolits out of this 20” puppy....
So buy whatever works for you and......
* your game
* your budget
* your proximity to your beloved and most needed gunsmith
* your barrel supplier / maker
* your most enjoyed caliber
* your source of booolits with highest BC values
* your LCV (looks cool value)
Now get out and shoot, LOTS!
Cheers, Barney
I’m a switch barrel guy and I just love the convenience when your gunsmith sets things up for you. I just have to verify the headspace for my own peace of mind.
That AI AT of mine was selected from my 2 years of dragging around an AX belonging to the kind folks at Wolverine Supplies and I went to school on that system.
You guys get to shoot at your matches and that’s cool. My situation has me the MD, bringing sample rifles for my shooters (all having been 308, IAW Garrison Petawawa Range Control rules) I purchased an AT (in 308...that’s all there is) for this reason. Once in a while I actually get a chance for some trigger time and let other people be the MD for a change. Then all sorts of people at DCRA ‘s NSCC bug me on the firing mound to go and sort out whatever delay is currently happening. Hahahahaha
So here is the AT with its new barrel by IBI. There’s a reason I’m an anally retentive shooter with that 260 cartridge and it’s because it employs the SAME headspace gauges as it’s parent cartridge, the .308....besides I’m coming from the SR arena where EVERYTHING is loaded magazine tolerant. Anything other than magazine (very) tolerant is begging for disaster....
And here I am at a rare moment of peace behind the trigger with my 308 factory barrel that I can shoot at Garrison Petawawa and / or the oncoming zombie invasion, hahahahaha
Here is my backup NSCC rig in 260....it’s mt beloved Magpul Remmy in an AICS 1.5 found here on EE forums.
And for this years’ PRS fun at Garrison Petawawa where we can only (for now) shoot out to 600m....my wife’s Remmy SPS Tac in 223 resting in my beloved MDT ESS
I will be launching 68 gr Hornady Match HPBT booolits out of this 20” puppy....
So buy whatever works for you and......
* your game
* your budget
* your proximity to your beloved and most needed gunsmith
* your barrel supplier / maker
* your most enjoyed caliber
* your source of booolits with highest BC values
* your LCV (looks cool value)
Now get out and shoot, LOTS!
Cheers, Barney
Attachments
I'm too lazy to look into and build a custom rifle. Looking at the options on the shelf, wondering how does AI vs Blaser tac 2 vs SSG 08 compare.
I understand the AI is easier to source and more aftermarket and support for it, but how about the performance and reliability of the rifles? Are they all the same and just pick which ever one you like?
I understand the AI is easier to source and more aftermarket and support for it, but how about the performance and reliability of the rifles? Are they all the same and just pick which ever one you like?
r34skyline
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
If you never get them dirty. Pick the one you like the most and go with it. I honestly don't think the blaser actions are as robust as the steyr or the ai. But again if you keep the gun clean and don't put it in adverse conditions I don't see a problem. All will shoot great. Pick the one you like best.
