AI rifles: worth it or not?
- Thread starter logan1080
- Start date
I know only 1 shooter, a commercial aircraft pilot, who owns a 14, 000$ (this is not a mistake) Accuracy International AW (Artic Warfare) .308 26" complete with factory carrying case, bipod, rails and Schmidt & Bender scope.
I don't know the full story on this gentlemen and he insists that he is only a commercial aircraft pilot with no military and/or weapons training but he shoots 1/2-1/3 MOA 5 shots groups at 200m all day with it (Federal Gold Match 175gr ammo). I've seen many group where 5 shots formed a single hole around 0.5"-0.75" wide at 200m.
Is it worth it? I simply don't know since resale value pretty much determine true cost of ownership for this rifle.
I owned a Steyr SSG69 for many years and I could afford this rifle since resale value was extremely strong.
Alex
I don't know the full story on this gentlemen and he insists that he is only a commercial aircraft pilot with no military and/or weapons training but he shoots 1/2-1/3 MOA 5 shots groups at 200m all day with it (Federal Gold Match 175gr ammo). I've seen many group where 5 shots formed a single hole around 0.5"-0.75" wide at 200m.
Is it worth it? I simply don't know since resale value pretty much determine true cost of ownership for this rifle.
I owned a Steyr SSG69 for many years and I could afford this rifle since resale value was extremely strong.
Alex
Don't forget that resale value determines something like 80% of cost of ownership.
Owning a Sako TRG22 is not expensive since Sako TRG22s keep their value and resale very well.
Alex
It depends what the intended purpose of the rifle is. As good or better is a relative term. What do you mean? Accuracy, reliability... the list goes on. I have an AI AE MKII and it is just as accurate as a custom rifle I have but what separates it from the custom is how it performs under less than ideal conditions. Its not a modifed hunting rifle but built from the ground up for a specific purpose.
I am wanting to know how good they are meaning quality of components, capable of how good of precision, user friendly, comfortable, durability, overall bang for buck, trigger, magazine system, etc etc. Just anyone who has experience with one, lets hear what you have to say. Could you get a rifle as good or better for less $$? Or are they a top quality rifle that is worth it. Intended purpose to be at home on the range or in the field. Resale is not important as I keep all of my guns. The more the marrier. I just really think you could spend less money and get a rifle that will be just as "good".
AI rifles, not AICS rifles. AICS is just a stock you put on a Remington to make it look like an AI rifle.
The best advise is to try one. If you have big mitts like I do, might not like them... I don't. The grip is too small. I would take a McMillan A5 over them any day because the grip isn't comfortable for me. I would take a Manners T4 over the A5 because the grip is even a little thicker. At that cost, you definitely want to try before you buy...
The best advise is to try one. If you have big mitts like I do, might not like them... I don't. The grip is too small. I would take a McMillan A5 over them any day because the grip isn't comfortable for me. I would take a Manners T4 over the A5 because the grip is even a little thicker. At that cost, you definitely want to try before you buy...
Thats why I asked if he was referring to an AI rifle or the chassis system as well. Good advice with regards to trying first. I have an AI rifle and a custom rifle with an A5 stock. The thumbhole initially felt different compared to a traditional type stock but in a very short time the AI rifle was equally as comfortable. Both are comfortable to shoot and very accurate however in the reliability dept in harsher than normal conditions, the AI wins hands down.
cdnredneck_t3
Regular
You have to remember that an AI rifle is a purpose built military issue rifle. People all over the world trust their lives in that rifle. I have only played with one for two days but was very impressed with the rifle. I think it will do what it is intended to do sitting on a bench in the shade on a 22 C day or on a sand dune at 40 C or in a snow bank at -40 C.
The rifle is perfectly balanced. Heavy but balanced. The bolt is amazing. I have played with Stiller’s and other high end actions and the AI is just as good. The 3 position safety is nice and it actually locks the firing pin not the trigger. The trigger has take up and then a very clean brake. The mag’s feed very good. You have to give the mag a good wack to latch it in though. I found it very comfy to shoot. Between the adjustable cheek piece and fully adjustable but stock you can make it fit any shooting position. We shot it mostly prone and it worked like a dream.
I was never a big fan of the look of the AICS system though. But after using it and seeing how everything is right where it needs to be I cant help but smile every time I see one. If I had a bunch of money I did not know what to do with this gun would be in the safe for sure.
Here is the original article.
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=633125
The rifle is perfectly balanced. Heavy but balanced. The bolt is amazing. I have played with Stiller’s and other high end actions and the AI is just as good. The 3 position safety is nice and it actually locks the firing pin not the trigger. The trigger has take up and then a very clean brake. The mag’s feed very good. You have to give the mag a good wack to latch it in though. I found it very comfy to shoot. Between the adjustable cheek piece and fully adjustable but stock you can make it fit any shooting position. We shot it mostly prone and it worked like a dream.
I was never a big fan of the look of the AICS system though. But after using it and seeing how everything is right where it needs to be I cant help but smile every time I see one. If I had a bunch of money I did not know what to do with this gun would be in the safe for sure.
Here is the original article.
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=633125
I took the plunge and purchased one in 308 with a 24" barrel from Wolverine. The receiver is chemically bonded to the stock and the bolt is massive. With scope it weights approx 18lbs. It always shoots sub MOA groups even when very hot and dirty. An AIAW is absolutely worth the money if you can afford it.
Bryan
Bryan
I think one would be worth it if you plan to reload and never sell it ... have lots of open space to stretch her legs and the skills to learn and enjoy ... these things are bombproof from what I've read and seen. I can only wish! 
Otokiak
Rankin Inlet, NU
CANADA
Otokiak
Rankin Inlet, NU
CANADA
18 pounds with scope? Does it come with a cart to tow it around? That means it is useful only for rest shooting, prone with a bipod, etc? Can it be handled like a rifle?
Apart from having the heft of a truck axle, how are its ergonomics?
Apart from having the heft of a truck axle, how are its ergonomics?
18 lbs ?
I'm in pain just thinking about that weight let alone carrying it from the parking lot to the firing line (at Connaught, this can be over 500 meters).I'm certain it's drop dead reliable, though!
Cheers,
Barney
