AICS chassis vs Mcmilan A5

gorky

gorky

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I am considering an AICS chassis for one of the Rem700 338s. Specifically, I am looking at the folding stock version. How is the fit, finish, and play in the folding mechanism ?
I am debating between this and a Mcmillan A5. What are the pros and cons either way relative to accuracy and weight (as this will be a hunting rig). The AICS mag system is relatively important too. Can the A5 be properly inletted for this mag system ?
 
One question you did not ask was about the ergonomics of the stock. This could be particularly important if you plan on hunting with the rifle. Will the stock work for position shooting?
Also, weight could be a consideration.
 
If you are after "fit & finish" then the AICS is not for you. It is two cheap injection molded bits of plastic bolted to a metal chassis. "Fit & finish" are not two words I would use to describe the end result.

If you want a fairly cool looking and rugged chassis stock then the AICS is an excellent choice.

Both the AICS and McM A5 weigh as much as a boat anchor.
 
Suputin said:
If you are after "fit & finish" then the AICS is not for you. It is two cheap injection molded bits of plastic bolted to a metal chassis. "Fit & finish" are not two words I would use to describe the end result.

If you want a fairly cool looking and rugged chassis stock then the AICS is an excellent choice.

Both the AICS and McM A5 weigh as much as a boat anchor.
Click to expand...

OK a bit confused. The chassis is two cheap pieces of plastic bolted to the metal frame but it is still rugged ?

Cool looking helps, functional is better, function and rugged is best. The rugged part is my concern with the folding mechanism, both in terms of any play in the mechanism (is it "solid" when unfolded) and long term durability.
 
The folding mechanism locks up tight. No play whatsoever. It is a very comfortable stock for me. Most people either love it or hate it. There are a lot of mag systems that can be fit into a McM A5 stock. You will not however get the foldability which I love, and the A% costs just as much as and AICS and then on top of the stock you have to add another 500-600 to have the new bottom metal added. I love my AICS. If you can I would try holding one just so you get the feel. I like the A5 as well, but the AICS fits my shooting better, I hunt with it as well. Its heavy but I don't care.

It is rugged. Yes it has two plastic skins, but I have zero issues. This also makes it really easy to go from od green, to black, to flat dark earth. It is built like a brick sh%t house. If your ever in and around calgary and want to check one out, you can either go to alberta tactical as they have 1-2 usually in stock or heck, pm me and I can meet up with you so you can check it out on a full rifle set up.
 
gorky said:
OK a bit confused. The chassis is two cheap pieces of plastic bolted to the metal frame but it is still rugged ?

Cool looking helps, functional is better, function and rugged is best. The rugged part is my concern with the folding mechanism, both in terms of any play in the mechanism (is it "solid" when unfolded) and long term durability.
Click to expand...

They are a replaceable cosmetic 'cladding' for the actual bedding system that deliver ergonomic grip surfaces.

Rugged describes the chassis, not the cladding.
 
I've had a few A5s and A3s, as well as the Sako TRGs but only had the AICS a short while now and my opinion on it has changed quite a bit. At first I hated the AICS! It was very difficult to get used to the thumbhole and the bottom of the butt end. I find that I can't grip the stock properly in the prone position unless my index finger is inside the trigger guard, this bothers me because I'm used to roughly lining up my shot with my finger outside the trigger guard and then moving it inside while I finetune the crosshairs as I am about to take the shot(its also a safety issue). The bottom, rear end of the stock sits lower to the ground(no hook) when shooting and doesn't sit in my gun vise very well. The second issue about the rear end of the stock is very minor and something I just need to get used to opposed to an actual fault with the design.

Having said all of this, the AICS is kind of growing on me the more I shoot it and work out the intricacies of the stock.
I would not however use this stock for hunting, I don't find it works for me for standing or even kneeling shots, the thumbhole really makes it difficult for me to make any adjustments in my grip especially for a quick shot.
I would go Mcmillan A5 or I will go Manners MCS T4A on my next build.

Ivo
 
I had a hard look at the AI and its folder option for the same reason you are.
The finish will make a billygoat puke and I found the fit sort of....Odd.
If you shoot off a pack with a rear sock (I do) you will spend some time getting comfortable. The perfectly square fore end was as stable as a post, but if never seemed to be stable in the direction I wanted to shoot (if that makes sense)?
The mag system flat rocks.
It is built bullet proof and it is heavy.

The A-5 suites my style to a tee and they are nice to look at.
As a shooting platform I love the stock.
What a boat anchor!
Loved the first so much I got three more!
I have a 14pound 300Win that I have still hunted.....Not the way to go!:redface:
I don't mind carrying it to an observing area when I am hunting real open country. I am looking for a lighter option.

As mentioned before Manners might be the solution...Though there is no folder there either.
 
The AICS chassis is truly a love em or hate em situation. Both the AI and the A5 are well made but each has its high and low points.
The AI folding mechanism is bomb proof, the feel is different from any other stock, the thumbhole type design takes alot to get used to, personally i do not like the tupperware feel and as the "skins" do not cover the bottom of the stock they are cold as it gets to hold if the weather is not warm
Like all stocks proper skim bedding is benficial.

The A5s are just a heavy but I find allow for more varied shooting positions if you load them up with all the adjustable features offered.
Pricewise a full dressed A5 is more $$ if you figure in the cost of a DBM kit that comes factory from AI

My best advice to to handle both before making a big ticket purchase.
 
alberta tactical rifle said:
The AICS chassis is truly a love em or hate em situation. Both the AI and the A5 are well made but each has its high and low points.
The AI folding mechanism is bomb proof, the feel is different from any other stock, the thumbhole type design takes alot to get used to, personally i do not like the tupperware feel and as the "skins" do not cover the bottom of the stock they are cold as it gets to hold if the weather is not warm
Like all stocks proper skim bedding is benficial.

The A5s are just a heavy but I find allow for more varied shooting positions if you load them up with all the adjustable features offered.
Pricewise a full dressed A5 is more $$ if you figure in the cost of a DBM kit that comes factory from AI

My best advice to to handle both before making a big ticket purchase.
Click to expand...

I think the best thing will be for me to mosey up to your shop sometime soon to try things on for size.

RE the thumbhole stocks, I have tried a few different ones and I generally like them. I have yet to find one that is "uncomfortable". This might be the first, but it might take some trying to find out.

About the weight, I have a mountain rifle and a few other mid-weight rifles. This one will be for hunting but more for long range stuff when scouting for elk/moose off ATVs or when glassing out in the mountains from fixed positions (plus the added weight might help with the recoil :D).
 
I'd be more inclined to go with a McMillan. I only have one on my Savage, but an A5 would be about the only thing I could add to my M70 built by ATRS to improve it.
 
Don't drop a dime untill you have handled them both.

I am currently making the same decision on which way to go with a stock upgrade. I paid a long visit to Rick at ATRS and had a chance to handle both side by side and compare. With gloves and without. After fondeling the two stocks for a good 20 minutes I had come to this conclusion.

The AICS is nice to look at, but has a un-natural feel.
The A5 was virtually a perfect fit, its mearly a question of what options you want.

I am currently saving up for the A5.
 
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