AICS or McMillan A5?

Ardent

Ardent

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Northern BC, Coastal BC, or Africa. Depends on the
Well, I'm on my latest build and this one is a true custom. I need to decide on a chassis now. I've had two AICSs in the past and have enjoyed them (both stage 1's), this time I figured I'd try something new and spring for a McMillan A5 (yeah, I'm ready for the wait and have a supplier) but then I got to thinking that a folder would be neat and maybe I should do an AICS stage 2... :confused: Right now I'm sitting on the fence, on the one hand I like AICSs and folders, on the other the McMillan is one fine piece of fiberglass. Hmm...
 
I'd say go with the McMillan. The AI Folder might look cool, but what real use is a folder on a sniper rifle? Like a big dink on a monk if you ask me.
 
BigUglyMan said:
I'd say go with the McMillan. The AI Folder might look cool, but what real use is a folder on a sniper rifle? Like a big dink on a monk if you ask me.
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That's funny... :p I like the folder as I can put a 27-29" barreled rifle into a reasonably small case, and I like to pack my rifles too, and the folder's nice for that. But these are all pretty secondary considerations... The McMillan would be a nice change.
 
Grab a good Drag bag to take your rifle up the mountain with ya Ardent. Seals action gear has one that unfolds into a nice shooting matt.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BigUglyMan
I'd say go with the McMillan. The AI Folder might look cool, but what real use is a folder on a sniper rifle? Like a big dink on a monk if you ask me.
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How can you argue with wisdom like that Anyway!!:D :D :D :cool:
 
A5. I wanted a AICS till I found out all it was, was a alum block with 2 plastic covers to make it look like a AI, I much rather pay the money to get a solid stock, If you want a detachable mag system you could allways get one later on.
 
dan belisle said:
McMillan used to make a folding stock, I'm not sure they still do tho" - dan
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Not any more The McMillan A5 can be made lighter as they can use Carbon fibre instead of fiberglass material although it is not recommended for serious sniper work it will hold up well to the usage that most of us put our gear thru.
 
RobertMcC said:
A5. I wanted a AICS till I found out all it was, was a alum block with 2 plastic covers to make it look like a AI, I much rather pay the money to get a solid stock, If you want a detachable mag system you could allways get one later on.
Click to expand...

That's all a lot of stocks are really... And it sure tightens groups and has an extremely positive fit to the action, having had two I'm obviously still a but partial to them... But time to break the mold I think :)
 
I personally never understood the cost of the AI stocks. $1000 for 2 peices of plastic around an aluminun bedding block. No choiceas far as I am concerned, I agree with Long Range Canuck 100%, go with the McMillan hands down!
 
The A5 is first rate. Just a tip, Jan. 06 prices go up! Get your orders in now. We're snug as a bug with our orders....
 
I used to have the AI stage one then got the stage two... they are really nice and the mag system is fantstic but they to so freaking heavy. My rig weighed in at about 17 to 18 lbs but when I put in in an HS stock with their mags system it dropped to about 12 pounds. BTW... one of the board members makes a really nice conversion to use AI mags in other stocks.
 
I've got the A5 and love it. Desert camo, adjustable cheek peice, craddling a Sendero in a .300 Win Mag that shoots well too. This stock compares to my Sako TRGs closely although I like the green stock on the TRG 42 the best of all of them(I think it fits me best).

As for the AICS, it looks great but any thumbhole stock doesn't sound very practical to me, especially in the winter.
 
I am partial to the AICS stage 2 myself, and since you already have 2 AICS maybe it is time for an A5.

The advantage of the A5 on the AICS is that you can shoot comfortably in any position.

In regard to the folding stock, I would not trade it for any other stock.
To be able to carry a shorter system is a +, also moving the butt-cheekpiece out of the way when you clean the barrel is nice too.

On the argument that the AICS is not worth it because it is an aluminium block with 2 piece of plastics, do a research on rail guns.
Also the price is a question of simple economics, offer and demand.
 
I almost bought an A5. Its what you are "supposed to get". If you ask about stocks, everyone will say A5, A5, whether they have one or have even seen one.
Luckily I went to Robertson's place to check out the Masterclasss prone stocks before I bought my A5. He had 4 A5 stocks at his place. After checking them out together, back and forth, I went with the Masterclass prone.

Its a case of the grass is greener etc. Everyone here wants an A5. Look at a lot of top shooters in the USA and the "guns of the week" on 6mmbr.com and you will see a lot of Robertson Masterclass stocks.

If you are doing a ground up special custom project, I would talk to Robertson. I got to specify every detail of the stock including butt length, where the trigger will be, colors, finish, cheek piece etc.
 
I hate to admit I never heard of Robertson Stocks until now and It's nice to see they are Canadian, I will take a serious look at them on my next rig, In the mean time I have an A5 coming on my custom .300 not because it is "What you are supposed to get", but because of my research is the best design for my style of shooting for fit form and reputation. It was a personal choice an I feel a very good choice. If you are going to spend the kind of money it takes for a Mcmillan, HS or other I would hope you make that choice based more on practicality for your type of shooting than cosmetics, and "THE LOOK"

Just an opinion
 
There is nothing wrong with an A5 stock and I'm sure you'll be happy with it.
Just don't overlook the Robertson. I was glad to be able to talk directly with who was making my stock (I even went to his house to check it out). I was just on 6mmbr.com and there is an article about Speedy Gonzales milling a grid pattern in the forearm of a Robertson stock to break up certain vibrations. Robertson mills the inlets, so I'm sure you could get him to do this new pattern that Speedy came up with (you can read about it on 6mmbr.com)
 
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