Barrels for AIAT/AXMC in Canada

chrisward3

chrisward3

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Wondering what (if any) gunsmiths in Canada can take a barrel blank (Bartlein) and chamber/install for the AI quick change barrel systems? I know AINA down south does them all the time, but wondering if I can do something North of the border before seeking out options down south (and the PIA that will be...)

Cheers,
Chris
 
Any AW or AX barrel will work. The barrel stayed the same on the new AI short actions. I started a thread months ago with Wolverine about getting barrels in different calibers from the UK since the states won't send them and we have to import them. Still waiting for an answer.

The AI barrel situation in anything other than .308, .300 win or 338 Lap in Canada stinks.
 
That is a good point arcticcathonda. I've never seen them offered here by anyone. It could be due to the small numbers of these rifles in Canada.
The barrel shank/threads on them is 1.5" long as opposed to 1" and they head space off a breaching ring so a bit different than most but not impossible.

A100_1631_img.jpg
 
GAP does custom AI barrels.

I explained to the Chou Bros how to chamber for an AI. Because the action is unitized to the chassis, you can't screw the action onto the barrel while it is in the lathe to check headspace and thread fit while chambering. You need to create a jig like this that allows you to measure the headspace off the shoulder:

DSC02292.jpg


Threads can be measured with wires.

Talk to the Chous, they were interested in doing it and may have already done some barrels for AIs.
 
Hey Chris;
I had the same dilema last year, wanting a 6.5 Creedmoor barrel for my AIAT, and tried everything to source one here in Canada. With no luck.
After researching and reading lots of reviews, I ended up ordering a barrel from Mile High Shooting in the States. The barrel is a Bartlien and made by Dave Tooley, who does a lot of the AI stuff for them in the US. It really wasn't a terrible PIA actually. Bought the barrel, had them ship it to Prophet Rivers US partner, and Prophet River only charged me 50$ For the import, plus the shipping etc to bring it in. The girl at Prophet River, who does their importing was super helpful, and only one page form to fill out. The guys at Mile High Shooting were awesome to deal with too. Took about 3 1/2 months.
And the barrel is an absolute laser beam. Highly recommended. I did not ask them about any other calibers, but it wouldn't surprise me if they had other common short action calibers besides the 6.5 for the AT. Not sure which one you're after?
As a comparison of ordering a barrel thru dealers here in Canada, who also have to source them out of the States, I ordered a 6.5 Creedmoor factory barrel/conversion kit in for my Barrett MRAD 6 months ago thru Wolverine, and still have not received it yet. They thought it'd also be 2-3 months, and 6 months later, still no word. Not Wolverines fault at all, just them waiting for enough orders to be filled for one big shipment to be sent up I guess? Sometimes a few phone calls and to take control of the details yourself sure speeds the process up. If I had ordered that Barrett kit myself, and brought it in thru an importer, i would've had it months ago, and probably a bit cheaper too.
 
Some good info here.

I've inquired with Mile High about having a barrel exported/imported through Prophet River 3 times and have got responses ranging from "under no circumstances could we do that" to "yes absolutely, not a problem" but then they stopped replying to my emails so I lost interest but I would still be interested in a 6mm CM, 6x47 or maybe a 243 barrel. Keep us posted. I also like the chou brothers idea also, might have to talk to them...
 
Jay, to import those barrels from Mile High, all you need to do is talk to Prophet River importing girl first. I am sure they are still doing importing. If they are, then all you need to do is buy the barrel from Mile High, and then get them to ship it to Prophet Rivers US LLC. Then PR does all the paperwork, and charges you shipping and GST, and it's done. Mile High simply sells the barrel and they do not have any other duties to do in regards to paperwork.
 
redrams9 said:
Jay, to import those barrels from Mile High, all you need to do is talk to Prophet River importing girl first. I am sure they are still doing importing. If they are, then all you need to do is buy the barrel from Mile High, and then get them to ship it to Prophet Rivers US LLC. Then PR does all the paperwork, and charges you shipping and GST, and it's done. Mile High simply sells the barrel and they do not have any other duties to do in regards to paperwork.
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Yes, neither myself or Mile High was under the impression that Mile High had to do anything at all with the importing process and I've always had great dealings with the importing girls at PR.

It was just Mile High dragging there feet with the sale, seems to make a big difference who you talk to on there end.
 
Thanks for the replies guys!

I have a 6.5 Bartlein barrel blank right now, and getting ready to send it off for chambering in 260rem for my Stiller Tac30 action (set up as a switch barrel with a krieger 308 barrel). Been floating the idea of getting an AI for awhile now, and debating getting one of those instead. The question becomes do I just chamber my barrel now for this rifle, or get an AI AT and then look for someone in Canada to chamber my 260 blank for the AT.

The mile high option is good, just would like to avoid having to buy another barrel and unload this one.
 
chrisward3 said:
Thanks for the replies guys!

I have a 6.5 Bartlein barrel blank right now, and getting ready to send it off for chambering in 260rem for my Stiller Tac30 action (set up as a switch barrel with a krieger 308 barrel). Been floating the idea of getting an AI for awhile now, and debating getting one of those instead. The question becomes do I just chamber my barrel now for this rifle, or get an AI AT and then look for someone in Canada to chamber my 260 blank for the AT.

The mile high option is good, just would like to avoid having to buy another barrel and unload this one.
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That all depends on what you want. Accuracy will be the same with a well built custom. Where the AI shines is durability and reliability that you never need to worry about. It is a purpose built engineered system with years of R&D and service time behind it.
 
No they are not Bartlien which is a good thing as of late. Bartlen is having some issues on some quality control like all big companies do and i am sure they will get back to the better barrels they have done in the past. Barrels are all done by Robert Gradous and are carried at OTM tactical by Joe Wall. Robert uses HawkHills barrels which are amazing barrels and i believe the top PRS shooters use them as well. Can also use Kreiger and Bartlein if you so wanted him too. If i had the choice and knowing Robert as i do i would take his work over anyothers any day. Prices list for $825 US so i dont know if that is good or bad compared to a Dave Tooley
 
Have delt with Greg lots at Mile High and if thats what one did perfer we can buy from him just as easy and get one up here just the same Jay :)
Was just saying i would lean towards Roberts for being the better shooters :)
 
I have a friend that has an 260 bbl er for his AT. He got it through OTM and said they were outstanding to deal with. Guys on Snipershide who have AI bbls chambered by Robert Gradous report they have been lasers and are extremely happy with them. I have an AINA 26" Bartlein bbl in 6.5 CM for my AI AX. It was chambered by Dave Tooley and shoots way better than I do. When this bbl is toast I will trying a Gradous bbl. Its good there are other options, even if south of the border its imported fairly easy through places like Prophet River. I don't know why its so hard to get stuff like this in Canada. It seems like AINA(Should be AIUSA as last I heard Canada is in North America...sorry for the rant) is not too interested in the Canadian market in offering bbls chambered in various calibres but its their loss. People will spend their hard earned money elsewhere.
 
No Need to import anything guys....if you want one simply call Insite Arms and we can gladly bring one in and quote you a price in Canadian dollars.
Easy peasy
 
furtaker said:
No they are not Bartlien which is a good thing as of late. Bartlen is having some issues on some quality control like all big companies do and i am sure they will get back to the better barrels they have done in the past. Barrels are all done by Robert Gradous and are carried at OTM tactical by Joe Wall. Robert uses HawkHills barrels which are amazing barrels and i believe the top PRS shooters use them as well. Can also use Kreiger and Bartlein if you so wanted him too. If i had the choice and knowing Robert as i do i would take his work over anyothers any day. Prices list for $825 US so i dont know if that is good or bad compared to a Dave Tooley
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This is great news! I have heard that Bartien might not be as good as they once were. I've heard lots of good reveiws of the OTM barrels from guys in the states. Had no idea that Robert Gradous was chambering them, most would argue he is one of the best so that makes sense that they would shoot. I guess all I have to do now is finally decide if I want 6mm or 6.5mm...
 
The guys I know who have shot and used both say that there isn't a huge difference between those 2 calibers, but much easier to find dies, factory ammo etc for the 6.5 stuff. Although I do read lots on the 6mm and the ballistics do seem fantastic.
 
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