Accuracy International rifle.

SeantheDruid

I'm looking to invest in an AI AW in .308. Can anyone tell me if there are any sellers that deal/have dealt with them before? Thanks in advance lads.

dCorbus

Try these guys in the UK: http://www.sportingservices.co.uk/

I don't think there are any AI agents in Ireland. Most lads around these parts with "AI's" would have the AICS stock system with a remmy700 or other action and barrel.

I'm looking to invest in an AI AW in .308

That's the correct word for it IMHO: "invest"
Be warned: the AI AW is not cheap, by any standards. It's a go-anywhere Mil-spec rifle after all.

As a matter of interest, why this model? It's a hell of a lot of rifle for foxes and deer, and for target work, you'd get a more accurate custom target rifle built for less TBH.

Expect to pay anything from UK£3000 (about €3600 these days) upward for the basic AW in 7.62x51.

Could I suggest the AI AE model in .308W as an alternative? (It's a shed-load cheaper. What do you need the full mil-spec for anyway? Planning to invade a small oil-rich third world nation some time soon?:rolleyes::D) or look at a tricked-out remmy700 with a AICS stock?

Norwayviking

dCorbus wrote: »

Try these guys in the UK: http://www.sportingservices.co.uk/

I don't think there are any AI agents in Ireland. Most lads around these parts with "AI's" would have the AICS stock system with a remmy700 or other action and barrel.



That's the correct word for it IMHO: "invest"
Be warned: the AI AW is not cheap, by any standards. It's a go-anywhere Mil-spec rifle after all.

As a matter of interest, why this model? It's a hell of a lot of rifle for foxes and deer, and for target work, you'd get a more accurate custom target rifle built for less TBH.

Expect to pay anything from UK£3000 (about €3600 these days) upward for the basic AW in 7.62x51.

Could I suggest the AI AE model in .308W as an alternative? (It's a shed-load cheaper. What do you need the full mil-spec for anyway? Planning to invade a small oil-rich third world nation some time soon?:rolleyes::D) or look at a tricked-out remmy700 with a AICS stock?

Or get a tikka t3 tactical in 308 with a RCS stock from roedale.
Shoots as good as any AI AW in 308.

http://www.webshop.roedale.de/index.php?cat=c70_RCS.html&language=en&XTCsid=d656ed35b63b42fdad303878d2a026b1

dCorbus

It really all depends what SeantheDruid needs the rifle for.
So, can the O/P tell us more about what the rifle is to be used for? Target? Hunting? Mix of Both?

But I still reckon there would be absolutely no need for an AW - an AE perhaps - other than the "i like the look of that" and if that's the case, the Remmy with the AICS is the best way to get that "visual effect".

If the rifle is for some serious competition target shooting, don't waste the funds on an actual AI (they're not built for target but another kind of shooting discipline entirely) and get something customised for yourself - It will probably end up cheaper than the AW and will be far more accurate at longer ranges.

tikka t3 tactical in 308 with a RCS stock from roedale.

Just get the T3 TAC in 308 and leave it at that - if very good but not massive accuracy isn't a requirement.

Or a TRG in 308, I hear they're not bad either.;):D

(Gotta love them Finn's and their lovely lovely firearms!:rolleyes::D)

Cass

Okay gonna throw this out there.

If you have big money to spend why not go for a Blaser LRS2 in .308 -


Or the Unique Alpine also in .308 -



SSSSSSWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEETTTTTTTT !!!!!!!

dCorbus

Hey O/P, have a look at this AI AE 308 on the For Sale section: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055941781
This is, what appears to be, an absolute steal!

Hey, ez, I'd hate to drop that Unique Alpine onto a hard surface - too much hard plastic to crack - great looking rifle - but I have my doubts - How come we're not all using them? Apart from the cost - but sure, when did that ever stop some of us?!;):D

Why not a TRG - Sure weren't we just discussing how cheap they were?:p (Oh, I forgot, they're sh1t apparently, or so I've overheard - barn door stuff!;))

Now where has my pimped-out Blaser LRS2 got to??

dCorbus

Ah, there she is:

Cass

dCorbus wrote: »

............ How come we're not all using them?

Cause its still a 26" barrel and you know lads won't have them for more than 6 months when they'll want a 30-32" barrel.

Why not a TRG - Sure weren't we just discussing how cheap they were?:p

Thats another aspect. The Unique Alpine would egde ahead cost wise (i think), but i would hate to live on the difference.

By way of an apology here is three options........

The Sako TRG 22, in 3 formats.......................

"Tacticool" stock


"Standard" stock


And lastly the "Camo" style.

SeantheDruid

Thanks for the advice lads. Truth be told, I'm after something extremely accurate, yet versatile enough to hunt with. The aesthetic value, while a plus, is not the issue as one response suggested, other wise I would just `chassis up' my Remington 700 .308.
I would imagine that a custom rifle would be ideal for extremely accurate target shooting, but not suited to being brought through the woods stalking deer.
The AW in .308 strikes me as something that will be extremely accurate and versatile, even if a little expensive. What I'm wondering is will it be good enough to compete as a target rifle. If anyone with some actual experience with AIs can shed some light on this, and if we can avoid idle speculation, it'd be greatly appreciated.

Tackleberrywho

SeantheDruid wrote: »

Thanks for the advice lads. Truth be told, I'm after something extremely accurate, yet versatile enough to hunt with. The aesthetic value, while a plus, is not the issue as one response suggested, other wise I would just `chassis up' my Remington 700 .308.
I would imagine that a custom rifle would be ideal for extremely accurate target shooting, but not suited to being brought through the woods stalking deer.
The AW in .308 strikes me as something that will be extremely accurate and versatile, even if a little expensive. What I'm wondering is will it be good enough to compete as a target rifle. If anyone with some actual experience with AIs can shed some light on this, and if we can avoid idle speculation, it'd be greatly appreciated.

The Irish DF use them. The Boys find Remington Match .308's work best in them

even though their one says 7.62:D
friend of mine fires one fairly reg with the DF as he is in the ARW

However, there main job is to be tough (combat strength)

Chasis is box aluminium welded together with Polmer covers bolted on.

Ther stocks can be bought after market.

DCorbus has a TRG which also has a 26" barrel.
The Target boys Seem to prefer 30-32" for the .308 to be competitive.

The AI is redic heavy for stalking.
If you just want one by all means buy one.
However
a savage FTR could realistically shoot deer and weighs in lighter than an AI

26" AI comes in ~14lb

Savage FTR 12 1/2~ lbs 30" barrel

Minimum 30" barrel length - essential for achieving the muzzle velocities needed to keep a 308 bullet supersonic at 1000yds

SeantheDruid

dCorbus wrote: »

Try these guys in the UK: http://www.sportingservices.co.uk/

Could I suggest the AI AE model in .308W as an alternative? (It's a shed-load cheaper. What do you need the full mil-spec for anyway? Planning to invade a small oil-rich third world nation some time soon?:rolleyes::D) or look at a tricked-out remmy700 with a AICS stock?

Haha, while I do concede that the AW maybe a tad heavy, I do value durability. The oil-rich nation invasion is always a nice option to have too. Just kidding I may consider the AE as an alternative.
In all seriousness though, I do prefer a slightly heavier, solidly built rifle.
As a matter of interest, what would be the main rifle brands that come with a 30-32 inch barrel?

Norwayviking

SeantheDruid wrote: »

Haha, while I do concede that the AW maybe a tad heavy, I do value durability. The oil-rich nation invasion is always a nice option to have too. Just kidding I may consider the AE as an alternative.
In all seriousness though, I do prefer a slightly heavier, solidly built rifle.
As a matter of interest, what would be the main rifle brands that come with a 30-32 inch barrel?

Think savage have a few heavy barreled rifles mainly for competition,and with outstanding accuracy.They come in 29-30" barrels,but heavy to carry in the field.Single shot magazine as well.
The varmint series consist of heavy barrels too,but shorter 26".

http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/models/

leupold90

I have shot both the AW & AE. Both are extremly accurate. The main difference is that the AW is built to military spec. Side by side on the range both rifles will achieve the same level of accuracy.

You could use either for hunting but I personally wouldn't like to be carrying one around for any length of time - with loaded magazine, scope and bipod you're talking almost 14lbs.

Look through the forums on www.snipershide.com there are numerous posts on both rifles.

murph226

Paul O Halloran in Drangan has brought in afew AI's!

Cass

Tackleberrywho wrote: »

26" AI comes in ~14lb

Savage FTR 12 1/2~ lbs 30" barrel

Savage FTR with nothing else is 13.5lbs. Add scope, mounts, rings, bipod, etc and you are not far of 16.5lb - 17lb.

Minimum 30" barrel length - essential for achieving the muzzle velocities needed to keep a 308 bullet supersonic at 1000yds

Not for achieving the velocities for maintaining them. A shorter 26" barrel will keep a bullet supersonic at 1000yds, but not much more. A 30" barrel helps ensure full burn of the powder, gives extra "stabilisation", and these aid in keeping the bullet supersonic at 1000+yds. There is also the matter of the bullet being used, but i won't go into that as the thread is about rifles.

I think i mentioned before on another thread that i have not come across any rifle that is perfect at both 1000+yd target shooting and then can be (comfortably) thrown over the shoulder and brought out for a stalk. Its usually one or the other. With rifles such as the AI, TRG, Blaser, etc all give excellent accuracy to a certain distance. After this distance they work much harder than the 30" rifles, but can still shoot the distances. Problem is weight. If the weight of a rifle does not bother you then go for it. However 14, 15, 16+ lbs of rifle is heavy enough nevermind carrying it for a few hours.

Just a personal thought.

Tackleberrywho

ezridax wrote: »

Savage FTR with nothing else is 13.5lbs. Add scope, mounts, rings, bipod, etc and you are not far of 16.5lb - 17lb.



Not for achieving the velocities for maintaining them. A shorter 26" barrel will keep a bullet supersonic at 1000yds, but not much more. A 30" barrel helps ensure full burn of the powder, gives extra "stabilisation", and these aid in keeping the bullet supersonic at 1000+yds. There is also the matter of the bullet being used, but i won't go into that as the thread is about rifles.

I think i mentioned before on another thread that i have not come across any rifle that is perfect at both 1000+yd target shooting and then can be (comfortably) thrown over the shoulder and brought out for a stalk. Its usually one or the other. With rifles such as the AI, TRG, Blaser, etc all give excellent accuracy to a certain distance. After this distance they work much harder than the 30" rifles, but can still shoot the distances. Problem is weight. If the weight of a rifle does not bother you then go for it. However 14, 15, 16+ lbs of rifle is heavy enough nevermind carrying it for a few hours.

Just a personal thought.

I copied info off Savage and AI website to try not to get info wrong.

I 100% agree that you need 2 rifles, one for stalking, one for Competing

An F1 car is no good for delivering Pizzas, whereas a yaris is quite adept at it!

Norwayviking

Tackleberrywho wrote: »

I copied info off Savage and AI website to try not to get info wrong.

I 100% agree that you need 2 rifles, one for stalking, one for Competing

An F1 car is no good for delivering Pizzas, whereas a yaris is quite adept at it!

Well unless you go for a customrifle,but thats pobably going to cost a bit more.And you can build your rifle to whatever spec you prefer and like.

Tackleberrywho

Norwayviking wrote: »

Well unless you go for a customrifle,but thats pobably going to cost a bit more.And you can build your rifle to whatever spec you prefer and like.

There is a boards member "customrifle" his Hunting rifles are all custom.

His .22-250 would have to be the most accurate .22-250 in Ireland, and he shoots foxes with it!!!

So if you are willing to go custom barrel & Trigger, Remington or Howa action are the way to go to keep it relatively inexpensive!!

Tackleberrywho

EG

tac foley

DSR-1

tac

Tackleberrywho

tac foley wrote: »

DSR-1

tac

Could fall under the Black rifles are evil category though

tac foley

Tackleberrywho wrote: »

Could fall under the Black rifles are evil category though

...and a green or black-stocked AI - a rifle designed SPECIFICALLY as a military sniping rifle - doesn't? Or even another tricked out Remington or whatever designed to copy it?

The term 'double-standards' comes to mind.

tac

Tackleberrywho

I remember the hassle I had trying to licence a Swedish Mauser back in the day!


The OP wants an AI, I do not know why, after holding one recently and feeling the weight of it; I could not be bothered with one, and particularry after seening one stripped down.

No, give me a nice mcMillian or bell& Carlson stock, Remington or Howa action and a Kreiger or truflite barrel for a budget Custom.

Now if money were no object a defiance machine action and all the trimmings!

For deer stalking however, I would just have a separate Rifle!

Tackleberrywho

I remember the hassle I had trying to licence a Swedish Mauser back in the day!


The OP wants an AI, I do not know why, after holding one recently and feeling the weight of it; I could not be bothered with one, and particularly after seening one stripped down.

No, give me a nice mcMillian or bell& Carlson stock, Remington or Howa action and a Kreiger or truflite barrel for a budget Custom.

Now if money were no object a defiance machine action and all the trimmings!

For deer stalking however, I would just have a separate Rifle!

Cass

Tackleberrywho wrote: »

I copied info off Savage and AI website to try not to get info wrong.

Not getting at you. The website does say 12.65lbs however it also states these dimensions are apprximates. Mine comes in at a hefty 13.32 lbs.

SeantheDruid

I really appreciate all the helpful advice lads. This site is a great resource for information.
Upon further contemplation, I'm considering `chassising up' my Remy 700 XCR, as opposed to spending what is a rather large amount of money on the full blown AI AW. The AICS should alleviate the problems that come with the XCR's stock, while improving the look and prone-use comfort of the rifle.
I'm also thinking about looking for a different, longer barrel sometime in the future, to help complete the project. The Remington's action, with the AICS should weigh in at a bit lighter than the AI AW, so deer hunting should be (at least a bit) more manageable.
Any ideas on a good 30 or 32 inch barrel?

BELOWaverageIQ

That's the route to take alright,
drop your 700 action into a AI stock, jewel trigger and a 30"lothar walther barrell, 1/12 with either a 6 or 5 rifle.
Then get some top class glass and your action blueprinted.
I have a similar setup, there is a few pics and details of it posted on the target photo section, built by John Greene at not HUGE cost.
It returned a 3" group at 1000m

ps. Buy a separate rifle for stalking though......definitly!!