Accuracy International

[nycmatt49]

What do you guys think of AI??? I'm looking at getting a .308 from them, maybe equiping it with a US Optics scope, but that may be further down the line. Thoughts?

 

[duckfoot]

Lot's "O" Money

 

[JG]

Great guns, grossly overpriced......for the price you're better off going custom. GA Precision could build you an awesome rifle using the AI chassis system for a hell of a lot less money than if you bought one of AIs higher end guns.

 

[artherd]

Great rifles, cost a pantload of money.

You might want to post your question, and what you want to use it for, at:

http://www.snipersparadise.com

Many of these guys lives' depend directly on their gun.

US Optics are very well regarded.

 

[Dorian]

Looking at the AI AE or what?

I have no input other than

*drools*

 

[nycmatt49]

i understand that it's not a cheap gun. but, it seems to be one of the best, if not the best in .308. the money isn't really a factor for me either.

So if the money wasn't a factor, would you guys recommend this gun in the .308?

 

[TODD3465]

If money is not a factor go .338Lapua.

 

[ocabj]

If I had the money, I'd buy an AI in 308. Great concept with the chassis system, mount design, and ease of chamber conversion.

If you haven't seen the AI demo I have it hosted here. (Warning: 147Meg MPG file)

 

[Houndawg]

I saw the Sniper program about the British snipers on the History Channel the other day. I was drooling over the AI rifle in .338 they were using. I'm not sure what model rifle or what scope they were using, but it sure was purty.

 

[artherd]

The question is not to go with AI, rather which caliber will your AI be in?

 

[nycmatt49]

Nice. Ok, so the general consensus seems to be that .338 is the way to go on the AI. Sounds good to me, thanks fellas. I'm downloading that movie now...

 

[762x51]

If money is really not an option, than as JG suggested, I would be looking at a full custom from George Gardner (GA Precision) or Norm Chandler (Iron Brigade Armory). Hand built to your specs., beats a factory production gun any day. AI's are nice, but very overpriced.

 

[Beav]

Does anyone know if the AE can handle the bounce test like the AW?

 

[nycmatt49]

I'm not crazy about the 2 custom makers that you recommended. I'm sure they are good rifles, but I don't like the looks of them as much as I like AI. True, AI isn't a custom job, but it's a hell of a rifle.

 

[bogie]

Custom = perfect tolerances, and likely costs less than AI, who are also selling their name, in addition to whatever black/camo coating they add to the boomstick.

All that counts is accuracy. If it's painted pink, but still shoots quarter MOA, that's fine with me.

 

[Beav]

All that counts is accuracy.

That might be true for a range rifle but for a true military sniper system its a little more than just accuracy.

The AI AE will cost you as much as the entry level GA rifle around $2300
The GA Rock is $2800.
The AI AW is $4000 plus.

Both AI and GA get rave reviews from the sniper forums.

 

[762x51]

Well...if it's just looks you are after, then get what you like. Wouldn't be the most important thing on MY list.....but to each his own. You do know that any of the custom smiths can install a AI AICS stock system on whatever action/barrel combo you want right? It would look like an AI but shoot rings around one.

 

[artherd]

In terms of toughness and overall durability, I haven't found anything I think that can match AI. Their machine tollerances are also second to none. (any AI bolt can go in any AI rifle, and work. Can't often say that about a custom job.)

You can beat the rifle to hell and back, and it will still shoot, on target, with no affecting accuracy.

All that said, I bought an Armalite AR-30 in .338 Lapua Magnum for 1/4th of what an AI costs.





.338 Lapua and .308 Win are pretty different.

.338 Lapua has over twice the range, and muzzle energy, of a .308.

Now, .308 with good loads is effective out to 800-1000yds.

.338 Lapua is effective to ~1600-2,000+yds

.338 Lapua will also beat you up much harder, requires use of a muzzle brake, and costs sixty bucks for a box of 20. (on the bright side, it's awesome match quality ammo.)

If you're going to be shooting beyond 800yds much, .338 will do you well. If not, you might as well get a .308 and shoot it more!

 

[nycmatt49]

it's certainly not just looks that i'm after. but the AI is dead sexy. looks are nice though, after all, when you aren't shooting it, you are looking at it. similar to a girlfriend, when you aren't banging her, you have to look at her.

But we're getting off the subject here. Accuracy is king. Reliability and durablility are huge also. When you combine all of these factors, and exclude the cost, i don't think you can top the .338 AI.

 

[Beav]

I think it is snipercentral that has a list of sniper rifles being used by country. AIs were VERY common. A great testament considering their price.

 

[Mute]

AI is the best system I've come across. If you want the most accurate precision rifle you can buy, I'd go custom. Let George Gardner or Jeff Hicks build you a rifle if you want it in an AICS.

If you want a field rifle that can be beaten to death and service just by swapping parts, go with an AI rifle. See the AI video and you'll know what I mean. (No, I don't think the AI's are overpriced).

As for caliber, unless you plan on shooting pass 1200 yards on a regular basis or plan on shooting through barriers, you might want to consider a .300 WM AWM over the 338 Lapua. The rounds for the Lapua is much more expensive, there are less load data if you reload, and as good as the AI muzzle brake is, I find it's still inadequte for the 338 Lapua for extended range trips (it will beat the hell out of you).

Just another opinion FWIW.

 

[nico]

I just watched that video, and all I can say is