Reliability/Durability: Custom bolt stand up against Accuracy Internantional?

[hawk45]

I've decided to put all my eggs in one basket and go with one system after years of shooting various rifles/calibers. I'm going with the standard .308 platform (not part of the discussion). The most important thing to me in the platform I go with will be reliability/durability. I know the custom gunsmiths out there can make great rifle and they are capable of shooting tiny groups all day long because of their tight tolerances, but how reliable are they compared to the Accuracy International AE platform? Those tight tolerances are great for groomed benchrest ranges and squared ranges.. but how are they in the elements (sand, rain, snow, ice) under heavy use? Both platforms will run right around $3500 so I want the most bang for my buck. I'm aware of the ergonomics of both platforms and statistics on groups (both will hold 1/2 MOA if the shooter does his part).