Accuracy International ?'s

[Terry]

What makes this rifle reliable in arctic conditions?
I am researching bolt rifle's to purchase and I am curious because any rifle I buy will have to work in arctic like conditions.
I realize Remington has earned there place as far as accuracy, but is it as reliable in arctic like conditions as the AI?
I would prefer to buy an "off the shelf" rifle, and use will be 75% deer and 25% elk hunting.
And lastly, is this, http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIte...Item=140849793 , a viable option for lang range accuracy?
Thank you, Terry.

[Gutshot John]

What makes this rifle reliable in arctic conditions?
I am researching bolt rifle's to purchase and I am curious because any rifle I buy will have to work in arctic like conditions.
I realize Remington has earned there place as far as accuracy, but is it as reliable in arctic like conditions as the AI?
I would prefer to buy an "off the shelf" rifle, and use will be 75% deer and 25% elk hunting.
And lastly, is this, http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIte...Item=140849793 , a viable option for lang range accuracy?
Thank you, Terry.

Are you going to be seriously hunting in arctic conditions? or do you just want a super-reliable bolt gun?

I've no experience with the AI but they have a great reputation (for high quality as well as high cost). I believe that the main virtue are lightening-cuts in the bolt which lessen the surface area in contact with the action. Theoretically because of the cuts when moisture condenses on the modified bolt it doesn't lock the action when it freezes. I bet you there are a lot of other mods and details that contribute to the AI and justify its cost.

Speaking as a hunter...are you sure you're going to want to carry a ~15lb rifle/scope around with you?

[Terry]

My rifle generally does not get warm to keep condensation from forming, and where I hunt in the UP, it has been as cold as -20f.
Weight is not an issue deer hunting in MI, as I sit in a stand with available shooting lanes out to 500+ yards.
I am not saying I can hit anything that far, but I am set up to for optimal shots at 200-250yds, and have made accurate shots on deer that far.
Elk hunting in NM and Colorado is another thing, as weight was a huge factor, but after aclimation to altitude it was some what better.
In my research, I watched the future weapon video, I wish they would have showed the bolt face clearer.
I have a lighter weight hunting rifle, but as I stated, 75% of my hunting is for deer.
Maybe this would be a better alternative, http://www.winchesterguns.com/produc...p?id=535110233
Thank you, Terry.

[Gutshot John]

Maybe this would be a better alternative, http://www.winchesterguns.com/produc...p?id=535110233
Thank you, Terry.

That would probably be more in line with your needs. With the money you save you can get a nice scope AND take a precision rifle class. That rifle should be capable of well beyond 500 yards.

Oh and GO BLUE!!!

[edgewater]

What makes the AI reliable in "Arctic" conditions is the fluting on the bolt. Both the AE and the AW have fluted bolts. This prevents the bolt from locking up while you are waiting to take your shot in extremely cold conditions. The AW is built to military specs and is glass bedded into the chasis while the AE action is bolted into the chasis. The AE is designed for law enforcement applications and the AW is designed for the military. The rifles shoot the same as far as accuracy goes. Out of the box there is no finer precision rifle. I own an AE and it shoots .5 MOA all day long and when I do my part it is capable of .25 MOA. Hope this helps. If you have any other questions shoot me a pm. If I cannot answer them I can certainly direct you to those who do.

[rickp]

I have an AW and one of the arctic features is the bolt. It has swaths cut lengthwise on it, and that's what helps it from locking up in freezing temp.

Wether you'll be hunting in freezing temp or not, you'll be investing in a rifle that you will have for the rest of your days. It's built solid, I mean drop it from 30 feet onto cement and it will stil shoot 5moa if not 1/4moa.

Buy good, buy once. Believemy you will not regret it.

R.

[MOA]

You might also look at the FN SPR.

I hunt and shoot a lot with a remmy 700 Sendero, and it has neever failed me. I don't think it ever will as long as I take care of it. Reliably a 1/2 moa gun out ot as far as I have shot it(600 yards in F-class. I got third by 4 points). I have hunted in 1' of snow, drizzle, rain, what ever. I just keep the bore clean, electic tape over the muzzle, and a light coat of clp on the bolt. The only thing I could see stopping it would for snow to get in the trigger thru the bottom. But if you got the coin a AW would be great. i have always wanted one. The FN SPR will be my next tho so I can shoot f T/R with 308.

[trg42]

I hunt every year in the Canadian Rockies. I have dropped most of my rifles down hills, off the horse, off the quads etc in snow and freezing temps

I have used Rem 700s , Tikkas, Weatherby MKVs , AI and Sakos. All these actions will take the "arctic conditions well" . Just dry out the rifle at night. I have never had a issue when a bolt would not close due to muck / ice on a factory rifle. I have seen this on a custom built with a Neskia benchrest action....way too tight

What I have learned is the most important thing is good optics and even better optic mounts ...more so than having the toughness of the higher end tactical rifles

The million $$ question is what cartridge do you want. Its typically 308 for the AIAWs and AEs or Sako TRG22s. I had a TRG22 and now run a AI AEMKII for a 308. The AE is great bang for the buck but is very heavy for a 308



If you want some more jam ( plan to hunt the rockies for Elk ) then you should look at a 338LM in a TRG-42 ( good bang for the buck ) or a AIAW or custom

I lived in Michigan for years...go Spartans...and I can't think of anywhere you would need a 338LM



I don't think you could ever justify a AI AW for a hunting rifle ...you are better off buying a less expensive rifle and s pend the money you save on the optics

[Von Rheydt]

Speak to Bill Davison at Tac Pro. He used to be a British Royal Marine - of the Special kind - and Norway in winter is the second home of British Booties. He also sells AI so he has practical and product experience.