AI AE 308 vs 700 5R in AICS?

**KAC Lover** · 03-06-11, 17:15

After much thought I have narrowed down my next bolt gun purchase to either an AI AE or a 700 build in an AICS, most likely a 5R as I would like to have this before the summer hits and I don't know what kind of time frame I would be looking at to try and get a gunsmith to build me a gun on a surgeon or defiance etc.

I've never owned a 700, all my bolt guns prior to this have been steyrs, never owned an AI either. I was originally thinking of buying an SPR action out of CDNN but for some reason I've never been able to get very comfortable on a mcmillan stock, but after handling an AICS build last month I was quite keen on it.

Am I giving up anything by going the cheaper route and just dropping a 700 into the AICS? The gun is going to be mainly shot suppressed, and I do beat up on my guns quite a bit, one of the reasons I was considering the AI as everything I've read about its durability seems amazing. Any advice would be appreciated

**Littlelebowski** · 03-06-11, 17:36

AI AE, save yourself the time and trouble.

**RyanB** · 03-06-11, 18:34

The 700 is still just a 700, and it takes 9 months to get done. The AE can be at your local gunshop next Friday.

**C45P312** · 03-06-11, 18:50

AE AI hands down. It's going to be way more durable than a 700 + AICS

**KAC Lover** · 03-06-11, 18:50

That's what my gut was telling me, but I wanted outside advice before I dropped an extra $1500 :-/ Was almost hoping the cheaper option would be best, but I guess buy once cry once :P

**mark5pt56** · 03-06-11, 20:57

Contact SRT Supply, J. Mizner and get the AI AEII

The Remington 5R is a nice stick, but once you get behind the AI, you will know why you spent the money.

If you start looking at everything, you aren't "really" spending 1500 extra.

Talk to him about options on barrels if doing the suppressed route.

**jpipes** · 03-06-11, 21:06

Not even a race, get the AE. You can't compare a stock 700 barreled action dropped into an AICS to a factory AE. A custom action (Big Horn, Surgeon, Stiller, Defiance...) in an AICS, with a Huber or similar trigger, is a good option too. It's the route I took

By the time you work over a 700 to "custom action" specs, you're better off putting the money in a custom action or a factory AI, at least from a dollars and sense perspective.

What glass are you using?

**pointblank4445** · 03-06-11, 21:55

AI all the WAY!!!

I had 3 Remington 700's (2 in AICS and well customized). I sold all three to buy an AI AW. I also have an AI AE MkI now. Side by side, the AI's feel and shoot the same. While there are differences in the AE and AW, the AE should not be considered to be "lesser" as it is still an incredible rifle.

The biggest turnoffs for AI's are price and the feel/fit of the stock. If these are non issues, go AI!

After purchasing my first AI, I will NEVER purchase another 700.