Idea for future build project - what do you think?

[JaxChris]

This is a Remington 700 with the AI AWF body (AICS). It has a 17.5" Krieger barrel.

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/8999/dsc09125apj8.jpg


Turns out there is a left-hand version of the AICS system now available and there is a Remington 700 left-hand action in 308Win that is supported. I don't want to go 338 because I want to afford to shoot the damn thing.

338 Lapua - 200 rounds - 750$
308 Win - 200 rounds - 80$

At almost 10x the cost per round it would take me about 600 rounds to have saved how much I plan to spend on the project (~2000$).

So what do you guys think? The AICS is 1000$, Harris bipod for 100$, a few 10-round AICS mags for 100$... I think I could source a left hand 308 action and get a good aftermarket barrel for 600$ (300$ each?) and then throw 200$ toward a scope? That should get me started, right?

Feedback please. =)

(If this gets cost prohibitive, then I'll opt for waiting on the Spike's 308 platform as I know I'll get good pricing on that... just have to wait a year for it - or I'll go 5.56 tack driver running 77gr OTM rounds)

[Satan_3pc]

I think that if you're going to make a build for a long range rifle, why not just go all the way and get a longer bore?

[Frontline]

You might as well get a tricked out AR10 for that money. Accuracy will be just as good, and you can do alot more with the plaform, such as EASILY change barrel lengths and type of stock. I dont see the point in a "shorty" tactical .308 (17.5 Inches????), its self defeating. Granted it does look nice though.

[M@D-M@X]

It would be a nice build indeed and I agree with you on the .308. Is this build just for shits and giggles or will you have a special need for this stick? AICS is very steep on their pricing it seems to me that if theres not a special need, then there is no need to spend so much on furniture. Don't get me wrong though. If I would have the extra money, the AICS would certainly be a part of my collection. You also have several options, for example: If the furniture itself (even though is super cool) is not a must but the magazine system is what has you hooked you on the AICS system, then you can buy the furniture of your choice and have the option of choosing a magazine system like a Badger M5.

As far as the barrel lenghts on a caliber as the .308 is not much of an issue due to the limitations of the .308 ballistics. A 17.5" custom barrel is more than capable of picking off 14" X 8" targets @ 1K yds.

BTW... that glass (USO) shown on that rifle will run you more than the rifle..

[ss1]

+1 on everything M@D-M@X said. I'm not sure what the barrel harmonics is at 17.5" but I suppose it works if Krieger puts it out. The toughtest thing about getting into precision shooting is realizing that your biggest single investment should be your optic. You could have a 1/4 MOA rifle, but you'd never know with a cheap optic. I'd add about $1000-$1500 to your optic budget.

ETA: I have the Badger Ord M5 and the magazine is an AI mag.

[JaxChris]

Yes, the 308 works fine on a 17.5" barrel out to long range because its maximum range doesn't go much beyond that anyhow.

The AICS system is just very compact (folding), easy to use (quick button pads) after initial setup, and yes the magazine system is tops. Seekins Precision is making an AICS style mag system with ambi mag release button that could be another option. Another mark for the AICS is that they have a left hand model compatible with the 308 short action, not many stock makers have something compatible... especially not with all the other AICS features.

As for optic, I'm horrible about convincing myself that the glass on top should cost as much as the rest of the weapon itself. For some reason I just can't justify it.

If the goal of a compact precision bolt gun is too cost prohibitive then I will just wait for Spike's to do their .308 system. It'll be SR-25 compatible and cost way less than Armalite or Knights. And there is no way that I would go with DPMS now that they have changed their parts to proprietary specs which makes them incompatible with aftermarket AR-10 products. I don't want a long weapon, but if long is the only way to go then I'll end up going with a semi-auto AR platform instead of a 700.

So I should really be looking more around 3000$ to do this than 2000$?

AICS - 1000$ (left hand, folding)
Action - 400$ (left hand, 308)
Barrel - 400$ (krieger, less than 20", SS + melonite/ionbond/etc)
Bipod - 100$ (harris, swivel)
Mags - 100$ (AICS style)
Optic - 1000$ (no fucking clue, must be able to "read" 1000yd targets)

[Satan_3pc]

Well in that case, it is a very nice compact sniper rifle. I dig it.

[Chris]

im kicking around the notion of the AI stock as well, in black

[M@D-M@X]

I don't want a long weapon, but if long is the only way to go then I'll end up going with a semi-auto AR platform instead of a 700.

So I should really be looking more around 3000$ to do this than 2000$?

I can tell you that Stoner type rifles have come a long way. With recent advancements they have managed to close in the gap between them and bolt actions as far as accuracy, plus they have the advantage of reduced recoil and a faster fire rate.

and yes, I would say that $3000 is more like it.

I managed to due a budget built of a Remi 700 for about 2 Gs and that was with a $300 dollar scope, doing the inletting and installation of the Badger M5 myself and no custom barrel.

[JaxChris]

im kicking around the notion of the AI stock as well, in black

I'd like the black as well, or maybe Cerakote the stock sniper gray. I need to finish a couple other things (SBR, possible mid-length, 1 or 2 LCP's, lots of ammo) before I can get serious about this project.

[ss1]

Hey, here's a cool vid on using a short barrel for distance shooting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15qj032UJ1I&feature=related

[M@D-M@X]

Hey, here's a cool vid on using a short barrel for distance shooting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15qj032UJ1I&feature=related

This is the example that I was talking about. The guy operating this stick is "Lowlight" an administrator from Sniper's Hide, he is a good shooter and together with a well made Georgia Precision rifle is an awesome combination.

[JaxChris]

Thanks for the vid. Glad to know that the idea I have can work as long as I practice enough to bring my skill up to match the weapon. Nice suppressor, don't hear anything but a click at the weapon and then you hear the bullet go supersonic down range. Very nice.