AI chassi info

[LRCampos]

I am planning on building a F-Class style rifle based on AI chassis/stock.
But I have some doubts that may be someone can help me.

What is the width of the AI chassis/stock forend?

How is the magazine feeding with the 6mmBR caliber?

Thank you for any help.

 

[Spotcheck_Billy]

The AICS is not an ideal platform for a competitive F-class rifle.

That said, I just measured the forend of my AICS 1.5 LA, and it's 2" wide. I don't know anybody who uses one in 6mmBR, but I know several tactical competitors who have SA versions of the AICS in the short AI cartridges,both .243 AI and .260AI) and they feed very well. FWIW, my AICS LA feeds the 6.5-284 just fine.

 

[LRCampos]

Thank you Spotcheck_Billy !

I am trying to decide between a true F-Class stock and a Tactical style stock.
My main concern is that there are matches here that only allows the use of a bipod. So, how could I install a bipod on a true F-Class stock and make it work on a benchrest, when needed?

 

[Spotcheck_Billy]

You can have an accessory rail installed in an F-class stock that will accept an adaptor that will allow a bipod to be attached and also removed quickly to allow the use of a mechanical rest or a front bag in lieu of the bipod when the rules call for that.

You might check out the various F-class rifles in the "Gun of the Week" feature here for an idea of what some of the top competitors are using.

I've found through experience that a rifle optimally set up for tactical competition isn't really suitable for top drawer F-class competition, and vice versa. At least not if competition is stiff and winning is your goal.

 

[Kabang]

Be careful not to get the "F-Open" class mixed up with the
"F-TR" class. The limitations are different for each.
F-TR" class is the one that allows bipods but is limited to .223 or .308 calibers and has a weight limit of 18.15 lbs. The "F-Open" on the other hand is shot using a benchrest style front rest and allows any caliber below .350,I believe) and has a weight limit of about 22 lbs. "F-Open" seems to be where all the action is, but an "F-TR" gun can also be used for hunting or Tactical matches. Good Luck.

 

[Spotcheck_Billy]

Be careful not to get the "F-Open" class mixed up with the
"F-TR" class. The limitations are different for each.
F-TR" class is the one that allows bipods but is limited to .223 or .308 calibers and has a weight limit of 18.15 lbs. The "F-Open" on the other hand is shot using a benchrest style front rest and allows any caliber below .350,I believe) and has a weight limit of about 22 lbs. "F-Open" seems to be where all the action is, but an "F-TR" gun can also be used for hunting or Tactical matches. Good Luck.

Your observations are correct, but a truly competitive F/TR rifle built to take advantage of the weight allowed in the class really wouldn't be a great hunting rifle and would be a hinderance at any of the tactical matches that I've competed in.

If you're going to the effort and expense to build a rifle, build it to excel. While it's certainly true that one can compete in F class with his hunting or tactical rifle the results are rarely satisfying. A beginner should research what the top competitors in his chosen area are using and build on that knowledge.

A rifle built to compete in several vastly different venues is usually mediocre at best in all of them.