I owned an AI AE MKII for awhile, then upgraded to an AIAT for a few years. I had to sell it when funds got tight and miss it very dearly. I plan to acquire another in the not too distant future, as to me they represent the absolute best field rifle ever devised. I loved everything about them. The action, the trigger, the chassis, the mags. They’re the best bolt gun I’ve ever had the pleasure to own or shoot!
If you want to learn about them, Steve Houghton has written a few books that cover early AI development and current use in great detail, well worth it of you can find a copy of each book (with more to come, from what he says)!
https://www.swiftandboldpublishing.co.uk/
I’m happy to answer any questions I can. I’ve never shot an AW, AX, AXMC, or AX-T, as I felt the AT was the best value and did everything I needed (and them some). Plus, I’m a fan of the old thumbhole skins and those don’t fit the newer models. But yeah, big AI fan here. They’re not infallible, but they’re a glorious rifle if they “fit” you. I highly recommend checking one out (any AI model) when you can, but be ready to fork out anywhere from $2,000-10,000 depending on what model you want, how old/used it is, and what features it has. Expect about $3,500-4,000 for an excellent condition AIAT.
Then factor another $1,500-4,000 for glass worth putting on top of such a fine rifle, LOL.
