The Law Tactical Folding Stock Adapter is a 90-percent solution to the problem. The only thing stopping it from being a full-on conversion unit is the fact that it is not designed to allow firing with the stock folded. I carried folding-stock carbines and submachine guns during my Army days, and the circumstances where I needed to be able to fire them without first deploying the stock were limited to a handful of times involving extreme environments or circumstances. Even on my wildest day my civilian life is a bit tamer, so I can handle this limitation to the stock’s utility.

All that is needed to convert your existing AR to the Law Tactical system is the ability and tooling to remove the buttstock and buffer assemblies. Tutorials abound with step-by-step instructions for this procedure, so I won’t go into it here. The process will be smooth if you apply proper tools and attention to detail. Once the stock and recoil assemblies are removed, the included instructions clearly explain the process of installing Law Tactical’s hardware. The removal and installation procedures only used up 20 minutes of my day.

Simple tools and good instructions are all you need to add the folding stock adapter to your direct-gas AR.

After installation of the Law Tactical kit, the stock retains its original fixed or collapsible nature, but also folds to the left side with the press of a conveniently-located and protected spring-loaded button. The stock does not lock in the folded position, but hinge tension is easily adjusted with a hex key to keep it folded. It is easily deployed/extended by simply unfolding until it locks open. The latch is stout, and there is no doubt when it locks to full extension. Time to deploy the stock is faster than to extend a stock that has been collapsed to its shortest length for storage. A collapsible stock’s original endplate and castle nut are retained for use with the Law Tactical system, so any sling attachment points located either on the endplate or the stock remain usable. The kit will work on mil-spec and commercial receiver extensions, A1 or A2 fixed stocks and on both 5.56 NATO- and .308 Win.-sized AR platforms.

If there is a glitch in this system, it is in the way the designers have tackled the problem of filling in the inch-plus space between the rear of the bolt carrier and the front of the recoil buffer once the folding system is installed. The adapter creates a gap between the rear of bolt carrier and the buffer’s front. An included bolt-carrier extension must be attached to the rear of the carrier to fill this space and maintain contact with the buffer. This is easily accomplished with a flathead screwdriver and wrench, effectively making the bolt carrier longer to fill the gap. Without the extension in place, the bolt carrier would damage the gun and cause it to malfunction while reciprocating.

As it currently exists, however, the carrier extension must be removed in order to separate the upper and lower receivers for maintenance or repair. While I never plan to remove my bolt carrier in the heat of a gunfight, there are some serious malfunctions that do require opening the rear takedown pin—with the Law Tactical setup in place, tools are required to make that happen. If I were to change one thing on this kit it would be to make the bolt-carrier extension removable without use of tools.

With the adapter installed to permit folding, the author’s AR had its storage length reduced by 6.5 inches, making stowing his emergency carbine easier than ever. Stock deployment can be accomplished in the blink of an eye.

The included manual clearly states this system should never be fired with the stock folded. The intent of this kit is to provide a more compact means of storing your AR, not firing it from the hip. A spring-loaded finger locks into the bolt-carrier extension when the stock is folded, preventing it from moving rearward should the gun be fired in this configuration. Law Tactical has tested both 5.56 NATO and .308 Win. ARs with this system to verify they could withstand being fired with the stock folded, and in both cases the bolt carriers were effectively retained, but the Law Tactical hardware was damaged and unsuitable for further use.

I added the Gen 2 AR Folding Stick Adapter to my 5.5-pound Hoplite, bringing weight up to 6.25 pounds and stretching overall length by 1.25 inches. The biggest change can be seen in terms of storage space needed for the little gun. My carbine measured 32.5 inches long with the stock collapsed in the original configuration. After installation, overall length with the stock folded was shortened to just 26 inches.

I fired 150 rounds of 55-grain FMJ and surplus 62-grain M855 “green tip” through my gun with the Law Tactical adapter installed. Function was flawless, and though my length of pull was longer, the collapsible stock allowed me to easily remedy that problem out for a normal eye-to-sight distance. I checked the screw affixing the bolt carrier extension after every 10 rounds for the first 60 shots to see if it would loosen, then I fired the rest of the ammunition and checked again to ensure it stayed tight. The carrier extension was properly aligned and the screw was as tight as when first installed each time I inspected it.

We live in an age of utility through modularity. Selling for $199 (web) to $219 (MSRP), the Law Tactical Gen 2 AR Folding Stock Adapter adds yet another page to the practicality chapter in the book of America’s favorite rifle.

Auto-Ordnance, it seems, has seen the writing on the wall: Growth in the tactical segment of the shooting industry is, pardon the pun, explosive. What was cutting-edge, high-speed, low-drag equipment used by the military’s elite 60 years ago may appeal to collectors and gun show bargain hunters, but for the younger shooter with some disposable income, it closely resembles kindling. The gun grandpa carried in the bocage doesn’t quite fit in with 5.11 Tactical pants, Blackhawk MOLLE vests and other elements of what I refer to as “Tacticalia.” Furthermore, an appropriately tacticalized firearm can be accessorized with all sorts of wonderful toys like dot sights, night vision—just about anything your heart desires.

The simplest means of tacticalizing an otherwise un-tactical gun, or for that matter, anything, is to make it black. Auto-Ordnance did just that with the AOM160 interpretation of the venerable M1 Carbine. The gas-operated, semi-automatic action; flat-top bolt; trigger; push-button safety; detachable box magazine; steel 173⁄4-inch barrel and iron sights are identical to the World War II model. The stock, however, is purely modern. Made by noted stock manufacturer Choate, the black polymer variant includes three attachment points for a sling. Raised checkering on the fore-end and pistol grip provide an improved gripping surface—vital when shooting while wearing gloves or in wet conditions.

The side-folding buttstock has also been updated. Instead of double-hinging at the top and bottom as seen on the American walnut stock of yore, the AOM160’s folding mechanism is both stronger and easier to use. It has only a single hinge-point and is operated by pressing down on a knurled button on top of the steel trunion. What’s more, shooters can enjoy the comfort of a 7⁄8-inch-thick rubber recoil pad rather than the old steel buttplate.

Given that the barrel, action and trigger assembly of the original M1Carbine were all black, combining them with a modern stock yields a tactically pleasing gun. Adding to its overall feel, the AOM160 comes with an attached, mean-looking ventilated steel handguard. Yet for the serious accessory freak, Picatinny rails are an absolute requirement on any firearm. To that end, I swapped the handguard for an aftermarket Ultimak scout-type rail to mount an Aimpoint Micro H-1 red-dot sight.

It’s fun to have great-looking toys, but enough with appearances—I wanted to see if the gun shot any different than its reliable predecessor. Let me tell you, the AOM160 shoots every bit as fun as it looks. Shooting at 50 yards with no magnification, the gun performed respectably. My colleague Mark Keefe, editor-in-chief of American Rifleman, shot about the same-sized groups over iron sights with Auto-Ordnance’s M1A1 historical recreation. Had I replaced the Aimpoint with a traditional, magnified riflescope, I would have shot much tighter groups. That said, the AOM160 shot just as well as its storied ancestor.

Trigger let-off weight was relatively heavy, 8 pounds, 10 ounces, but heavy, two-stage triggers were common to military arms of the World War II era. The trigger is easily ignored when you’re hammering out 15 rounds in mere seconds at some particularly naughty paper. About the only thing not smile-inducing regarding this marvelous gun is the time you’ll spend cleaning it after firing box upon box of ammo.

Despite the fact that the esteemed M1 Carbine is unlikely to see combat in American hands ever again, its usefulness remains undiminished. With the AOM160, Auto-Ordnance has produced a carbine that can easily be used for home defense, close-range hunting and about as much fun as you can have on the range with your clothes on. Folded, the rifle is only 271⁄4 inches long, which results in easy portability inside a large hunting pack. Of course, you might prefer to transport this gun in a more tactically appropriate conveyance like an Eagle Industries Discreet Case. At only 5 pounds, 13 ounces, the AOM160 is very comfortable to carry and shoot. Minimal recoil from the .30 Carbine rounds means that any shooter, regardless of his or her tolerance for kick, will enjoy this properly updated hero of a gun.

What is the source of the AR’s longevity? The design’s appealing combination of adaptability and modularity. And the very qualities that make it so successful as a military design have also made it extremely popular among civilian shooters in its semi-automatic form.

Even the AR-based rifle’s adaptability has its limits, however, and some highly specialized users in the U.S. military are now fielding the next generation of firearm. Those users are the SOF (Special Operations Forces) of USSOCOM (U.S. Special Operations Command), and the firearm is the SCAR (SOF Combat Assault Rifle) from FN Herstal.

Taking the adaptability pioneered by the AR-pattern rifle to the next level, the new FN SCAR combines today’s cutting-edge technology with an even greater degree of modularity than its predecessors. In fact, the SCAR could easily represent the future of small arms development. Fortunately for civilian consumers, a semi-automatic variant of the SCAR is now available as the SCAR 16S from FNH USA.

The Usual Suspects

So why was the SCAR developed? By the nature of their roles and duties, USSOCOM forces have in the past employed a broad variety of highly specialized weapon systems. This created logistical issues for USSOCOM in regard to maintenance, repair and cost. In addition, many of these guns were simply modifications of pre-existing systems, meaning they were not necessarily fully suited to all tasks.

As a result, in 2003 USSOCOM initiated a Joint Operational Requirements Document (JORD) that began the search for a completely new SOF Combat Assault Rifle. Also, to ensure it was designed with the needs of its intended users in mind, input from members of the SOF community was solicited during the initiation and generation phase of the selection process, as well as during testing of the SCAR.

Modularity was key in the JORD’s requirements. Specifically, the new rifle had to be capable of being chambered in either 5.56×45 mm or 7.62×51 mm and easily modifiable to configurations ranging from compact entry guns to carbines to long-range precision rifles. In addition, reliability and accuracy were of utmost importance.

Despite the daunting requirements, a host of renowned manufacturers offered submissions to the JORD trials, which had the distinction of being the first procurement by the United States military through full and open competition since the M16 trials in the 1960s. And, at the end of the exhaustive testing, FN Herstal’s offering emerged as the winner.

“FN won the full and open SCAR competition because we showed up with a weapon that met, and more often exceeded, USSOCOM’s requirements. And this was not just an existing weapon that we tweaked to compete; the FN SCAR was built from the ground up, combining some of the best features from numerous weapon designs all aimed at the primary requirements of modularity, reliability, accuracy and durability,” stated Gabe Bailey, FNH USA’s marketing director for Combat Rifles and Technical Support.

Looking Forward (and Back)

Building on FN Herstal’s extensive knowledge regarding the development and manufacturing of high-quality, modern military firearms, the SCAR that emerged from the JORD trials was a model of modernity and modularity.

A rotating bolt, gas-piston-operated rifle, the SCAR is made up of two primary variants, specifically the SCAR-L (for light) in 5.56×45 mm and the SCAR-H (for heavy) in 7.62×51 mm. It is important to note the SCAR features 98-percent parts commonality within each of the SCAR-L 5.56×45 mm and SCAR-H 7.62×51 mm variants, and 82 percent between the two different platforms.

To allow the SCAR to be easily configured as either an entry gun, carbine or precision rifle, it was designed to employ a free-floated, quick-change barrel assembly that a trained operator can switch in 2 to 3 minutes with a pre-set torque wrench. The retention system is made up of six captive T-25 screws, with two sets of two screws located in caps on both sides of the receiver forward of the ejection port and two screws located in front of the fore-end.

Although the quick-change barrel system is a significantly modern change over the AR’s design, the SCAR’s system of operation is practically retro. Rather than the AR-pattern rifle’s somewhat controversial direct gas-impingement system of operation, the SCAR instead employs a short-stroke gas-tappet piston system, which should run both cleaner and cooler.

Second Cousins

Driven by its commitment to the U.S. civilian market and in recognition of the fact that the obvious strengths of the SCAR would make it a wonderful platform for a semi-automatic rifle, FN set about developing a variant for the civilian market.

Although the SCAR program was focused around both a 5.56×45 mm and a 7.62×51 mm, the first offering in the SCAR line to the civilian market is the 5.56×45 mm SCAR 16S (although the company plans to unveil a 7.62×51 mm SCAR 17S semi-auto rifle at the 2010 SHOT Show).

While the SCAR 16S is visually similar to its military sibling, there are some important distinctions between the two. First and foremost, the SCAR 16S is designed from the ground up as a semi-automatic-only rifle, incapable of accepting full-automatic parts. Although this is a significant mechanical change, the only easily visible difference between the two rifles in this regard is the SCAR’s lack of a third, full-automatic stop on the safety selector.

The other major difference between the two rifles is a bit easier to spot at a glance. While the military SCAR-L takes full advantage of the interchangeable barrel system with a selection of 10-, 14- and 18-inch assemblies available, the civilian SCAR 16S comes with a single 16-inch barrel assembly installed. Also differing from the SCAR-L is the SCAR 16S’s muzzle device, which is a FSC556 Tactical Compensator manufactured by Primary Weapon Systems. It features open prongs on its end and curved ports on its sides.

Sum of its Parts

The SCAR 16S is made up of five major components: upper receiver assembly, moving parts assembly (bolt and bolt carrier), buttstock module, trigger module (lower receiver) and the AR-15/M16-pattern magazine.

The upper receiver assembly also includes the removable barrel assembly. The SCAR’s stressed-steel bolt locks directly into a stressed-steel barrel extension, allowing the receiver to be made from extruded aluminum.

The upper receiver assembly is anodized in a flat, dark-earth color, and the upper receiver includes an integral fore-end system that extends fully forward to the gas block section of the rifle. This provides an uninterrupted strip of Picatinny rail along the SCAR’s entire top, offering a great deal of flexibility in mounting optics.

To complement an optic, the SCAR 16S comes with a set of FN proprietary folding back-up sights. The front sight, which is affixed to the gas block assembly, is hooded to prevent its post from wandering should it suffer any blows. The rear sight, attached to the Picatinny rail, is adjustable for windage and elevation and has two apertures.

In addition to the top rail, the upper receiver assembly also features sections of Picatinny rail at the 3, 9 and 12 o’clock positions on its forward portion. The two side rails, mounted directly to the sides of the fore-end section, are roughly 4 inches in length. The bottom section of rail, which is attached directly to the barrel assembly system, extends all the way back to the front of the magazine well.

Striking Change

Just forward of the fore-end section of the SCAR-16, and part of the removable barrel assembly, is the rifle’s gas block. This houses the adjustable gas system and piston and acts as a base for the folding front-sight assembly. It’s the heart of the SCAR 16S’ short-stroke, gas-tappet piston system.

Located on the forward face of the gas block just above the barrel is a three-position gas regulator. When oriented in the 12 o’clock setting, the regulator is on the “normal” setting designed to run the semi-

automatic operation of the rifle by allowing gas to bleed through the port in the bore. In addition, the regulator can be rotated down to the 4 o’clock position for disassembly. There is a third 10 o’clock setting that is a holdover from the military SCAR-L variant. It is designed for use with a suppressor and reduces the flow of gas into the system.

As gas is tapped through the port in the bore, it impacts the piston housed within the gas block that travels roughly 1⁄4-inch rearward, bringing it into direct contact with the moving-parts assembly of the SCAR 16S (which most of us would call the bolt carrier). This moving-parts assembly continues its rearward movement to cycle the action. Excess gas is expelled forward and clear of the system through the gas regulator.

The moving-parts assembly itself is sturdily constructed of steel and comprises a six-lugged rotating bolt, bolt carrier, return spring assembly and charging handle.

Where it Counts

Attached to the rear of the SCAR 16S’ upper receiver assembly is the buttstock module, a well-designed and highly adjustable stock assembly constructed of tan-colored composite polymer.

The stock is fully adjustable for length of pull, with six numbered collapsible positions and a total range of movement of 21⁄2 inches. Adjustments are made by pressing in on the black polymer length-of-pull lock located on the left rear portion of the stock. Also, the stock features an integral adjustable cheekrest on its upper face with 1⁄2 inch of cheekweld height adjustment. It is moved by pressing in on the black cheekrest button on its forward left side.

In addition to collapsing, the stock can also be folded alongside the right side of the rifle’s receiver with a press of the black lock button. Its downward cast angle of folding allows it to clear the ejection port of the rifle. A hooked piece of polymer in the rear right portion of the stock’s cheekrest interfaces with the combination shell deflector/buttstock lock at the rear of the ejection port to hold the stock in its folded position.

The trigger module of the rifle (or lower receiver) is also made of composite polymer. It features a non-integral M16-pattern grip allowing users the option of easily changing out the grip. It also houses the fire-control parts and the majority of the rifle’s user controls. These are made up of the safety selector, bolt release and magazine release, and are located in a similar position to those on a traditional AR-style rifle. Also, the SCAR 16S employs standard AR-15/M16 magazines.

The Everyman’s Rifle

The similarities of the SCAR 16S’s fire controls to that of an AR are not a coincidence. Recognizing that muscle memory and prior training were important considerations for a system designed for the SOF community, the SCAR was designed to closely emulate the controls of the AR-pattern rifle. However, FN took it one step further, making the rifle almost completely ambidextrous.

As a result, the SCAR 16S features an ambidextrous safety lever and magazine-release button, although the bolt release, due to the nature of its design, is still located only on the left side of the trigger module. Also of note, the SCAR 16S’s reciprocating charging handle, located in its track forward and above the ejection port, is easily reversible for left- or right-hand use. In addition, the ambidextrous safety lever, which has a shorter paddle on one side for the thumb of the non-dominant hand, is also reversible.

Hands On

The SCAR 16S I received came in a simple cardboard box and was packed with an owner’s manual and one 30-round magazine. The quality of the rifle was up to the excellent standards I have come to expect from FN, with the rifle featuring an evenly applied anodizing on the alloy parts, gray phosphate on the steel and attractive tan composite polymers.

The first thing I noted when handling the rifle was its feathery light weight, no doubt attributable to the extensive use of polymers in the design. It proved simple to disassemble, with only two pins in the trigger module needing to be pushed to do a basic fieldstrip. All controls functioned positively, and the handling characteristics of the rifle were excellent.

I took the SCAR 16S out to the range with a selection of ammunition from Black Hills, Federal and Winchester. Once I was set up, I put the rifle through its paces for the accuracy portion of the test. The rifle performed admirably with all three bullet weights, although it did show a slight preference for the light 43-grain Federal ammunition.

I then tested the rifle for function and controllability. I ran several 30-round magazines through the rifle without a single malfunction. I noted what seemed to be an extremely fast cycling rate with the SCAR 16S, as I was able to fire very rapid strings with it. Also, perceived recoil was very mild, enabling me to be able to keep control even during fast strings of fire. The only mild criticisms I could muster were that the stock interface latch on the cheekrest was slightly uncomfortable to me as a southpaw, and the bottom rail attached to the barrel assembly had a tendency to get a bit hot during rapid fire.

Unique Opportunity

Thanks to FNH USA, civilian shooters have a wonderful opportunity to own a semi-automatic rendition of one of the most current and cutting-edge firearm designs in existence. And, although it does not come cheap, I think it is very safe to say it is well worth the investment!

I carried a number of rifles with side-folding or completely collapsible (non-AR style) stocks while in the military. The reason almost always had more to do with the method of getting into harm’s way than how the rifle would be carried once there. One exception was during mountainous operations. My sniper buddies and I found that much of the movement through the jagged ridges of northern Afghanistan often required technical climbing skills—minus the pitons, chocks and ropes that make it somewhat safe. Free-climbing in extreme terrain is bad enough, removing daylight while adding a heavy rucksack, rifle and the possibility of being shot takes it to a whole new level of fun. The ability to remain hands-free and unencumbered was critical for maintaining contact with terra firma, while the ability to quickly place a rifle into immediate action was of nearly the same importance.

My experience is that the best way to engage a target with a pistol-gripped, folding-stocked rifle is with an IR laser and night-vision goggles. I found that I could be very accurate firing from an unshouldered position this way out to approximately 100 meters. Unfortunately, this technique only worked at night. As civilians, we’re unable to own the same IR lasers our military and LE folks employ. If you’re likely to find yourself in a position where your rifle’s stock will be folded at a time when you need to fire quickly in the dark, you’ll have to figure out another way to crack this nut. A visible laser is viable in this application, so long as lighting conditions allow ease of target acquisition. In bright sunlight conditions, even the brightest visible lasers are of limited use. A struggle to find the aiming point at the wrong time might be fatal. Since even visible lasers may be zeroed, you’ll have to decide whether you want your point of impact to be parallel bore-sighted or set to coincide with the point of aim at a set distance. Both techniques have merits and faults.

Shooting your rifle from anything other than a solidly stocked shoulder position is a sketchy proposition. The best support can be gained by placing the firing hand against the body, near the hip. Avoid placing any portion of a heavy-recoiling gun directly against the body. Less accuracy is preferable to rolling around on the ground with a heavily bruised or fractured hip. Another trouble area can come from reciprocating charging handles. Since the rifle’s action is typically placed close to the body when firing, it’s easy to impede the charging handle’s movement and cause a malfunction. With practice, you can make reasonable torso hits on man-sized target at ranges out to about 25 yards using hand-eye coordination only. I wouldn’t plan for this style of instinctive shooting as a primary means of engaging anything. It’s a contingency and nothing more.

Be sure your rifle’s fire controls are usable with the stock folded. Many older designs partially or completely obscure the trigger guard, safety/selector, or both. Some bolt-action rifles block the bolt knob from operation when folded. The bottom line here is that just as with any other non-standard shooting technique, firing a rifle with the stock folded requires that you become intimately familiar with the firearm and thoroughly practice on a range with suitably high backstops before heading out the door.

Those thumb-wrapping, fore-end pressured nuances return every time I shoulder a hunting rifle, but put a stout, bipod-mounted gun chambered in
.308 Win. in my hands, and everything becomes crystal clear. Such was the experience with the new Steyr Elite 08.

At 13.7 pounds naked, this rifle’s primary mission is obvious. It even comes with the additional weight of a 1.2-pound foldable Versa-Pod—with spring-loaded adjustable legs and quick-detach mount. For accuracy testing, I mounted a Leupold VX-7 2.5-10×45 mm scope. I didn’t bother weighing the scope, because by now if you don’t get my point you need to put down this magazine and renew your subscription to TV Guide. Like a good beer, this rifle is stout and designed to really hit the spot.

The two-stage trigger on the Elite 08, which the company terms a direct trigger, is a delight. The manual warns, “The weapon has been factory-set to optimal trigger characteristics. Thus, the shooter need not perform any changes or adjustment.” Oddly, right under that entry, the locations of two adjustment screws, which are recessed in the trigger, are disclosed. One adjusts take up and the other let-off weight. As shipped,
the test rifle’s trigger pull was a crisp
31⁄4 pounds.

The 23.6-inch, free-floated barrel has a diameter of slightly more than 3⁄4 inch. Although the barrel sports a racy-looking, flat-stainless finish, it ends with a black muzzle brake. In testing, the weight combined with the brake proved extremely effective in mitigating recoil.

On the other end an aluminum folding stock allows for compact storage and transportation. This stock and its locking mechanism are built for years of maintenance-free abuse. It positively locks into position and there is no instability, shake, wobble, rattle or roll.

To ensure positive cheekweld, the cheekpiece can be raised up to 17⁄8 inches and numbers on the stock make it easy to return the rifle to its original configuration. The buttpad is also adjustable to suit clothing, a shooter’s physique or optic height.

No sights come with the rifle, but the factory-mounted 16-inch Picatinny rail on top made installation of the Leupold a breeze. If you need more gear, there’s a 43⁄4-inch rail on the left side available, and another 2 incher is on the right is just the right size for your iPhone. Both can be easily moved for and aft on the stock.

Overall length is 45 inches, but with the stock folded it squats to 37¼ inches. The pistol grip is comfortable and has a small compartment underneath for storing spare batteries or small items that have a tendency to disappear at the worst possible moment.

Operation was smooth and the bolt ends in a very nice contoured shroud designed to keep dirt and dust invasion to a minimum. A small indicator protrudes at the rear of the bolt when the gun is cocked, giving a shooter both a visible and tactile means of checking condition. A three-position safety also allows the bolt to be locked closed, in addition to its more traditional functions. To remove the bolt, which has four locking lugs, you must close it, squeeze the trigger, unlock the bolt and rotate the safety to the bolt-locking position.

The 10-round magazine has witness holes to check when you’re ready for a reload, but it’s also my only complaint. In a rifle that sings of heavy-metal toughness, a polymer mag seems like sacrilege—although it loaded with ease.

Regardless, the gun feels and handles like a real precision rifle. It didn’t disappoint me at the range, either. There were no malfunctions or failures to fire. Feeding was smooth and effortless, and so was ejection.

It showed a slight preference for Hornady’s 155-grain TAP FPD load, averaging .8-inch groups at 100 yards. The tightest group was also produced by this load, although the rifle performed extremely well with all the tested ammunition, regardless of bullet weights that varied from 155 grains to 175.

If you’re in the market for a precision rifle, give the Steyr Elite 08 some serious consideration. With my admittedly unpolished skills, did I really witness the rifle’s inherent accuracy? Probably not—yet another reason you should take one out for a spin.

AI’s rifles fall into one of two classes: the AW (Arctic Warfare) for the most demanding tactical and military needs, and the AE for law enforcement and “entry-level” shooters. The AW and AE categories each contain several models—the AE MKII updating the AE MKI with enhanced features borrowed from the AW line. The MKII designation means the 20-inch barrel (24 inches is also an option) can now be had in a threaded version with a tactical muzzle brake installed. The MKII also accepts AI Chassis System (AICS) five- and 10-round magazines, features an adjustable trigger group that’s easy to remove and has a folding-stock option. While the military-friendly AW models are available in a left-handed configuration as a special-order option, the AE family unfortunately includes only right-handed versions.

My experience with AI rifles goes back to my Army sniper days. The rifles I was lucky enough to be issued were phenomenal tools in trained hands, rarely grouping outside 1⁄2 MOA with the right factory match ammunition. I learned very quickly that I owned every bad shot made with an AI in front of me.

Though it took some time for me to get used to the radically different ergonomics (as compared to the conventional stocks on which I was trained), I became an enduring fan once I adapted. If the popularity of the AICS is any indication, I’m in good company.

An admired retrofit for the Remington Model 700, the AICS allows the use of AI’s furniture and full-length bedding block system. Although Model 700 rifles utilizing the AICS are seen increasingly on both ranges and fields of fire these days, their similarity to AI’s bolt guns ends there.

Favorable Features

The heart of any bolt gun is its action, which is where the AE begins its divergence from the AW. The receiver is lighter, rounded and sleek, as opposed to the larger, angular affair on AW models. A removable Picatinny rail attached to the receiver is standard issue on the MKII.

My loaner rifle had the tactical muzzle brake and side-folding stock, both good options in my opinion. In my active days, I conducted tactical military freefall parachute operations with a fixed-stock AW—27-inch barrel and all. A third leg that long is a recipe for bad night landings and lost zeroes. Suffice it to say, I was very happy when AI began offering its sturdy and well-designed side folder. Lockup is sound when extended, and the left-side retaining post does its job when folded. Though the pistol grip is left intact to allow a firing grip when folded, there’s not much practicality in doing so except for extreme situations—such as a very close-range reactive shot—or other special circumstances.

The AE’s fore-end is either capped at the front or fitted with a female receptacle for AI’s heavy-duty, spigot-mounted bipod. This design hasn’t curried much favor with American tactical shooters. Most spigot-mount bipod designs tend to be heavy, bulky and lack adequate tension to prevent the gun from flopping. Many are also noisy in transit, which is a big problem when carrying the rifle in places where clanking metal can compromise the shooter. Fortunately AI also includes a very strong, frame-anchored bipod-mounting stud on the bottom of the MKII’s fore-end that accommodates Harris Bench Rest bipods and others with similar attachment systems.

Taking Stock

As with other AI models, the MKII has an aluminum sub-frame (or “chassis” in proper English) that runs the length of the rifle in non-folding stocks and from fore-stock to pistol grip in folders. Unlike the AW, the AE’s action is not permanently bonded to the chassis and can be removed with relative ease. Over the years I’ve found AI’s V-block chassis system to be solid, durable and conducive to supporting the action as designed.

The chassis is cloaked in a removable pair of polymer stock sides (aka “skins”) available in green, black or the ever-popular Flat Dark Earth. Removing two handfuls of screws along both sides is required to access the chassis and internal parts, which fortunately is not part of the normal maintenance regimen.

A pair of rigid, stamped sling mounts is present on either side, fore and aft, as well as a singular right-side mount near the folding stock’s joint. The buttstock has a cheekpiece that can be adjusted via two hex screws, and a fixed-spacer system allows for length-of-pull adjustment. No monopod (a “butt spike” in AI-speak) is present on AE stocks, but the toe is well designed for gripping with the support hand to change elevation. The MKII has the familiar AI channel in the fore-stock’s bottom, designed to accept an optional adjustable hand-stop.

A Feel That Fits

In terms of bullet-launching performance, the human interface element plays heavily into any rifle’s design. AI takes this into account with all of its products, and though the concept would seem to be self-evident to any arms engineer, sometimes I’m left wondering (side-mounted magazines being one example). As a left-handed shooter in a right-handed world, I long ago learned to work a bolt’s throw from the opposite side. My favorite prone technique is to cycle the action with my weak hand, but some lefties like to reach over the action and work it with their firing hand. Whether left- or right-handed, AI’s short-throw bolt and large knob help increase efficiency—minimal movement and maximum speed—when cycling.

Another positive feature is the paddle-style magazine release. While these can be cumbersome on rifles used where speed under fire against close targets is vital, on bolt guns they preserve the rifle stock’s integrity and provide ambidextrous accessibility. AI’s rifles also allow the magazine to be pushed straight into and dropped from the magazine well, as opposed to the rocker-type magazine locking systems required by the paddle-style mag releases of the AK and G3. Straight-drop mags are always a benefit for reloading in the dark, when hurried or whenever your attention is devoted to concerns downrange. The feeding and function of the five- and 10-round magazines were flawless during my evaluation, totaling 230 rounds.

Ergonomically, the AI buttstock works well for me, and its adjustability allows for a good fit for most body types and shooting styles. Though I didn’t have to raise the adjustable cheekpiece or change the buttstock spacers, it’s good to have those options.

One feature I quickly discovered I don’t like is the design of the safety lever. Though very secure, thanks to a firing-pin retracting and blocking mechanism, it’s as non-ergonomic as I’ve seen on a modern bolt action. Like the AW series, the AE’s safety is mounted on the right side, behind the bolt. Unlike the AW, rotating it forward to the fire position is not possible without coming completely out of a firing grip, regardless of your dominant hand. It’s a long-throw lever, which makes it difficult to manipulate quickly.

Since all my firing was done from a prone-supported position, I got a good feel for the handling characteristics of the MKII’s 20-inch barrel and tactical muzzle brake. I found the brake to be effective, though to be honest, a 131⁄2-pound rifle chambered in .308 Win. and sporting a 20-inch heavy barrel isn’t known to be much of a shoulder kicker.

Precision-rifle circles occasionally see debate over whether threaded muzzles negatively affect accuracy. So far, in my shooting I’ve only seen problems with threaded muzzles on hammer-forged barrels, due to the potential for opening the muzzle after the barrel’s outer diameter is turned down—prior to and during threading. AE MKII barrels all come from Lothar Walther and are button rifled, so it’s not an issue. Since the muzzle brake is removable with normal tools, cleaning the crown is relatively easy so long as you verify zero afterwards.

The MKII’s trigger is user-adjustable, with no requirement to disassemble the rifle or remove the trigger group. Two screws provide an adjustment range of 3.3 to 51⁄2 pounds. I found the two-stage trigger to be smooth through the first stage, crisp in the second and suitably repeatable for accurate shooting.

Trial by Fire

I spent several range sessions behind the driving end of the MKII. My goal was to first shake it out at 100 yards with a variety of loads, then group the best factory ammo and handloads at 300 and 600 yards. Not surprisingly, the MKII generally acquitted itself well at all ranges. Though it didn’t scream “tack-driver” with any tested loads, I only used a small ammunition sample, limiting my chances to find the preferred load(s) for this particular gun.

The rifle still managed sub-MOA performance with the best factory ammo and handloads averaged together for all distances. The recipe for the best handload was far from a maximum load, providing only a modest starting velocity. Time and resources prevented me from a full workup, so I continued to use this same load throughout the test for consistency. The best factory load tested was Hornady’s moly-coated 168-grain BTHP match round.

The barrel’s 1:12-inch, RH twist rifling is unusually loose for a tactical rifle, and this is one area I think AI could easily improve. A twist in the 1:9-inch to 1:10-inch range would allow much heavier and longer tactical bullets, while a 1:11-inch twist would allow a wider range of projectiles. The loose twist drove me to employ lighter-weight projectiles in most testing.

Making the Upgrade

The recent changes within AI and AINA have provided better products and service to all customers. For American shooters, those changes have yielded a knowledgeable and responsive U.S.-based customer service team, faster order fulfillment for complete guns and parts, and a catalog of training courses available for armorers, gunsmiths and distributors at AINA’s new Fredericksburg, VA, facility.

One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is the quality delivered in the company’s products. The AE MKII is the result of several years’ work, and the improvements show in its functional upgrades over the MKI. Though it averages $2,000 less than AW rifles, it’s still a bit harder on the wallet than many traditional, U.S.-built bolt guns. However, if approached from the standpoint of buying a high-quality rifle that delivers reliable, repeatable performance—one that will function in like-new condition for multiple generations—the price tag pales in comparison to the value spread out over the life of the gun. That alone makes the AI AE MKII worth serious consideration for precision rifle fans.