by Wapiti » 07 Dec 2025, 9:35 am
I think these rifle themes are popular because of the TEOTWAWKI, SHTF movement going on there. And the Alaska "guide gun" themes that do seem to have merit in that very harsh country where really, only the hardest people end up being able to stay.
They are just looking at the ultimate bomb proof design in a scenario where anything can go wrong, and usually does.
It's not applicable to us here in Australia, with our climate and the use of firearms here.
It also doesn't mean this rifle is malfunction-proof in some people's hands.
Look at the Sako issue with the '85's and empty cartridge cases clipping some scopes that some people fit, and the way their individual voodoo affects function. Others can use these rifles in any conditions and cannot fathom what these people are on about.
On the AICS magazines issues people seem to have, which I am dubious of... because the internet is either full of shameless promoters or people who could make a screwdriver malfunction...
This magazine system initially only came out in AI rifles, and initially were single stack 10-round magazines used by military and police. They were and are, as reliable as any metal box mag can be, because they were designed NOT for hunters or paper punchers, but in a 2-way range. And they work flawlessly there.
AND they were designed for the 308 Winchester cartridge.
People copied EVERYTHING on these rifles and bastardised them to suit any other rifle design, including their two-piece stocks. Just like so many people are obsessed with making bolt actions of all breeds look like AR15's. Even at the expense of mechanical function and ergonomics.
People expect these magazines to accept every other new cartridge that comes out designed to make up for the inadequacies of both the cartridge and the user themselves. No wonder there are malfunctions.
Have a look at the MDT catalogue - there are the original bomb-proof, always works styles now in double-stack single-feed versions, that in 308, work awesomely.
Then there's versions for 22-250, every crazy 6.5 variation, 223's and their franken cousins, 300 and 338 magnums and everything in between. Are there about 30 different versions? Just look at Cleavers website on the AICS/MDT mag page.
Then there's the plastic mag craze, that if you take the time to look, only are supposed to work in certain aftermarket stocks for modifying certain rifle brands, and they even say so. They say they will malfunction in another stock/floorplate type, even though they will click in.
Originally the magazine was designed to work in an AI rifle's bolt face and action, then it was found that the Rem 700 bolt pattern also worked great. But Howas, the Rugers, even in Winchester 70 designs and with all the different lengths and tapers of cartridges out there, manufacturers are fiddling with them because they see the potential buyer must have them at any cost or reason.
Then there are the people who could make that screwdriver malfunction.
No wonder people are stuffing up.
There's nothing wrong with AICS magazine styles, only the makers stuffing up the fitment and the people's own use cases and skills.
Regards G,
AKA Dr. Doolittle