Title: Does Anyone Make a .270 AI?
The .270 Ackley Improved, or .270 AI for short, is a popular cartridge among hunters and target shooters due to its improved performance over the standard .270 Winchester. However, finding a rifle chambered in .270 AI can be a challenge for those interested in this caliber.
The .270 AI is a wildcat cartridge, which means it is not a standard commercial offering from most firearm manufacturers. Instead, it was developed by P.O. Ackley, a legendary gunsmith, and cartridge designer. The .270 AI is essentially a .270 Winchester case that has been modified to have a steeper shoulder angle and less body taper, resulting in increased powder capacity and improved ballistic performance.
Due to the wildcat nature of the .270 AI, finding a factory-produced rifle chambered in this cartridge can be difficult. However, there are some options available for those interested in owning a .270 AI rifle. One option is to have a custom rifle built by a gunsmith. Many custom rifle makers have experience working with wildcat cartridges and can build a rifle that meets the customer’s specifications, including chambering it in .270 AI.
Another option is to look for a pre-owned rifle that has been rechambered to .270 AI by its previous owner. While this may require some searching and patience, it is possible to find a used rifle that has already been converted to the .270 AI cartridge.
For those who prefer a factory-produced rifle, there are a few manufacturers that offer rifles chambered in .270 AI. For example, Savage Arms has occasionally produced limited runs of their Model 110 rifles in .270 AI, and other manufacturers may offer similar limited editions or special runs of rifles in this caliber.
In addition to factory rifles, there are also aftermarket barrel manufacturers that produce barrels chambered in .270 AI that can be installed on certain rifle models. This allows shooters to convert an existing rifle to the .270 AI cartridge without the need for a complete custom build.
Ultimately, while finding a .270 AI rifle may require some extra effort compared to more common calibers, it is not an impossible task. Whether it’s through custom rifle builders, pre-owned conversions, limited factory offerings, or aftermarket barrel options, there are avenues available for those interested in owning a rifle chambered in .270 Ackley Improved. With the cartridge’s stellar performance and proven ballistics, the pursuit of a .270 AI rifle can be well worth the effort for those who appreciate its unique advantages.
