Well, that's just great. The 'could be helpfull' pro's slagging off the amateurs. Since when did this become the Snide Snipers forum? If you two guys are representative of the best Her Majesty has to offer then it's time I stopped supporting H4H.
If the guy did not spec' a 10 mill' base then perhaps he has the right to wonder why his rifle/scope combo won't mount to point of aim.
You're being way too touchy longlowdog. I wasn't being snide; i meant what i said in that the system is unique. Everything is designed for a specific purpose and quite different from what most people will ever pick up and use. For example:
1. Look at the trigger guard and you'll note the over-large shape to accomodate gloves.
2. The bolt is unique to all others in that it is specifically designed to not freeze nor clog with ice - a common problem with bolt action rifles in arctic conditions. Best way to keep a rifle operational in such conditions is not to take it into the tent with you, but to dig a shallow hole in the snow and bury it where instantly accessible.
3. A good armourer is not a riflesmith, but they have been specifically trained in the 'Accuracy International Way' to maintain and modify that rifle. You wouldn't believe how bad it was when the rifles were first issued without adequate support - there are stories of scopes practically rattling off, barrels shooting out, etc.
I could go on and on, but you'd only fall asleep or die of boredom. My point wasn't meant as an insult - merely that unless taught otherwise the average joe will look at the AW and consider it just another 'tactical' rifle. Accordingly he may well not understand the purpose or benefit of the 'thingy' bolted onto theirs.
This has been proven to me time and again when strangers have approached me with theirs asking me to 'fix' it. Usually this can range from incorrect mounting of scopes, completely innapropriate scopes, tinkering with parts they have no knowledge of or most usually trying to zero it as too short distances (100yds or less). Put me next to a fella shooting an AW and i'm as quiet as a mouse - i want nothing to do with it, i don't have hours to waste tweaking it or listening to how many months you wasted listening to the sales assistant masquerading as a riflesmith.
My advice to anyone determined to buy an AW is to buy an AE. You will never abuse the rifle in the ways it is designed to withstand and doing which not change the zero: you'll never jump with one (i did), you're unlikely to drop it down the face of a mountain whilst on a German alpine course (i did), you won't change the barrel 3 times in one day (i did). The AE will do everything you're ever likely to require and save you 2 grand in the process.
Lastly, don't think for one minute the the army hands you an L96 and a book of secrets which makes you all knowing, all capable. Widow's Son will support me when i state that you go through all manner of endless shite before they'll even let you touch one and then it's only to learn how to clean it properly.