Thanks for the congrats! I get to pick it up at 5PM sharp today...wohoo
The deal with the Covert models is that they arrive in the US as standard models (ie AE/AW) and are converted by AINA (Accuracy International North America) because suppressors cannot be imported into the US for civilian sales.
Basically they get the rifle, remove the original barrel, and install the 16" barrel with the suppressor.
The AE (my rifle) and AW rifles are largely the same with a few notable exceptions...
1) AW rifles have 2 integral recoil lugs that machined into the action while the AE has a single removable recoil lug that isn't part of the action.
2) AW rifles actions are bonded to the chassis while the AE is not.
3) AW rifles have 4 bolts holding the action to the chassis (besides the adhesive) where there are 2 bolts in each recoil lug while the AE only has 2 bolts (1 in the recoil lug on the front and one in the rear of the action).
4) While both AW and AE barrels are easily changed you must remove the AE barreled action from the chassis to change its barrel since the recoil lug isn't part of the action like on the AW.
Below is the barrel change procedure on an AI AE MKII (same as on the MKIII). It takes about 20 minutes to make the swap if you take your time I believe but I don't know if I will work up the courage to try it any time soon as torquing the action to 100 ft/lbs makes me nervous
Almost any of the big barrel makers (GAP, Dave Tooley, etc.) can make a barrel for the AE/AW series as the tolerances of the rifles are so consistent from what I have seen that it is very, very unlikely a barrel sent out to you won't head-space properly (although you still should check).
If anyone can tell me how to embed I would be happy to do so.
AI was actually offering some models in 6.5CM as well as 260 Remington and some other calibers for the AE series I believe before they were discontinued in 2014. The AT/AX (AE/AW replacements) might be offered in them as well but I haven't kept up with them.
I am fine with .308 Win though as I only have access to 600yds (Heartland Park) if I make a special trip, otherwise, I go to Central City which is limited to 200yds.
