Why do Frank Galli & Jacob Bynum run AI guns?

pineoak

pineoak

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#1
Frank, if you see this and want to chime in, would love to hear from you.

Noticed that Frank often references his AX in videos and podcast and noticed that Jacob at Rifles Only runs an AI in his training videos (though that may have changed since then).

I know Frank has access to everything and owns a lot of guns and gear, but the AI seems to be the one he references the most.

Is it that much better? Consistency? Reliability? Chassis ergonomics?

You'd think that a custom build like an Impact in a Foundation stock with a top flight trigger would be comparable to anything AI could offer in respect to any aspect short of reliability...

AI AX vs AI AT vs custom build vs John Hancock vs RPR

are we just paying more for refinement?

open to hear anyone's thoughts on the matter
 
Last edited:
#7
Lowlight's post cut & pasted from a like thread:

Jun 15, 2014
#73
There is only two things that make them different... Two things separate a custom from an AI.

Weight

Trigger

The stock you can debate, but many have custom rifles built in chassis, or use a vertical grip, which is the same thing, the thickness of the grip you might be able to say is different, but there are plenty of "big guys" who have zero issues with an AI Chassis and frankly, nobody complains that an AR grip doesn't work, and those are even smaller. If the thumbhole is small, put the pistol grip skins on it.

The decision comes down to weight, because you can spec a custom rifle lighter, and the trigger, you can spec a single stage trigger, every thing else is absolutely identical when it comes to accuracy. You can put any barrel on it you want, and you can debate actions, but overall you'll have better odds with an AI over a custom shop's action 99% of the time and most custom actions use the same AI magazine system so all that is a wash. However the majority will never see the difference between a Defiance Action and an AI action, or a Badger and AI, it's so minor it's not worth talking about.

Weight and Trigger, any other debate is a one off, personal choice thing that has no foundation in the debate when it comes to others. If you "feel" something that is 100% on you, and should not be a deciding factor for anyone else. It's irrelevant to the conversation, it's like trying to convince someone to marry your wife's twin sister. It's a worthless argument.
 
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#10
pineoak said:
Lowlight's post cut & pasted from a like thread:

Jun 15, 2014
#73
There is only two things that make them different... Two things separate a custom from an AI.

Weight

Trigger

The stock you can debate, but many have custom rifles built in chassis, or use a vertical grip, which is the same thing, the thickness of the grip you might be able to say is different, but there are plenty of "big guys" who have zero issues with an AI Chassis and frankly, nobody complains that an AR grip doesn't work, and those are even smaller. If the thumbhole is small, put the pistol grip skins on it.

The decision comes down to weight, because you can spec a custom rifle lighter, and the trigger, you can spec a single stage trigger, every thing else is absolutely identical when it comes to accuracy. You can put any barrel on it you want, and you can debate actions, but overall you'll have better odds with an AI over a custom shop's action 99% of the time and most custom actions use the same AI magazine system so all that is a wash. However the majority will never see the difference between a Defiance Action and an AI action, or a Badger and AI, it's so minor it's not worth talking about.

Weight and Trigger, any other debate is a one off, personal choice thing that has no foundation in the debate when it comes to others. If you "feel" something that is 100% on you, and should not be a deciding factor for anyone else. It's irrelevant to the conversation, it's like trying to convince someone to marry your wife's twin sister. It's a worthless argument.
Click to expand...

Ok Weight and trigger are distinctive and I am sure some choose for those reasons, but I think most who run an AI would say that ruggedness, dependability and the confidence they have in the rifle are foremost.
 
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#11
What more could you want? A Barrett MRAD? The trigger isn't as nice or the bolt doesn't cycle as smooth as an AI. Resale might not be as high? I don't fell like I'm missing anything with my MRAD set-up! I have proof carbon barrels. Caliber interchange. I do feel like the weight of the rifle is a bonus from 338 down to smaller calibers.

I'm going to be the one to say it: Mile High(Authorized AI service center) is near Denver, in the heart of Snipershide territory! What more could you want in a factory rifle?

I think Frank can and does shoot anything he wants!
 
#18
Why do Frank Galli & Jacob Bynum run AI guns?

Probably because they've shot them all and can shoot whatever they choose. Personally I chose one because: The AI is extremely well made, durable, parts availability, easy to shoot well, completely adjustable to fit the shooter, including the trigger position, incredibly accurate and interchangeable barrels, and my favorite it can go from .260 to .308 in under a minute!
 
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#19
There was a thread about what spare parts you need to bring to a match, things like triggers and such. I don't feel like I need to lug around spare parts for my AI, it just works. As far as the purchase decision goes I didn't want uncertainty, there isn't any with AI.

For the OP, I started with an RPR. I put an LRI barrel and a Timney trigger (which broke after 500 rounds) on it and it was a tack driver, I'd say the mechanical accuracy equaled my AI but I shoot the AI more consistently. Also, consider why there isn't an aftermarket for AI mods? there is no need.
 
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#24
I hunt/shoot in very tough mountainous and wild weather conditions with 50 degree temperature swings - storms in and out within 20 minutes.

I have had customs and Desert Tech fail on me in the middle of critical hunts.

Sold them all. I now use AI and Blaser R8. They will always run no matter the conditions.
 
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#27
You could always buy an extra bolt and have it opened up...if there's enough meat left around the bolt head for safe use. There may be a reason AI doesn't offer it. Just a guess...may want to give MHS a call, and see if its possible.
 
#28
MarinePMI said:
You could always buy an extra bolt and have it opened up...if there's enough meat left around the bolt head for safe use. There may be a reason AI doesn't offer it. Just a guess...may want to give MHS a call, and see if its possible.
Click to expand...
The obvious reason is AI are first and foremost designed for duty rather than recreational use.
 
#30
MarinePMI said:
I'm unclear what you mean by this statement. Is it that SA mags are not "duty" related? Or is it that there wouldn't be enough volume in sales to warrant a mag bolt face in a SA?
Click to expand...
The latter I imagine. How many militaries or swathes of law enforcement are shooting short magnums? If a large enough end user requested it, AI would build it I expect. That is their market first and foremost.
 
#31
MarinePMI said:
I'm unclear what you mean by this statement. Is it that SA mags are not "duty" related? Or is it that there wouldn't be enough volume in sales to warrant a mag bolt face in a SA?
Click to expand...

Both. Because of there primary users and target market. LE/MIL.

TheOE800 said:
The latter I imagine. How many militaries or swathes of law enforcement are shooting short magnums? If a large enough end user requested it, AI would build it I expect. That is their market first and foremost.
Click to expand...

Correct. That’s what I meant. Calibres are NATO, because that’s there primary user and market. LE/MIL.

Perhaps if you had an AXMC with the SA conversion you could run the mag bolt with the SA mag kit to run a SAUM? Who knows?
 
#32
Okay, yeah, I get that. Still wondering how that relates to my post and suggestion to call AI about the safe possibility of opening up a SA bolt face. It'd (obviously) void any warranty on the bolt, but I'd be curious (as well) if a Mag bolt face was even possible in a AI-AT.

Edit: You posted the same time as me. I get your point.
 
#33
MarinePMI said:
Okay, yeah, I get that. Still wondering how that relates to my post and suggestion to call AI about the safe possibility of opening up a SA bolt face. It'd (obviously) void any warranty on the bolt, but I'd be curious (as well) if a Mag bolt face was even possible in a AI-AT.

Edit: You posted the same time as me. I get your point.
Click to expand...
All good, I was talking in regards to why it wouldn’t be a factory offering.

Your suggestion to call to see if it can be done is sound. I agree.
 
#37
Mostly the long action conversion capability, and rail attachment points.

There's also the right folding stock and cut away mag port (if that's important to you).

Off the top of my head, I think that's about all the differences. Some find it worth the up charge, others do not. It's really a personal preference sort of thing.
 
#38
MarinePMI said:
You could always buy an extra bolt and have it opened up...if there's enough meat left around the bolt head for safe use. There may be a reason AI doesn't offer it. Just a guess...may want to give MHS a call, and see if its possible.
Click to expand...


This has been asked a few times and it is not possible. I wish it were as I’d definitely pay for it, but Dave Tooley mentioned in a separate thread that there’s something about needing a new extractor or something like that. I forgot, but basically it is not possible.
 
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#39
The barreled action is the same between the AT & AX308

You lose what you see, some like the chassis on an AX, others like the savings of the AT. Functionally they are the same, you have some minor process differences and rail space, but otherwise, the Action, Barrel, and Trigger are the same.

The Long Action AXMC is the completely different animal of the bunch

I have no issue getting a used AI and have a couple that started out as someone else's
 
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#49
I did see that listing from Euro though. If I had the liquidity to support it, I'd probably buy a 6.5 AT and get the buttstock converted. The AX is nice, but I really bought it for that bomb-ass buttstock which apparently I can now get on whatever AT I want.
 
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