AI bi-pods problem - resolution in progress

[joe_skeeter]

I purchased an AI AWSM 300 win mag and AI bi-pod in September of this year. This past Sunday 12/4/2010 I was at the range talking to a fellow shooter discussing our sticks. He was shooting a GAP Remington 700 conversion with a Versa Bi-pod. I was shooting from a rest but, pulled out my bi-pod from the case to show him. He thought it was a Parker Hale Bi-Pod and while we were talking he dropped the bi-pod on the concrete floor. I picked it up and put it in my case. No big deal, accidents happens. Once I got home I inspected the bi-pod closer and noticed that one of the feet had broken. See pictures below.

Thinking that the AI bi-pod was a Parker Hale I called the Parker Hale distributor to see if it was under a warranty or if parts were available. I was informed that Parker Hale bi-pods are marked and mine was not. I was also told that AI had not purchased any Parker Hale bi-pods for a number of years. So, I called the distributor I purchased the gun from and sent them photos as they requested. They told me they would contact AI North America to see if it will be covered under warranty. For $325.00 it better be covered. It appears to me that AI is purchasing cheap knockoffs and charging a premium. Not what I expected from a quality gun manufacturer. I’m waiting to hear from my dealer or AI on what they will cover. I will probably buy a real Parker Hale bi-pod in the end.

 

[MAGUA]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

Did you at least break the guys leg who dropped your bipod

 

[joe_skeeter]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

No big deal. It sprang open and he dropped it. But a $325.00 military bi-pod should not break like this one.

 

[alongshot50]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

not knocking their stuff on both my 50,s mcmillan uses a knockoff of gi m14 bipod there not the really cheap ones but they charge way more than you can buy one for. I hacked up a nice gi(you have to put legs on backward) on my tac-50. the steel is ALOT better than the knock off....good luck

 

[bm11]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mathmatic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">But a $325.00 military bi-pod should not break like this one. </div></div>I will agree with this. The primary argument for the AI bipod when I was researching was that it was "bombproof." Then again, anything mechanical can break.

That being said, I hope AI takes care of it for you.

 

[Scott H]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

SO, where are they getting there bipods. A 4' drop on the concrete isnt that bad compared to real world abuse they sometimes get. Im not nocking them maybe they got a bad lot of cheaper metal. Hopefully they replace it.

 

[johndoe]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

Please keep us updated

 

[banks74]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

Ya keep the info coming, I am really interested in how this turns out.

 

[Badshot308]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

I would be interested in knowing where the AI bipods are made. I have one that I purchased two years ago and comparing it to a photo from http://www.fidelisfirearms.com/bipods.htm ,the AI bipods are not an exact copy of the Parker Hale bipod. Accuracy International doesn't state in their literature or on their website that the bipods are a Parker Hale product http://www.accuracyinternational.com/accessories_list.php#9 . They refer to them as a bipod assembly AI design.

 

[vman]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

Thats really bad

For $325 that shit better bend over and cook me dinner!

Fffffffttt get yourself an Atlas V8... lighter, nicer, pans, cants, rolls, kicks ass, fits every situation a bipod should.

I would be mega pissed if that happened to me. Not pissed at the guy dropping it, pissed at the weak build.

 

[joe_skeeter]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

I sent an email to AI North America last night with a link to this post. Maybe I'll hear something today.

 

[Scott Seigmund]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

Mr. Mathmatic,

Accuracy International bipods are manufactured in our facility in Portsmouth UK. We do not purchase bipods from Parker-Hale.

You can contact Accuracy International of North America, Inc. at 540-368-3108 for any problems with Accuracy International products. We will replace your bipod free of charge, but you will need to contact us.


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would be mega pissed if that happened to me. Not pissed at the guy dropping it, pissed at the weak build.</div></div>

vman,

The problem that Mr. Mathmatic experienced is obviously not a pandemic. The AI bipod is well proven, and has been deployed globally for many years. While it may not have as many Gucci features, it certainly has a longer track record in combat theaters than the Atlas.

Call AI first and your problems will get sorted quicker.

With best regards,

Scott Seigmund

 

[BasraBoy]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

Anyone knows that things can happen to metal when it is being forged or cast that can sometimes result in weakness.

Most manufacturer's warrantys will cover defects as a result of workmanship or material.

Mr Seigmund has clearly stated that AI will take care of you.

I don't think anyone with any experience of AI would expect anything else?

I sympathise with your problem but it is a shame to resort immediately to screaming "cheap knock-off" without actually appearing to have called the seller or manufacturer to resolve the problem first.

 

[Chiller]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

The larger concern is to come on a public forum and publically castigate them when it appears that they have not taken care of first things first.

In this case all appear to be taken care of.

 

[Kasey]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

ScottSeigmund said - "While it may not have as many Gucci features, it certainly has a longer track record in combat theaters than the Atlas."

First, thank you for recognizing the Atlas, that is an honor.

Second, the history of the PH bipod is well established and continues to be a serviceable design, a credit to its creator. But to dismiss the Atlas as Gucci is akin to concluding the features offered by today's rifle designs are of no value over the flintlock.

Third, the "Gucci" features of the Atlas have been found of value in today's battlefields which is an honor for us.

Last, I know you did not inject the Atlas into this discussion, however, there was no need for you to use it as an opportunity to slight our product because it was suggested as an alternative to the PH design.

Regarding the OP, I will never understand the thought process that allows one to post an issue up on-line while trying to resolve the issue with the manufacturer. If the manufacturer does not reasonably satisfy your reasonable expectations then by all means post away, but till that bridge is crossed, give them a chance.

Speculation, looks to be a cast part, maybe one with some porosity at the point of the cross hole. Impact was on that foot at an angle, the stars aligned and it broke. Must be man-made.

 

[Timo Turl]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

That's why I bought an AI and an Atlas...they stand behind their products which are proven and they are passionate about maintaining their brand and customers. Both are class acts.

 

[Dick D]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

The bipods that McMillans uses on their 50's are not knock off's of the G.I. M14 bipod, they are G.I. M14 bipods that are modified to fit the stud on the Tac-50 rifle and then re-finished. I'm sure you can buy one cheaper if you want to do the machining and modification and then re-finishing yourself.

 

[joe_skeeter]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

I was referred to AI North America today by Tac Pro Shooting Center. I have sent an email with the pictures and a copy of my sale receipt to [email protected]. I look forward to resolving this issue.

 

[bm11]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mathmatic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was referred to AI North America today by Tac Pro Shooting Center. I have sent an email with the pictures and a copy of my sale receipt to [email protected]. I look forward to resolving this issue. </div></div>You would probably be better off calling. AINA is good to deal with, but not great about answering emails in a timely fashion.

 

[joe_skeeter]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

Just got off the phone with Stacey at AI North America. I sent him the pictures and a copy of the sales receipt as requested. He has already responded with a shipping address and work order number. He has stated that the bi-pod would be replaced. Can't complain about that. I'll drop the bi-pod by UPS tomorrow.

 

[neeley205]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mathmatic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I sent an email to AI North America last night with a link to this post. Maybe I'll hear something today. </div></div>

So this says you bashed them and honestly slandered them (you stated that they are purchasing cheap knock offs which is not correct, just mearly speculation on your part stated as fact) for a full day then sent them an email after the fact with a link to your post bashing them? This isn't really a decent order of operations when handling something with a respectable company. Like others said before, if you had contacted them and they had given you the cold shoulder you could have said that their CS sucks (eventhough it doesn't) but still had no right or proof to state that their product was a knockoff then marked up as a premium. The latter statement insinuates that AI is esentially ripping off their customers.

I hope you get your gear replaced because nearly $400 can be an entire weeks pay after taxes for a working man and no one deserves to outright lose it. But how you handled this entire situation was bad showmanship in general.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

While the pics the OP posted look bad, my question is could you still engage targets accurately with the bipod? Meaning is the foot still retained on the leg?

If so, in my opinion the bipod's reputation remains unsoiled.

It doesn't matter what it looks like. Just that it works.

Now granted that I would still look into having it replaced because of the expense of the item in question. I really didn't have much doubt when I read this that AI would take care of you.

I enjoy hearing about the failure, but I would have let the company deal with it before posting up. Speculating that it's a cheap knockoff just because it failed was definitely poor form.

 

[KTDLS7]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

Mathmatic,

You might consider a re-title of this thread, since it's not true.

Kevin

 

[neeley205]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ktdls7</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mathmatic,

You might consider a re-title of this thread, since it's not true.

Kevin </div></div>

+1. You probably should have done that the moment AI informed you.

 

[ROLEXrifleman]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

intresting..........


I dropped my AI Bipod once and thsi is what it did to the ground under me.

I had to jump in to get it.

 

[joe_skeeter]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

My first assumption may not be wrong. Stacey stated that there were Chinese knockoffs on the market and that he needed to see it to determine if it is a knockoff or an issue with an AI product. In either case he said it would be replaced as it was sold to me as an AI product. I did jump to a conclusion based on the fact that it is made to look like a Parker Hale bi-pod but is either made by AI or the Chinese. Base on the quality of AI guns, I would expect a quality bi-pod which Stacey insured me that I would receive. Also, until Tac Pro said they would refer this to AI North America I did not know that they existed. If you look at the AI UK site under agents and distributors AI North America is not listed. It is listed under Contact which I discovered today. So, I contacted my retail distributor and got pushed off. I am impressed with Scott and Stacey for watching the community and addressing issues as they arise. Scott’s post directed me to a number that I did not have and could not find on their web site. Stacey was very professional and wanted to resolve the issue even though I had pissed on them. They are true professionals. I wish I could say this was the first time I jump a little early but, it’s not and it want be the last.

 

[BLANKSGUNS]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

I would like to remind ALL members and AI customers we are here, we do watch, listen and make every effort to assist each and every one. I encourage all members to please direct US customers to me directly either via pm, email or phone.

Accuracy International of North America is located in Fredericksburg, VA. Our phone # is (540) 368-3108 and my email is "[email protected]". Our office hours are 9am - 5pm EST. If you call and do not get a real live person, please email or pm me, I will respond as soon as possible.

-All service, maintenance, training and warranty work is directly provided from this location and this location only. We do offer barrels and suppressors for direct support. All OEM customers are serviced by AINA. If you have a question on support or services, contact me directly, if we do not offer the service I will try to best direct if all possible.

-We do not sell weapons, accessories or service dealer accounts from AINA.

-We have three (3) distributors which handle all retail, LEO and FFL customers:
(1) Mile High Shooting Accessories, CO.
(2) SRT Supply, FL.
(3) Tac-Pro Shooting Center, TX.

With that being said, thanks to all for your continued support. Happy Holidays.

 

[Captain Moroni]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ROLEXrifleman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">intresting..........


I dropped my AI Bipod once and thsi is what it did to the ground under me.

I had to jump in to get it.
</div></div>

Sign me up for one like this!

 

[Badshot308]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

Question for Stacey or Scott, what are the feet of the AI bipods supposed to be made from. The one that I purchased from TacPro has feet that are made from some sort of non-ferrous metal. The legs are steel, but a magnet will not stick to the feet.

 

[TDECK]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

This reminds me of a couple of Sako TRG bipods that had similar problems a few years back. Does anyone know how that was resolved? Hopefully this AI bipod issue is a fluke.

 

[Kasey]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

Stacey @ AINA, Good to see you here and I hope all is going well with you and yours. I hope you read my post in full as well as your associates which inspired me.

Take care and if you get a chance, stop by at SHOT, booth 20135 LE "BALLROOM"!!!

 

[AXEMAN]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mathmatic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My first assumption may not be wrong. Stacey stated that there were Chinese knockoffs on the market and that he needed to see it to determine if it is a knockoff or an issue with an AI product. In either case he said it would be replaced as it was sold to me as an AI product. I did jump to a conclusion based on the fact that it is made to look like a Parker Hale bi-pod but is either made by AI or the Chinese. Base on the quality of AI guns, I would expect a quality bi-pod which Stacey insured me that I would receive. Also, until Tac Pro said they would refer this to AI North America I did not know that they existed. If you look at the AI UK site under agents and distributors AI North America is not listed. It is listed under Contact which I discovered today. So, I contacted my retail distributor and got pushed off. I am impressed with Scott and Stacey for watching the community and addressing issues as they arise. Scott’s post directed me to a number that I did not have and could not find on their web site. Stacey was very professional and wanted to resolve the issue even though I had pissed on them. They are true professionals. I wish I could say this was the first time I jump a little early but, it’s not and it want be the last. </div></div>

dude, not to get in your business, but i have had issues with several people on here that are vendors and suppliers and had stuff like this happen, no one knows this. no vendor ever failed to make it right. no hide vendor. but doing it this way, the way that you started off, the approach that you took, dude, its just not proper here on this site. talk to the vendor first. the maker, the seller, the people involved. dont do it this way. its not good. you may have changed the title of the first post, but every post after that still bears your mark. your claim. cant edit it all away. glad they are taking care of you.

 

[BLANKSGUNS]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

Hello Kasey, I did and understand. Sounds good and hope to be able to get out of the booth, LOL!

On the feet, they are a alloy material.

 

[Kasey]

Re: AI bi-pods are cheap knockoffs

Sounds good Stace, take care.