Gunsmithing Gunsmith question- AI AE MKI modification

[Fitz]

So, I have an AI AE MKI that I have a question about for you smiths out there. When they originally came out they were not made to accept the spigot for the original AI bipods. They changed that some time during the MKI's lineage. I was wondering if any of you talented smiths out there can possibly modify my AE chassis to accept either the AI bipod or one of the new generation bipods that would utilize this hole?

I spoke to Stacey Blankenship many years ago about changing this and if I remember correctly he stated that he could do it. However, since he is no longer affiliated with AI I am thinking I have to go this route. I have tried to call and email AINA with no response in almost three weeks. It may be as simple as sending my rifle to them to have a newer generation chassis installed but since I can't get ahold of them I thought I would at least pose this question to you all.

Here are some pics of the front part of my chassis.

 

[-=boone=-]

Re: Gunsmith question- AI AE MKI modification

Call Mile High Shooting.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Gunsmith question- AI AE MKI modification

I am not 100%, but I believe you just need to knock out the pin and replace the block with the spigot receiver.

Once you have the parts it shouldn't take more than a couple minutes.

If you ever need to use night vision or side mounted accessories you could just install a Badger IMUNS.

 

[Fitz]

Re: Gunsmith question- AI AE MKI modification

Yeah, I just took the pin out which allowed me to remove the plug, HK hook mount and Harris bipod tab. All I need is the replacement plug and I'll be good to go.

Called Mile High and all they have is some new version that is 2" long for use with an up coming NV mount. Haven't seen it so I don't know what it looks like and am waiting to call AINA at 1300 before I order this one from Mile High.

Thanks for all the help.

 

[-=boone=-]

Re: Gunsmith question- AI AE MKI modification

You need this?

 

[Fitz]

Re: Gunsmith question- AI AE MKI modification

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: boone</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You need this?

</div></div>

Yes, that is exactly what I am buying. I guess the flush mount ones are all gone now so this is my only option. I don't really have any use for a NV mount but at least it gives me the option to use different bipods.

Thanks for the pic boone.

 

[lvmike]

Re: Gunsmith question- AI AE MKI modification

AI (Stacey) converted a mk1 like this for me around 2008. I'd give them a ring. It looked like a fairly straightforward mod for a machinist but it will require a new spigot which I don't know if they stock still.

 

[Fitz]

Re: Gunsmith question- AI AE MKI modification

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LVMIKE</div><div class="ubbcode-body">AI (Stacey) converted a mk1 like this for me around 2008. I'd give them a ring. It looked like a fairly straightforward mod for a machinist but it will require a new spigot which I don't know if they stock still. </div></div>

Yeah, I finally spoke with Patrick from AINA today and it is as simple as knocking the pin in the picture below out and sliding the plate that houses the HK hook loops out. Once that is done the plug slides right out.

Here is a little video I shot of the rest.

AI AE chassis end plug removal