The AI trigger is installed into the chassis via two large vertical cap screws, vs the typical two horizontal small pins on R700 actions. It is designed to be serviced by removing the stock skins first and then removing the trigger, while the bonded action remains in place. The MPA-AT functions like a typical stock, where you have to remove the entire barreled action to access the trigger. Therefore you cannot approach it this way if you want to bond the action to the chassis. Having the action/chassis bonded together AND utilizing an AR trigger tang would be really hard to get to work (believe me when I say I've spent a lot of time thinking about it haha).
The AI folding stock hinge is peerless, there's no debate there. And I think the AX buttstock is miles ahead of the MPA buttstock (tiny set screws, anyone?). So utilizing the existing AI backend - including the grips, love them or hate them - made the most sense. My intent was always to design a chassis that represented what AI would do if they made a competition oriented front end. Going back to my "AIAC" concept from a couple years ago, my plan was always to have a bonded system just like AI has been doing, but with a forend that was in line with current competition design trends.
I'm an engineer, but have always gravitated towards industrial design. I like elegant solutions and products that have a unified design across multiple parts. That's why I tried to make the chassis "look like" AI designed it, and at the same time tie in with the other accessories I've already designed. I think the MPA-AT literally looks like an AI action dropped in an MPA, whereas I hope people see this chassis and think it's the newest rifle from AI. We'll see, I guess!
Sam
