Upgrade AIAT to MPA

[Gilly]

If you’re a hardcore AI fan hit the back button now!!!

I owned an AX short action for a year or so and was pretty much my main go to rifle for everything except ELR work. However I always wanted a different feel more like my GAP 243 I dropped into an MPA. So a few months back I saw a thread with an AI in an MPA chassis and couldn’t shake the idea. So I ordered an AI inlet MPA and started shopping for a used AT rifle. After some searching and offers that were rejected I ended up buying a new in box AT. (Yes this makes this even more insane!)

MPA was a few weeks over estimated lead time but really not too bad. Chassis showed up a couple weeks back and I finally had time and built up courage to debond my AI and get this rifle done. I had in the meantime sold my AX so it was time to get an AI back up and running.

The debonding process was really much easier and simple than I imagined and really it’s not irreversible after seeing what is under the hood. Although heating a new AI with a torch is slightly nutty.

The MPA isn’t exactly drop in ready. A dremel would do but a buddy with a lathe and a mill made it much cleaner to clearance the chassis for the trigger and trigger screws that otherwise bound up or would not let action completely drop in freely. Pictures hopefully will tell most of the story.

Final product is awesome! AI action and quick change barrel with comp trigger and a chaasis that has all the features and ergonomics I wanted. Rifle still shoots lights out with same barrel and load off my AX.

 

[Gilly]

Assembly

 

[Scotts556]

that's hot as fuck. I want one now

MPA Folder and AI.... pure sex

 

[Precision Underground]

 

[roamin]

 

[blbennett1288]

Looks sweet. I dont think I could bring myself to do it unless it was an old/cheap AT

I still can't believe MPA doesnt have these drop in ready...there have been several of them and all need modifications.

 

[JFComfort]

Gross.

 

[Gilly]

Looks sweet. I dont think I could bring myself to do it unless it was an old/cheap AT

I still can't believe MPA doesnt have these drop in ready...there have been several of them and all need modifications.

It really would be a very minor addition to the inlet program and would then be perfect other than clearancing the trigger plate for chassis.

 

[Gilly]

See now anyone truly interested in this has to look at a picture of shit because some A-hole didn’t listen to instructions. The real pile of shit is original AT chassis with no real regard for ergonomics. @roamin if you like the AT so much I got an extra chassis and skins I’ll sell you.

 

[blbennett1288]

See now anyone truly interested in this has to look at a picture of shit because some A-hole didn’t listen to instructions. The real pile of shit is original AT chassis with no real regard for ergonomics. @roamin if you like the AT so much I got an extra chassis and skins I’ll sell you.

It wouldn't be the hide without someone getting butt hurt or trolling.

I disagree, as I have never felt more comfortable behind any rifle than an AT with Thumbholes. I might have liked my two MPA chassis more if I ran an ergo grip than MPA's Enhanced Vertical Grip. But I digress, the AI systems are a love/hate relationship unfortunately.

 

[Nik H]

It wouldn't be the hide without someone getting butt hurt or trolling.

I disagree, as I have never felt more comfortable behind any rifle than an AT with Thumbholes. I might have liked my two MPA chassis more if I ran an ergo grip than MPA's Enhanced Vertical Grip. But I digress, the AI systems are a love/hate relationship unfortunately.

^^^^+1

AT is not for everyone....no chassis is but it is the best I have used.

 

[samb300]

In a couple months I'll have my own AI chassis ready. I intend to have it require zero time on a machine from the end user to get to work.

 

[samb300]

@Gilly when you assemble/torque the action into the chassis, is it machined to have metal-on-metal contact on the recoil lug? I wonder if MPA did this or not (I would assume they did).

The factory AI interface has clearance around the recoil lug as space for the epoxy, so I am curious how MPA tackled it seeing as it is not bonded.

 

[BLKWLFK9]

When @samb300 gets the chassis up and running, youre going to see a lot of people changing their minds about not debonding. Some wont, but a lot will. Im super excited ab getting mine.

 

[blbennett1288]

When @samb300 gets the chassis up and running, youre going to see a lot of people changing their minds about not debonding. Some wont, but a lot will. Im super excited ab getting mine.

I don't think it'll have that YUGE of an impact on people's decision. You either want to de-bond it for something else or you don't. XLR couldn't even get the minimum 10 for a group buy on the Envy JV Heavy Fill

I only know of 5 MPA AI's, there are probably more.

The option has always existed to send it back to AINA to have it re-bonded for a small fee.

 

[Aaron47pb]

Different strokes for different folks. I love my AT ergonomics and don't see myself ever tossing it for another chassis. But glad there are options in the market.

 

[Timo Turl]

Both have amazing features so I found the perfect solution..:I bought one of each ?

 

[Primus]

Upgrade?

 

[Bradu]

I think it is great that there are options for guys that want to run an AI but aren't crazy about the AI chassis. It is a love or hate kind of thing with them but their actions are awesome.

 

[texag0842]

Love the thumbhole AT.

 

[hk dave]

Sacrilege

 

[Gilly]

I suppose is sacrilege to change triggers too now that there’s and option....

 

[blbennett1288]

I suppose is sacrilege to change triggers too now that there’s and option....

Changing to the Flat Shoe I think is Kosher

Only change to the comp trigger if you want your AI to become inoperable

 

[hk dave]

It was a joke. Relax.

 

[Gilly]

It was a joke. Relax.

So was mine!!! Sorry should’ve put an emoji in there to show sarcasm. Although this thread has a lot of don’t touch my AI in it!

 

[Badfinger]

I have been following this mod for awhile and came up with the best yet and even converted it to lever action for more speed!

 

[DOA]

Disliked my AT stock until I got the Target Adjust buttplate. Love my stock now.

 

[Pappakap]

OP I’m curious what it weighs. For someone looking for the increased adjustability closer to the AX but not as heavy I don’t see this as a bad option.

 

[kRcu]

It’s quite funny to compare the negative posts from here to the positive posts in the thread from the last guy that did the transition.

https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...international-rifles-and-mpa-chassis.6906985/

Personally I sold my AIAT due to the chassis. Just couldn’t get used to it. More power to anyone that found a way to enjoy their’s more.

 

[blbennett1288]

from the last guy that did the transition.

Believe he was the first one to do it

 

[Badfinger]

There's no negativity just helpful criticism, we're one team here!

Now back to our project....we love to tinker around

 

[kRcu]

Believe he was the first one to do it

Nah. See below from 03/2017.

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/mpa-at-or-aiat-mpa-here-it-is-folks.6297890/

 

[jwood1284]

OP I’m curious what it weighs. For someone looking for the increased adjustability closer to the AX but not as heavy I don’t see this as a bad option.

The MPA non-folder chassis is 4oz lighter than the AT folder chassis with skins and Sawtooth rail attached. The AX is lighter than the AT.

 

[samb300]

The MPA non-folder chassis is 4oz lighter than the AT folder chassis with skins and Sawtooth rail attached. The AX is lighter than the AT.

4oz savings...totally worth it!

*Adds 7 lbs of bolt-on weights*

 

[Gilly]

The MPA non-folder chassis is 4oz lighter than the AT folder chassis with skins and Sawtooth rail attached. The AX is lighter than the AT.

So where are you getting an AT chassis weight? You debond one and weigh it or are you trying to use a Remington 700 inlet one?

 

[Bravo6niner]

I did it for ergonomics and balance. So far I really like the fit of the grip, feels more natural. The balance off of barricades is awesome!!

 

[jwood1284]

So where are you getting an AT chassis weight? You debond one and weigh it or are you trying to use a Remington 700 inlet one?

 

[jwood1284]

@Gilly my rifle is your rifles brother from another mother

 

[Gilly]

@Gilly my rifle is your rifles brother from another mother
View attachment 7075978
[/QUOTE

Awesome!

 

[deersniper]

The MPA non-folder chassis is 4oz lighter than the AT folder chassis with skins and Sawtooth rail attached. The AX is lighter than the AT.

Yeah I was trying to find the weights because I remembered the ax being lighter. Especially when you add a night vision rail to the at chassis

 

[Badfinger]

jwood1284 said:
The MPA non-folder chassis is 4oz lighter than the AT folder chassis with skins and Sawtooth rail attached. The AX is lighter than the AT.

So it's about a wash on weight? So it's all about the grip? And the cool factor!

 

[Gilly]

jwood1284 said:
The MPA non-folder chassis is 4oz lighter than the AT folder chassis with skins and Sawtooth rail attached. The AX is lighter than the AT.

So it's about a wash on weight? So it's all about the grip? And the cool factor!

Actually my AX was a badass rifle it doesn’t get any cooler IMO. But for my current shooting and what I wanted the MPA has more features and yes better ergonomics, this is subjective of course. I didn’t do it for weight savings either. I have an equally or more comfortable rifle with more utility for PRS type shooting with the benefits of AI quick change barrel and bulletproof action for 2 grand less than an AX. And yes it’s pretty cool too. It also makes going between it and my vector in an MPA less awkward.

 

[Bravo6niner]

I’m amazed how butthurt guys are getting on this topic of pulling an AI action out of a chassis. If you like your factory AIAT and it fits you well great. If you see the benifit in pulling it out and putting it in a mpa or @samb300 chassis great. @Gilly just posted up some pictures of his rifle build (because that’s the point of this website) for people who are “interested” in the topic to view.

Now on to the topic. I ran a AX for a couple years in comps and really liked it but I did find some down falls when it come to tight barricades. From top of scope bell to the bottom of the handguard it is really tall and didn’t fit well in those tight areas. The grip never felt really good, the @samb300 rest helped but still didn’t feel natural. Lastly I didn’t like not having one continuous arca rail on the bottom. So for my applications and needs a MPA Chassis fit the needs I had. Weight was not a deciding factor and if I’m not mistaken I don’t think anyone who has posted on the hide that swapped over to a MPA Chassis did it for weight savings. So for me my MPAT goes to comps and my AX goes hunting or for just plain ole’ shooting.

 

[jwood1284]

I put my AT in an MPA because:

1. I wanted to.

2. Lengthy discussions with a shooter who has put 1000s of rounds on AT convinced me with better balance, handling, lower CG, and built in modularity. All benefits for PRS style matches. I think an AI-MDT could even be better.

My only regret is not ordering the MPA folder, which would allow me to pull the bolt without lowering the cheekpiece. Although the only reason I’ve ever pulled the bolt out of my AT is to show it to people, or boresight.

 

[Heliway]

I would like to see an AI in a traditional style stock like a Manners or similar. I know the M2008/13 look close but the distinct square bolt shroud is such a neat look.

 

[Gilly]

I put my AT in an MPA because:

1. I wanted to.

2. Lengthy discussions with a shooter who has put 1000s of rounds on AT convinced me with better balance, handling, lower CG, and built in modularity. All benefits for PRS style matches. I think an AI-MDT could even be better.

My only regret is not ordering the MPA folder, which would allow me to pull the bolt without lowering the cheekpiece. Although the only reason I’ve ever pulled the bolt out of my AT is to show it to people, or boresight.

Have you looked at ordering folder upgrade kit? I too didn’t go folding but now sorta kick myself.

 

[jwood1284]

Have you looked at ordering folder upgrade kit? I too didn’t go folding but now sorta kick myself.

The quick release cheek riser upgrade is immensely less expensive.

 

[Scotts556]

See now anyone truly interested in this has to look at a picture of shit because some A-hole didn’t listen to instructions. The real pile of shit is original AT chassis with no real regard for ergonomics. @roamin if you like the AT so much I got an extra chassis and skins I’ll sell you.

Bro fuck the haters.

Scott

 

[AKSean]

In a couple months I'll have my own AI chassis ready. I intend to have it require zero time on a machine from the end user to get to work.

Is your chassis gonna be available on the hide or through Anarchy Outdoors website?

 

[samb300]

Is your chassis gonna be available on the hide or through Anarchy Outdoors website?

In a couple months I'll have 3 prototype chassis that will be tested. Then it will be a matter of how many people are interested if I have a production batch made. It's up in the air whether or not I would do it myself or through Anarchy Outdoors; so far all the design work and prototype costs have been handled by myself.