Why do Frank Galli & Jacob Bynum run AI guns?

[pineoak]

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

 

[MAGUA]

OY VEY

 

[Sniperwannabee]

Because they are the best

 

[wake.joe]

It's a one stop shop. You can have something built for six months, or you can order an AI.

Just depends if you're willing to spend the extra cash on immediate.

 

[bjay]

If i could start over..i probably would've buy all AI.

 

[jbell]

All the above...

 

[pineoak]

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.

 

[natdscott]

Nahh...

It's cause they are snyper fanbois.

 

[jpspeeddemon]

because they are reliable and very accurate

 

[diverdon]

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.

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.

 

[IanHusaberg]

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!

 

[diverdon]

I think Frank can and does shoot anything he wants!

Did you mean to say "I think Frank can and does shoot everything he wants!"

 

[IanHusaberg]

You are right, Sir!

Tomato!

Tamoto!

Spell it any fucking way you want too!!!!!!!!!

 

[SRSDriver]

I feel fortunate that I avoided appearing in this video...

 

[Bender]

We all know Tactical Rifles.net are the bestest....

 

[Covertnoob5]

You could also watch these videos and look how many different countries are running an AI. There is a desert tech at the beginning as well though

 

[pineoak]

Occurred to me that Frank might use the AI AX as a baseline for testing barrels and optics, a known reference point. Just a guess

 

[Badfinger]

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!

 

[tna9001]

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.

 

[JeffLebowski]

Because they just work and switch calibers.

 

[gopherslayer]

I the past LL stated that if the SHTF he was grabbing his AI. Rugged and reliable.

 

[RyanScott]

Some years ago someone here told Irwin that he could win a shootoff against him using his Surgeon. Irwin said they would shoot for rifles and the first stage would be a drop from a 30’ tower. Never heard back from the other guy.

 

[Sniperwannabee]

Some years ago someone here told Irwin that he could win a shootoff against him using his Surgeon. Irwin said they would shoot for rifles and the first stage would be a drop from a 30’ tower. Never heard back from the other guy.

So what scope was he using haha?

 

[DetroitRearView]

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.

 

[BullzeyeNJ]

Jacob was running a surgeon action in an AX chassis in his Rifle Fundamentals DVD. It was not a factory AI rifle.

 

[Covertnoob5]

The one biggest drawback to me is AI not having a magnum bolt face for the AT. I would love to use a 6.5 SAUM or 6.5 PRC.

 

[MarinePMI]

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.

 

[Smooth_87]

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.

The obvious reason is AI are first and foremost designed for duty rather than recreational use.

 

[MarinePMI]

The obvious reason is AI are first and foremost designed for duty rather than recreational use.

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?

 

[TheOE800]

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?

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.

 

[Smooth_87]

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?

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

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.

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?

 

[MarinePMI]

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.

 

[Smooth_87]

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.

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.

 

[TheOE800]

Bolt would need to heat treated again and I doubt you'll find anyone willing to do it and guarantee it.

 

[Lowlight]

AI is my go-to rifle,

Yes because of the site I get to shoot a lot of different rifles, but my favorite is the Accuracy International - Full Stop !

It answers the question, "If you can only have one rifle" my AX would be it.

 

[pineoak]

Frank, thank you for weighing in.

what do you lose with the AT vs AX?

buy new vs used?

 

[MarinePMI]

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.

 

[Covertnoob5]

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.

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.

 

[Lowlight]

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

 

[Rifles Only]

Another reason is the longevity and quality of the gun. My '97 AW has well over 130,000 rounds on the receiver and conservatively, a million dry presses on the trigger. I just installed barrel number 19. original trigger too.

 

[kRcu]

Frank, thank you for weighing in.

what do you lose with the AT vs AX?

buy new vs used?

I just picked up a demo AT from MHSA on Friday. Very lightly used. They have some still posted on an online “gun broker’s” website.

 

[dinmax82]

It's cool how AI has a 6 lug

 

[TheOE800]

I just picked up a demo AT from MHSA on Friday. Very lightly used. They have some still posted on an online “gun broker’s” website.

Strong value proposition, but those are large firing pin.

 

[kRcu]

Strong value proposition, but those are large firing pin.

Yes indeed. I only use factory ammo, so the large pin is fine for my uses, but certainly something to consider.

 

[RyanScott]

A used AI is like a used rock. It’s used, but what’s that gonna hurt?

 

[NoLegs24]

Yes indeed. I only use factory ammo, so the large pin is fine for my uses, but certainly something to consider.

Could've picked up this sweet deal on a SFP AT from EO ***LINK***

Unless you got the demo for a lot less lol

 

[TheOE800]

Could've picked up this sweet deal on a SFP AT from EO ***LINK***

Unless you got the demo for a lot less lol

They're $3500, with different accessories too like Atlas or Harris bipods.

 

[NoLegs24]

Gotcha. Carry on

 

[TheOE800]

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.

 

[MarinePMI]

Wow! That is a pretty sweet deal.