Accuracy International rifles everywhere on GB

[beenjammin]

have you guys seen how many AIs are on gunbroker. I just checked today just to see and was shocked. Its like Euro Optcs with the TRGs They are all over the place.

What has happenned at AI to step up production like this? I remember when AIs were rare and tough to get. When you had to wait for months. It gave some Nostalgia to owning one back then, is this how they are going to be from now on?

 

[Lindy]

Re: Accuracy International rifles everywhere on GB

Making people wait for a product is not necessarily a good way to make more profits. Making as many as you can sell may be a more optimal strategy. Just a guess...

 

[apex]

Re: Accuracy International rifles everywhere on GB

Still too expensive for me though

 

[One-Eyed Jack]

Re: Accuracy International rifles everywhere on GB

Wait until the AX system starts production and I predict you will see alot of AWs for sale at really good prices.

 

[desertHK]

Re: Accuracy International rifles everywhere on GB

I am banking on that, hopefully.

 

[ROLEXrifleman]

Re: Accuracy International rifles everywhere on GB

Without turning this into a huge debate, I don't think there will be that many for sale. And I don't think they will be at give away prices. Many people saved up to get their AW's and cant afford to take a bath in the resale to have to fork over more money out of pocket to get an AX.

Not only that, what does the AX offer AW owners? The ability to mount acc on the front end and a pistol grip? If anything the pistol grip is going to win back the crowd who didnt like or didnt fit behind the thumbhole. And as farr as mounting acc up front. I can still do that.
With teh exception of the AX .338, there is not ( IN MY HUMBLE OPINION) much the AX line offers me over what I already have.


But I'll still buy one or two.

YMMV

 

[Mag 300]

Re: Accuracy International rifles everywhere on GB

Rolex,
I agree, especially with the may buy 1 or 2


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ROLEXrifleman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Without turning this into a huge debate, I don't think there will be that many for sale. And I don't think they will be at give away prices. Many people saved up to get their AW's and cant afford to take a bath in the resale to have to fork over more money out of pocket to get an AX.

Not only that, what does the AX offer AW owners? The ability to mount acc on the front end and a pistol grip? If anything the pistol grip is going to win back the crowd who didnt like or didnt fit behind the thumbhole. And as farr as mounting acc up front. I can still do that.
With teh exception of the AX .338, there is not ( IN MY HUMBLE OPINION) much the AX line offers me over what I already have.


But I'll still buy one or two.

YMMV </div></div>

 

[vman]

Re: Accuracy International rifles everywhere on GB

lol

 

[Lt. Arclight]

Re: Accuracy International rifles everywhere on GB

I walked into a local sports store and there was a TRG42 on the shelf! I own an AIAW in 338LM the change to the AX offers me-nothing. I think the economy has hit more people than you think.

If you aren't current in this sport and know you waited xx months for your AI and need cash NOW- you may think you have a valuable commodity. Fact is, supply has finally caught up to demand. Unless the deal is outrageously cheap-why buy a used stick when you can get a new one.

Even here on the hide-there are ALOT of REALLY nice sticks that seem to go unsold. Times have changed. A couple of years ago, I posted a USO scope and I swear, it sold in SEVEN MINUTES!!!

 

[TDECK]

Re: Accuracy International rifles everywhere on GB

I was going to start the same thread. I cant believe how many are for sale. It must be the combination of the economy and increased production. My 07 AW is flawless, I wonder if the same can be said of the latest production? Why would AI increase production on a six thousand dollar plus rifle in this world wide cataclysmic economy? When will the prices reflect supply and demand? AI forgot to lower the price with increased production and a stronger dollar. I would really like to see AI make improvements on the AW instead of increased production. A thousand dollars for a AW barrel with a cheap paint job sucks. A better finish on the barrels, multi cam skins, and bipod deployment springs that are not hyper sensitive would be the right direction vs increased production in a rotten economy. How about a barrel change kit that doesnt cost a kings ransom? I hope AI doesnt travel the path of Sig Sauer. Sorry for the rant.

 

[Kells81]

Re: Accuracy International rifles everywhere on GB

who said they have ramped up production. With the econ the way it is they might have been selling fewer and fewer which would lead to more and more being avail.

 

[Doc1911]

Re: Accuracy International rifles everywhere on GB

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TDECK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">... I would really like to see AI make improvements on the AW instead of increased production. <span style="font-weight: bold"> A thousand dollars for a AW barrel with a cheap paint job sucks.</span> A better finish on the barrels, multi cam skins, and bipod deployment springs that are not hyper sensitive would be the right direction vs increased production in a rotten economy. How about a barrel change kit that doesnt cost a kings ransom? I hope AI doesnt travel the path of Sig Sauer. Sorry for the rant. </div></div>I have seen and shot a lot of AIs. I think all of them, but one, had AI barrels with an AI finish. I have yet to see one done poorly. They shoot ***so good*** that I am preparing to go spend 10K on one (including scope and accessories) this coming weekend (providing all goes as planned ...). However, I will check this out - as I'm not dropping 10k on poor craftsmanship. Do you have pics of their poor craftsmanship?

As far as bi-pods - I'm getting Atlas (though I understand AI is working on some changes ... and they use to be considered the best in the industry) and as far as multi-cam skins - that is only a personal preference - one I'm not interested in.

I do agree with you on SIGs - QC is now customer based instead of at the factory. I no longer purchase them .... if AI ever went this way... but I have yet to see any evidence of this.

 

[jbell]

Re: Accuracy International rifles everywhere on GB

I know this is a little off the subject but whats with the quality control at sig? I am a diehard 226-220 fan and have owned several...new and used. I havent experianced any probs w/ any of them. Can someone please bring me up to speed w/ their probs.

 

[TDECK]

Re: Accuracy International rifles everywhere on GB

The AI barrels are very high quality. The finish is applied evenly with no imperfections. My point is that I have rifles that cost 1/12 of the cost of my AW that have much a much better finish material and process applied on the barrel such as a phosphate finish. I assume AI does not consider this a priority because their barrels are made of stainless steel and are inherently weather resistant. I am pretty easy on my equipment but find my self having to touch up the barrel because of small shiny areas where the paint has chipped off.

My point about the bipod is they could simply use heavier springs that would keep the bipod feet from accidently deploying. This is really annoying and could be easily and cheaply fixed with heavier springs.

It kind of bums me out when I see AI moving on to new designs and increased production without fixing some of their deficiencies. Your correct in stating that the increased production is an assumption on my part. Maybe AI is working on improvements but it sure is taking them along time for some easy fixes.

DOC1911, you will be buying one of the best rifles made. I wasnt trying to talk anyone out of a purchase. I am actually considering a second AW and have been waiting patiently because I had heard a ways back that improvements to the AW were on the way.

Sig Sauer is simply hit and miss. I had much better luck when they were all made in West Germany. I never got a bad one from W Germany. I am sure they turned out a lemon every so often but I never got one. I cant say the same when I bought their pistols made in the states. The price went up and I had several lemons on my hands. SIG USA could never fix them. I still have these lemons because I rather keep them than be liable for a defective pistol that I was aware of and that was also documented. My point about AI and SIG is that companies can become to big and lose focus on what made them great. Toyota would be a great example. Toyota simply makes to many models in to many parts of the world to retain their quality control that made them famous. Toyota in the past made only several models that were only made in Japan which established their legendary reputation.

 

[Supersubes]

Re: Accuracy International rifles everywhere on GB

AI has gone through some rough patches in the past that made it really hard to get stuff.

For those that don't know or don't remember, AI was in liquidation five years ago. Look where they are now. I'm no business man but their return has been spectacular.

 

[ROLEXrifleman]

Re: Accuracy International rifles everywhere on GB

KISS should be the motto to follow. To be honest with you I would love to see AI continue to focus on teh core of the bussiness and NOT get into all the other avenues that have made other co. fail.

Staying focused on teh rifles fit finish and quality is key. I don't care if they don't offer multi skin colors or options in that way. Having things like that in house cause funds to be redirected to those areas instead of further developement or improvement on the products available now. I think revamping the bipod was more cost effective and evloutionary than just "fixing" the old one. As there are a few "flaws" with the old bi-pod, there is a time and a place to "reinvent" the wheel. Same as with the AX line, although "most" shooters find teh AW series more than enough, the bigger picture dictates that "changes" need to be made in order to stay competative not only in the market but also by following the needs and wants of operators around teh world.

the way I see it, when AI takes the time to get t-shirts or jackets or 31 flavors of skin colors added to teh line up that X amount of time and money used in areas other than ensuring my rifle is BOMB proof. If i want skins painted in Street Walker Red, I'll have it done at my level.

OK, now I'm rambling... it's lunch time.

 

[Doc1911]

Re: Accuracy International rifles everywhere on GB

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jbell</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I know this is a little off the subject but whats with the quality control at sig? I am a diehard 226-220 fan and have owned several...new and used. I havent experianced any probs w/ any of them. Can someone please bring me up to speed w/ their probs. </div></div>When I was a LEO I carried both the 220 and 226 often (when policy did not allow a 1911). At that time I enjoyed carrying their weapons. They were dependable and high quality, etc. I purchased some of each since and all had to be sent back, I received them back and sent a few of them back again .... I ended up selling all of them and prefer the HK series of pistols now ... Go to the SIG forum. There are several threads concerning multiple issues - depending on the model. That said I agree that W. German SIGS are still good at this time, but it is my understanding that they are doing away with some of the QC proceedures as well and 'may' soon follow suit with Exeter SIGs. Dan's Ammo is normally a great place to locate W German SIGs.

Now back to the topic -- TDECK thanks for the further explaination concerning AI.

 

[One-Eyed Jack]

Re: Accuracy International rifles everywhere on GB

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cpl Snafu</div><div class="ubbcode-body">AI has gone through some rough patches in the past that made it really hard to get stuff.

For those that don't know or don't remember, AI was in liquidation five years ago. Look where they are now. I'm no business man but their return has been spectacular. </div></div>

Good point, I had forgotten that. I think some manufacturers are projecting a larger market in the next year. IIRC, AI was looking for more dealers in the US to carry their products - presumably chassis systems and accessories that wouldn't require an FFL. Sometime this year, Ashbury International (another "AI" of sorts) will be offering its SABER-FORESST chassis systems to the likes of us. I don't know who will be able to sell them to us, but I am looking forward to a rifle using the Ashbury chassis in the next year. Frankly, it's great to see the optimism.

 

[3positionshooter]

Re: Accuracy International rifles everywhere on GB

I think it has alot more to do with the sinking economy and jobs market then anything else....some have purchased these and just lock them up, never shoot them and now when they need some cash they can break out an AI. I have a friend who knew he was getting divorced, he went to the casino and pulled out over 20k from his bank account. He didnt gamble .01, with that money he purchased several colt saa (2nd gen) and a mint python, anaconda, a beautiful beretta o/u and a couple more. When the divorce did happen, he had protected his liquid money by transfering it from cash to what appeared to be a loss at the casino into a nice collection. He now does what many do, when he needs some cash, off to g/b or g/a for posting....

 

[nolo263]

Re: Accuracy International rifles everywhere on GB

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Doc1911</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TDECK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">... I would really like to see AI make improvements on the AW instead of increased production. <span style="font-weight: bold"> A thousand dollars for a AW barrel with a cheap paint job sucks.</span> A better finish on the barrels, multi cam skins, and bipod deployment springs that are not hyper sensitive would be the right direction vs increased production in a rotten economy. How about a barrel change kit that doesnt cost a kings ransom? I hope AI doesnt travel the path of Sig Sauer. Sorry for the rant. </div></div>I have seen and shot a lot of AIs. I think all of them, but one, had AI barrels with an AI finish. I have yet to see one done poorly. They shoot ***so good*** that I am preparing to go spend 10K on one (including scope and accessories) this coming weekend (providing all goes as planned ...). However, I will check this out - as I'm not dropping 10k on poor craftsmanship. Do you have pics of their poor craftsmanship?

As far as bi-pods - I'm getting Atlas (though I understand AI is working on some changes ... and they use to be considered the best in the industry) and as far as multi-cam skins - that is only a personal preference - one I'm not interested in.

I do agree with you on SIGs - QC is now customer based instead of at the factory. I no longer purchase them .... if AI ever went this way... but I have yet to see any evidence of this. </div></div>


I have a AW that has crappy paint. It looks different than the other AI's I have seen. The finish is rougher and the proof marks, caliber symbol is different. I guess mine was done in a hurry or something. Mine came from Tac Pro. My rifle also does not shoot as well as my buddies. Now I am not saying it does not shoot. But I sold a Crusader for my AI and the Crusader was freaking amazing. It will hold about .5 moa but my buddies will hold around .3 all day and his has never been cleaned. Ever!!! I guess he got a really good one. Tac Pro also ripped us off on a barrel so watch out.

 

[kmhamlin]

Re: Accuracy International rifles everywhere on GB

I'm new to the forum and just purchased an AI AE Mark I from Snipers4Dummies. I'm really looking forward to the weapon as it will be my first rifle other than my AR build. I'm reading lots of posts and saw this one. I'm actually using the housing stipend from Post 9/11 GI Bill to pay for this and likely an AW next year. Not only are they going to pay for college but my shooting hobby as well. I used a SIG P226 for the last 6 or so years. Never really had any issues with it. It was issue while I was in the Navy. Anyway, my thoughts are they are trying to use mass media to move out a few rifles from 2009 and realize gunbroker gets a bunch of hits.

 

[txlimey]

Re: Accuracy International rifles everywhere on GB

It looks like many of the postings on Gunbroker are from SRT Supply. They sell here in the Commercial Vendor Section. I guess they must have just taken delivery of a batch from AI.

Mr Bubbles, welcome to the forum, and congratulations on the AIAE purchase from S4D. I have had my AIAE for years and love it.

 

[sickeness]

Re: Accuracy International rifles everywhere on GB

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TDECK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
My point about the bipod is they could simply use heavier springs that would keep the bipod feet from accidently deploying. This is really annoying and could be easily and cheaply fixed with heavier springs.

</div></div>

Not true.
I replaced the springs on my AI bipod with much heavier ones and if anything it made the bipod deployment even more sensitive. The reason is that there is less "give" in the harder springs so the slightest pressure will set them off. The way you would fix this is by cutting the locking catch piece at a sharper angle that will 'catch' the notches better.

 

[TDECK]

Re: Accuracy International rifles everywhere on GB

So much for the easy fix I had in mind. Does any one know what bipod some of the Brits use that looks like a Harris bipod without the long springs on the side of the bipod legs? It also fits right into the AW bipod spigot. These bipods also look very simple and light. I will try to find a picture and post it in a new thread.

 

[cg_wilson2003]

Re: Accuracy International rifles everywhere on GB

I checked about a week ago and there were 3. All I have to say is wow.

 

[Doc1911]

Re: Accuracy International rifles everywhere on GB

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nolo263</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a AW that has crappy paint. It looks different than the other AI's I have seen. The finish is rougher and the proof marks, caliber symbol is different. I guess mine was done in a hurry or something. Mine came from Tac Pro. My rifle also does not shoot as well as my buddies. Now I am not saying it does not shoot. But I sold a Crusader for my AI and the Crusader was freaking amazing. It will hold about .5 moa but my buddies will hold around .3 all day and his has never been cleaned. Ever!!! I guess he got a really good one. Tac Pro also ripped us off on a barrel so watch out. </div></div>This is unfortunate. It is also unfortunate that AI DID NOT step up to the plate and make the rifle right (I am assuming you contacted Stacey at AI). Well, I guess I will need to visually inspect the AI before I take delivery (by pics or in person). I have never heard of a complaint like this from Mile High or SRT Supply.

Do you have pics?

 

[SRT_Supply]

Re: Accuracy International rifles everywhere on GB

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It looks like many of the postings on Gunbroker are from SRT Supply. They sell here in the Commercial Vendor Section. I guess they must have just taken delivery of a batch from AI.</div></div>

Correct.

Many people visit Gunbroker as a resource to look for and purchase firearms (I know I certainly do), and for far too long they've been unavailable simply because no one's really been offering them up for sale.

Quite a few firearms enthusiasts and serious shooters are not terribly internet-savy, and aren't aware of the resources available online like the Hide. On the other hand, many more people <span style="font-weight: bold">do</span> know of Gunbroker, just like eBay.

There's no major change in the market, or sudden shift in supply or demand - we're just trying to make sure that a larger segment of shooters out there can see and access AI's product.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The AI barrels are very high quality. The finish is applied evenly with no imperfections. My point is that I have rifles that cost 1/12 of the cost of my AW that have much a much better finish material and process applied on the barrel such as a phosphate finish. I assume AI does not consider this a priority because their barrels are made of stainless steel and are inherently weather resistant. I am pretty easy on my equipment but find my self having to touch up the barrel because of small shiny areas where the paint has chipped off.

My point about the bipod is they could simply use heavier springs that would keep the bipod feet from accidently deploying. This is really annoying and could be easily and cheaply fixed with heavier springs.

It kind of bums me out when I see AI moving on to new designs and increased production without fixing some of their deficiencies. Your correct in stating that the increased production is an assumption on my part. Maybe AI is working on improvements but it sure is taking them along time for some easy fixes.
</div></div>

I've yet to see an AI barrel rusting up or severely damaged. Phosphating is all well and good-some people prefer it, some people don't-but the current process works exceedingly well.

As for the bipod, I hesitate to speak directly for AI on this one, but I <span style="font-weight: bold">do</span> know that they're aware of potential areas for improvement in that regard. Patience

Overall, AI is doing a damn good job with quality - as evidenced by the nature and type of issues raised here. There's virtually no one else out there who can come close to doing what they've been achieving. And there's been a truly <span style="font-weight: bold">huge</span> amount of development work and new products being created lately.

 

[hill 300]

Re: Accuracy International rifles everywhere on GB

the successor to the ai g-22,the g-22a1 uses a harris bipod,at least based upon photos that appeared in spec op magazine in an aricle on german sniping equipment

 

[rundm]

Re: Accuracy International rifles everywhere on GB

I don't know about the aw but my ae is a dream come true for me. I have several accurate rifles but the 308 ae that I have will shoot continuous .25s at 200 if I do my job and load right. I have shot several other groups that were not as good as that but I loaded them on my dillon instead of loading on my rcbs press. Do not know if that was all the reason but I know it was part of it. Anyways the fit and finish of mine is steller. The paint on the barrel is flawless and seems to be really hard and tough. All the markings on mine are great. I do not like the fact that accessories are so expensive but then I use alternatives to them. If I want another barrel, I am sending it to GAP to get another one installed on mine. I might do a 260 or 243 for dtac's here before long. Have been hearing good things about them. I would have loved to been able to go for an aw but did not see the benefit of them over the ae. I don't know how they could be anymore accurate then what I have right now. RG