AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

[bm11]

I talked to Dianne on the phone at Mile High shooting yesterday, and she gave me some interesting info.

I was asking about barrel change kits and barrels, and apparently, you need to get them directly from AI now (they don't sell to distributors.) Furthermore, if I was understanding her correctly, they require you to attend an AI armorers course before they'll sell the stuff to you.

This doesn't mean you can't get an action wrench elsewhere, a barrel vise elsewhere, or have someone else finish a barrel for your AI. It just means the stuff is a little harder to get a hold of.

FYI

 

[Bacarrat]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

This has been covered several times by LL already.

 

[Lowlight]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

Not only several times but in a thread you responded in...

Barrel wrench = ThunderBeast Arms sells one.

Barrel vise = Brownells

Go / No Go Gauges = Brownells / think Forster

It's not rocket science it turning a wrench with the proper torque.

Over complicating the issue seems to be a common theme with some.

 

[bm11]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Not only several times but in a thread you responded in...

Barrel wrench = ThunderBeast Arms sells one.

Barrel vise = Brownells

Go / No Go Gauges = Brownells / think Forster

It's not rocket science it turning a wrench with the proper torque.

Over complicating the issue seems to be a common theme with some. </div></div>Don't think I was complicating things. I have seen it advised a number of times to get an AI barrel change kit. You yourself were the one who advised me to get in contact with Mile High. Mile High tells me I need to see AI directly now, they can no longer sell them, per AI policy.

I highlighted in my thread that the parts are available aftermarket and elsewhere, I was just making it known to people that AI no longer will sell the kits. Mile High does carry an action wrench.

I wasn't trying to stir up anything, just make people more informed.

 

[ROLEXrifleman]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

Leave him alone LL,

He's just happy he finally got himself a big boy rifle!

bm11,

do us a favor though, start one thread and title it, "Every Question you ever wanted answered about AI"

That way we can go to one spot each and every time to give you hell.... and answer a question or two

 

[Lowlight]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

It is advisable to take the AI Armorers Course if you plan on wrenching on your rifle. That is first and foremost, especially for people who have such trouble with the basics.

The fact AI has changed the policy for the kit is understandable. At our Armorers course we saw a trigger the was completely ruined by it's previous owner. Stacey rebuild it completely for the new owner. It is one of the simplest most effective designs, and here an "owner" ruined it.

There are more than one barrel change kits as stated. You don't have to use AI, and Mile High did have the wrench. They also educated you on the recommended course of actipon for new owners of AI rifles. How you use that education is up to you . You can wing
It or you can take the course, I took the course. The AW manual is a 3" binder, I find it a worthwhile investment

You can go the Brownells route for less than the price of the course alone, or you can stick with AI that is your choice. I point people towards AI. I also took the Course through Mile High, who knowing how busy Stacey is, is probably an easier phone call. What you do is up to you, you can read Zak describe it and look at the pictures, or you learn how it is done correctly, it's only a $6000 rifle, for some it's no big deal, you might be one of those.

 

[bm11]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

Certainly it is a big investment for me! For me, it would be a lot more than a $350 (the rough estimate that Dianne gave me) for the armorers course, being in Maine I would most likely have to fly somewhere to do it, which means time away from work, and probably a plane ticket and hotel rooms.

I'm not sure why everyone is giving me a hard time about posting this though, I didn't realize it was common knowledge. I had a thread about the AW before I purchased it, and everyone said "owner replaceable barrels with an AI barrel change kit." Also "you can order an AI barrel and replace it yourself without getting it sent out." No one highlighted that AI won't sell you the kit without taking a course, nor did anyone mention that taking the course was advisable if you were to do it.

I'm not complaining, just looking to share the knowledge I've been gaining through doing a lot of research, so that the next person interested in an AW can make a better decision. "Owner replaceable barrel" gets thrown around a lot here when discussing AW's. "Taking an armorers course so that you are proficient in doing so" doesn't get talked about nearly as much.

I knew you had taken the course Lowlight, I didn't know why. I might end up taking the course, especially if it is available within driving distance. That being said, my purpose in this thread was only to inform everyone a bit better (not you because you know this stuff) because I don't think everyone here knows all this.

Thanks,

-Bob

 

[Lowlight]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

People didn't just say, "the AI Barrel Change Kit" it is absolutely common knowledge you can use TBAC Action Wrench...

and it is an "owner replaceable" operation that doesn't require it being sent out... but <span style="text-decoration: underline">it does require tools</span> !

Who's <span style="font-weight: bold">tools</span> you decide to use and how much you want to spend is an individual decision. You can go the Brownells route -- but just because say, "AI Change Kit" doesn't mean that is all there is... use some common sense.

A gunsmith can make an AI barrel without sending the rifle in, but most "prefer " you send in the rifle because the markings won't line up. With anything there are caveats - its about understanding the caveats. Just because GAP will send me a barrel for an AI doesn't mean they will send you one. It depends on your level of understanding, because why would they want to field a customer service call because you missed the part where now the caliber marking is now underneath your rifle, and not on the side.

An action wrench and barrel vise is all you need to change it, I use $45 Forster Go / No Go gauges because AI gauges are $350, but I still have their change kit, and I have since my first AI rifle back in the day. But I have also changed my barrel with no barrel vise, I just used a vise with pipe jaws and a piece of leather.

I mentioned this in the SAKO TRG thread, you can use other products that do the same thing... you just happen to be fixated on the AI part of it. A barrel vise is a Barrel vise, but the action wrench should be made for an AI, which TBAC makes and has promoted on here many times.

The easy route is going directly to AI... otherwise I have to run the google search for you to point out which vise, which gauges, which torque wrench, what's a NM, how many ft pounds is that...

User replaceable means the user understands what the hell they are doing, most who do, realize you can buy a barrel vise and action wrench from Brownells and do the same thing as the AI Kit at quarter of the price.

Do you even know what the Torque value is ? or is that Tomorrows Post ?

 

[ROLEXrifleman]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> what's a NM,</div></div>

That's an easy one............... National Match!




I crack myself up!

 

[Goldbeachman]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

Whoa! So complicated. I'm thinking of canceling my AW order right now. Man I hope Milehighshooting.com is open on Saturday.

Or not. BTW, those guys are great, thanks Diann and Randy!

I'm worried about this thread....only <span style="color: #6633FF">Lady Gaga</span> could save it now.

 

[bm11]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Do you even know what the Torque value is ? or is that Tomorrows Post ? </div></div>Tomorrows post! Actually, if you want to give it to me now, I'll take it!

In all seriousness, I didn't mean to get anyone's panties in a bunch. I certainly don't regret my purchase, I love my rifle. I am a ways away from needing a new barrel, but by the time I do, I'll know everything I need to know to change it, and will have all the parts in stock. If that means going to an AI armorers course, or reading Zak's article, I'm not sure yet.

I certainly appreciate all the knowledge you have to bring to the table Lowlight.

I hope this thread didn't sound like a complaint, because it wasn't meant to be. I certainly didn't mean for it to be annoying, and I had no idea this was common knowledge.

-Bob

 

[MinorDamage]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

Dude,

Save the money you are thinking about using on a barrel change kit and shoot that damn rifle.

I think LL even once stated, "for F#$k sake, go out and shoot." Less computer...more range time.

Josh

 

[bm11]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

I'm doing my computer research while I'm at work, and shooting every spare minute I can!

I'm committed to getting good at this, hell, I bought 1800 rounds of Gold Medal Match and just started stocking up on reloading supplies, I think I'm set up pretty well!

I actually made it to the range for four hours or so on Wednesday, and am heading there for another four hours or so tomorrow. In between, I have been practicing on my floor as much as I can. I even stuck a 1/4 inch dot on my neighbors house for floor dry fire practice!

 

[flyboy]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bm11</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm doing my computer research while I'm at work... </div></div>

So you admitting your a bad employee?

 

[bm11]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: flyboy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bm11</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm doing my computer research while I'm at work... </div></div>

So you admitting your a bad employee? </div></div>No one gives a shit. I'm the top performing salesman at 175 person, 5 building autogroup. I could show up to work naked and get away with it if I was still selling cars.

I'm not on "the companies time" when I'm on my computer. I'm only making money for myself when I'm making money for the company!

 

[MinorDamage]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bm11</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: flyboy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bm11</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm doing my computer research while I'm at work... </div></div>

So you admitting your a bad employee? </div></div>No one gives a shit. I could show up to work naked and get away with it if I was still selling cars.</div></div>

Hyperbole notwithstanding...try the above. I'll be looking for the news headlines.

Josh

 

[bm11]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

Don't lie, you'll be looking for the pictures.

 

[flyboy]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bm11</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: flyboy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bm11</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm doing my computer research <span style="font-weight: bold">while I'm at work</span>... </div></div>

So you admitting your a bad employee? </div></div>No one gives a shit. I'm the top performing salesman at 175 person, 5 building autogroup. I could show up to work naked and get away with it if I was still selling cars.

I'm not on "the companies time" when I'm on my computer. I'm only making money for myself when I'm making money for the company! </div></div>

Lets try this again. So if you worked the whole time, the company would be making more money? And there's a problem with what I said why?

 

[Lowlight]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

Okay, give it up on what he does with his job... it's none of your business how he earns his dough.

I would drop it if you don't have anything to add to the topic at hand.

Where is Pete C ?

 

[bm11]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: flyboy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Lets try this again. So if you worked the whole time, the company would be making more money? And there's a problem with what I said why?

</div></div>I didn't have a problem with what you said at all, and I didn't mean to sound pissy (I wasn't offended.) But you need to understand that in the car sales business there is downtime. A lot of guys spend it talking about how bad things are, and they have a bad attitude that carries over when they talk to the next customer I get. I stay out of that mindset by occupying my mind with online research that interests me, so that when I have an opportunity for a sale, I can go at it with a fresh attitude. You assumed that I was a bad employee by wasting company time, but I am a commissioned salesman, I could hang out there 24 hours a day and it wouldn't cost them a cent more. They only pay me when I make them money (sell something,) so it doesn't cost them a penny when I am doing this.

 

[bm11]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

And I didn't mean to be reduntant at all in this thread. I like to do research, and I love to know everything about everything. I do take the risk of posting up something that's been discussed from time to time every time I post something, but that is the case with every topic on every discussion board. If we no longer discussed topics that had been discussed before, this board wouldn't have that many new topics, people wouldn't come around so much, and sponsorship would drop. This is a discussion board, people shouldn't be discouraged from discussing.

I feel very fortunate to be a member here, and I certainly am new and have something to learn. When I learned something today that I didn't realise was commonplace knowledge, I was excited to give back and share.

That's all I was trying to do!

-Bob

 

[BLANKSGUNS]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

Well, if you need assistance, ask me, email, pm or call. We have barrels coming in, they are going out just as fast. I will be glad to assist.

 

[savage110]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MinorDamage</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Dude,

Save the money you are thinking about using on a barrel change kit and shoot that damn rifle.

I think LL even once stated, "for F#$k sake, go out and shoot." Less computer...more range time.

Josh </div></div>
Amen, the guys been here and for a month and has 600 posts....

 

[deadly0311]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

He has actually been here for 2 months

just sayin. PM strictlyRUM and see if he has any spare M2008 action wrenches laying around.....75 bucks and they work just fine in the AWs

 

[savage110]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: deadly0311</div><div class="ubbcode-body">He has actually been here for 2 months

just sayin. PM strictlyRUM and see if he has any spare M2008 action wrenches laying around.....75 bucks and they work just fine in the AWs
</div></div>
Haha I noticed that after I posted.

 

[savage110]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

Another note is if you dont take the armorers course and change barrels you lose your warranty, atleast thats what I was told...

 

[tomirwin]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

As Scott is away this week I will step in and add something on this subject.
We now have a facility in Fredericksburg, VA. We import and distribute from there now and we will be doing final assembly of rifles before the end of the year. We also offer service and support for our products which includes barrel change. Not everyone needs a barrel change kit as they do not change barrels on a regular basis. We now offer that service to users and it will be quick. We also offer user maintenance courses which will be held in Fredericksburg several times a year and also at our distributors.
These services are new to the USA and intended to provide better support than before. As Stacey said earlier, call or e-mail our office. We will be posting contact numbers for Service. You can contact us directly.
It is true we are selling certain parts and services directly and not through distributors and it is best to contact our office in Fredericksburg to get carification.
You can still buy a barrel directly from AI without going to a course.
I know Snipers Hide is a good place to find out information but it is also a good idea to go to the source.
As far as warranty is concerned AI gone above and beyond the normally quoted 12 month warranty. If there is something wrong whioh is a design or workmanship problem we have rectified tat in the past regardless of the age. If, however, someone does their own work and causes damage then that is a different story, even if it is a day old. When you see some of the things people can do it is easy to understand why we are offering the services we now offer.
AI is a different copmpany than it was 6 years ago. We have significantly improved delivery performance, held prices, improved quality of product, introduced new products and service. We are not there yet and what you see in the USA is just another step towards providing our customers with not only the best product but the best service as well.

Tom Irwin
President of AINA and Director of AI

 

[Zak Smith]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What you do is up to you, you can read Zak describe it and look at the pictures, or you learn how it is done correctly</div></div>
I'm not sure how I got in this, especially in that context. Look, we sell an action wrench, but we specifically say that <span style="font-style: italic">"This action wrench is intended for use by qualified armorers only"</span> and <span style="font-style: italic">we do not include instructions on how to use it</span>. This in on purpose. <span style="font-weight: bold">I do not want to be in the business of telling people how to work on their AI rifles. That's AI's business.</span> We make a wrench because the AI kit (which I own one of) is incomprehensibly expensive for what you get. Our wrench is not identical, and it is easier to use with common US torque wrenches.

To put the issue in perspective, when I bought my AI barrel change kit from TACPRO, there were no armorer classes. Bill Davison gave me a briefing over the phone with emphasis on a few points. Between my various AI rifles I've probably changed my own barrels a dozen times. My wrench has done the rounds of people who wanted to borrow it to switch out a barrel (not under my direction- they just asked to borrow kit - their business), again this was before armorer classes were available, and nobody had any issues.

I had a long discussing with Scott @ AINA a couple months ago about how a friend of mine could obtain a particular part (but that's another story), and I think their general direction is good, even if there have been some glitches with the process and from the customers' perspective, things have changed a bit.

 

[bm11]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

I should add to this that since the start of this thread in July, things have changed. I talked to Stacey at AI, and they are again offering barrels (I ordered one) and change kits.

For everyone giving me shit about shooting- in the 2.5 months I have owned my AW, I have put close to 2,000 rounds down the tube. My barrel will have to be replaced sooner or later, might as well be prepared when the time comes.

I now am.

 

[Simon Templar]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

They are just jealous cause they can´t change barrel themselves

If you have the money and know what you want – buy it and to hell with the haters.

 

[bm11]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lill-rambo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">They are just jealous cause they can´t change barrel themselves

If you have the money and know what you want – buy it and to hell with the haters.
</div></div>I am! Piecing together the kit actually. I already had a torque wrench, I picked up an Al Story barrel vise (very nice,) just need to find a reasonably priced action wrench now!

 

[desertHK]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

Did you order that from AI? If so, can you tell me roughly how much for the barrel vice?

 

[bm11]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DesertHK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Did you order that from AI? If so, can you tell me roughly how much for the barrel vice? </div></div>No, I bought used from a member here, but this is the link to them new: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=350470

 

[jbell]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

bm11 I have a great idea, this will solve all the confusion and problems for you. Ill trade you a almost new TRG22 for that pos AI (I heard it shoots pretty good).

Find me a damn action wrench for my TRG that dosent clamp to the out side of the action ... thats a challenge.

Good luck bro.

 

[Jer]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jbell</div><div class="ubbcode-body">bm11 I have a great idea, this will solve all the confusion and problems for you. Ill trade you a almost new TRG22 for that pos AI (I heard it shoots pretty good).

Find me a damn action wrench for my TRG that dosent clamp to the out side of the action ... thats a challenge.

Good luck bro. </div></div>

If you're trading it because you don't have a source for an action wrench... may want to hold onto it for a bit.

 

[jbell]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

Jer not to hijack this thread but do you have a source for one?
Im just busting his nuts, that AI shoots!

 

[Jer]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jbell</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Jer not to hijack this thread but do you have a source for one?
Im just busting his nuts, that AI shoots! </div></div>

I've already said too much. lol Stay tuned....

 

[stefan73]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

Keep me informed also if you don't mind!
I know Lil had one made and it works great for him.
But yes, keep us up to date!

 

[bm11]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

Haha, jbell and I shoot together from time to time. His trg-22 shoots well as well, he just knows how torn up I was by deciding between the AW and the TRG.

 

[Simon Templar]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

Why is it a killer? you mean the price for shipping?

 

[stefan73]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

Bm I remember your post asking about the TRG.

 

[stefan73]

Re: AI barrel change kit and AI barrels update...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lill-rambo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why is it a killer? you mean the price for shipping? </div></div>

Correction, for some reason I was confused between your post and another. I went back and looked and you wrote that shipping varies from around $50-90 which in all honesty isn't that bad.

My mistake!