When it comes to AI guns there are three basic styles: O-ring, Push-On and Spiral. When selecting an AI gun it is important to match the gun with the type of AI sheath that will be used - either with a 'slit' or 'un-slit' top end. Not all guns work with all styles of sheaths.
O-ring style guns the extreme top outer section of the barrel flares out to hold the sheath. This type of gun works with 'slit' sheaths. Slide the sheath onto the gun and the sheath will expand as it slides onto the flared section of the barrel. A plastic O-ring is then slid over the sheath and wedged onto the flared area to hold the sheath in place.
The 'Push-On' style gun (POGO™ as in "Push On & Go") has a rised rib around the circumference of the barrel at the top outer section. Use an un-slit sheath with POGO style AI guns, slide the sheath over the barrel and then push the sheath up over the rib, holding it in place.
Spiral style gun has a rib that twists in a spiral around the circumference of the barrel at the top outer section to expand and hold the sheath in place. Un-slit sheaths work best with spiral style AI guns, insert the sheath with a slight twisting motion to thread the sheath onto the spiral.
Our Dual-Mate™ AI guns will work with both 1/4cc and 1/2cc straws and must be used with insert-style sheaths (blue =un-slit and green = slit) for proper seating of the straw. These AI guns are available in the O-ring style, POGO style and Spiral style.
The standard length AI gun used in cattle is 18" in length, these are sometimes referred to as "French-style" guns. A longer 21" Dual-Mate™ gun is also available for larger animals and can be used for both AI and ET applications with the proper sheath. See the "ET Guns" section of the website for reference.
