Accuracy International Ltd | England
The New AX rifle shown at the Shot Show 2010, Las Vegas
The Accuracy International AX series rifles displayed at SHOT 2010 generated an enormous amount of interest and positive buzz. Many people obviously know that these rifles were developed to meet the requirements of the original USSOCOM solicitation number H92222-09-PSR2. What is not well known is the fact that many features of the AX series rifles have been in development at Accuracy International for some time, and the PSR provided the impetus for bringing many of these features together to create a rifle of new capability, which will also fulfill the requirements of the PSR. Here, we will begin to have a look at some of the details of the AX series rifles.
The Action and Magazines:
Starting with proven accuracy and dependability, the AX series rifles are derived from the basic DNA of the AW series rifles. This means that even though these new rifles have many advanced features, they can be depended on to deliver the same toughness, reliability, and superb accuracy of past Accuracy International sniper rifles.
When Accuracy International became involved with Lapua in the 1980s in the development of the 338 Lapua Magnum, the AW action was lengthened to accommodate the larger case and a 250 grain bullet. The bolt head, locking ring, and extractor were also revised to work with the increased size and pressures of 338 LM round. The larger diameter of the 338 LM case necessitated a 5-round single stack magazine, where the AW 7.62 had a true double stack 10-round magazine.
As good as the original AWSM action has been, like many other rifles, it was initially developed for smaller cartridges, and then modified as newer requirements were presented. By contrast, the AX Magnum action represents a new and more capable foundation, having been developed specifically for the 338 LM class cartridges. While still maintaining the flat bottom design of the AW, the new AX Magnum action is both longer, and wider providing the necessary real estate to accommodate true double stack 10-round magazines.
Why a flat bottom action and double stack magazines? While the cost efficiencies of making a round action from round bar stock are very tempting to all rifle manufacturers, Accuracy International does not believe these cost savings and related compromises are acceptable in a front-line military weapon system. Foremost among those compromises is the necessity of feeding the rounds up to a single point due to the narrower magazine aperture in the round action. Single-point feed magazines give very reliable feeding, but have a much higher space requirement for the number of rounds held, and cannot be reloaded through the port. While round actions can be made to accept true double row magazines, they must be severely cut away, thus losing critical strength and rigidity. The flat bottom design is more costly to produce, but allows for a wide magazine aperture while maintaining high strength and rigidity. Double stack magazines provide the most compact, reliable and efficient means to reload and feed bolt action sniper rifles. The AX can be reloaded from the low prone position without raising the butt of the rifle. This means the operator can maintain the sight system on target and reload without disturbance to the system. The AX double stack magazine can also be topped up by inserting a single round at a time through the ejection port, and can be loaded and fired singly by the same method. This is a great advantage in situations that may not require a full mag change, or when the operator wants to maintain a full magazine after firing one or two shots. This feature also allows the operator to insert special purpose rounds as the situation may require. Like all Accuracy International magazines, the AX magazine is a military grade metal component that undergoes a surface toughening, multi-part anti-corrosive, and anti-friction finishing process. The results are everything you have come to expect from Accuracy International magazines. Simply perfection.
The AX Magnum action also features a larger diameter bolt, bolt head, locking ring, and barrel tenon providing a significant increase in strength and ability to manage high temperatures and high-pressure situations. Endurance testing has shown a vastly improved ability to extract sticky cases, even when there has been considerable flowing of brass and blown primers. The increased wall thickness of the barrel tenon maintains the brass case within it elastic range even with severely over pressure loads. This is a primary cause of sticky or stuck 338 LM cases with smaller actions, where the case stretches beyond its yield point and is then gripped very tightly in the chamber.
Also new in the AX Magnum action is the adoption of the virtually failure proof AW 7.62 leaf spring style extractor. This extractor can be removed and reinstalled by the operator with only a bullet point or tip of a small screwdriver. The bolt construction is also significantly revised, allowing removal of the bolt head from the bolt body with very simple hand tools. Cartridge/caliber changes can be accomplished by the change of a bolt head or complete bolt assembly. The interior of the bolt is also revised with a safety feature that will prevent the rifle from firing on a partially closed bolt. The firing train and safety system are otherwise carried over from the battle proven AW series rifles. The safety is the familiar three-position system that will allow removal of loaded rounds with complete safety, or lock the bolt from rotation and firing for rapid mobility. The firing pin assembly can be removed for cleaning and maintenance without any tools.
The trigger mechanism is the familiar, reliable and battle proven two-stage unit from the AW rifles. New however is an adjustable trigger shoe, which can move fore and aft ½ inch. Combined with the adjustable handgrip on the chassis system, this feature allows virtually all users to achieve a perfect fit.