Thanks for your feedback and observations on the AXSR. Regarding the smoother bolt feel, I wonder how different the new bolt design is beyond removing the 3pos safety. I’m very happy with my AT and AX but you’ve got me wanting to add an AXSR to the mix.
The SR has larger/wider locking lugs than the MC, and the lug radius that cams the lugs into the locking ring of the receiver is a lot smoother and more rounded as opposed to an almost straight 45 degree cut on the older guns.
The firing pin also has a little L-shaped step which interfaces with a cut in the right side of the action (see pics below), which is what I assume to be a way to keep the cocking piece from rotating into the left side of the action on bolt opening/cocking like on previous guns.
That essentially means less force going somewhere other than directly into the bolt handle, which makes the gun easier to cock.
I didn't engineer this thing, but that makes the most sense to me.
Science yo.