I'm trying to convince myself that I don't need one of these. I've never even touched one. I'm not sure why I want one so bad.
I don’t
need one. Not even close. A Terminus Zeus quick-change action would give me what I want for much less. Add wrench flats on the barrel, a BnA trigger, and done.
I could afford the AX and thought they were cool, so I gave it a shot. Have a AX in 6br. Pretty fun.
Don’t put one on a credit card!
Note I’m not saying a Zeus etc is as tough as an AX. I’m saying for my lazy flabby-ass, a Zeus would suffice just fine (as would a Tikka and most any action with appropriate barrel changing tools).
You probably won’t be blown away by the bolt cycling. While it does glide back/forth (so do Tikkas), opening the bolt reminds me a bit (just a bit) of switching a Jeep from 2x2 to 4x4 (or 4-high to 4-low lol). Agricultural is the word that comes to mind.
But solid. Reaaal solid bolt close and solid all around. Recoils right straight back in a way that’s different than my excellent KRG W3. Maybe it’s just that my 204 is in my W3 (lower-recoiling). Can’t put my finger on the appropriate recoil description/differentiator.
Stock AX trigger is very good. I haven’t adjusted it. A bit heavier than my BnA TacSport Pro but just as nice feeling to me.
Ergos are different than a W3 or regular stock. I needed way higher rings, and on the AX I wish the cheekpiece would move more laterally right (right-hander) so I could get my head straighter.
If you have the cash, do it. What attracted me to it was it was just done. Shipped in a day and no “building” or waiting for a gunsmith. MH had my 6br barrel in stock. Added a thumbrest, that’s it.