• Watch Out for Scammers!

    We've now added a color code for all accounts. Orange accounts are new members, Blue are full members, and Green are Supporters. If you get a message about a sale from an orange account, make sure you pay attention before sending any money!

Would an AX.308 be good for me?

N

noobifier123

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 4, 2013
7
0
I am new to precision shooting and live in CT, however I have significant experience shooting trap and skeet as well as pheasant, quail, etc with a 12/20 gauge. Money is not a problem. I am 6'3'' and weigh about 200lbs and I am in good shape if that makes any difference. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks!
 
You really need to get behind one and get a feel for it because it truly is a love or hate for the ergonomics. It is probably the most reliable and durable bolt action in the world so there shouldn't be any concern there. Also your physical size is irrelevant, just look at Franks stature, and he uses AI.


PS: no insult meant there Frank, just pointing out that if you truly like a weapon system you'll learn to adapt to its characteristics in order to use it. :)
 
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

What AEROMec. says. I have both the AX and the AWP and love both, but the ergo is completely different. The good news is that I shoot both pretty well and sold off all my other rifles.
 
thanks for the replies, so besides the ergonomics, you think it would be good for someone new to bolt guns and precision shooting?
 
almost sounds like you are making a really big jump. you mention no rifle experience. you may just want to start with a 22 for a year, and shoot at a shorter range until you have your technique down.
a cz 455 V comes to mind

an AX is going to hold value if you do get one a decide to change. but I would try before you buy if at all possible.
 
I would say for most its not an issue of being new to bolt action rifles, its just that for many AIAX is a little more than most are willing/able to spend. The only thing you might have trouble with is showing up to the range and other people expecting you to be able to hit something after spending all that money. As my dad use to say when I was a young kid and we would get our new sports uniforms "well at least you will look good losing" In other words, equipment does not make the shooter. Yes it can help in certain situations but don't get too bent when someone with a rifle at 1/10 the cost shoots circles around you. If it was up to me, I would recommend a moderately priced rifle and see if you even like doing this type of shooting. As money is no object, take the time to learn what you do and don't like in a rifle platform and then if you are still into shooting after a year or so, then go crazy and spend the cash. Just remember, the rifle is only one small expense in this type of shooting and a fully equipped AIAX may set you back 10K depending upon what you purchase. Most are just going to tell you that if you have the money then go for it. JMHO
 
noobifier123 said:
thanks for the replies, so besides the ergonomics, you think it would be good for someone new to bolt guns and precision shooting?
Click to expand...

The AX is an excellent rifle & when paired with a great scope such as a Schmidt & Bender 5-25x56, it is a world class setup. The accuracy and reliability are outstanding.

That being said, it is a big heavy gun that is well suited to prone shooting or bench shooting. It is not the greatest gun for carrying around hunting & doing most of your shots offhand.
It is however one of the best guns if you plan to run it hard in very bad conditions, as it was designed for rough use.

GA Precision (GAP) makes excellent rifles, especially if you want more of a hunting rifle / hiking rifle.
If you plan to do a bunch of the "tactical" matches where everyone wants you to run and gun and shoot from odd positions, the AX / AE / AW may not be the best and a GAP rifle with a more traditional stock may serve you better.

If you can let us know what you would like to do with your rifle, we could probably help you a bit more.
 
My two $.02: If you want to get into precision shooting, you must have an accurate rifle. That being said, you picked a very accurate rifle. So, yes it would act well as a long range precision rifle.

If money if of no real concern, then I would say buy the very best you can afford now and skip the "learner" rifles. This will be cheaper in the long run.

A lot of forum members are active or retired military, law enforcement, etc. and use rifles as tools in their job. For these patriots, they need a certain type of setup as their equipment must be able to withstand the worst conditions. Something like the AX308 fits in this category. While I don't know anything about your background, I can only assume you are not buying for tactical situations, rather the enjoyment of shooting tiny groups at ridiculous distances.

That being said, before making a decision, you may want to examine all your options by looking into some equipment more tailored to target/precision shooting. This may enable you to optimize your setup for the type of shooting you will be doing the majority of the time and result in more enjoyment. Please take this only as advice from someone who was in your shoes a few years ago and has "wasted" a lot of money figuring out what he really wanted, not as any type of criticism or attack. We all have our likes, dislikes, and no one setup is going to be right for everyone. I have learned a great deal from the experiences of other members, hopefully my experiences can give you some food for thought.

I will give you a personal example of money wasted.

The first scope I bought when I wanted to start shooting longer distances was a Mark 4 8-25 with the TMR. After shooting this scope for a year or so, I bought a VX3 8-25x50. What I came to find was I really preferred the VX3 w/ the target dot. My groups were just more consistent and I really favored an uncluttered reticle. While the TMR allowed me to make fast and accurate adjustments, I found target shooting didn't really require this feature. I am shooting at known distances and known target sizes. As such, I can still make accurate adjustments without using the reticle to measure. It appears the glass on both scopes is identical, seems like a lot of forum members have contacted Leupold technicians with this question. The Mark 4 is just able to withstand more abuse. But, a VX3 can withstand a ton abuse also-more than most will ever throw at it. The Mark 4 was almost $600 more with no increase in glass quality. Hindsight being 20/20 and all, I wish I would have invested in a higher quality optic with better glass and less tactical features--something like a Nightforce 8-32x56 Benchrest for example (retail $1286).

Also, just looking at pics of the stock, while very cool, it appears it would less than ideal for front rest/rear bag setup. Not sure if the picatinny rail extends along the 6 o clock position, but if it does, it may not ride a front rest very well. Again, I don't know what type of setup you prefer. I will say that I really like bi-pods with a heavy solid rear bag, for me, this provides a very stable platform. Many "tactical" shooters (mentioned above) don't necessarily have the ability to carry around a 10 lb. rear bag-hence the rear butt spike featured on the AX308.

I was guilty of buying into the "tacticool" hype and have been slowly replacing a lot of that equipment with stuff that is more conducive to the type of shooting I prefer. More often than not, the new stuff I am buying is cheaper than what it is replacing and I am much happier. i.e. who really needs Mark 4 rings on a bolt action 223. Replaced with Talley rings/mounts and it brought the scope down lower than any tactical ring available and is much lighter. Hope this gives you something to think about.

If, on the other hand, you want a sniper rifle, only read my first two paragraphs and buy the AX308. Best of luck!
 
The gun would be mainly for bench/prone shooting, I would not be carrying it much or running around with it. As mentioned earlier, I have a lot of experience with shotguns shooting trap/skeet and hunting but not much with rifles. I would be mostly just trying to become a better marksman.
 
Hoffmans might have one you can look at. It's a nice expensive rifle but you don't even know if you will like precision shooting?
Top it off with a good set of glass you are anywhere from $7500 to $8500 .

I guess you can sell it if long range isn't your thing

Where are you going to be shooting in CT ?
 
I live in the Greenwich area so I am looking for a place in that region but also I shoot clays at Sandononna (a branch of Orvis) which is in NY so there may be something around there as well. It would make sense too because that millbrook area would be perfect for a range.
 
Welcome to the hide by the way.

The reason I asked is my club has a 100 , 200 ,300 and 400 yard range set up with 6" , 8" and 12" steel plates. I'm on the other side of the state though.
That sometimes gets old , just no where to really shoot long distance in CT. I use to have access to some private land where I could shoot
out to 1200 yards but the owner leased it out to another farmer . So no more

Anyways you picked a great first long range rig if you decide to go that route.
 
Last edited:
My first high end rifle was a AIAE. I looked at the AW and the AX and for my needs did not think I needed to move up to those. Now that I have shot the AE for a few yrs, I think I made the best decision. I don't know how another rifle could be any more accurate or durable then the AE that I have. I don't do barrel changes so did not need that feature on the aw/ax, some people do. I also did not need the rail space as I don't put anything else on the gun besides optics. Since then, I have added some GAPS and also some Beanland rifles with surgeon actions. While I like those, I always take the AE out to the range to play with. Now that being said, I have been jonesing for one of those GAPS in the 6.5 SAUM. Might get one of those in the next couple of months.
 
noobifier123 said:
I would be mostly just trying to become a better marksman.
Click to expand...

A couple of other thoughts:

1. Consider buying a very accurate .22 in addition to a centerfire rifle, such as an anschutz. This will allow you do do a lot of "practice" shooting and really hone your skills.

2. Do you reload? Probably the best way to get the most accuracy from your rifle.

3. There are some great resources out there that can be very helpful. Bryan Litz has a couple books and a DVD set available. I have only read 'Applied Ballistics for Long Range Shooting' and found it full of useful information. I felt it provided a very solid base of information for precision long range shooting. Looking forward to reading/watching his other works. I purchased the DVD, 'Accuracy for the Precision Rifle' released by Magpul, but features Todd Hodnett. I think you would find this DVD very helpful and interesting as it covers many topics from the basics of how to hold a rifle (only shows prone), deal with wind, choose a scope and stock options (he really advocates the AX stock for tactical situations), and a whole lot more.

4. Many have had good luck with trued Remington 700 actions, but there are probably better ways to go, something like a Stiller Predator action with a nice barrel and McMillan stock would give you a dream rifle. Throw in a Jewell trigger and whatever type of bottom metal you prefer and you are probably at about 70% the price of the AX308. The Predator action is based on the Remington 700, but held to much tighter tolerances to optimize accuracy. There are also many other very good custom actions out there.

5. Do not skimp on good optics and mounts. They are link between what you see and where your bullet goes. If your scope can't hold zero or is moving in its mounts, you will never achieve acceptable results.

6. Work on the basics and hone your skills. There is no substitute for practice and experience. (see #1)

7. Most shooters at ranges are more than willing to answer your questions and help you in any way they can. The shooting community is pretty cool in that way. Most will even let you shoot their rifles, look through their scopes, etc. So, respectfully ask questions if you have access to public shooting ranges. Again, no forum response or magazine article can show your eye what a scope looks like or how a stock feels.

Good Luck, would be interested in knowing what you choose.
 
Yes, simple as that.

Start there and avoid all the rubbish the rest of us have had to go through before realising that is what we should have bought in the first place. Get one with the adjustable stock options, folder etc. Costs more but much more flexible and allows you to get the ergonomics sorted in a range of conditions.

You have a bigger range of options for quality rifles than we have over here, so there are other approaches. I wanted a quality rifle that works, keeps working and should something go wrong I am not at the back of the gunsmiths queue. I would still have bought an AX even if I had your choices.
 
Given the type of shooting you will be doing I say go for it. You will never question your equipment. The only caveat is the fit, as others have already mentioned. As for a high end 22 as a trainer to compliment this rifle, get one. I have one for multiple reasons; I can shoot 300 rounds in a session without $ going through my head, I can shoot as many rounds as I have time without feeling the effects of recoil, I can shoot it between strings with my high powered rifle to help the cool down periods go by more easily, and it forces me to pay extra close attention to the wind.

To echo Chanonry, in each of the types of rifle shooting I have enjoyed (small bore, military vintage, hunting rifles, air rifles, black rifles, precision rifles...) I made mistakes because I was a newb and wound up with a lot of stuff I wished I hadn't bought. Doing it right from the get-go is a much more economical, and satisfying, proposition.

Please let us know in which direction you go. Welcome to the Hide.
 
Last edited:
To quote a wise man: "If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."

If you get serious about rifle shooting, you'll either end up with one of these, or some fancy custom rifle; finances willing, why not just skip all the intermediate steps?

The only caveat I would offer relates to ergonomics. You really need to get behind one of these - or at least something in an AX chassis (even if it's just a plain-jane Remington 700) to see if you can get comfortable behind the rifle. Any multipurpose rifle is likely to present some compromises in certain situations, so the challenge is to find something that is the best fit (not to be confused with a perfect fit) for your intended use profile.

BTW, your timing is quite fortuitous; if you call either Mile High Shooting or Euro Optic (both of which are Hide sponsors), you will find some pretty good discounts on the AX right now. Mile High also has some absolutely insane deals on demo rifles.
 
OP, if money is not a problem go for it. I will offer this bit of advise, if you go the AI route you'll be spoiled in a manner that no other rifle will fill that void if you part with it. I own a 308 AX. In starting out with the AI you'll pretty much eliminate any equipment issues as you learn. If you miss, it's you and not the rifle. I am a carbine/pistol guy and since buying mine I promise this would be the last firearm next to my P30 that I would part with.

It is a heavy gun and the AX looks like it would be difficult to get comfortable behind but it is not. I run a local 3 gun match and used my AX as a part of the match one day. I had ~ 50 men, women, and children fire it and not one single negative word spoken. Infact I thought I was going to end up fighting a couple dudes to keep it. If I had the money I would have gotten the PSR and called it a day, but if are wanting to get in the LR world and have the coin go for it. Resale on these is about as good as anything you could ask for too.
 
noobifier123 said:
thanks for the replies, so besides the ergonomics, you think it would be good for someone new to bolt guns and precision shooting?
Click to expand...
Might as well start with the best (may also want to check out the DTA SRS or Covert ergonomics) and then get some lessons or pointers for good experience from the "get go". What I did over a year ago and gets you to appreciate the sport immediately. Much more fun and expensive than skeet and I bet you'll be immediately hooked. You should try any premium rifle before buying and, hopefully, you have access to a range with at least 500 yards to run these in. Good Luck!!!
 
Right now is the time to buy. With the 20% off mile high is doing plus an additional 5% for hide members you can walk away with an AX for a little over $5K which at that price you'll never lose a dime if you decide you want to sell.

I bought one earlier this year and had my reservations about the pistol grip and the way it fits MY hand but taking 2nd with it in the first tactical style LR match I've shot in over two years with a rifle I had only put about 100 rounds through told me its not an issue. I also love the way the chassis worked for barricades and the rooftop ramp, it was better than anything I have previously used. I also hunted with it for the majority of two weeks carrying it all over the place and it wasn't an issue. It surely is not a bench only gun like others have suggested.

As far as fitting your size, I'm 5-6 and I had to take a bunch of spacers out. It came with some long spacers to add as well so fitment won't be an issue. An AI is one of those rifles anybody can get behind and make hits with. I've let people get behind my AX that have never shot a gun before PERIOD and with a brief run down of the reticle to hold what I call for wind and a couple dry fires to get the feel of the trigger they make first round hits at 600+ yards. That speaks volumes about a rifle when it's that easy to shoot well.

I say go for it. When you start with a rifle like this you will never doubt your equipment and will know the shooter is the culprit.
 
Just stay shooting trap and shit. Don't really want anymore people getting the big and hogging up more shooting and and reloading components.
 
Why do some of you think running & gunning with the AX is not practical. The weight?
 
They haven't done it and are 'thinking'. LR rifles typically are not light and that's just how it is. If someone can't handle it then buy a gym membership and/or grow a pair.
 
AEROMechanic said:
Its practical so long as your willing to put in the effort to train with it. As with just about anything, its mind over matter. :)
Click to expand...

Although I feel like we're hijacking the thread... running and gunning is even easier with a Sig 226. So I second redneck and AeroMech, just train for it.
 
Redneck and I both shoot AX's in competition. All loaded up with a suppressor and S&B 5-25 on top my rifle weighs 18.2 lbs which is still lighter than a lot of customs out there competing with MTU contour barrels. My rifle is used heavily, I do not baby it, I never really clean it, it just does it's job VERY well. I know no matter the conditions (I shoot in temps from 10 degrees to 110 degrees without issue) that if I can physical function, so will my AX. I have remained in the top 4 of every comp this year and I have only one precision rifle now, no need for a back up when you own an AI. And those of you who are skeptical about the ergonomics, the stock may look ackward or maybe not suited for what you would see in competition but you are dead wrong! Every curve and 90 degree angle on that stock is there for a reason. For instance the end of the fore grip is a perfect nook to press into a barricade, the round handguard allows you to shoot through a port at 45 or 90 degrees without rolling like a traditional stock, the magazine can be changed while the rifle is damn near touching the ground without having to lift the rear of the rifle (the magazine comes out the side of the rifle once released one inch down). Needless to say the platform is a tank and very well though out.

Buy once cry once.
 
^^^ exactly. It's built from the ground up for this purpose, it's not a hunting rifle with a heavy barrel dropped in a tactical stock.
 
If you can afford it I say go for it. I never thought I'd get one but I sold my ar50 and .50 reloading stuff and was able to afford it. I got mine a few months ago and love it. For bench and prone it's great. I just took mine out last night and shot some loads not developed for the gun using blemished bullets with thrown charges. Out of 5 groups of 5 shots(including cold bore shot) my largest was around .750" and i believe the gun is capable of better than that. As far as ergonomics. I've never ha a problem or has anyone I know who shot it. It has so many adjustments you can tailor it to fit perfect. Down the road you could try other calibers and swap the barrel yourself. I just picked up a 6 creedmoor barrel for it to try out.
 
Would an AX.308 be good for me?

As a fellow CT resident, I'm going to say no.

The closest SAFE "public" range that's over 200 yards, that we actually have access to, is 5 hours away...Unless you go private...Which, in this state is near-impossible.

I go 2x a month...Leave Friday night, shoot Saturday, shoot Sunday morning, drive home...It's a 5 hour hike, each way.

I say SAFE because I've already heard of an AX being confiscated in NY state...In fact, I've heard of a gentleman with a manners 2-A being confiscated because the trooper said the stock was "adjustable" and bolt actions "count"...The warning came from my Gunsmith so, I'm going to take it as having a few grains of truth...

Aside from the above...Let's say hypothetically you had access to a long range -- I'd definitely start with a 308...AX is a good stock choice, I have one. Down the line grab a 300wm because you can actually re-use everything for reloading with the exception of the brass + primers + dies...

Accuracy International is an awesome company...Mile High has some top notch CS. -- In the very least, you can plink at 100 yards all day around here...

That's my 2c.
 
Last edited:
I came here from the world of shotguns a few years ago. If your used to the pricing of high end competition shotguns you'll have no sticker shock. There are lots of rifle games just like there are lots of shotgun games and just like shotguns, rifles are purpose built for each game. Read the stickies on this forum particularly the "getting started" and "what the pro's use" threads. The AX in .308 can be used in F/TR, tactical and bench competitions though it is not ideal for any of these it is more than adequate. As previously mentioned, the AX's niche in the gun world is as a military rifle to be used under the harshest conditions and it excels at this.

There is currently deeply discounted pricing (25%) at Mile High Shooting Accessories which is about as good as you would ordinarily find on a lightly used rifle. AI is making some significant changes in their product line and these changes will not be clear until the Shot Show in January. Some people already know what these changes are going to be and Lowlight says we will be pleased.

So the answer is yes to your question. Or maybe you better wait to find out what's coming. Then there is the question of what glass and that's a whole new can of worms.
 
Masked said:
I'd definitely start with a 308...AX is a good choice, I have one. Get the 300wm swap because you can actually re-use everything for reloading with the exception of the brass + primers + dies...
Click to expand...

Um, there is no 300WM swap for the AX, and if there were, it wouldn't fit in the short-action 308.
 
As others have said, if you have the $$ go for it. Get a GDI P-ROM mount, stick excellent glass on it (PR, S&B, USO, BEAST, etc), and you'll have the 308 game all wrapped up. If you don't start with an AX the longer you're in this game the more you'll want one. Start with top-tier equipment and you'll never have any regrets. I've bought and sold (at a slight loss every time) several top-end rifles. Wish someone would have told me then what I'm telling you now! Buy once, cry once - if a high ticket price is the only down side to your decision count yourself lucky.
 
Quarter Horse said:
Some people already know what these changes are going to be and Lowlight says we will be pleased.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry, but that made me laugh. I immediately thought of something between "Zoltan" in Dude Where's My Car, and "The Joe Dirt puts the lotion on."
 
Adam B said:
I highly recommend that you demo a DTA before you buy one, as for the AI, you won't find a better more durable rifle on the market
Click to expand...

I had heard this before. I managed to finagle some trigger time behind one at a shooting school a while back and came away highly unimpressed. I dont begin to understand why some hold these in such high regard.
 
I read the comment as "try the DTA because it's a bull-pup and you may need to get used to it" rather than a recommendation.

However on the other hand - I shoot a DTA quite a bit, and getting behind an AI AE felt really strange after getting used to the DTA - it just felt really small (stock fit) for some reason. So I guess its what you get used to. I happen to really like my DTA - and I haven't shot a AX - so can't compare the two...

But I do really like that SA / LA doesn't matter so much on the DTA vs the AI - ie, swapping from .260 - .338 LM is very easy.
 
If you do have the funds and you go ahead with an AX from Mile High while they have that 20% discount on, if for some reason you don't like it, you should be able to sell it easily for the price you paid. (I wish I'd waited a year, I paid more for used ones than they are selling the new ones for).
 
While you're shopping at mile high they've got some of the best optics available in stock along with all the accessories. They're great people and don't even get offended when I leave a trail of drool on the floor when I go in there :cool:

Seriously though, they know the long range game and were extremely helpful while I was shopping and have earned my loyalty. I have the advantage of them being within 20 miles from my home which is nice but They will do what they can over the phone for you as well.
 
My first precision rifle was a AX rifle. in .308

I love it. no matter what others say in my opinion you yourself have to like it. in the end you are the one paying for it and you are the one who will be shooting it.

I loved the way it looks and the way it works for me I'm already looking into the same chassis in different caliber.

Like glock pistols I learned to be comfortable with it. in the end its just a tool to make you hit the target. If the rifle fits your needs and like the way it looks get it. you will be happy.
 
AX is awesome if you have the budget. Put some great glass on it (S&b, premier, kahles night force beast) and take some classes.
You will be done shopping for rifles and scopes. Focus on the fundementals from there. That's where I ended up after a few years
Sure there are cheaper routes but I have no regrets when I get behind my AX. You'll need the spacer kit given your size.

I did a Rem 700 with KRG and AI chassis, sako trg and DTA along the way. All of those are nice but... AI is the bomb for me.

Have fun!
 
love the fact that money isn't an issue. I'm envious. I concur that you should look at DTA. You can buy a single scope, S&B 5-25 ish or USO or March, etc. rather than numerous scopes for numerous rifles. You can switch calibers quite easily for different shooting. 260 Remington or 300 Win. Mag. or even 338 Win Mag.

However, you can't go wrong with AI. Just a thought.
 
W54/XM-388 said:
If you do have the funds and you go ahead with an AX from Mile High while they have that 20% discount on, if for some reason you don't like it, you should be able to sell it easily for the price you paid. (I wish I'd waited a year, I paid more for used ones than they are selling the new ones for).
Click to expand...

You know how I know that the AX is the right rifle for me? It's because I don't even care that Mile High and Euro Optic are selling them at such a steep discount compared to what I paid. Normally, I'd be kicking myself for not have the patience to wait for a sale, but in this case, the time I've spent with the rifle (including a Rifles Only class and shooting my first match) is worth more to me than the $1500 or so that I would have saved by waiting. To me, that says it all...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

P
New shooter - looking at PRS, would like my plan sanity-checked
Replies
16
Views
674
Mike Casselton
Mike Casselton
D
SBR large game hunting
Replies
34
Views
2K
davidwillis
D
A
School me on suppressors
Replies
9
Views
504
Supersubes
Supersubes
S
Daniel Defense Delta 5 Pro - 6.5 Creedmoor for first PRS gun??
Replies
15
Views
3K
Gil P.
Gil P.
Stephen Bachiler
1896 Swedish Mauser question
Replies
40
Views
1K
Stephen Bachiler
Stephen Bachiler
Top Bottom
Back