AICS AX or KRG W3 folder?

[canezach]

I have a rifle sitting in a Whiskey-3 fixed chassis that is a backup match rifle. I have really liked the W3 for however many years I've been using it. My rifle actually came out of a AICS, which to me wasn't nearly as comfortable to get behind as the W3. I like the ergos on the W3 and it's been a great system for me, but the AX chassis has really caught my eye, so I'd like to hear from those of you who are using a AX chassis and preferably those of you who have used both the AX and the W3. folder. Tell me what you love about the AX, what you hate, what you'd change, the minor annoyances, etc. If you've used both, which do you prefer and why? How's the folding lockup on the AX? Since I'm already using the fixed W3, I don't have any doubt the folder will be just as nice, but the very minimal amount of time I spent on someone else's AX has me considering it. Primary use would be banging steel and although it won't replace my DTA for most matches, it would still be used in at least one monthly local match.

 

[canezach]

Anyone?

 

[surgeon260]

I have never used the W3, but my 300 Norma is built on the 2014 AX chassis and I love it. My rifle has a 28" barrel plus a brake, so the folder makes it much more practical when transporting. What appealed to me about this chassis is how solid it feels. No play anywhere. The folder locks up like a car door. There is zero play whether it is open or closed, which was really important to me (the XLR folders I have handled are not nearly as solid). Ergonomics are typical AI, and given how adjustable it is, I think it would be hard not to make it work for you.

One thing that surprised me was the necessity for XX-high scope mounts (I am running 1.5" Nightforce). I started with 1.375, which provided plenty of objective clearance over the rail, however the cheekpiece proved to be too high for proper eyepiece alignment, even at the lowest setting. 1.5" is the ticket.