AIAX won the first Ballistic’s Best back in 2018. But does it have what it takes to win in 2020? In a word. Yes. This model is the solicitation-driven AXSR, a long-action, multi-caliber rifle based on the version submitted for military procurement.
It’s different in almost every aspect from the AIAX MC we tested a couple of years ago, but nothing was lost in the performance arena. In fact, it’s only improved. It features an M-LOK forend, two-stage adjustable trigger that is simply awesome and a two-position safety that has been relocated. On a technical note, the receiver is no longer bonded to the chassis, but it’s still as accurate as before (if not more).
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This version can shoot .300 Norma, 338 Norma, 308 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor and others with the proper barrels and bolt heads. Built in RRS dovetail mounting makes things awesome, too.
The action, with six lugs, is brilliant but, of course, long. But it makes you wonder how AI does what they do. Our version was chambered in .300 Norma Magnum. Yes, that’s what I said. However, the recoil was excellent for such a big cartridge, showing even more AI’s superiority in design.
On a reloading note, the massive magazines made cramming rounds into them so easy you’d find yourself pulling them back out just to do it again. The mag is a double-stack one with a light pressure and positive and satisfying “click” with each inserted round. It’s almost as if you could throw the rounds into the magazine.
Initially, Kendl wasn’t as impressed with the AI as Tom and I were, and that’s why a new shooter is necessary to add to this. She brings an open and untainted mind to the evaluation, while for some, present company included, the name AI alone is nearly enough to grant it victory. And before you get any ideas, the AI didn’t win. Price point is a factor, and the term “cost-prohibitive” came up frequently. The AXSR is $8,974 of lusciousness that most of us can only experience through pictures, video and the occasional video game. “It’s killer accurate with 215-grain Berger OTM,” according to Tom. Kendl wrote, “Very expensive. Makes sense but not an easily attainable rifle for the average shooter price wise.” The price hurt it across the board, although it shot one of the best groups of all the rifles, even in .300 Norma trim.
