Accuracy International AX
Accuracy International · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2009
Also known as: AI AX, AX Multi-Caliber, Accuracy International AX
Overview
The Accuracy International AX is a multi-caliber bolt-action sniper rifle that sits between the AW series and the AX338 in AI's product lineup. Introduced in 2009, the AX represented a complete redesign of the AI platform with a new aluminum chassis, improved ergonomics, and a modular architecture that allows conversion between .308 Winchester and .300 Winchester Magnum by changing the barrel, bolt, and magazine. The AX features a six-lug bolt set in three pairs for a 60-degree bolt lift, a folding stock with tool-free cheek piece and length-of-pull adjustment via thumb wheels, and a keyslot forend for accessory mounting. The platform established the design language that would carry through to the AXMC and AXSR successors.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 6800 g (239.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 7200 g (254.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1220 mm (48.03") |
| Folded Length | 965 mm (37.99") |
| Barrel Length | 686 mm (27.01") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 15 N (3.4 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 860 m/s (2822 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3592 J (2649 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1100 m (1203 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 4500 m (4921 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Stock Material | Aluminum Chassis Polymer Furniture |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- .308 Winchester · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Win, 7.62x51mm, 7.62 NATO
- .300 Winchester Magnum — also known as .300 Win Mag, .300 WM
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Free Floating Barrel, Adjustable Cheek Piece, Folding Stock, Adjustable Length Of Pull, Suppressor Ready, Full Length Picatinny Rail, Muzzle Brake, Adjustable Trigger, Keyslot Forend, Modular Stock System, Multi Caliber Conversion, Quick Change Barrel, Thumb Wheel Adjustments, Six Lug Bolt
Variants
- Accuracy International AX308 — Short Action 308 Only
- Accuracy International AX338 — 338 Lapua
- Accuracy International AXMC — Multi Caliber Successor
- Accuracy International AXSR — Next Generation
Service history
Operators
- British Armed Forces
- German Bundeswehr
- Norwegian Armed Forces
- New Zealand Defence Force
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
Production
Production years: 2009-present
Production numbers not publicly disclosed. Manufactured in Portsmouth, England. The AX series has been adopted by numerous military and law enforcement agencies worldwide.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Notes
The AX series represented AI's first ground-up redesign since the original L96/PM platform. Key innovations included the keyslot forend system (predating M-LOK and KeyMod), the thumb wheel adjustment system for cheek piece and length of pull, and a wider chassis that improved ergonomics for prone shooting. The six-lug bolt in three pairs provides extremely positive lockup while maintaining a fast 60-degree bolt throw. The AX was designed to be convertible between .308 Winchester and .300 Winchester Magnum, positioning it between the .308-only AX308 and the .338 Lapua-capable AX338. The AX evolved into the AXMC (Multi-Calibre) which added .338 Lapua Magnum capability, and eventually the AXSR (next generation).
Background
The Accuracy International AX was born from the recognition that modern snipers needed a single platform that could adapt to different mission requirements. Rather than maintaining separate rifles for different cartridges, the AX allowed operators to convert between .308 and .300 Win Mag in the field, carrying a single rifle system with interchangeable barrels. This multi-caliber philosophy became the foundation for the even more versatile AXMC that followed.