My Axis .223

[HANDYANDY]

So, this is my .223 Axis. I have shot many different kinds of weapon systems, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. I can't say I've ever had one that I enjoyed shooting as much as I do this one. I'm learning as I go, and using a lot of the same items and skills that I used on many of my service weapons. I painted the stock with some regular krylon fusion, then went over the top of that with several layers of Acra-Coat. It turned out looking very good, and it's REALLY hard. I also replaced the bolt handle with the larger size Savage one, I like the way it allows for better usage while wearing shooting gloves. It wears a weaver rail, and the scope is a regular Bushnell XLT for now. I'm still trying to figure out what I want to put on there for now for some glass. The Bushnell works very well, and I'd honestly like to get the stock squared away on this before I try to work on anything else. I've added threaded rod in the forearm that has been covered in epoxy, and I filled the buttstock with expanding foam. It's taken care of the hollow sound, and the forearm is somewhat firmer, but it's nowhere near what I consider to be satisfactory. I'd give anything to be able to dress this thing in even a Choate stock. Please give me all the input and suggestions you can. I'm thick skinned, and I enjoy constructive criticism. I'm gonna make this thing a shooter yet![IMG] [/IMG]

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[groaner71]

I like the paint. looks like it does what any good rifle is supposed to do ... Put a smile on your face.:D

[HANDYANDY]

It definitely does that! I went and shot it today, and I am really impressed with the accuracy that it shows. I know with less stock flex this thing would REALLY turn some heads. I'm glad you like the paint, by the way!

[fgw_in_fla]

Nicely done. I like the camo paint & one of these years I'm going to attempt one..... maybe.

Try filling the voids in the trigger guard with epoxy & then epoxy the guard in place. It'll take alot of the flex out of the grip. One of the other guys mentioned removing the Savage logo from the underside & drilling in some steel.

How's your trigger? Cut a few coils off & lighten the tension. I had one that took a pry bar to pull....

And don;t forget.... Anyone posting a photo of their rifle & discussing it will be required to put up a few target pics, too....

Good lookin' paint.

Frank in Fla

[HANDYANDY]

The trigger is... A trigger. Lol. I leaves something to be desired, and I'm planning on polishing and removing a coil off the spring. I'm going to go shoot again tomorrow, so I'll be posting some pictures tomorrow afternoon. I'm glad I got the .223, the ammo is cheap, and it is still capable of getting out there a ways. I think once I get the trigger and the stock handled it will put up some amazing groups, at that point I think I'm going to look into a heavier barrel. I'd love to find one, but all the ones I find at 1-14" twist, which is not going to work for the 72 grain bullets that I love so much. The paint job was really easy, and it's impossible to screw up. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out, and I have to say it's actually better looking than some of the service rifles I've pulled triggers on. I think the key was using the epoxy Acra-Coat over top of the paint, and making sure the paint was completely cured in between coats. Thanks for the kind words, sir. I'm glad you like the look.

Stay Frosty.

Andy

[HANDYANDY]

Here's a close up of the camouflage. The longer the epoxy coat cures, the more it flattens out. It's starting to become a good looking rig.

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[HANDYANDY]

I took some more pictures of my rifle outside this morning, I wanted to get some light. Enjoy!

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[alee18]

Hey bud where did you get that oversized handle? Have you shot with the handle installed? Thanks

[fgw_in_fla]

It looks so natural like that. Kinda like it's just where it belongs. Nice job.

Let me know the next time you're in my area. I'm buying lunch in exchange for camo paint lessons...


Frank in Fla

[HANDYANDY]

Frank, I've spent a lot of time trying to make weapons look like they belong there as a matter of survival, you just kind of get the hang of it after a while. Lol. I'd gladly take lunch to help you paint your rig though. I've never been one to turn down free food. Thank you, by the way. Alee18, I got the bolt handle from Brownells, and it was only like 18.00 on sale. I have shot since I put it on, and it works amazingly well. I always shoot with gloves on, so it helps with positive operation of the bolt when you don't have as good of a sense of feel. In my book it was well worth the price. It's also quite a bit cheaper than a Badger one, and just as effective in my book. It's not always about looks, it's about operation. I just got a Barska scope that goes to prove the same thing. It was supposed to be 179.00, but I got one used on Amazon for 69.99 with shipping! This scope may not be able to take a fall down the side of a mountain, but show me a scope for under a grand that will. I'll be posting a review of this scope as soon as I'm done writing this. I hope my posts and comments have been helpful, that's really what it's all about in my book.

Andy

[HANDYANDY]

My next step is waiting for the BSA wood stock to get here, so I can start doing some magic on that. I'm really enjoying working on this rifle quite a bit, it's nice to be able to tinker and do what some might say can't be done. I like the profile of the stock I ordered, and I'm going to try to get as close to the features of an M40/M24 stock as possible. In my book, I haven't put my mitts on any rifle that feels as good against the shoulder and side of the face as those rifles, and I've handled quite a few. I still can't figure out why everyone raves about the AICW system so much, it feels like it was built for someone with the hands of a eight year old. You just can't go wrong with anything that resembles a McMillan A2-A5.

[fla9-40]

Looking good man!

[HANDYANDY]

Looking good man!

Thank you!