Kind of amazing how these inexpensive rifles shoot, isn't it? Each winter I tend to find an inexpensive gun that I can mess around with as a winter project, with the idea of turning something bland into something interesting. This year, mine was an Axis .223. I got a good deal on the combo in blue. I popped off the cheap scope, DuraCoated the stock in Dull Earth Brown and the metal parts in Coyote Brown. I replaced the scope with a Nikon ProStaff 4x12. I got it to the range this week, and regretfully, had to improvise a less than great rest, having forgotten my shooting rest at home. The first 3 groups with Black Hills 52gr hollowpoints went 7/8", .6", and .5". That was the first ammo tested, and I have a variety of other stuff to try. Now I invested in a bunch of components, and will see what it can do with handloads. Should be interesting.