Trigger shimming is the safest, most cost-effective way to crisp up the trigger pull.

My opinion on Boyds Axis stocks of late is not as good as it used to be, but I have used many of their stocks for my Axis projects. Their standard LOP is 13.75", which may be shorter than the Axis factory LOP. I've had full size Axises with 14.25" LOPs and one with a 13.5" LOP. They also offer custom LOP from 12.75-14.75" for $25. I always get the standard LOP and use a one-piece scope mount rail. Both EGW and Weaver make good products.

The feeding problem could be a magazine spring issue, but it could also be an issue with how the magazine locks into the rifle. If the magazine isn't seated properly, it may angle the rounds the wrong way.