Accuracy International has got a new .338 Lapua Rifle coming out dubbed the AX338. Their new long range rifle is featured in the new Accuracy International AX stock which is based on their the AW series of stocks.
The new stock shares some features from its predecessor the AW series such as a foldable stock, adjustable LOP and cheekpiece; however the new stock is a bit shorter making it easier to shoot with bulky armor on. Also, the buttstock features what AI calls a butt spike which is basically a monopod which can stabilize the rear of the rifle for more precise shots. It also negates the need to purchase a monopod as was the case with the previous AW stocks.
The AX338 also featuers a pistol grip which you can be customized to be either a normal pistol grip or a traditional thumb hole grip as with the AW. The AX338‘s trigger has an adjustable pull weight of 1.5-4.4 lbs. The forend rail system can come in a 16? or 13? picatinny variety and it is completely free floating around a match grade barrel that is threaded deep into the action. The AX338 will also feature an upgrade bolt and action over its predecessor the AX Magnum. The AX338 has a double stack 10 round magazine to feed its .338 Lapua rounds.
Along with the AX338, Accuracy International will be coming out with an AX stock for the Remington 700–hopefully it’ll be in both short and long action types.
I asked the rep at Accuracy International‘s booth at Shot Show if AI has been selling more rifles after their AW in 338 (the British L115A3) set the world record for longest sniper kill shot in battle–All I received was a huge smile and an, “Oh yea.” After that story broke, AI saw a huge boost in sales which probably motivated them to build a new chassis around the perpetually popular .338 Lapua cartridge. Knowing how much of a following Accuracy International has, and their reputation of building an exceptional rifle, I can see the AX338 being a huge hit for those lucky few that will be able to afford it. No word on price yet but I would expect it to be in the $7,000 to $8,000 dollar range. Check out the stats below:
