A DAY OF FREEDOM
BY PATRICK ADAMS
There are many things that just scream “Freedom!” when you experience them; July 4th BBQ’s, U.S. military jets flying overhead, the National Anthem and in this case, the sound of delivering automatic gunfire. Recently, ATF Magazine was invited by Axis Manufacturing (axismfgcnc.com) to a private range to experience a day of “freedom.” In my literally thousands of hours on a range or in trainings, I can’t recall a time where I smiled this much other than perhaps, the first time I ever fired a weapon!
In my literally thousands of hours on a range or in trainings, I can’t recall a time where I smiled this much
Axis Manufacturing based in Spokane, WA., specializes in precision machining and metal fabrication of all types, but in spending time with their owner Justin Dellwo it is clear where the company’s passion resides. Walking through the manufacturing facility, you see a range of projects in the works ranging from some of the nicest AR lowers I’ve ever seen to existing Glock slides being milled to accept new red-dot optics for a local LE agency. Walk a little further and with a keen eye, you start noticing little details around the shop like a vintage wood stock AK – with a suppressor. Makes you think, “Huh, that’s kind of a rare thing to see hanging on a wall.”
We took a nice drive into the countryside from Spokane and arrived at a private range. As we were getting ready for a day of shooting, the Axis team started unloading the weapons we would be shooting and lining them up on the bench. An AK, a few AR’s but further, an M60 – also suppressed. Beyond, an RPD – suppressed. A Mac-10 and Mac-11 – suppressed.
The list went on and on ranging from vintage Korean War era full auto’s up to some of their custom hardware, including the .300 Blackout Grayman – a full auto, AR-platform in .300 Blackout with a 10.5” barrel mounted with a suppressor as well as an automatic Glock 17 with a Magpul 50-round drum magazine.
Not many have the freedom to have ever even been in the presence of automatic gunfire, much less been on the delivering end of the weapon. But pulling the trigger and delivering around 1,200 rounds per minute is an experience that every American should have the privilege of doing at least once. Doing it with an experienced team like the guys at Axis is even better. What was impressive is that every weapon was used hard, yet performed perfectly. What was equally impressive was the performance of the suppressors that made even the M60 both sound and feel somewhat tame. In spite of many rapid mag changes in the midst of full auto fire, both the weapons and suppressors seemed to just yawn and ask, “Is that all you’ve got?”
Now, we can get into the debate of when full auto fire capability is “needed.” Prior to this day on the range, I would have quickly answered the primary “need” is the yelled order of “suppressive fire.” Something I’m a big fan of on the battlefield that can drain the confidence of even the boldest enemy. And while I’m not going to daily carry a full auto anytime soon, I can say that it was the most fun way of burning through a few thousand dollars of ammo…very quickly!
the ease of control, balance and trigger control of these newly engineered weapons was second to none.
At around 650 rounds per minute, the Vietnam-era RPD was a blast to shoot as was the M60, however the era of these weapons was highlighted once the modern era precision engineering of the Axis Grayman and 5.56 chambered AR’s were placed in our hands. Familiar in every way to our own weapons, other than a third option on the selector switch that should be labeled “fun” instead of having a 3-round illustration in contrast to the single round option, or “safe,” which of course we always were. In a tactical situation I’ve never been a fan of automatic fire and in the hands of a novice it would be deadly for many others than the bad guy. However, the ease of control, balance and trigger control of these newly engineered weapons was second to none. Even more impressive was the fact that with a quarter turn, the suppressor was removed with no change in
weapon reliability.
No, it is not like the movies and in most cases firing 30-rounds through a weapon that cycles at 1,200 rounds per minute reminds you of many first-time experiences. However, it was a great reminder that this great American freedom that is afforded to us – the ability to use weapons not just for hunting or self defense, but also as a sports hobby can still make even the most seasoned firearms enthusiast smile like a 10-year old on his birthday morning. Yes, freedom is still alive and well in America and especially, in Spokane, with our friends at Axis Manfacturing.