First Look: Axe Crossbows AX440

by
posted on August 27, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
mainax440__378521619619930.jpg
Axe Crossbows has debuted the AX440, a crossbow that departs massively from traditional design elements to improve both maneuverability and stability in the field. Sitting at 30.5-inches long and less than 12-inches axle-to-axle (cocked), the weight of the 440 is centered over the shooter’s hand by way of a balanced shoot-through stock-and-riser design and reverse-limb system. This configuration empowers the most efficient part of the split-limb system from just 15 inches of power stroke to launch bolts at 440 feet-per-second.

The proprietary Axe cam system is linked by cables that run parallel to each other, rather than from the top of one cam to the bottom of the other. This configuration is designed to eliminate cam-lean, limb torque and is enhanced by a cable brace that engages the riser to aid in the limitation of flex away from the center of the crossbow. When combined, these features center the string to move along the same plane throughout the entire power stroke. Unlike the one-piece aluminum rail concepts of conventional crossbow designs, the stock of the AX440 also eliminates the rail and utilizes dual-carbon guide rods along the entire length of the stock. When combined with the shoot-through riser and a tunable roller-rest on the bow’s front end, these features create a free-floating arrow system that minimizes contact, friction and torque along the arrow’s entire path. The AX440 also puts to work the proven small diameter 19.5-inch (.166 I.D.) bolt system. The interaction between the bolt’s aluminum capture nock system and the bow’s string create an audible sound to note full connection and preparation to interface with the trigger system.
AX440 Side Profile on White
When it comes to safety, the Axe system is driven by a proprietary, silent, integrated crank system, and fail-safe trigger assembly with Dry-Fire Inhibiting technology. Prior to cocking, the trigger housing travels along the carbon guide rods engaging a series of safety features along its path before meeting with the backwall. The bow cannot be over cocked and features a hard stop upon achievement of full draw. The crank system can be stopped or continued from any position along the guide rail, and de-cocked in this same capacity. Beyond safety, the AX440 two-stage sliding trigger assembly is crisp, clean and factory-set to 3.5-pounds with less than .020 of trigger creep.
AX440 Top View on White
Finally, the crossbow can be customized to each individual user. An adjustable cheek rest boasts 1.25-inches of height adjustment, stock stand offs adjust length of pull, and an adjustable stirrup nests into the bow’s front end. The Axe 440 crossbow kit includes the new Axe scope system, with a reticle optimized for the crossbow’s trajectory, a compact, side-mount quiver, and three proprietary .166 Axe micro-diameter bolts.
AX440 loaded on White
For more information, please visit feradyne.com/axecrossbowsMSRP: $2,099.99

Latest

Long Beard TSS Beauty 2
Long Beard TSS Beauty 2

Turkey Loads 101

Seemingly simple, selecting the proper turkey load is anything but a grab-and-go proposition nowadays. Instead, it requires consideration of key load characteristics, purpose and value, all of which are covered in this article.

New for 2026: Kings Camo XKG Summit Series Packs

Kings Camo has launched its all-new XKG Summit Series Packs. Engineered for versatility, comfort and load-hauling capability, this pack systems offer modular performance suitable for a wide range of adventures, from streamlined day hunts to extended backcountry trips.

New for 2026: Real Avid Ratchet Rest Adjustable Height Shooting Bags

Real Avid has announced the Ratchet Rest—Adjustable Height Shooting Bags designed to give shooters exact elevation control, faster target alignment and repeatable shooting performance.

MDF Invested $48.3 Million for Conservation in 2025

The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) mobilized a total of $48.3 million for mule deer and black-tailed deer in 2025, its second-best year on record. Across 153 projects in 17 states, MDF helped restore more than 537,000 acres of critical wildlife habitat, benefitted 129 deer herds and eliminated or converted 149 miles of hazardous fence to restore safe movement corridors for wildlife.

Behind the Bullet: .17 Mach 2

Ever heard of the .17 Mach 2? Go behind the scenes on this hot little rimfire round with resident ammo guru Phil Massaro.

Tuo Curates Specialized Turkey Hunting Collection

For the 2026 spring season, Tuo has architected a technical system specifically curated to meet the demands of turkey hunters. While engineered for maximum versatility, the Tuo ecosystem has developed a particular following in regions where the early season isn't defined by green leaves and lilac blooms, but by the high-contrast skeletal timber and grey-scale of the early spring woods.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.