FeraDyne is mainly known for creating massively powerful crossbows. But more than offering deadly and fast creations, this manufacturer can also create some of the safest crossbows that can help out hunters in the wild. The Axe Crossbow AX405, a compact yet strong crossbow, may just be your next favorite. Check out what this crossbow has to offer!
- Limited to special FeraDyne crossbow bolts
- May be a bit heavy
- Scope not at par with the crossbow performance
- Can be noisy when shot
- Compact yet stable construction
- Fast and deadly
- Integrated crank makes cocking and decocking really easy
- Has a wide array of safety features
- Limited to special FeraDyne crossbow bolts
- May be a bit heavy
- Scope not at par with the crossbow performance
- Can be noisy when shot
- Compact yet stable construction
- Fast and deadly
- Integrated crank makes cocking and decocking really easy
- Has a wide array of safety features
AX405 Crossbow Technical Specifications and Features
- Draw Weight: 210 lbs.
- Kinetic Energy Output: 138 ft/lbs.
- Power Stroke: 13"
AXE 405 Crossbow Details
The AX405 is a fine example of a compact crossbow that has more than meets the eye. This option packs a strong punch and is matched with amazing hunting enhancements that will suit all sorts of shooting levels and styles. Let us learn more of what this crossbow has to offer below:
Ease of Assembly
FeraDyne Outdoors line of crossbows are known for its ease of use. And this convenience can be seen on the setup as well. Relatively assembled straight out of the box, all hunters would need to do is to consider how to properly cock this crossbow. To help you out, let us break down how simple this process is:
- Locate the built-in crank (more about this amazing tech below) in a counterclockwise motion.
- You will know you're doing this right if you see the trigger slide box moving forward.
- Stop once the box aligns with the crossbow string (you will hear a click if this is done correctly).
- Push the AX405's trigger part until it locks on the string (you will also hear a click).
- Reverse the crank motion to draw the trigger slide box back towards the configured loaded position.
Checking the Crossbow Technology
Here are some of the amazing hunting tech found in the AXE 405:
Built-In Crank
As mentioned earlier, a crank-oriented cocker allows an easy loading experience. Aside from properly aligning bolts and offering safety, this crank will also help out shooters who don't have enough strength to load arrows. As such, this tech is great for novice shooters.
Two-Stage Trigger Setup
The AX405 allows hunters a cleaner and consistent shooting experience with its trigger assembly. At 3.7 lbs., this setup has zero creep and resets accordingly after each shot. As a result, hunters get consistent and safer shots out.
Trigger Slide Tech
As part of the cocking process, this part also improves shooting performance while maintaining high safety standards for hunters. This slide triggers the AX405's safety when drawn towards the crossbow string. Additionally, color guides (green for SAFE; red for FIRE) helps shooters quickly determine the trigger slide's current orientation. Also, this nifty part has an integrated crossbow arrow funnel to help hunters properly see and load bolts in.
Focusing on Safety
The AX405 takes pride in its many safety features. The actual trigger safety function integrates a two-position switch, giving shooters the peace of mind to avoid dry fire situations. Additionally, this part is ambidextrous, which suits any hunter's hand orientation.
Speaking more about dry firing, the AX405's arrow funnel is designed in such a way to let shooters know that a crossbow bolt is properly engaged. Nocking an arrow in the proper way should result in a loud click. This will help hunters know that a bolt is good to go!
As mentioned earlier, the AX405's trigger assembly has a nice reset feature. This assures hunters that after each made shot, the crossbow automatically sets the trigger to the safe position.
The AX405 also has a nice de-cocking process. This crossbow can be decocked even without shooting it. The disengagement can be done anytime during the draw cycle. This results in safer disengagements, especially if hunters opt to cancel an actual shot.
Also, the AX405 has a unique balance point setup. Unlike other crossbows where the bulk of the weight is found on the front, this choice has its center weight found right around the grip and trigger parts. This actually creates a balanced sensation, resulting in safer handling and shooting.
AXE 405 Crossbow Firepower Check
For a compact crossbow, the AX405 sure packs a punch. The 210 lbs split limbs help in delivering an impressive 400 fps rating, which should be more than enough to take down big and powerful varieties of game. The kinetic force of 138 ft/lbs. offers additional damage, a nice assurance when going for quick and clean kills.
Construction and Durability
What may be readily noticed with the AX405's construction is its weight. Sure enough, the weight distribution is focused on the trigger portion, which does offer a better sense of balance. However, at 9.7 lbs., this crossbow is a bit heavier than other variants in the industry. Still, what you get from the additional weight will result in better durability and use.
If anything, the AX405 shines the brightest when it comes to adjustability. This crossbow features an adjustable cheek comb and stock, fitting to a hunter's unique shooting setup. The handle, which is integrated onto the stock, is a welcome surprise. The convenience and comfort this part offers allows for consistent and stronger shots. Additionally, the multi-part construction offers a stronger build, for overall longevity for both the crossbow and its bolts.
One more thing that needs to be strongly focused on with this crossbow is its unique rail and parts setup. The manufacturer, FeraDyne, made sure to implement certain changes that improve gear longevity. In fact, the cam setup allows for stronger string life, essentially reducing the need for these parts to be replaced. Also, the rail construction removes the need for lubrication, saving hunters the time and energy for setting everything up. Since lube application is removed in the equation, crossbow bolt longevity has been increased as well!
Accuracy and Shooting Speed Checks
The AX405 is deadly accurate. As the 210 lbs split limbs offer power and force, these strong limbs also deliver stability to help maintain constant, fast, and reliable shots. Also, the AX405's cam setup is done with cables linked in a parallel manner, which helps reduce torque and cam lean issues. Additionally, the AX405 also incorporates an innovative cable brace system that limits flexing instances. These features all work in conjunction for better arrow speed and consistent shooting motions.
Practical Hunting Usage
As a straight up observation, the AX405 is an exciting crossbow mainly because of its efficiency when used out in the open. The excellent combination of shooting tech and innovative construction makes this a highly compact yet strong crossbow. The speed and accuracy that the AX405 offers are also prized factors that should delight shooters of all levels. However, an issue (which will be described more below) that hunters may need to be wary of would be the AX405's crossbow bolts selection. This option requires a certain type of arrow, which may limit some hunters. Still, the power and control the AX405 delivers makes it a really good option to take down all sorts of targets.
AX405 Crossbow Accessory Check
Here are some of the innovative accessories and enhancements that come packed with this crossbow:
- Quiver (holds up to 3 arrows,integrally mounted)
- Crank (integrally mounted)
- Multi-Range Scope (comes equipped with variable red and green light hues and flip-up lens cap)
- AXE Micro Diameter Crossbow Arrows (3 bolts that come with aluminum nocks)
Miscellaneous Information on the AX405 Crossbow
Here are some interesting details you'd want to know to make the most out of this crossbow:
Is it possible to switch the crank towards another hand orientation?
Yes. At first sight, you may think that the inletted setup means that the crank is only aligned on one side. However, FeraDyne designed the crank in such a way for it to be adjusted. Simply install the crank to the preferred hand orientation and lock it in!
Would it be okay to use carbon fiber bolts for this crossbow?
Both yes and no, if you're focusing only on the actual arrow material. Your arrows need to also come with nocks compatible with the AX405. Crossbow bolt weight and length both need to be factored in as well, since the AX405 only caters to a light and micro diameter type. For gear safety and convenience though, it is best to stick to what's suggested for this crossbow (which would be the AXE Micro Diameter bolts).
Does this crossbow come with a hard case?
No, but there are third party cases and variants available in the market.
Why the AX405 Crossbow is Recommended
Here are the amazing reasons why hunters go for this crossbow:
Really Easy to Use
The AX405 is designed to be really easy to set up and use. And this benefit not only helps novice shooters, but veteran hunters as well. This can be seen even during both the cocking and decocking processes, with the excellent integral crank found on the crossbow. Also, the multi-components of the AX405 work in conjunction to offer not only powerful shots, but better maneuverability as well.
Superior Accuracy
From the use of the multi-range scope to the actual construction of this crossbow, the AX405 is made to offer stable, consistent, and accurate shots. This is actually impressive, considering the crossbow's power output and size. The little details (like the integrated trigger), arrow rail, and cam setup all deliver better marksmanship!
Safety Features are Top-Notch
The AX405 has an amazing array of safety features. The dry fire function is outstanding, with the actual construction designed to avoid pesky misfires or gear damage and physical injury. The reset feature is welcome enhancement, assuring hunters that every shot is in the right shooting orientation. Even the weight distribution helps in better and safer shooting positions. In a nutshell, the AX405 is built to be a really safe, yet powerful, crossbow.
Issues that May Need to be Addressed in the AX405 Crossbow
Although efficient and powerful, the AX405 also has several potential problems that all hunters need to be aware of:
A Heavyweight Crossbow
Although weight distribution offers a nice and stable way to shoot, the AX405's overall weight may be quite uncomfortable for some hunters. At 9.7 lbs., this crossbow may be quite a chore to carry when out in the wild. Worse, some hunters may find it hard to quickly get into a comfortable shooting position with this weight. Still, how heavy the AX405 is a trade off for its many shooting enhancements.
May Be Noisy
The AX405 may be accurate, fast, and deadly. But a minor issue from this shooting force would be the sound and vibration it produces. Although not as loud as some contemporaries, one would have wished that some string stops would have been installed for a smoother and quieter shot!
Scope Adjustment May Be Tedious
As much as the AX405's scope does help in getting those shots out, you may want to spend more time adjusting this. Although this crossbow comes with a nice manual to help sighting in the crossbow, the actual scope adjustment seems to be quite tiring. If possible, getting better scopes in the market - this crossbow deserves something better!
Limited Bolt Selection
As mentioned earlier, a legitimate limitation this crossbow has is its arrow selection. The AX405 is configured to work only with select crossbow bolts. The AXE micro-diameter bolt, sold exclusively by FeraDyne, is a solid option in itself. However, a set of these bolts are quite expensive. You may be losing out on hunting opportunities, with having only a few bolts to shoot!
Read More
Check out these interesting resources to learn more about this crossbow:
- Archery Country has a nice review on this crossbow.
- Gain access to the right maintenance and information on the AX405. Here is FeraDyne's AXE 405 official manual.
- The American Hunter has a good overview on the AXE 405 crossbow.