Range Log: First 500 Rounds with the BUL Armory Axe FS Cleaver
Range Log: First 500 Rounds with the BUL Armory Axe FS Cleaver
Blog Article
Range Log: First 500 Rounds with the BUL Armory Axe FS Cleaver
I finally did it — added a BUL Armory Axe FS Cleaver to my 2011 lineup. I’ve run plenty of Glocks, some Staccatos, and even a TTI build once, but I’ve been curious if this Israeli hot rod lives up to the hype. Here’s how day one at the range went down.
☑️ First Setup
Before heading out, I gave the Cleaver a light field strip and lube — it didn’t really need it, but I like starting fresh. Fit and finish looked tight: slide-to-frame fit was snug, no sloppy play. The slide cuts and compensator ports are aggressively machined — way more eye-catching than my Staccato P.
I loaded up some 124-grain FMJ and packed five mags. Targets at 10, 15, and 25 yards — and a steel plate rack to test speed.
???? First Magazine
I ran the first mag slow. The trigger was better than I expected — very short, crisp break, with a short reset. Recoil impulse? Surprisingly flat. The integrated comp vents the gases nicely, so the dot barely dips if you ride the gun right.
???? Running Drills
After warming up, I started Bill Drills at 7 yards. Six rounds as fast as I could keep them in the A-zone — no problem. My splits averaged about 0.15–0.18 seconds, which for me is a hair faster than my stock Staccato P. The Cleaver feels slightly front-heavy (thanks, comp!) but that helps it settle back on target.
Next, I ran a few Mozambique drills at 15 yards. The fiber optic front sight pops nicely in daylight — fast to find, and the adjustable rear sight stayed true the whole session.
???? Reliability
Zero malfunctions. No failures to feed, no stove pipes, no light primer strikes — even when I switched to my cheaper steel-case stuff for the last 100 rounds. I didn’t clean it during the session. Ejection was strong and consistent, with brass landing in a neat pile to my right.
⚙️ Reloads & Ergonomics
I love the flared magwell. I run a big palm swell grip and I’m not the fastest at reloads, but the Cleaver’s wide funnel makes even sloppy inserts clean. The grip texturing is aggressive enough to stay locked in, but not cheese-grater harsh like some competition grips.
One thing: if you have smaller hands, you might find the ambi safety digs a bit when riding a super-high grip. I didn’t notice any hammer bite or slide bite — the beavertail is nicely contoured.
???? What I’d Change
Nothing major, honestly. The only thing I’d probably add is an optic — I’m planning to grab a plate and mount a Holosun or SRO. The iron sights are great, but this gun wants to run fast, and a dot will push it even further.
???? Final Thoughts
Round count: 500 rounds — no cleaning, no issues.
Ammo: 300 rounds 124-grain Blazer Brass, 200 rounds mixed steel-case TulAmmo and some leftover reloads.
Overall vibe: This thing is a blast. It feels like it wants you to push splits faster. The compensator and slide ports make a difference — it feels more like shooting a tuned open gun than a stock full-size 9mm.
✅ Would I Buy It Again?
Absolutely. For the price — right between a base Staccato and a TTI custom — it punches above its weight. Looks awesome, shoots flat, and feels solid. If you want a range showpiece that’s ready for matches out of the box, the Axe FS Cleaver is a great call.
Next range trip, I’m running it side by side with my buddy’s Staccato XC to see how they stack up on drills. I’ll log that too if you want the comparison.
???? Verdict: Flat shooting, fun to run, all eyes on you at the range — the Cleaver earns its name.
If you want, I can do a follow-up “Staccato XC vs Cleaver” head-to-head range log, or help you build a shopping list for mags, holsters, or optics for it. Just say yes and I’ll get it ready!
Report this page