By Chris Turek - The UpNorth Airgunner
As someone who lives in the extreme northern regions of Michigan, stepping off the plane and getting hit with the cold of early winter felt like home. Snow piled high and the crisp air was familiar, but what really got me going was knowing I was about to visit the FX Airguns headquarters in Sweden. As an obsessive airgunner, that immediately fired me up! For someone like me, this wasn’t just a trip. It was a dream come true. And let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint.
As I stood outside, shivering and grinning like an idiot, I took a second to soak it all in. But the real magic happened when I stepped inside. The warmth hit me, sure, but it was the atmosphere that blew me away. This wasn’t some assembly line factory; it was an innovation lab. Everywhere I looked, people were building, tweaking, and testing—completely dialed into their work. You could see the pride and precision in everything they were doing, and I couldn’t wait to jump in and see it all up close.
Then Johan Axelson greeted me, and you could tell right away that airguns are in his blood. He and his dad, Fredrik Axelson, have spent decades reshaping what airguns can do. These two have taken airguns from something you might casually shoot in your backyard to precision tools capable of dominating in competition or the field. Meeting Johan felt like shaking hands with someone who genuinely lives and breathes this stuff. And here’s something I’ll never forget—Fredrik signed my original FX Impact from 2015. That’s the year it hit the market and completely upended what people thought was possible with an airgun. Having that signature on my rifle? It’s like owning a piece of airgun history.
Johan wasted no time showing me the new FX King Synthetic Stock. Now, I’ve spent plenty of time with the FX King in its original GRS stock, and don’t get me wrong, that thing’s a piece of art. But this synthetic version? Total game-changer. It’s not just about looks; it’s about getting down to business. This thing is tough, lightweight, and ready to take a beating—perfect for guys like me who put their gear through the wringer.
“The GRS stock is gorgeous,” Johan told me, “but we wanted to give people an option that’s more affordable and durable for everyday use. The synthetic stock performs just as well but can handle a lot more abuse.”
And he’s right. The FX King Synthetic Stock is a straight-up workhorse. I’ve been known to drag my rifles through thick brush, over rocky trails, and, yeah, the occasional oops moment. With this stock, I don’t have to worry about babying it. It’s built for shooters who get out there and put in the miles.
Another killer feature Johan highlighted was the option to buy the FX King as just a barreled action. If you’re into tweaking and customizing, this is a big deal. You can drop it into something like a Saber Tactical chassis and make it truly yours. I’ve done this myself, turning the FX King into a 24-pound benchrest tank that’s practically cemented to the shooting table. It’s the dream setup for precision shooting, and the fact that FX offers the barreled action alone makes it so much easier to build your perfect rig.
As we strolled through the factory, I couldn’t help but geek out. Everywhere I looked, there was something cool going on. FX’s manufacturing process isn’t just cutting-edge; it’s revolutionary. These guys don’t just make airguns—they craft experiences. Every component, from the barrels to the FX Dynamic block system, is built with insane attention to detail.
Speaking of the FX Dynamic block system, Johan and I got into a deep dive about what makes it tick. “The FX Dynamic block is the heart of the FX King and Panthera,” Johan said. “We designed it to deliver maximum power and efficiency by giving a high-pressure burst of air right when it’s needed most. That way, you’re not wasting air, and you get some insane shot counts.”
This system is a marvel. It’s built to give a quick, powerful burst of air that drives the pellet or slug at just the right speed. Johan explained how the longer valve pin and larger air passages make all the difference. As someone who’s put the FX King through its paces, I can confirm this thing has power and efficiency for days.
“The best part,” Johan added, “is how versatile it is. You can shoot pellets, slugs, you name it, all without switching up your configuration. It’s the one rifle that can handle just about anything.”
And that’s exactly why I love the FX King. Whether I’m plinking targets in my backyard, chasing tiny groups in benchrest matches, or heading into the field for small game, this rifle just delivers. Pair it with the synthetic stock, and it’s a whole new level of rugged performance.
By the end of the day, I was still buzzing from everything I’d seen. FX Airguns isn’t just some company cranking out rifles. It’s a crew of passionate people who live and breathe airguns, always pushing to see what’s possible. The FX King Synthetic Stock is a perfect example of that—a rifle that’s tough, versatile, and built for folks who don’t settle for anything less than the best.
If you’ve been thinking about picking up an FX rifle, now’s the time to make the leap. The FX King Synthetic Stock is worth every penny and then some. Whether you’re a hunter, a competitor, or just someone who loves shooting for the fun of it, this rifle will blow your mind.
So here’s the deal: keep shooting, keep pushing yourself, and always aim for gear that’ll keep up with you. The FX King Synthetic Stock? It’s not just a rifle; it’s the kind of tool that makes every shot unforgettable.
