Matt “Axe” Axelson Tribute Rifle to be Raffled to Benefit Special Operations Wounded Warriors
Brownells, SOWW Partner to Raffle Axelson Tactical Rifle
We consider it an honor to have sat before the likes of true American heroes such as Marcus Luttrell and Ron Bellan and to hear the heartfelt words of Matt “Axe” Axelson’s family during SHOT Show 2016 as they came together with Brownells to announce the raffle of a rifle package to benefit Special Operations Wounded Warriors (SOWW).
The package includes the Axelson Tactical Rifle – one of only 99 built – serial numbered AXE01. The rifle is a semi-auto replica of the one that Matt was carrying on June 28, 2005, when he and nine other US Navy SEALs and eight Army Aviation Soldiers were killed in combat in support of Operation Red Wings – the events of which were depicted in the book and film Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10.
The customized rifle is built around the SIONICS 18″ SPR barrel, chambered in .223 Wylde with a 1/8 twist and housed in a standard M4 upper outfitted with a Battle Comp 1.0 compensator and tucked inside a 15″ free-float Geissele SMR rail. Helping complete the upper is an NP3-finished BCG, Magpul MPUS PRO front and rear sights, and BCM VLTOR charging handle. The lower is outfitted wit a Geissele SSA-E trigger with a Battle Arms ambi selector, Enhanced SOPMOD stock, and BCM Gunfighter Mod 0 grip, and it’s all mounted to the upper with Battle Arms’ enhanced pin set.
Adorning the rifle are a number of engravings that memorialized the SEAL Team 10 members lost that day – Danny Dietz and Mike Murphy – as well as the Night Stalkers – whose Chinook Helicopter, Turbine 33, was shot down by a Taliban RPG.
Of the rifle, Matt’s brother Jeff, founder of Axelson Tactical, says “When our family decided to build this tribute rifle to honor Matt, his teammates, and the Night Stalkers that perished that day, we wanted it to be a symbol of the brotherhood all the men shared,” calling it “a tribute housed in the tool they used to keep each other safe.”
The rifle comes in a custom Pelican case that includes three color-matched magazines, a number of patches and challenge coins that tell the story of Operation Red Wings – including Matt’s personal, serialized coin, and 1000 rounds of Team Never Quit (TNQ) 5.56 ammo.
Surviving teammate Marcus Luttrell, in front of a silent gathering of family members and media, noted that “when a family builds a rifle like this, you know that it is 100% from the heart.”
Brownells will take the lead in promoting the raffle by hosting a webpage where the rifle’s story is displayed and where raffle tickets may be purchased for $50. Members of SOWW will be displaying the rifle and selling tickets at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Louisville, Kentucky, May 20-22, 2016, at booth #3401. The raffle ends on July 4, 2016 with the winner to be notified by July 8.
SOWW representative and fellow SEAL Ron “Reaper 01” Bellan commented on the strong camaraderie and support network built among the members of the Special Operations Wounded Warrior group saying “I challenge the rest of the services out there to take care of your own. You have the power to do it.”
Following the presentation and announcement of the tribute rifle, Bellan was called back on stage, where he was met by Pete Brownell, who presented a check to him for SOWW on behalf of Brownells, Inc.
About SOWW
SOWW (Special Operations Wounded Warriors), a 501(c)(3) Charity, was formed in August of 2012 for the distinct purpose of providing outdoor experiences to a select group of both active duty and veteran U.S. Military Special Operations Forces, that have received wounds in battle, and that have received our Country’s prestigious Purple Heart Medal. To donate or for more information, visit www.sowwcharity.org.
About Axelson Tactical
Born of a Warrior’s Legacy and Gold Star family run, Axelson Tactical is committed to building top tier products tested and approved by Special Operations combat veterans.
Axelson Tactical manufactures and distributes the highest quality firearms, ammunition, knives, and accessories in the industry. The Axelson Tactical family of brands includes Reaper Outdoors, Team Never Quit, SEAL-1, Busse Knives, Led Wave, and Axelson Tactical, with all products back by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Axelson Tactical is proud to support numerous veterans’ charities. For more information or to place an order call 1-855-SHOP-AXE or visit the Axelson Tactical web page.
About Team Never Quit
Team Never Quit focuses on courage, perseverance, faith and hope. Team members personify strength of character, endurance and the resonating message of overcoming challenges and succeeding even when the odds are insurmountable. Never stop, never give up, keep fighting even as life throws you challenges, Team Never Quit. For more about Team Never Quit products to include the Team Never Quit ammo line, apparel line and the Patriot Tour go to http://teamneverquit.com/.
About Brownells
Serious About Firearms Since 1939™, Brownells is the world’s leading source for gun parts and accessories, ammunition, gunsmithing tools, survival gear and archery. With a large selection of both common and hard-to-find items, and an extensive collection of videos, articles, and gun schematics, Brownells is the expert for everything shooting-related. Committed to maintaining our great traditions, Brownells has more, does more and knows more – and guarantees it all, Forever.