Devised as an upgrade to the AW50 rifle, the AX50 is built to withstand sustained, heavy usage and constant military deployment.

It was designed to allow the operator a high level of accuracy and performance in harsh conditions.

[3] According to Accuracy International, the development of the series was partly influenced by the Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR) U.S. Special Operations Command solicitation, an undertaking by the U.S. military for a new and improved Precision long range rifle.

The AX50 comes with an integrated Picatinny rail as well as a "Firing pin cocking indicator" safety allowing the user to ascertain whether a cartridge is chambered.

[5] Accuracy International actively promotes fitting the Schmidt & Bender PM II / MILITARY MK II product line as sighting components on their sniper rifles and sells these telescopic sights as accessories, which is rare for a rifle manufacturer.