Budget Rifle- Savage Axis?

[park5115]

Looking for a cheaper bolt gun in .243win. I have an older model 700 in .243 and lots of reloading set up for it but wanted a lighter weight beat around gun to drag through the woods.

Academy has synthetic 700 ADLs for $380, and I know they are decent quality although not quite like the old ADLs.

Also saw the Savage Axis at Academy for $280. Anybody got any experience with these? I'm not needing something super accurate just something to kills hogs reliably.

Also considering the Marlin X7 or the Ruger American

[yanta61]

I bought the Axis in 223 and it shot great. The removable mag is sometimes a pain to get back in but it's a good cheap gun. I re-barreled to a 300 Blackout.

[Coach W]

I've got a savage axis in 270 for sale.

Its a Lefty though. If your interested holler at me.

[park5115]

Appreciate the heads up CoachW but really looking for a 243 right now.

[Tommyh]

look for a stevens 200 if you can find one on gunbroker. then get the duramaxx stock for it.

[acc05R1]

I bought a Savage Axis in 25.06 for my son. I bought it because it was cheap, and Savage has a reputation for producing cheap guns that have good accuracy. To say that I was impressed is an understatement. The gun continually produces .75" groups and better, with factory ammo and the cheap scope that came on it. For what you're looking for, I would recommend them. At this time though, I'm not sure if anyone is making an after market stock for the Savage Axis or Edge models.

[Daniel75]

My best friend has a Savage Axis in .243, camo stock. He gave it to me to sight in so I've shot about 30 rounds through it, maybe 40. I really liked it. Bang for buck, it's a good gun. It took 3 boxes of ammo before I found a load it liked, 95 grain Winchester Ballistic Tips. Then it started shooting 1.25" at 100. Recoil is nothing and the stock feels good in your hands. The barrel does heat up after about 3 shots so make sure to let it cool or it'll be flier city on paper.

The bolt isn't silky smooth like a Sako or a Rem 700 but its decent. For a throw down gun in the back of your truck or a ranch rifle, this would be perfect and you'd get a lot of quality for what you're paying for it. The trigger isn't great, not horrible but not great either.

The scope that comes with it is actually pretty decent, especially at dawn and dusk. I would give it 4 out of 5 stars AT ITS PRICE POINT. Gotta say that so I don't get flamed by the haters

[skeeter]

The savage trophy hunter xt is a steal for $479. Nikon 3-9x40 scope and has the accu trigger. Didnt care for the removeable mag on the axis. And i dont think the axis has the accu trigger. Ive had 3 savage rifles. The are cheap... AND SHOOT GREAT!

[rconn]

I bought my little brother a Marlin X7 in .270 and sighted it in for before I gave it to him and loved it. took 5 shots to sight in with the scope that it came with it and after that I was almost touching holes with 130 corlock 130 ammo at 100yards . Liked the gun so much almost kept it for myself!

[tpepper70]

My buddy has one and about the only thing I don't like is the trigger. It's a little heavy. Probably 8-10lbs. Other than that, sweet shooter.

[Wiley719]

I have a savage axis in .223 it is a tack driver I was really surprised In how it shoots bought it at cabelas a while back I don't have anything bad to say about it I carry it around in my truck to shoot yotes with

[bearintex]

Can the Axis be rebarreled as easy as the other Savages?

[cowboy1g5]

I have an Edge(Axis) in the 22-250. With the factory trigger I was nailing 3/4 inch groups all day. Installed a Timney trigger and now its ridiculously accurate. Would buy another in a heart beat.

[Brazman]

I'm thinking that a Savage Axis in 22-250 might be in my future someday. I've heard lots of good things about the model. PS They're a little cheaper at WallyWorld...

[park5115]

Sounds like the only knock on the Axis is it's trigger. I wasnt aware that timney made replacements for the Axis, I have timneys on a couple of other guns and really like them.

My only problem now is, do I buy the Axis and upgrade the trigger, or go find a marlin x7 that already has a decent trigger. Seems like the price would be about the same.