Savage Axis .223 yay or nay

[Duckhammer]

I want an affordable .223 rifle for varmints from sage rats up to a cougar, is this a good choice with a nice scope? Found one for $289.99 at walmart. I value all opinions both positive and negative.

[LongTatLaw]

I am a big fan of the new savages when they have accustock and accutrigger...but the axis lacks both. shop around and find the ruger American for just over 300$...good trigger...and bedded stock...

[adamR]

My wife bought me a savage axis 243 for Christmas.  While you can definitely tell that is is on the cheaper side it still is one heck of a rifle. I put a $300 luepold  on mine and 15 shots later I was accurately shooting out to 500 yards.  I'm not a huge fan of the detatchable magazine, it's made very cheap, but it hasn't failed me though.

[Jolten]

I absolutely love my savage axis in 243. Solid shooter and I've never had issues.

[KFhunter]

I'd take what you were going to spend on a nice scope and apply that to a better rifle, then stick a used 3x9 on it until later when you can upgrade the optics   

Check out the CZ527    http://cz-usa.com/products/view/cz-527-varmint/

[bowhunterwa87]

Feels like junk to me..plastic mag is gross..sell them at my work but personally I would go with a remmy  700 or ruger mkii or hawkeye.. But if you like it that is all that matters.

[Jolten]

If your in the Yakima area I can meet up and have you throw a few rounds down the barrel out of my .243

[adamR]

Jolten, what round did you go with for your 243?

[jrebel]

For the price...it will be a great shooter.   If this is all you have or want to spend I say do it.....if you have more money then look at a little higher dollar rifle.  The extra money will get you a cleaner finish and nicer trigger.   

[Jolten]

80gr Barnes TTSX factory loaded.

[CAMPMEAT]

Yakima = Bi-mart

[Jolten]

O_o not sure what you mean there.

[tjthebest]

223 does not work for cougar.. need a .24 caliber or larger

[Bob33]

223 does not work for cougar.. need a .24 caliber or larger

A .223 is legal for cougar in Washington.

[KFhunter]

223 does not work for cougar.. need a .24 caliber or larger

A .223 is legal for cougar in Washington.

recent change tjthebest

Hunting Methods:
Hunters may use legal modern firearm, archery,
or muzzleloader equipment for hunting cougar
as identified in the table. Cougar may also be
hunted with a 22 caliber or larger centerfire rifle.
Rimfire 22 caliber is illegal

Pg. 60 in the regs if you want to see for yourself.

[CAMPMEAT]

O_o not sure what you mean there.

Doesn't Yakivegas have a Bi-Mart near Fruitland Blvd ? I believe they sell guns there fairly reasonably. Maybe you could find a better rifle.

[jay.sharkbait]

For the price they are hard to beat.

AKirkland has one in .270 and we did a simple trigger job and some load development and it shoots sub MOA with 140gr Accubonds.

The stock is a little flimsy and the mag is kinda goofy, but it works fine.

[stryker]

I have a Savage Axis in .30-06. I put a Cabelas 12x scope on it (on sale $79) and it works as expected. Step dad has on in .308 and he likes it.

[Jolten]

No need for a better rifle. No need to fix what isn't broken.

[Duckhammer]

Appreciate all the feedback folks. Still shopping around. Want to check out the Stevens and the Ruger All American Rifle as well...

[mrolen]

Appreciate all the feedback folks. Still shopping around. Want to check out the Stevens and the Ruger All American Rifle as well...

For the money the axis is a good rifle but if you spend a few more bucks sometimes you can pick up a remington 700 ADL package at bimart for around 400 i believe with a scope. the scope is not the best but the one i had lasted me threw a ruff week in montana hunting prairie dogs riding on the front of the ATV exposed to rain and snow. the stevens 200 is also a good buy pretty much a pre accu trigger 110.

[BiggLuke]

My brother's Savage, can pick off penny's at 100 yards.
I never thought such a cheap gun would be more accurate than my rifles... but its pretty sweet.

[wafisherman]

For the price, tough to beat.  I think some guys go a little overboard on hunting rifles.  Are you shooting under 500 yards?  Will this be used for competition target shooting?  Firing several shots in a row with no cool down period?  Or are you just focused on getting a bullet into the kill zone out in the field?  Axis is a great tool and good value for the intended job.

[dscubame]

For the price, tough to beat.  I think some guys go a little overboard on hunting rifles.  Are you shooting under 500 yards?  Will this be used for competition target shooting?  Firing several shots in a row with no cool down period?  Or are you just focused on getting a bullet into the kill zone out in the field?  Axis is a great tool and good value for the intended job.

That is a strictly pragmatic way to look at it.  For most of us there is an element of art and individuality involved with our personal guns. 

[wafisherman]

For the price, tough to beat.  I think some guys go a little overboard on hunting rifles.  Are you shooting under 500 yards?  Will this be used for competition target shooting?  Firing several shots in a row with no cool down period?  Or are you just focused on getting a bullet into the kill zone out in the field?  Axis is a great tool and good value for the intended job.

That is a strictly pragmatic way to look at it.  For most of us there is an element of art and individuality involved with our personal guns.

Absolutely.  Meant to clarify that point.  Just like the cars we drive...

[Jolten]

Get out and try a few different brands and models. Go with what fits you. My offer of trying mine out if your ever in Yakima is still there.

[Dan-o]

Bought my first Savage 2 years ago.   Wish I hadn't waited most accurate rifle I've ever owned.   "cheap" stocks don't bother me.  It feels fine to me.   

[dscubame]

For the price, tough to beat.  I think some guys go a little overboard on hunting rifles.  Are you shooting under 500 yards?  Will this be used for competition target shooting?  Firing several shots in a row with no cool down period?  Or are you just focused on getting a bullet into the kill zone out in the field?  Axis is a great tool and good value for the intended job.

That is a strictly pragmatic way to look at it.  For most of us there is an element of art and individuality involved with our personal guns.

Absolutely.  Meant to clarify that point.  Just like the cars we drive...

OK