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.