Free: Contests & Raffles.
I got it in the basic black stock. I like it, its comfortable, and I like how the front of the stock is ergonomically fit for your fingers. Free floated barrel too. I wanted the 243 but they didn't have one so I just snagged the 223. I also looked at the remington 770 which was the same price (but in 243), and I didn't like it as much as the axis, it felt heavy and bulky.
The reason there are so many Ruger upgrades is because they're necessary.