axis isn't what I expected

[SVTOhio]

My 25-06 axis with Boyd's stock and DIY trigger job is one hell of a shooter.

 

[doubleh]

I bought one early last year with the intention of changing it to suit me. Why? Because of it's reputation for accuracy. I built a new stock from wood I had that fits like I wanted. Built an aluminum trigger from left over aluminum. I'll admit getting that cheesy factory mag to work like I wanted was kind if fiddly but I got it done. Gave up on the trigger and purchased a Rifle Basix which happened to be on sale. I didn't really need a recoil pad but had one just sitting there so I installed it.

Now I have rifle that fits me perfectly and will do .05" groups at 100 yds. with my handloads easily if it's a still day with not much money at all in it. Just some work and being an old, bored, retired geezer it was an enjoyable project.

Not nearly as ugly as when it came out of the box but still no great beauty but I've never seen a Savage centerfire rifle I would classify as pretty. If I wasn't capable of turning it into what I wanted would I have bought it? NO! Miserable piece of machinery as it comes from the factory IMHO. It has changed some from when I bought mine so perhaps they are better now.

A little comparison between it and a Stevens 200 that I re-did for a grandson: Converted to a wood stock and a 2 1/2# trigger. 3/4" at 100 yds. with my handloads on a still day is a given and now and then I can get a low .6" group. It's definately a better looking gun than the Axis though.

 

[Doc7]

0.05" groups "easily" is incredible!!! That could probably compete in the Olympics?

 

[DaisyCutter]

I feel ya. The new $300 econo rifles have decent accuracy. But... The bolts are gross and they sound like you are running in corduroy. The overall rifle is really cheaply finished. I think the only human finishing that is performed, is hanging the price tag.

At any rate, you won a rifle. Use it or sell it.


I'm buying up old rifles.

Got this made in 1972 Remington 700 ADL 30-06 on Saturday. Topped with a Leupold 4X scope. The rifle is nearly flawless, bolt glides, locks up tight, bore looks new, trigger is a dream, deep blued steel is cold to the touch. Paid $430 as is.

https://flic.kr/p/wcKEwg

 

[HOOfan_1]

0.05" groups "easily" is incredible!!! That could probably compete in the Olympics?

I think the world record for benchrest rifles is something like .13"

 

[243winxb]

Savage Axis 223

My stock Axis with the early heavy trigger.

 

[blue32]

Risky, your Axis long action is essentially a 110 although the inletting for where the bottom metal would go has been filled in with polymer to accept the proprietary polymer magazines. I ran those mags hard in a Trophy Hunter XP without fail - but I wanted metal too. Since you already have a free rifle, you're ahead of the game.

If you want a more solid stock go with the Boyd's. Make sure your action screw holes are the same distance apart for the Boyd's. Their website has dimensions so it shouldn't be too difficult. Next, you will need the bottom metal since the Boyd's is not not filled in like the Axis to accept the Axis polymer magazine catch. Call Savage customer service and explain to them you want bottom metal for a long action. You will need the bottom metal for the receiver, metal trigger guard for trigger guard bolt release, and a metal magazine bottom cap.

To switch from polymer to metal simply squeeze the sides of the magazine to remove the polymer magazine bottom. The metal one will click in place. All bottom metal will screw into the Boyd's just fine. The bottom metal with trigger guard and magazine cap ran me $138 from Savage. The Boyd's was $100. For you, that's a laminate stocked rifle with all metal components for $238.

If you have any questions send me a PM and I'll walk you through it.

 

[entropy]

I think the world record for benchrest rifles is something like .13"

Ya, I call BS on that one, too. I think he meant .5", which is still very good at 100 yds. My .14" group was at 25 yds, and I have a hard time getting people to believe that.....

 

[doubleh]

OK, I should have proof read my post. .5" is what I meant. Like I said, I'm well into geezerhood. I'm allowed a boo boo once in a while I think.

 

[entropy]

Hey, I do it all the time. Usually end up editing my posts a couple times....

 

[Caliper_Mi]

Looks and feel, I'll take the 700 over that clunky arsed Axis.

I'd expect better look and feel on a rifle that costs 2x what the Axis does... (and agreed that the Axis stock is a poor design)

Risky, your Axis long action is essentially a 110

No. It has 4.78" action screw spacing, where the 110 is 5.something. The Axis needs an Axis-specific stock, scope mount and bottom metal. The barrels will interchange betwen the two, at least.

The Axis also has a closed top receiver as opposed to the open top of the 10/110 series.

 

[herrwalther]

I bought an Axis XP youth in 7mm-08. Was setup that way to be a rifle to teach my son on in a few years. I could not be accurate with it and did not like the budget feel. Ended up trading it for a Benchmade knife I use everyday. A bolt action .308 derivative rifle fell farther down my priority list.

 

[Lord Teapot]

is this what people are talking about when they say the 'axis'?

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...74/products_id/70956/Savage+AXIS+XP+3006+WSCP


getting really good reviews here...only negatives i'm seeing in this thread are that it feels cheap, but if it's really that accurate out of the box i want one.

 

[doubleh]

Yep, that's it. Butt ugly thing. It's cheap and feels it but it is accurate.

 

[jrdolall]

Terrible trigger on mine that I really need to change but I just put it in the back of a safe. I snipped the spring and it now sucks slightly less than it did.

I bought it for a range toy and to try a new caliber so I ain't too worried about it.

 

[Lincoln4]

Head over to the "Savage Shooters" forum. Lots of info and help there...

http://www.savageshooters.com/forum.php