Already have.Why don't you buy one and tell us your opinion.
It's already been explained fairly well that the rifles themselves are accurate. Put one on bags, led sled , or a bench rest rig, and if you are much of a shooter you will very likely see 1Moa or less with decent ammo. The cheap stock comes in to play more when you change shooting positions. This is something you don't have to deal with on slightly more expensive rifles like Tikka, Bergara or the higher end offerings of Savage and others.
You could buy an Axis for $300 , put a $400 Oryx chassis and a $150 trigger upgrade, problems solved. Or you could just go ahead and buy a Tikka or similar.
Or, as I think the Op is inclined, you just buy the Axis and learn how to live with the undesirable stock and rough bolt travel and you can still get Moa results.
Already have.
I didn't see you mention anything other than your 110, which is a big step up from the Axis. I happen to have a 110 Tactical myself.
Maybe I mis read your intention. I took it that you were discounting the folks here, including myself, who have had sub moa results with the Axis despite the cheap stocks.
I think myself and others here have tried to give the Op some options and be carefull to share the good and the bad so he knows what to expect. That's why we're recommending this rifle, but also making him aware of the negatives so he doesn't rebuke our advice later.
No apology needed, I should have asked and clarified your intent.Oh, absolutely not, and if I gave you that impression, my most sincere apologies! You`re right, I only have a 110 but certainly am not disparaging the Axis line or its shooters. On the contrary, I think Savage has obviously produced a very capable "budget " gun in the Axis, particularly the Axis II, stocks and all! Again, my apologies to you and all the Axis shooters!
Well at any rate thank you to everybody for all the replies and suggestions. I know that what I am looking to do will have its share of negative aspects. I am prepared to accept and deal with them. I have put myself on a notification list for a heavy barrel Axis II in 223. We will see how it goes from here.
Where are you getting 6 or 6.5 ammo cheap? Are you loading your own? The absolute cheapest ammo on the planet to load is .223/5.65. Brass is free. At least the 5K I collected at the range. Bullets are economy of scale. OP said he was shooting 3-500 yds. Not 1K.
We do go off on serious diversions here.
Looks like lot of people bought into the Hornady must have cartridge for long range precision shooting.
I have 3 of these Savage Axis Precision rifles and all exceed my expectations.
https://www.savagearms.com/content?p=firearms&a=product_summary&s=57549
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For scopes I would recommend an Arken scope.
https://www.arkenopticsusa.com/arken-optics
In 6.5 CR or .308 Win this combo will get you out to 1000 yards easily. If you want to stick with .223 then I'd say 1000 yards is possible with heavier grain ammo but 800 yards is more easily attainable. The only upgrades I've done are installing extended bolt handles and good brakes.
Another option is you get an inexpensive Savage setup and put it in an Oryx chassis. They have a couple different options available now.
I have put myself on a notification list for a heavy barrel Axis II in 223. We will see how it goes from here.
I really like the Bergaras as well. I have a BMP, since discontinued, that is the most solid feeling rifle I own. I would not hesitate to get a Bergara.I really heavily considered one of those Axis Precisions, but found a Bergara HMR-14 for the same price and I personally preferred the feel of the stock over the chassis, and generally prefer 700 actions over Savage so I went that way. But I don't think the Savage would be a bad choice at all, I just have my preferences.
I really like the Bergaras as well. I have a BMP, since discontinued, that is the most solid feeling rifle I own. I would not hesitate to get a Bergara.
Oryx just released their Field Stock as an alternative to a chassis stock for those preferring a more traditional hybrid stock.
https://oryxchassis.com/oryx-field-stock/
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You say that like it matters.Everyone, the OP stated that he is getting a heavy barreled Savage Axis II once available.
Cabelas 12 FV has long been known as a great value:accuracy ratio. Possib
I, too, think you`ll enjoy your Axis II in 223. I kind of wish my 110 in .223 had a heavy barrel. The Accutrigger is a great trigger IMO. Mine came from the factory at 3 lbs, fine for a hunting rifle and casual range gun. Once you zero, I would be stunned if you`re not shooting sub-MOA groups (precision) and less than an inch POA vs POI ( accuracy ) at 100 yards once you find the loads that it likes. I suspect that your Axis II will come with a 1:9 twist barrel. 55 to 70 grain loads should shoot well, but you can expect definite preferences. OTMs and flat based hunting bullets seem to shoot best in mine.Well at any rate thank you to everybody for all the replies and suggestions. I know that what I am looking to do will have its share of negative aspects. I am prepared to accept and deal with them. I have put myself on a notification list for a heavy barrel Axis II in 223. We will see how it goes from here.
I recently bought 2 Savage Axis rifles in .222 Rem, one with the accutrigger, one without. I really like the accutrigger and plan to replace the other trigger with one when I put the rifle in a new stock. As a primarily long range target shooter, I find there is a world of difference in knowing exactly when my gun is going to fire. The accutrigger reminds me very much of the two stage triggers I have in my target ARs.Glad to know I'm not the only one who likes the Accutrigger. There is much hate out there for any trigger with a blade, and I just don't understand it.
Glad to know I'm not the only one who likes the Accutrigger. There is much hate out there for any trigger with a blade, and I just don't understand it.
I recently bought 2 Savage Axis rifles in .222 Rem (not .223), one with the accutrigger, one without. I really like the accutrigger and plan to replace the other trigger with one when I put the rifle in a new stock. As a primarily long range target shooter, I find there is a world of difference in knowing exactly when my gun is going to fire. The accutrigger reminds me very much of the two stage target triggers I have in my target ARs.
Thanks for the info. This is my first Savage without the accutrigger so I'm ignorant on the subject. Its not a bad trigger, just not an accutrigger.The accutrigger on mine wasn't bab out of the box, but I stoned the sear and trigger engagement surfaces with a 600 gritduamond stone, replaced the original trigger spring and installed an overtravel stop screw. It broke crisp at 2 1/2 lbs.
It's been a while since I worked on an axis or axis II trigger but thought that the accutrigger wasn't interchangeable with a standard axis trigger. Things could have changed or I could be mistaken, it happens yo the best of us, but I'd look into compatability between the two trigger styles . If they're not look into a rifle basix Sav 2. Adjustable down to about 1.5 lbs pull weight, creep and overtravel also adjustable.
For 300-500 yards 223 will certainly work, but the CM's will shoot inside the 223. They're not my preferred target cartridges, but you can't argue with facts.
If he's chasing utmost accuracy though, the cartridge is certainly a part of the occasion. If you're not handloading you're not going to be squeezing all the possible accuracy out of your rifle. 223 will do pretty good, and it is economical to load. But the further out you get, the more the wind will push those bullets around. There's a reason you don't see too many 223's on the competition line outside of competitions that all but mandate 223.
I can dial the accutrigger on my Savage down to just over 2 lbs. without any modifications by me. I usually hunt with them just under 3 lbs. I've gotten to the point where I am so used to the Accutrigger that I don't shoot as well without one. I think if people just give the Accutrigger an honest try, they will fall in love with it as I have. I honestly think some people are more offended by the blade as a second "unnecessary safety" that they can't see what a great trigger it actually is. The loathing of any secondary safety by some in the rifle community is quite strong. It's a shame because the Accutrigger is just a darn good trigger.I recently bought 2 Savage Axis rifles in .222 Rem, one with the accutrigger, one without. I really like the accutrigger and plan to replace the other trigger with one when I put the rifle in a new stock. As a primarily long range target shooter, I find there is a world of difference in knowing exactly when my gun is going to fire. The accutrigger reminds me very much of the two stage triggers I have in my target ARs.