Turkeytider
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LOL! $860 for an Axis? Yeah, I`d be asking the same question!
Savage axis II
- Thread starter Almor
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Different stroked for different folks. None of the deer I've harvested have complained about how ugly the Axis is. Everything is a tradeoff. One can spend money on "nicer" or on things that improve functionality. An additional $350 is a big step up in the range of optics I'm shopping.
On the other hand, I faced this tradeoff recently and chose a rifle other than the Axis. I wanted a rifle in .280ai and I didn't want a tank (I have my Ruger Hawkeye with laminate stock in .300WM if I want to lug a tank around). Choice came down to the Axis II for ~$450 or the Kimber Hunter for ~$950. I almost bought the Axis II, but went with the Kimber instead. I chose the Kimber partly because folks told me it would be much nicer than the Axis II I have, but also because it has a 2" longer barrel than the Axis II and I expect it to be as accurate. Also, I thought it would be a good idea to check out another manufacturer with a good reputation. I would go Axis II every time if the other rifle costs more and gives me nothing other than "nicer" and definitely if the other rifle can be expected to be less accurate.
I absolutely love the .25-06 cartridge and think it's fantastic in the Axis II. Drops deer like they were hit by lightning, plenty of range, and light enough recoil that anyone can shoot it. My teen daughter took her first buck with it yesterday. Recoil didn't bother her at all.
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Almor
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What model? For example B14 timber LH … about 1150€ and my HMR in 2022 1250€ LH also.
JohnMc
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I was thinking the base model, for a "fair" comparison to the Axis II. The B14 Timber LH is $980 from Buds, figure around $20-$30 for FFL fee (guns in the US, if ordered from places like Buds, have to go to a local Federal Firearms Licencee to be picked up and do the form 4473). HMRs are around $1100, with different prices for different configurations.
The price difference is less extreme, US vs Spain. I've never shot one - is the Bergara worth the extra 300 Euros?
351 WINCHESTER
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Our son bought one at Bass Pro. I picked it up to test the trigger (non accutrigger). It must be over 12lbs. The bolt lift is horrendous for any bolt gun. I told him to call a Savage gunsmith tomorrow to get this straightened out.
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Almor
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I never tested savage, but I’ve one friend , He say all time in the same prices all savage shoot better…
In my opinion, Bergara has good after sales service ( I’m sorry if I wrote bad ) in Spain, In America I don’t know how is the service .
In the bergara you can use different components of REM 700, trigger, stocks, etc
And now, my experience, I’d never buy a short barrel, I don’t like de BA13 ( I had one of the firsts ) and now my HMR is 20” barrel and is not easy find good factory hunting ammo for it, with match ammo improve.
I know friends with B14 timber or hunter, and they speak good thing about them, I really like the timber stock, the bolt is 90°… and doesn’t like too much but is very soft and smooth .
I don’t know if I’ll follow with my HMR, with the scope he weighs 5.3kg.. and now I’m thinking in change of caliber , 270 or 3006 , really I won’t shoot more than 300 yd.
I have another friends shooting with HMR 24” and they say the rifle shoot like a Laser.
Sorry if my English is not good sir!
BreechFace
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No way I would pay 800 Euro for a Savage Axis II. I wouldn't pay 400 Euro. I'll admit I'm not much for Savage, but really am not a fan of their budget lines. They will however more than likely be very accurate, and take longer to clean unless one laps the tool marks out; and will need one will need to keep up on keeping the metal oiled, they rust pretty easily.
@Almor what brands of rifles do you have available over there? I would think between Bergara, Tikka, CZ, Mauser, etc you could find a budget oriented rifle that would be better than a Axis II for similar cost.
Am I understanding correctly that you need a left hand rifle? If so, that narrows things down.
EDIT: That first few sentences above probably were probably showing my bias too much, but in today's day one can get a lot of rifle for $700-800 US. Which would be similar to what you are looking at spending on an Axis II; which is really a budget rifle. That maybe the scenario one is given across the pond; us Americans are probably spoiled when it comes to firearm availability and choice.
@Almor what brands of rifles do you have available over there? I would think between Bergara, Tikka, CZ, Mauser, etc you could find a budget oriented rifle that would be better than a Axis II for similar cost.
Am I understanding correctly that you need a left hand rifle? If so, that narrows things down.
EDIT: That first few sentences above probably were probably showing my bias too much, but in today's day one can get a lot of rifle for $700-800 US. Which would be similar to what you are looking at spending on an Axis II; which is really a budget rifle. That maybe the scenario one is given across the pond; us Americans are probably spoiled when it comes to firearm availability and choice.
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Almor
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Good to hear this!
Here the most common are Tikka( for example T3x about 1300/1400€), Browning ( long track (1800€) or x bolt (1400/1500€ I think)
Later You can find Sauer, Blaser and other brands more expensive for me…
The main problem is the poor market for Left Hand hunters or shooters.
BreechFace
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Can you get a Savage Model 10 or 110 depending on chambering?
With how much one pays for ammunition or reloading supplies, I don't particularly like to cheap out on rifle.
With how much one pays for ammunition or reloading supplies, I don't particularly like to cheap out on rifle.
BreechFace
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Personally, I would hold out for a Tikka if you can, the only downside to Tikka is they are all long-action unless something's changed that I don't know about in their product line. Their actions feel like they are running on ball bearings, very smooth and they come with a 1 MOA guarantee.
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Almor
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It’s possible find 110 … about 1200€, I think for this price , Tikka is better option …
BreechFace
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I would agree.
It's amazing how much costlier firearms are over there for you all. We all should count our blessings over here in the US.
Even more so I would suggest you wait and buy a quality rifle, given the circumstances of what you are faced with.
And nothing against those that have a Savage Axis II, it's just that for 860 Euro's that's very hard to stomach.
We can get Savage Axis II's here for $325-350, and Tikka T3x's for $700. (difference in price 2x)
You can get a Savage Axis II for 860 EU, and the Tikka for 1350 EU. (difference in price ~1.5x)
You are closer percentage wise to the Tikka from the Axis than we are over here.
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Almor
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I like speak with people of other Countries, I never imagined this differences …
Thank you!
JohnMc
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You wrote fine; your English is far better than my Spanish, which is limited to:
Mas cerveza, por favor.
Gracias.
You know, the important stuff.
I can't say about Savage customer service; I have had my pre-Accutrigger 110 "Weather Warrior" (Stainless steel, synthetic stock) for a long time without any issues. It's my hunting gun, not much fun target practicing or plinking with a ~3 kilo gun, I don't quite remember exactly, shooting .270 Winchester!
An old co-worker who bought a Bergara, I forget which model, in 6.5 Creedmoor loved it. He couldn't get over how well it shot.
I have shot a friend's Tikka; it was excellent.
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courtgreene
Member
I’m a big savage fan, but were I in your shoes, I’d go tika. This is mostly a price-based recommendation.
That said, it’s mostly because you’re looking at the axis. Were you looking at the 10/110, I might recommend the savage. You mentioned commonality earlier with Remingtons and tikas so I’ll use that to explain. The savage 110 is more similar to the Remington 700, whereas the savage axis line is more like the Remington 770. They are the bare bones, budget models. The tika would more readily compare to the Remington 700/savage 110 level of rifle quality. If the 110 is available for around the same cost as the tika, then I’d go savage.
That said, it’s mostly because you’re looking at the axis. Were you looking at the 10/110, I might recommend the savage. You mentioned commonality earlier with Remingtons and tikas so I’ll use that to explain. The savage 110 is more similar to the Remington 700, whereas the savage axis line is more like the Remington 770. They are the bare bones, budget models. The tika would more readily compare to the Remington 700/savage 110 level of rifle quality. If the 110 is available for around the same cost as the tika, then I’d go savage.
Turkeytider
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It`s interesting to me the more " even handed " treatment different rifle brands get on Rifle Country than on other sites. People have their favorites, which is fine and expected, but they don`t go out of their way to totally trash other brands or those that own and shoot them. The mere mention of a brand that`s " out of favor " will get one literally eviscerated on one site in particular. I`ve PM`d posters and suggested they go to other sites, especially the High Road, for a more " balanced " ( and civilized ! ) approach to evaluations.
Turkeytider
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I have a 110 in .223. Have handled and cycled Axis IIs. The 110s , at least to me, have a more " substantial " feel to them. One would/should expect that as the 110s are a grade up. Not to say that the Axis line doesn`t have a place, I think it does, in the budget range.
