Savage Axis vs Remington 700 SPS

[psp7304]

I'm looking for a bolt gun in .223 to punch holes in targets, nothing more. I found an unfired Savage Axis (pre accutrigger) for $200. I also found an unfired Remington 700 SPS for $450. I realize the Remington will have more options available as far as accessories go, but I would like to get everyone's opinion, especially those with a Savage Axis.

 

[stillquietvoice]

I had an axis 2 in 223 it would shoot into the same hole with the right loads. 3 factory loads would print consistently 69 fed match, hornandy 50 max and hornandy 55 v max. I had to open the barrel channel, lighten up the trigger, stone the sear, and add an overtravel stop screw.

I was able to hit targets to 550 with it. I have also done trigger jobs on 2 other axis rifles. The triggers still had a small amount of creep but they worked pretty good.

I've got an sps in 7mm08 that had an xmark pro trigger it broke clean but wanted it lighter do I installed a Timney. I also had to open the barrel channel on this one. My only real complaint on the sps is it's short mag box at 2.81" my reloads have to fit in the box to use for hunting.

I'm looking for a bolt gun in .223 to punch holes in targets, nothing more. I found an unfired Savage Axis (pre accutrigger) for $200. I also found an unfired Remington 700 SPS for $450. I realize the Remington will have more options available as far as accessories go, but I would like to get everyone's opinion, especially those with a Savage Axis.

You'll find that the forearm on both to be fairly flexible.

 

[Bfh_auto]

I've found the 700 to have a better feel than the Axis.
The Axis trigger can be modified for free, while you will pay to replace the 700 trigger if you aren't satisfied with it.
They will shoot equally well. But I would choose the 700 every time.

 

[stillquietvoice]

Another consideration isctgat the savage action is loong so a scope with large mounting space or extended rings will be needed.

 

[jmr40]

This

https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/93387/ruger+amer-p+223+pred+mtblk

200 yard group.

 

[mshootnit]

I had an axis 2 in 223 it would shoot into the same hole with the right loads. 3 factory loads would print consistently 69 fed match, hornandy 50 max and hornandy 55 v max. I had to open the barrel channel, lighten up the trigger, stone the sear, and add an overtravel stop screw.

I was able to hit targets to 550 with it. I have also done trigger jobs on 2 other axis rifles. The triggers still had a small amount of creep but they worked pretty good.

I've got an sps in 7mm08 that had an xmark pro trigger it broke clean but wanted it lighter do I installed a Timney. I also had to open the barrel channel on this one. My only real complaint on the sps is it's short mag box at 2.81" my reloads have to fit in the box to use for hunting.




You'll find that the forearm on both to be fairly flexible.

What was the accuracy on the sps 7-08?

 

[mshootnit]

There's also the 700ADL and 783 that are cheaper than the SPS

 

[stillquietvoice]

What was the accuracy on the sps 7-08?

I found with mine that 139 sst superformance shot an average of
.75 inch mostly I handload at around 5/8 inch. I load 139 sst, 140 prohunters, gamekings, and nbt's all give exelent accuracy. Just before hunting season with 140 nbt's I went 10 for 10 on steel at 300 meters.

 

[stillquietvoice]

I'm not a big fan of the 783. The adl would be a good option. It's the same action as the sps only with an internal box mag.

 

[BigBL87]

If I were going to buy an Axis, I would at least bump up to an Axis II for the Accutrigger. The long action/scope mounting issue mentioned is important to consider, especially if you already have a scope you want to put on it, and even if you don't an actual short action gives you a better selection of scopes available.

I know it isn't either option, but another option in the middle of the two would be this Weatherby Vanguard that's on sale through CDNN. Sounds like you found yours locally so not sure how you feel about buying online, but...

https://www.cdnnsports.com/weatherby-vanguard-223rem-heavy-barrel.html#.Xhp5CdZMErc

I bought one awhile back, and it is honestly the smoothest bolt action I've ever used (admittedly I have limited experience). For punching paper, the heavy barrel won't be an issue as far as weight goes. I bought mine for punching paper and coyote, so both stationary applications. I ended up dropping mine in a Hogue Overmold full bed block stock I got at about half price, pretty nice setup especially considering it cost me less than $550 (not including the scope and rings).



If you aren't opposed to options outside of your two, I'd also toss in the Ruger American, specifically the Predator model of it were me.

 

[LoonWulf]

But I would choose the 700 every time.

yup

on the flip side, ill take a howa 1500, or a ruger American over almost any 700 at this point, just because for a bit more you can get a Bergara, or something similar.

 

[Varminterror]

700 SPS > Axis.

 

[psp7304]

Thanks for the replies everyone.