Savage Axis vs TC Compass

[ahil925]

I've been considering getting another bolt action rifle for awhile now, I miss shooting my Turkish Mauser but 8mm Mauser ammo is too expensive to just plink with nowdays. I'm after a .223/5.56 rifle for low cost plinking with the option of hunting small-medium game if I ever get into that. I know that most of the budget bolt guns won't recreate the exact feel of the Mauser but I figure it will still feel similar. I've thought about getting an AR but It's hard to justify getting an autoloader when I have a perfectly good Romanian SKS.

I've come across some listings online for the TC Compass and Savage Axis for pretty good prices, ~$190 (with discounts and rebates) and ~$230 respectively. I know that these rifles were built to a price point but both are supposed to be very accurate. Do those of you who own one (maybe both?) mind piping in with your thoughts/findings/opinions?

 

[adcoch1]

I've handled the Axis, the trigger is good and the stock fit well, but a milsurp mauser has about 100,000% more character than the plastic stock Savage. That being said, the Savage is supposed to shoot amazingly well compared to many rifles. Never touched the TC though, but they look kinda cool.
For flinging 223 though, don't overlook a cheap ar 15, they have more aftermarket support than probably any firearm in history, and they are so much different than an sks as to not be comparable. I'd rather have an sks if I only had one, but ar's definitely have a place. I've been thinking about an axis myself to put in a boyds laminated stock for small game. Would make a nice cheap 223

 

[RPRNY]

Both will suit your needs. Neither will give you the overall joy of your Mauser. You can buy a fair amount of 8x57 for $250 plus $ scope (PPU and S&B), so something to consider. It would be best if you could handle both and choose the one that feels better.

 

[Jackal]

I just ordered a Compass in .308 for $210. As a beater silencer host, the price cannot be beat. Heck, if it shoots 3moa ish with ball ammo, I'll be happy.

 

[cdb1]

I don't own either but like the Compass better. I'm sure some will argue but after assembling and handling many of both at work the Compass seems like a better quality firearm to me. I like the Compass trigger better, the shorter bolt throw and believe the magazine to be much better.

 

[Axis II]

savage axis heavy barrel 223rem with accu trigger shoots 5 shots touching at 100yards with 50-55gr v max. On a good day with hand loads I've got the gun to send 5 shots covered by a dime.

 

[TN Outlaw]

Thats a hard one for me. Im a fan of Savage rifles, but dont exactly care for the Axis.

I havent had any dealings with the T/C but ive heard some good things about their products.

If i had to choose id have to go with the Axis just because i know what to expect with them. They shoot well with good triggers and i like the company that makes it with personal experiences ive had talking to them.

Not that you asked, but id put a few more dollars with it and get a Ruger American personally.

 

[horsey300]

Axis vs compass? Compass
Axis2 vs compass? Axis2

 

[cdb1]

Axis vs compass? Compass
Axis2 vs compass? Axis2

Good point because the Axis has a horrible trigger IMO.

 

[someguy2800]

I am a fan of savages for target rifles just because of the easy barrel/bolt head changes and the accutriggers are very nice with a couple adjustments. They have no appeal to me as a hunting rifle due to the placement of the safety and the clunky heavy bolt lift and humpback aesthetics. The finish and the stock on the axis rifles is about as bad as it gets. If none of that is of concern to you then the axis 2 is a really good deal. If you want a smoother handling rifle the compass is probably something to look into. I've never shot one but from looking at them they look like a decent rifle.

 

[hdwhit]

Why?

Simply put, I have a Savage Axis. It shoots better than I expected for a sub-$300 gun. The price was right. I like it. And because it didn't break the bank, I don't worry about it when I take it out into the field. I can treat it like a tool, not a prized possession.

 

[someguy2800]

where are you guys finding compass's for $230? For that price I might have to order one just in case I have a door that needs to be propped open or need something to chock a wheel with.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Had an Axis, I believe it was a 1st gen in .223. Decent trigger, accurate, but the cheesey, hard to load magazine was a deal breaker- although it would hold 5 when the official number was 4 rounds. If that flimsy latch ever broke you'de be SOL- the ejection port is too small to manually insert rounds easily. Those mags aint cheap neither, so forget about laying away a couple of spares. Go with a Stevens 200 if you can scrounge one up these days! Much better overall rifle.