I mentioned on another thread that I had an extra scope I needed a rifle for. My problem is what to get. I know, right! Lol I've decided on .223/5.56 since I have a little put back. They're not easy to find. I'm down to a Ruger American and a Savage Axis. Axis is $100 cheaper and has great reviews but I'm still leaning towards the Ruger. Any thoughts?
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- Thread starter MORedneck
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gotboostvr
Member
In general, I've heard much more positives about the Ruger than the Savage.
They'll both likely shoot great, but the Savages seem to be more likely to need a little fiddling to get running just right.
If you go with the Savage, I would for sure spring for the upgraded trigger.
I'm tempted towards the Savage just because I can get one in 280AI from the factory.
They'll both likely shoot great, but the Savages seem to be more likely to need a little fiddling to get running just right.
If you go with the Savage, I would for sure spring for the upgraded trigger.
I'm tempted towards the Savage just because I can get one in 280AI from the factory.
Buzznrose
Member
I like the Ruger that takes AR magazines. I like to have 4-6 minimum mags per gun, and factory mags get speedy!
Skeptic13
Member
As far as Ruger vs. Savage to me it is a draw. Buy the one you like the most and it will perform for you. If you own ARs then I like the idea of buying a .223 bolt gun that will take AR magazines. I have a Mossberg MVP that takes AR magazines and is a very accurate and handy rifle. The idea of having a four shot .223 rifle does not appeal to me and I like the idea of being able to share magazines between the rifles.
troy fairweather
Member
Ruger, I've just had to many things break on the savage, seen some nasty bolt lifts on the axis to.
sparkyv
Member
I've owned and shot three early version Ruger Americans with rotary magazines. I sent the 6.5CM and 308Win down the road because although they were very good, they weren't as accurate as my .223 Rem. My .233 is the Predator version, and it shoots lights out with my handloads. It's a sub-MOA gun that I'll never get rid of. The only thing that'd make it better would be if it accepted the AR magazines. The Ruger would be my recommendation. If I went with the Savage, which wouldn't be a bad choice by any means, it'd be an Axis II to get the AccuTrigger option.
I've heard of bolt and ejector issues on the Axis. What's more Savage warranty is 1 year. Even at that, their customer service is poor. On the other hand, although Ruger doesn't spell out their warranty, they do stand behind their products as long as you don't customize their guns. My 10/22 is 20 years old and still going strong. My vote is on Ruger.
CapnMac
Member
Ruger American might have a better trigger out of the box. The Ruger American Predator (that takes AR mags) maybe less, too. But, YMMV The couple of Predators I've shot did not have light triggers, but they were precise. It was a fine bllance,
Now, there are a tom more "goodies" out there for Savage. If you find the Savage stock ugly, or a poor fit, or the like, you can easily shop for another solution. Ruger, not so much--you better like it out of the box.
YMMV
I really liked my old Savage .233 110T tactical. Did what it was supposed to.
I also .really like my Ruger American in .243. Trigger is excellent (if not what I'd probably spring on a novice shooter)
Now, there are a tom more "goodies" out there for Savage. If you find the Savage stock ugly, or a poor fit, or the like, you can easily shop for another solution. Ruger, not so much--you better like it out of the box.
YMMV
I really liked my old Savage .233 110T tactical. Did what it was supposed to.
I also .really like my Ruger American in .243. Trigger is excellent (if not what I'd probably spring on a novice shooter)
dh1633pm
Contributing Member
Hmmm. I have an extra scope, maybe I should get a Savage Axis or a Ruger American. I have looked at both and like the feel of the American better. Keep in mind that looking is not owning and shooting.
Seedy Character
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The Ruger, because, well, it IS a Ruger
sarduy
Member
Get what makes you happy. At the end of the day it’s better to pull the trigger and get a smile than buyer’s remorse. If the Ruger is what you want get it. It’s a great rifle too.
I've been happy with my Savage Axis II in .25-06. It shoots moa @ 200 yards (occasionally groups <moa) with 100 gr. factory ammo. I guess the bolt lift is a bit heavy. I never noticed it, but my daughters had difficulty lifting the bolt. Accutrigger is good. I only have about 100 rounds through it though, so don't know how it will hold up.
Gordon
Member
Dont forget the Mossberg MVP , you get a great gun for the money.
https://rifleshooter.com/2016/06/re...o-223-remington-and-7-62-nato-308-winchester/
https://www.outdoorlife.com/articles/hunting/2012/03/mossberg-mvp/
https://rifleshooter.com/2016/06/re...o-223-remington-and-7-62-nato-308-winchester/
https://www.outdoorlife.com/articles/hunting/2012/03/mossberg-mvp/
SwampWolf
Member
I like the way you guys think! Let's see; I've got a box of 7mm Magnum ammo but no rifle to go with it. Hmmm...
Hokkmike
Member
Look the CZ 527. Shoots both rounds, great wood, excellent two stage trigger if you want it.
I thought I should update y'all on my search. The Ruger and the Savage were both still unavailable. I found a gently used TC Compass at a fair price so I went for it. I'll have to say I've been pleasantly surprised. I got it tuned in at 100 yards and I think it's a good little rifle.
The trigger is pretty stiff but I have some new springs coming that should help.
Thanks for all the help guys!
The trigger is pretty stiff but I have some new springs coming that should help.
Thanks for all the help guys!
gotboostvr
Member
Yes, but 5.56 frequently has thicker brass and may need to be slightly reduced when loading with 223 data meant for commercial brass.
Start low and work up.
CarJunkieLS1
Member
My experience is that 5.56 brass actually has MORE case capacity rather than less. But OP yeah you can absolutely use 5.56 brass as substitute for .223 brass.
Skylerbone
Member
I did a little work on my original Compass (didn’t send it in under the safety recall) and got a reasonable trigger. A tad mushy, rolling feel but light enough with little overtravel. Best part was the accuracy though. It beats out my RAR, RAP, Axis, and 788 with groups no less than 1/2 the size of any of the above. Probably near fluke performance but I love that T/C!
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