Bird guy needs some help

[dubbs]

d Hey guys/girls,

I'm looking for a little help. I'm a bird hunter looking to spread my wings and pick up something other then a shot gun. I have made the decision to try coyote/wolf hunter this year and try some distance shooting for fun all with the same gun I hope. I`m wanting to do this on a budget because I have a young family and want to make sure I like it before I spend some big bucks. Anyway, wanting to see what you guys would recommend for a entry rifle for hunting and shooting. It will be used all year and most likely in all weather conditions as I have to get out when I can. I have been looking at the Savage Axis II in 223. I know the scope is cheap but that can be upgraded later on. That or maybe a used gun that would be worth about the same. Thank for your help. Oh and I`m going to go with 223 so don`t recommend a different caliber.

 

[Willybuch]

Agreed, if you're looking for doing it on an absolute budget (budget being as cheap as possible), then really the only option is .223 and The Savage Axis is the best package deal IMHO. That being said, another upgrade would be to get a Bushnell fixed 10 power optic for about 300$ maybe more, maybe less... I would also go with a heavy barrel version of the Savage Axis if you can find it.

 

[.22LRGUY]

Agreed, if you're looking for doing it on an absolute budget (budget being as cheap as possible), then really the only option is .223 and The Savage Axis is the best package deal IMHO. That being said, another upgrade would be to get a Bushnell fixed 10 power optic for about 300$ maybe more, maybe less... I would also go with a heavy barrel version of the Savage Axis if you can find it.

^as a long-time .223 shooter, I'd say this is excellent advice. I don't own an Axis, but on my recommendation, my nephew bought one so I've had some trigger time with it. It's a sub-MOA shooter with good ammo, which is incredible for a rifle in this price range. I told him NOT to get the package, just the rifle and (also at my suggestion) he bought a used, Bushnell Legend 5-15x for $150 to go with it. They didn't have heavy-barrel Axis rifles then, or I may have steered him in that direction. Anyhow, even the standard-weight barrel shoots very well and he's had no magazine issues shooting this gun in sub-zero temps either.

On another note~having never hunted wolf...I can't comment on the .223 being a great fit for that job. I know with good shot placement (=lots of practice at the distances you'll encounter them), it's an excellent choice for coyote. I think bullet-choice would need to be carefully considered on something that big. Either way...shot placement. .223 should allow even shooters with tighter budgets the ability to practice.

 

[dubbs]

^as a long-time .223 shooter, I'd say this is excellent advice. I don't own an Axis, but on my recommendation, my nephew bought one so I've had some trigger time with it. It's a sub-MOA shooter with good ammo, which is incredible for a rifle in this price range. I told him NOT to get the package, just the rifle and (also at my suggestion) he bought a used, Bushnell Legend 5-15x for $150 to go with it. They didn't have heavy-barrel Axis rifles then, or I may have steered him in that direction. Anyhow, even the standard-weight barrel shoots very well and he's had no magazine issues shooting this gun in sub-zero temps either.

On another note~having never hunted wolf...I can't comment on the .223 being a great fit for that job. I know with good shot placement (=lots of practice at the distances you'll encounter them), it's an excellent choice for coyote. I think bullet-choice would need to be carefully considered on something that big. Either way...shot placement. .223 should allow even shooters with tighter budgets the ability to practice.

What is a sub-MOA shooter. I thought it might be a bit small for wolf so we will see what happens there. My understanding is that the heavy barrel is to help with multiple shots to keep it accurate but I see they do not come with the accutrigger which sounds like a good piece of kit. Is it worth not having it for the heavy barrel.

 

[scott_r]

Probably better off posting this in the hunting forum....not much Savage Axis talk in the forum or budget rifle for that matter.......if you're gonna spend 10K on your rig..you will find lots of info and pics here

Cheers!!

 

[K0na_stinky]

Northern Onfario can make some real big wolves so I would recomend not going with a .223.

Personally I use a .243 but I havn't shot a wolf yet. .243 gives you a lot more punch out farther then a .223 does.

If you want to save some money pick up something used. That way when its time sell it you can get most or all your money back.

Also look for a used Bushnell 10x40 fixed power. They go for around 250 and they are solid and reliable.

 

[Willybuch]

Oh also a bit more info for you if you are getting started in precision shooting:

Youtube is your friend... Youtubers to look up:

TiborasaurusRex
8541Tactical

Look up those guys. And for a quick reference: MOA (Minute Of Angle) - Refers to 1.004 inches at 100 yards or 10.04 inches at 1000 yards (I think).

Most people Just go with 1 inch because it's .004. This is a measurement that is used mostly when measuring group size to determine accuracy of a rifle i.e. if your rifle is a "1 MOA shooter" it means it can shoot 1 inch at 100, 2 inches at 200, 3 inches at 300 etc. Most high end precision rigs are sub or under 1 MOA for accuracy and usually cost 3 to 10 times as much as the Savage Axis, one of the reasons it is one of the better bargains out there for a rifle.

 

[K0na_stinky]

Oh also a bit more info for you if you are getting started in precision shooting:

Youtube is your friend... Youtubers to look up:

TiborasaurusRex
8541Tactical

Look up those guys. And for a quick reference: MOA (Minute Of Angle) - Refers to 1.004 inches at 100 yards or 10.04 inches at 1000 yards (I think).

Most people Just go with 1 inch because it's .004. This is a measurement that is used mostly when measuring group size to determine accuracy of a rifle i.e. if your rifle is a "1 MOA shooter" it means it can shoot 1 inch at 100, 2 inches at 200, 3 inches at 300 etc. Most high end precision rigs are sub or under 1 MOA for accuracy and usually cost 3 to 10 times as much as the Savage Axis, one of the reasons it is one of the better bargains out there for a rifle.

To the OP.

Just remeber not everything you read on the internet is correct.