build up a Savage Axis or buy a 10?

[thud]

I am in need of a predator gun for a wolf hunt in Northern Ontario. I plan on going up every year. I am almost set on .243 for caliber but I need more info on which gun to buy. I don't want to break the bank as I plan on getting a good scope for this gun as well.
Can you guys let me know if I should get the Axis (left handed or Stevens 200 would be in the mix) and bed it and replace the trigger. Or, should I get a 10 with the accutrigger and accustock?
I want an accurate and reliable tool that will last my lifetime for wolves. I have a BLR .358 for moose and bear. The Savage might see groundhog action as well, but that might be another gun in the future.
Thanks

 

[mlehtovaara]

If you are just hunting, and looking to keep it factory I would buy a model 10 or 11.

I'd only go with the Stevens if I was planning on building off of it.

I am not a fan of the Axis, it is too cheap, and feels like it.

 

[pbonura]

I would save. By the time you buy a rifle basix or timmey trigger and look at a stevens or savage you are still into about 450 bucks. You can find a used savage fcss on this forum in 243 or 270 win or wsm for 500 or 550 shipped. You will have a better gun for maybe 50 or 75 bucks more.

 

[bobfortier]

I chose to build mine. Found a 12VLP barrel, built a stock for it, and I now have a nice gun that I assembled myself to play with.

 

[dead meat]

Buy the 10 and be done with it, lots more after market parts available if you want to change it up. Better quality to start with in my opinion.

 

[sksavenger]

The model 10 is a far better rifle and can easily be customized down the road if you like. It is well worth the extra money

 

[hometownhero]

For the "last my life time" I wouldnt buy an axis then. They are good guns for the money and pretty accurate but nothing to write home about.

 

[thud]

Thanks, that was the info I was looking for.
I think that waiting and buying used off the EE will get me a better quality gun for the money I can spend. I am hoping to spend <$600 for the gun so I can spend $400 or so on a quality scope.
Now I just need to resist the temptation to give up on the lefty and buy a righty now.
Thanks again.

 

[CBR896]

would a 22-250 work? the model 12 FLV is pretty close to your price range.

 

[thud]

Is it lefty? 22-250 is smaller than I wanted but I will look up some loads for it and see it I can handload heavy enough.
Thanks

 

[Reaper665]

I own an Axis and a friend of mine owns a 10. All I can say is that I have a few regrets of my rifle choice and a lot of envy of his rifle choice. But try out both of them if you can.

 

[skypilot]

Is it lefty? 22-250 is smaller than I wanted but I will look up some loads for it and see it I can handload heavy enough.
Thanks

Just be sure when you buy you consider what is a legal caliber in the WMU Also barrel rate of twist so you will be able to shoot the best weight for the game you are after.

I have a new Savage 10 FCP-K 1-9 twist in .223 and it likes 55 gr but loves 69 gr.
My old 1980s Savage in .243 shoots 100 gr best and I think it is 1-10.

Cheers

 

[Kendog]

I have a m10 in .243 and just love it, it shoots everything from 55 gr to 100 gr slugs and all in between into tiny little bughole groups, even at 200 meters by times, if I do my part
I have an 8-32x40 Burris on it so seeing the target isn't a problem