Jerry,
Thanks for the summary. Much appreciated.
I understand the rationale for used, however, you would have to acknowledge potential drawbacks, as follows:
1. Why is a given rifle being sold? Barrel shot out? That's a realistic, potential risk with ANY used firearm. Estimate $540 for new barrel ($300 for new barrel, $200 for gunsmith to chamber, mount and headspace it, $40 shipping - using estimate from another thread - I'd double the shipping)?
2. Much of used equipment has near new prices - no bargain there.
3. Seller unknown. Yes, you can get some level of reassurance from their on-line reputation, for what it's worth.
4. I don't like synthetic stocks. I prefer wood. Boyd's have some very attractive laminate stocks. Swap out synthetic stock for wood -any rifle purchased - still another $100. However, for this thread, I specified use for hunting, so we'll leave the synthetic stock on it.
5. Both rifles claimed to shoot about an inch out of the box. Kill zone on deer, elk, moose - minimum of six inches. Ethical range -assumed to be 300 yds for me - 6 inches, and that's without tailoring a load specific to the rifle through my testing /reloading.
6. Requirement of post - inexpensive rifle for use by my wife / daughters for introduction to hunting. Get a rifle comfortable for my wife / daughters to use for hunting.
The rationale behind my OP may not the same as others (entry level rifle to explore an interest) and, therefore, my request for opinions on the Ruger vs Axis (or possibly the slightly more expensive Vanguard) doesn't make sense. We enjoy shooting my .223, however, it is set up for me. I want them to have a low recoil rifle, set-up for them that they can enjoy at the range / hunting to see if they like it. If they do, then maybe we can buy a more expensive rifle in the future as they share MY hobby. The rationale being - I don't want another rifle languishing in my safe or to try to sell on EE at a loss.
I would love a custom, long range target rifle in 6BR, however, it's not in the budget right now. An inexpensive hunting rifle to share my interest / hobby with my family - might.