Savage axis 2 precision rifle.

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Curtisswo

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I'm new to the world of precision shooting and would like to get started with something more budget friendly. Should I go the used route or new? I have been reading about the savage axis 2. Seems pretty legit for a budget precision rifle. Thoughts?

New vs used?

Opinion of the savage axis 2?
 
Curtisswo said:
I'm new to the world of precision shooting and would like to get started with something more budget friendly. Should I go the used route or new? I have been reading about the savage axis 2. Seems pretty legit for a budget precision rifle. Thoughts?

New vs used?

Opinion of the savage axis 2?
Click to expand...

I had one and sold it this past summer (it was chambered in .223), replacing it with a Tikka T3x TAC A1, which in my view is a significant upgrade.

The Axis 2 Precision is a decent entry level precision rifle. The MDT chassis improves it in a number of ways. One of the things I wish it had were a knob/dial to adjust the cheek riser rather than using a tool/allen key to adjust it (if I remember right). You can save on the cost of the Savage mags by buying either the Ruger AICS mags or even better, the MDT AICS mags, which are on sale now and then.

It was a decent rifle overall.
 
If you like Savage, find an older SA with a 4.25 or 4.4" action bolt spacing. side bolt release, non accutrigger, no cocking indicator

or a Rem 700, Howa/Wby Vanguard, Rem 783, tikka T3

skip the Axis... this is not a precision action.

Jerry
 
When you are a new shooter, I would start with a 223, many people inc. me are not a big fan of the recoil of a 308, but it also depends on the rifle of course. My partner always talked about a sniper rifle, I cured her when I let her shoot a 308. Ahem, maybe not. The only reason I keep my 308 is because I have 1K rounds, most of it as a windfall with other purchases.
 
Or let Mystic set you up with the "cheapest rifle", which will most likely also include good rings and an Athlon scope. You really need good rings and a decent scope.
 
Welcome
Firstly, i have never met Jerry from Mystic but in my circle of acquaintances, he is spoken of highly and by word of mouth, his advice is considered sound by all i know.

Secondly i have a request to all. Please put your general area you live. We don’t need your home address but depending the general area you live, there are hundreds of shooters willing to help.

For example, if someone needed assistance in my area, i sure would try to help. When i look to buy, if the area is not shown, i pass.

If someone wanted to try 10 or 20 loads with a projectile or powder i have, i would help out.

Please all CGN members put approximate area you live.

Good luck and i am so sorry you are getting into precision shooting as it eats money and makes smiles. The best hobby in the world is turning cash into noise.

Please keep us updated on what direction you go. We all learn something from other’s successes and failures.

Joe P
 
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It’s a good way to dip your toes in and see if you enjoy it. Move up to a pricier setup when you know you want to stick with it. You’re not going for the national title right away I assume? The chassis and heavy barrel add weight so 308 recoil probably won’t be an issue. I have one that shoots really well and every Axis I’ve ever shot has been very accurate but if I was going for the national title I’d get something better.
 
It all depends on your definition of precision shooting. I have seen people at the range shooting 25 yards with their rimfire, one shot every 5 minutes. I said "nice" - well I should not have said anything, some people can talk more than my wife.
 
Id keep an eye open in the EE for a fast twist 223.

I dont know eager you are to get out, but I think you could have something nice by the spring time if you keep checking for sales.
 
I have an Axis II Precision in .243, which is a caliber I was looking for due to having 500 cases and reload. I haven’t shot it a lot but like the early results on target at 100 yds achieved 3-shot groups from 0.192” to 0.49”. And had no issue hitting steel targets at 375 yds at our range. I put a Vortex Diamondback Tactical scope on it mounted in Burris XTR Signature rings. Haven’t tried accuracy with recent loads as it’s too cold but am looking forward to some competitions this coming year. If I enjoy the discipline I may consider investing into a more accurate platform or not. If the Savage will shoot like my early results, it will be a keeper.
 
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I have one in .223 its a great shooter it seems to like 88gr eldm bullets and have pushed it to 1000 yrds
1in 7twist gets it done
 
First post here, and I’m not understanding the hate on Savage Axis rifles? I own the axis 11, in 223 precision in the MDT chassis and it’s amazingly accurate consistently., and a Savage axis 11 22LR in an Oryx chassis, and it’s very accurate as well. I’ll give you that the bolts are a little sloppier than on my Anschutzs, and my Bergara BMR, but they are still extremely accurate!
 
I feel like The Joker.... " you see, in their last moments, guns show you who they really are. So in a way, I know your guns better than you ever did. "

Having spent the better part of a year working with "Europe's largest and finest collection of completely devastated guns," I've seen them all die.

I got to watch TWO Savage's die. The design of the bolt is terrible. Some surface inside the mechanism wears down, and the bolt won't stay cocked. That stupid f***in pin they use to #### the gun is damn near impossible to get cocked again... I've got PTSD from constantly fighting with those bolts while working with clients...

We had a mosin with a toob for a barrel... a Mauser that was more weld than gun... and those bolts still worked...

Paul Mauser figured out how to make a good bolt action over a century ago. Who the F### does Savage think they are coming up with such a garbage design...
 
joe6167 said:
I feel like The Joker.... " you see, in their last moments, guns show you who they really are. So in a way, I know your guns better than you ever did. "

Having spent the better part of a year working with "Europe's largest and finest collection of completely devastated guns," I've seen them all die.

I got to watch TWO Savage's die. The design of the bolt is terrible. Some surface inside the mechanism wears down, and the bolt won't stay cocked. That stupid f***in pin they use to #### the gun is damn near impossible to get cocked again... I've got PTSD from constantly fighting with those bolts while working with clients...

We had a mosin with a toob for a barrel... a Mauser that was more weld than gun... and those bolts still worked...

Paul Mauser figured out how to make a good bolt action over a century ago. Who the F### does Savage think they are coming up with such a garbage design...
Click to expand...

That's interesting , I have been shooting and building guns on Savage actions since the early 70's and have not encountered these issues you describe.
Not saying that Mauser actions are good, just that Savage actions aren't as bad as some make them out to be.....
Cat
 
Love the Axis. Great budget hunting rifle, especially 5 years ago when they were closer to $300 than $600. I've taken a few head of game with mine, and shot the best group I've ever shot with it. Don't use it much anymore because I switched to lefty but its still in the locker unlike the other budget bolt actions I've owned (mossberg ATR100 and a Rem 783).

Couldn't fathom spending $1300+ on one though. While the precision gets rid of the factory stock which is the biggest problem for a lot of people, IMO the biggest issue is how heavy the bolt lift is, and I don't see how they would have fixed that.
 
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