Savage Axis in 223?

I have one in 223 and 30-06. The trigger that comes on them is pretty heavy. I changed the triggers with timney ones. My 223 shot around an inch or less at 100yd with the right factory ammo as long as I did my part. With good handloads I'm almost always seeing under an inch at 100y.

The stock is very cheap feeling but its usable as is.
I use mine for steel targets, gophers, coyotes. works well for all of them.

Pros
Accurate once ammo the gun likes is found
Light
For the money its pretty good

Cons
The trigger is a bit heavy
The stock isnt that great
 
There has been a great deal of discussion on these guns.

My conclusions:

- look, feel, and overall quality of fit and finish: Econo model and cheap
- accuracy: everyone claims an inch or less but take that with a grain of salt
- mechanics: clunky and rough
- Trigger: replace with a quality Rifle Basix or timney the factory one is junk and trimming coils off the spring makes me nervous
- Value: IMHO it should sell for less than $300 $250-$275 is a justifiable price

I bought a new one in 308. Shot it, replaced the trigger, shot it some more, sold it. Just too cheap feeling and I could not see this gun lasting very long before one of the parts broke. Replaced it with a weatherby Vanguard S2 which in my opinion provides far more quality and accuracy for the money spent on a non high end gun.
 
I used one on the range a few times.

It's cheap feeling but functions well. The one I have shot has been VERY accurate. These are the first two groups I shot http://orionmind.########.ca/2011/10/cheap-and-accurate.html

That was using 25.3 gr H335 and 55gr V max (dont know OAL).

However - the trigger is terrible! Loooong and heavy (easily 7 or 8lbs pull). That range accuracy is achievable because you can lock it down into the solid rest and overcome the trigger. In the field with that light rifle and heavy trigger (trigger pull is heavier than the rifle!), I would battle.

Worth $300? I don't think you can go wrong.
 
Bought my 223 on sale at Wholesale sports for $250. Shot three kinds of cheap factory ammo and none shot less than an 1 1/2. Changed the trigger to a Rifle Basix because the factory one is horrible. Started reloading for it and found a good recipe of 26gr Benchmark behind a 53gr V max shoots 2330 fps and about 1/2 an inch at 100 yards. I really want a nicer looking gun so I want to sell it, but I can't because it seems so practical now. $400 gun that shoots 1/2" groups and has a nicer trigger than my Tikka T3 or my Savage 116 with Accutrigger.

Cons.
Bolt lift is too high and puts your thumb into the scope.(slower follow up shot)
Stock is so flimsy the fore end can be easily twisted so it touchs the barrel.
Clip is stiff to load.(no big deal)
Terrible trigger.

G
 
why in the world do they put poor triggers on new rifles?The cost to put a quality trigger on a production rifles can't run the cost up that much,and it would address one of the main complaints of new rifles.
 
ratherbefishin said:
why in the world do they put poor triggers on new rifles?The cost to put a quality trigger on a production rifles can't run the cost up that much,and it would address one of the main complaints of new rifles.
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Liability reaons for most manufacturers, though Savage could put their Accutrigger on Stevens rifles, but then they wouldn't sell any other guns as that's what really sets them apart, everything else is basically the same.
 
I had an Edge/Axis in .22-.250 and it shot under 1 inch at 100 yards with factory Winchester ammo. The only issues I had were the trigger weight. The stock is not the greatest quality, however I really liked the design, fit and feel I just wished the actual material was more rigid especially in the fore-end.
 
I held a few and basically put them back. For the money versus value, I think with the Axis you are wasting money. There are way better rifles in the budget range which would far excel the Axis. I bought a brand new Wby S2 in 223 for $400 last weekend. Still had the sticker glue on it, as the fellow whom owned it previously determined he wanted one in a heavier caliber.

My best advice would be to shop around for a good used rifle. Those deals can be had and you would be far better ahead in terms of quality.

That said, you've read what's posted, some folks luv 'em, some not. My guess is if you bought one, once the newness wore off, you'd be in the market for an upgrade and the Axis, well, would be traded or on the EE.
 
I have one. It is one of three Savage Axis Xp's I own (.308, .25-06, .223). I use 5.56 NATO FMJ in my .223 without issue. I like it.. good cheap fun. I laugh when people crap on these economical, reliable platforms... Only issue i had with mine was the trigger felt like it was tied to a grand piano being dragged through a pile of sand.... Took me all of 45 minutes to solve that and get it down to close to a 3lb trigger, crisp and smooth. I did the trigger job myself... Timney or any other replacement trigger is just a massive waste of money when you can do it yourself.
 
gmctech said:
Only issue i had with mine was the trigger felt like it was tied to a grand piano being dragged through a pile of sand.... Took me all of 45 minutes to solve that and get it down to close to a 3lb trigger, crisp and smooth. I did the trigger job myself... Timney or any other replacement trigger is just a massive waste of money when you can do it yourself.
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Timney's are actually a far better quality trigger than the factory Stevens and I'd strongly suggest you don't recommend someone adjusting/modifying their trigger unless they're very familiar with the individual components and their role. Home gunsmithing attempts are one of the reasons we have 8 lb triggers on factory guns now.
 
bearkilr said:
Timney's are actually a far better quality trigger than the factory Stevens and I'd strongly suggest you don't recommend someone adjusting/modifying their trigger unless they're very familiar with the individual components and their role. Home gunsmithing attempts are one of the reasons we have 8 lb triggers on factory guns now.
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You have suggested and i have disgregarded your suggestion. It is not rocket science, and yes I suggest people try it and be careful. There is so much available videos and literature to train yourself to do this. The only way you will become good at something is trying it.
 
Sure seems to be a lot of those Axis rifles turned over on the EE, most nearly new.

Tells me that they get tried out and flipped quick for some reason.


.
 
I enjoy mine, it has been modified a lot and I use it for target mostly. I will probably buy another in deer-legal caliber in the near future.
 
I have one and love it. I adjusted my trigger myself. It was easy to do and still functions 100% safely. On such a cheap gun it's hard to justify the cost of an aftermarket trigger. Take your time, polish contact points and shorten the spring a little at a time to reduce the pull weight. Reassemble and test. Cut off more of the spring if not satisfied. Just cut a quarter coil at a time, reassemble and test until you are satisfied. It's not hard, and can be done very safely. Mine is down to about 3.5- 4 pounds and very manageable. if you mess up, then you buy the Timney, but I recommend trying yourself first.
 
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