Savage Axis vs Ruger American

Alberta Bigbore

Alberta Bigbore

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Edmonton, Alberta
Stepson wants to buy his first deer/moose rifle under me that once hes old enough and gets his own PAL and moves out, can take it with him.

Hes 17.. 5 ft 6in.. 105lb soaking wet.
I got a line on a mint ultra low round count Savage Axis and, a Ruger American new in box.

Both in 7mm-08 and well under retail....

Hes doing it with his own earned money..

Those that have owned them, can u chime in pros and cons of each? Or should i help him and chip in for something better.

Hes excited as hes only hunted game birds for 5 years.. but xbox has lost its attraction and he wants to join adding to the family meat supply.

Ive never owned either.. and only owned a 7mm-08 for a month. So curious as to the cartridges capabilities.

Thx
 
Personally would opt for the ruger as well, have owned a few RA Ranches and Predator's, and if treated well, are absolute tack drivers in the hands of a capable shooter, haven't bought a savage yet as in most cases when comparing in store the other alternative, ruger/tikka/Remington feels nicer overall. I wouldn't worry about the recoil, a good brake could tame any rifle when needed, my 6.5CM 700 has a brake which compensates enough that it prevents the rifle from moving during a shot even when its not shouldered.
Cant comment about the cartridge as I have not owned one in it.
 
I second Butcherbill. Can't speak to the 7-08, but the 110 is a much better choice. My boy has one in 243 and it's a great shot. A bit ugly, true, but still nicer than the Axis and the action is worlds apart from it, with a thicker bolt and smoother operation.
 
Ruger. The Axis tends to be very accurate, but bolt lift on the Axis sucks. Would be a real chore to cycle the bolt from the shoulder for a kid his size. Most of the things people have issues with like the trigger and stock are fixable, but there's nothing to be done about the bolt lift.

I love my Axis but i wouldn't let my kid buy one for what they cost these days, I'd steer them towards a used rifle most likely.
 
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I’d go with the Ruger. As others said the 110 from savage is a better comparison/choice but between the two mentioned Ruger is the way to go IMO.

Also great cartridge choice for the new shooter! Nice to see someone selecting properly and not just jumping to a bigger cartridge! The cartridge is very capable especially with newer loads. 7mm has great bullet selection. If you or he reloads it’s even better.

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big cheer for the 7mm08!

the axis are sorta rugged an simple....?

the Ruger i felt wasnt great but wasnt as simple as the Axis....

110 or similiar works aswel.
 
I am a big fan of the Ruger American. Specifically the versions that take either AR or AICS pattern mags. Not sure what deal you have found, but if it's his first rifle, one that he will keep a long time, i would be looking at spending a little more for the new Gen 2 Ruger, or holding out for a deal on a 7mm-08 with the AICS magwell. You can still upgrade the magwells on the newer Gen 1's, however last I heard, Gravel Agency stopped selling them direct to consumers.
 
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