Attractively priced option for getting into sports shooting. Got Hog Hunter & Walking Varminter both perfectly functional & accurate. Low price lots of fun for your hard-earned dollars. Nice to see spending keeps the pursuit going.
Savage Axis XP for first hunting rifle
- Thread starter Wis3guy
- Start date
OP - You have stated that you have not completed your hunting course yet, and have yet to secure a deer hunting spot that is proximate to the "big smoke". With this in mind, it may be prudent to lay off your deer rifle purchase for the time being. Deer hunting is a bit more involved than you might think, and generally requires more commitment of time and money than other forms of hunting - eg small game hunting.
If you have access to rifles and shotguns from family members, and it appears you do, then that may be the best way to go. I should point out that many of us started that way, and it gave us the opportunity to get some real experience with different rifles. My first rifle was a cut down iron sighted Lee Enfield that I borrowed from my uncle. Forty years later I'm still borrowing it (hint), and use it in the field at times. I've had the good fortune to harvest several deer with it. FWIW - I consider a well-sported Lee Enfield to be a more functional, and desirable hunting rifle than a Savage Axis. (and less expensive too)
If you have access to rifles and shotguns from family members, and it appears you do, then that may be the best way to go. I should point out that many of us started that way, and it gave us the opportunity to get some real experience with different rifles. My first rifle was a cut down iron sighted Lee Enfield that I borrowed from my uncle. Forty years later I'm still borrowing it (hint), and use it in the field at times. I've had the good fortune to harvest several deer with it. FWIW - I consider a well-sported Lee Enfield to be a more functional, and desirable hunting rifle than a Savage Axis. (and less expensive too)
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I am aware of those savages, but the .22 is not my thing at the moment. I have an sks that I will use for my "cheap fun" gun for now. I have shot .22s and they just arent my thing. However, I may change my mind with more time spent buying ammo in the future lol
I don't get this place....why are people so easily wound up and negative?
I intend to shoot for the LONG TERM....but hunting, not so sure about. I have shot guns multiple times and quite a variety, so shooting is not completely foreign to me, hunting is. I have been presented with many options by many sharing their experience, which I am grateful for. But just because I didnt run to go buy a more expensive gun now doesn't mean I am going to have "unsuccessful deer hunts".
Thanks again for the input and judgement, really. You have given me some solid input here and in pm's. Also, the 09 Tucson my girlfriend drives treats her pretty well in maintenance, and gas!
Cheers
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I am very aware of the involvement and time required in deer hunting. My best friend goes for a week every year, they have a base spot, and are in the field until they get something (or dont some years). This is why small game hunting has my interest a little more, because I cant just take that kind of time off with my work usually.
Really, this post was just in curiosity to how well a cheaper rifle option like this would fare for an entry level hunter because it was on sale. I really was just looking for some experience from those who have used them, which I got thankfully in the mix here. I was never hellbent on having to acquire this gun.
Im also not against adding to the collection in the safe, so multiple guns for multiple purposes doesn't bother me. We all have different reasons, right?
And yes, luckily I can tag along with friends and use their firearms too if I would like just to see if I will even enjoy the hunting side of the sport. Halfway through the online hunting course now, and spring is around the bend
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blasted_saber
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- A blue part of Ontario
Theres gear snobs in every group of people. The Savage Axis is a cheaply made firearm, but it also a safe and accurate firearm. The scope is absolutely the weak point of the combo, but it probably gets you through a season without issue.
I say go buy it. If you dont like, you'll be able to turn around a sell it for about 75% of its value without a problem, as long as you dont wreck it in the process.
- Location
- West Central Alberta
I am poking fun at another user who is a savage aficionado
It seems like you may be new to hunting but you’re no stranger to fishing
Something weird about this wiseguy and he doesn't even know how to spell deer.
I am poking fun at another user who is a savage aficionado
It seems like you may be new to hunting but you’re no stranger to fishing
Alright man, whatever you say. Not all of us can be multi talented like you, a mind reader and a
lolol yes, definitely something strange about me asking about a rifle that was on sale and getting some typos on my phone when replying.
Bottom line is as said. The axis will get the job done. They often shoot very well. Theyre built on a proven designed thats had some corners cut to keep costs down. There is after market support for them and some diy tips and tricks ti stiffen them up. For occasional deer hunting they will be fine. Just not pretty.
I sold many of them at my old workplace - accurate rifles, relatively poor scopes as has been mentioned. I think a good buy if money is a concern. Use the savings to upgrade the scope, and choose that scope based on where and how you want to hunt. A weak point with the Axis (I for sure, can't remember if the II was the same) rifle was the mag, which was prone to falling out. I recommended careful loading, checking, and even a bit of tape if you tend not to do the first two suggestions. I always suggested buying and carrying a spare. That was the weak point of the Axis.
they redesigned the mag eliminating the little plastic tab
cdn1canhunt
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- southwestern ontario
Holy crap… buy the axis there have been literally millions sold. They work fine they are safe and they are one of…if not the most accurate budget friendly rifles in history. If you don’t like it,..sell it and buy something else. I have about about 10 guys in my coyote hunting group they use axis’s and have no issue Killing coyotes and foxes with them. That is about the smallest and fastest animal there is you can shoot at. Upgrade the scope and buy one with an accutrigger or get the Sav1 rifle basix trigger and be amazed at how friggen accurate these cheap guns shoot. I always laugh when a $ 289.00 gun + trigger job and decent scope out shoot a $1200-1500.00 browning or Sako. Go buy the axis and have fun…that’s what shooting and hunting is about not who has the prettiest most expensive rig. As for pride of ownership I’m more proud of a cheap gun I tweeted than buying a shinny expensive one.
Worn out boot leather, and practice kills more animals than fancy rifles ever will.
Worn out boot leather, and practice kills more animals than fancy rifles ever will.
- Location
- Southern Vancouver Island
Agreed fer sure.Well put.
- Location
- Vancouver Island, BC
there's a CZ557 308 with iron sights for $650 on the EE now
- Location
- Southern Vancouver Island
The Savage 110 was designed in 1958 by Nick Brewer & was put in production in '63. Far cry from being a 100 yr old setup.
The Savage 110 was designed in 1958 by Nick Brewer & was put in production in '63. Far cry from being a 100 yr old setup.
I don't think my post was this unclear
- Location
- Southern Vancouver Island
