Are Savage rifles still good?

[90Jimmy]

I grew up on a Savage .22 and still hunt with a Model 99, but I’m looking for a modern deer rifle for my son, likely in .308 or .30-06 so it’s easier on the wallet.
I’ve always known Savage for high quality at a fair price, but lately, I’m not seeing a huge difference between them and brands like CVA or Ruger.
I need something reliable for the woods that can handle rain and snow, but I don't want to overspend on a safe queen gun.
Are modern Savages (like the Axis II or 110) still the go-to for budget accuracy, or has the competition caught up?
Would love to hear if you’d stick with a Savage or look at something else like a CVA Cascade or Ruger American for a new hunter.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

Tough call these days. All are are good quality. Ruger is built tough. And their customer service is out standing. That being said. I never needed CS from Savage.

 

[Felchmiester]

I use to be a ruger/marlin supporter but I've got two savages both a markll cheap Wallymarts model and a savage axis cheap model from the very same Wallymarts and I have not been disappointed, going in I figured I'd be taking a risk given the price of each but I have been pleasantly surprised by each.
Ok my votes for savage...I'll shut up now

 

[blueMug]

The Savage Axis/110 and the Ruger American are basically the gold standard for budget rifles that actually shoot well. There are other options out there, but Savage is hard to beat
You really can't go wrong with either if you're looking for accuracy without the premium price tag

 

[Alan]

Was going to say the same thing as blueMug. But whatever works for you. When you hold it, it'll tell you if it is the right one. But I'll be biased.

 

[vince-m]

I have never owned an inaccurate savege….

 

[Alan]

All black always got this certain appeal to it.

 

[Felchmiester]

Has that rather intense "I mean business" look...much like a woman with a cast iron skillet...swinging for a home run

 

[Show me]

I got an Axis wood stock 06 that's amazing.
I've got a Ruger American in X39 that's amazing.
Mass produced is never for sure

 

[4stringdude]

I have a Savage Axis 2 in 350 Legend. I have a Nikon Pro Staff 3-9 scope. Mine is a Wally World special. It's an XP, so it came with a Bushnell scope. I never fired it with that scope. I already had the Nikon, and planned to mount it from the start. I can easily stack 3 bullets together at 100 yards. For a budget rifle, I say that's pretty good.

I do hand load, so I'm wringing out the best groups possible. Still, a budget rifle shooting MOA. Heck yeah!!

With respect to Customer Service, I had an issue last October. My bolt broke at the range. It would not lock the firing pin in place. I could lift the bolt and the firing pin would come back. However, it would return forward when I lowered the bolt. I was pretty freaked out, because it was only a few weeks to Indiana deer opener. I called CS the same day and spoke to a very nice rep. She agreed that it was an issue. She issued an RMA and emailed a FedEx Air Bill. I was surprised at the quick turn around. I dropped the rifle at FedEx and it was back at my front door in 10 days. I'm sold on their CS.

 

[Alan]

@4stringdude I appreciate brands when they have good CS. Lots of companies now treat their customers as numbers so it's refreshing when you get one that gives good service. Good on you it got sorted out.

 

[K9TXS]

I have a Savage Model 10 in 6 BR and a Savage model 110 PSC in 6 BR & 20 Practical (switch barrels). Both are great. I will buy another Savage 110 PCS and take on of the extra barrels and put it on the new PCS.

 

[ONE-TEN]

What do you want, just a Deer dropper? If you’re budget minded, get an axis. If you want something prettier, get a 110. Don’t be afraid of used Savage 110s either. Say, if you want wood stock? There are many older model 10/110s, model 111s, 114s, 116s, with very low round count.