Two Axes

[Parabellus]

I have two that I bought new from Reed's. One is a .308 Axis II XP so it has the Accu-trigger. It has a wooden stock which I like for its solid support. The other is an Axis XP in .223 that has a polymer stock, not so solid but the lighter recoil .223 makes that a non-issue. I installed a stouter firing pin spring set to avoid light primer strikes and changed out the trigger reset spring with the M-Carbo set-up for a lighter and smoother pull. I have had them for six and five years respectively and am generally pleased with them as my entry level into bolt-action rifles. At some point I will probably trade up to at least one Savage 110.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

I bought a 110 Varmint last year .223 cal. I love it. Im also keeping my Axis. I take both to the range. That way i can keep shooting. While the barrel cools.

 

[Show me]

For future reference I'm not an Axis fan.
But for cost effective hunting rifles I highly recommend.
Twice when they were on clearance at Walmart and on sale at Cabela's. Plus the rebate. I bought several for city dude grandkids and other family members to use when practicing and hunting on the farm.
A deeply discounted pink .223. A nifty Cabela's camo .243. two walmart.308s.
And a wood stock 06. Which happens to be the most accurate mass produced rifle I've had yet. Bought it to shoot the mass quantity of Garand ammo I've made.
I have opinions about these simple hunting rifles.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

I got my Axis at Walmart too on sale. It's a .223. I like it. But i love my .223 110 varmint.

 

[caveMan]

I have two that I bought new from Reed's. One is a .308 Axis II XP so it has the Accu-trigger. It has a wooden stock which I like for its solid support. The other is an Axis XP in .223 that has a polymer stock, not so solid but the lighter recoil .223 makes that a non-issue. I installed a stouter firing pin spring set to avoid light primer strikes and changed out the trigger reset spring with the M-Carbo set-up for a lighter and smoother pull. I have had them for six and five years respectively and am generally pleased with them as my entry level into bolt-action rifles. At some point I will probably trade up to at least one Savage 110.

I like that you prefer the wood for the .308, I’m the same way! That extra weight really helps soak up the punch.
Do you find the .223 Axis is picky with ammo weights, or does that lighter polymer stock handle the heavier 77gr stuff okay?

@CoalCrackerAl Gotta love those Walmart clearance sales! most of my shooter buddies got their start with a 'back of the store' special (including me)

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

My 17 HMR 93 was on sale too. It's pre-accu- triger wood stock. I think it was 150.00. I have a Burris Full Field E1 6.5X20X50 on it.

 

[Parabellus]

Well, caveMan, I have not shot anything but 55gr through that rifle so I cannot speak to that.
The .308 is good for me as an entry-level bolt gun. My love for my M1A is kind of a nostalgia thing harkening back to Army training with the M14. The 7.62 NATO 147gr M80 cartridge is my all-time favorite round.

 

[ONE-TEN]

I’m a 110 guy. But honestly, I’d rock an Axis over an Impulse. I mean, not for nothin’. I know a few from the old forum built some really nice Axis rifles. Really, in the end, it’s about what you like. There are many people who call me stupid for the money I dropped into building up a 10/110 Action. But Savage is what I enjoy.