Worth building on an Axis?

[mattri]

LGS has an Axis in 223 for about half what they go for. Thinking about picking it up as a donor for a 300BO truck gun/coyote rifle with the option of messing about with subs. Would have SSS do a time and true (do they work on Axis?), screw on a Criterion barrel and go from there.

Have been out of the Savage game for a bit, is it worth trying to put something together on an Axis or should I wait for a better platform? Don't have competition level expectations and in no hurry.

Thanks, Matt.

 

[DocKoffee]

I have first hand experience with ONE Axis II which I am going to do a write up on and have seen a double handful of them during my duties as an RSO at a local range. Not seen a bad one, the one I have sort of surprised me in a GOOD way. From what you described as your intended application I think it is a fine platform.
Kevin

 

[mattri]

Thanks for the reply. Looks like the stocks are interchangable between long/short actions, might come in handy if I decide to go with an aftermarket. Will keep you guys posted.

 

[sharpshooter]

There is nothing wrong with the Axis platform. I have built many varmint and target rifles on an Axis. I have 2 built for BR competition, and yes they are competitive. One is actually built as a drop port. Any guns that I build for myself will be on an Axis...why? Because the are less expensive, have less parts, they are stiffer and get the job done just as well as a 110. Then again....I might be biased.

 

[mattri]

Good to know! I'll be sending an email your way

 

[Felchmiester]

First question are you doing all or most of the build?
second question is this going to basically a varmit gun for predators, ground hogs and maybe wild bacon ?
If you're building it you'll definitely get the satisfaction of doing it an learning things along the way plus you'll know exactly what an where everything has been done it's going to be custom built for you.
If it's going to primarily for vermin unsubscribing even if you stay with 223 Remington and run hot rounds it's gonna do just fine but I've seen the results of another guys 300bo and it's definitely something to consider if you really want to unsubscribe some freeloading critters.
I've got a 223 and it's doing just fine for the job plus the practically non existent recoil makes it so my wife can shoot it.
Either way you best of luck.

 

[hdskip]

I might suggest looking into a 30/223 for kicks and giggles. I have a Savage model 10 LH chambered in 30/223 (also known as 30 Apache). I first experimented with it on an AR platform with mixed feelings. Chambered in a bolt gun is much better option. If interested I can comment on it futher.

 

[mattri]

I was left unattended for a little while yesterday and well ... now I own an Axis

Upon closer inspection a few things pop out-

1) the stock has to go, I'm going to run a 16" heavy varmint or bull profile barrel and there isn't enough meat up front to relieve the forend enough. Also the LOP is too short. Will have to find a replacement.

2) bolt lift is very heavy, even for a Savage, have an email in to SSS about a T&T will let Fred.work his magic.

3) trigger isn't great, don't know much about the accu-trigger on the Axis or aftermarket options so will have to do some digging on that.

Have a call in to NSS re a barrel, will update when I know more.

 

[Spudgun]

My second build was a Axis with a 308 barrel. I threw everything away except for the action.

Criterion barrel, 6 Creedmoor, Boyd's AT-one stock, Timny tirgger, pillered and bedded the stock.

Did my load development and have great results.

 

[mattri]

Looks great!

 

[bronko22000]

I have 4 Axis. Three of the original and one Axis 2 Pro. .223 Rem, 6 ARC, 350 Legend and 308 Win. The only thing that I can possibly gripe about is the grittyness of the action.
Any way the slicker it up. All of them are good to great shooters

 

[mattri]

Glad to hear they're shooters.

Yeah Savages aren't known for light bolt lift by any means but this one seems especially rough.

 

[K9TXS]

I was left unattended for a little while yesterday and well ... now I own an Axis

Upon closer inspection a few things pop out-

1) the stock has to go, I'm going to run a 16" heavy varmint or bull profile barrel and there isn't enough meat up front to relieve the forend enough. Also the LOP is too short. Will have to find a replacement.

2) bolt lift is very heavy, even for a Savage, have an email in to SSS about a T&T will let Fred.work his magic.

3) trigger isn't great, don't know much about the accu-trigger on the Axis or aftermarket options so will have to do some digging on that.

Have a call in to NSS re a barrel, will update when I know more.

I have a JARD trigger on a model 10 & 110. These are really working out well. You might also check out Bix n Andy triggers. I know they were working on a Savage trigger, not sure if it's release yet.

JARD Triggers - https://jardinc.com/savage-axis

On your bolt left try to locate an extended bolt handle and then add a longer bolt knob. It will give you more leverage on the lift and closing.

Bolt Handle - https://www.anarchyoutdoors.com/savage-axis-threaded-bolt-handle-upgrade/

Bolt Knob - https://www.anarchyoutdoors.com/big-bertha-bolt-knob/

 

[K9TXS]

My second build was a Axis with a 308 barrel. I threw everything away except for the action.

Criterion barrel, 6 Creedmoor, Boyd's AT-one stock, Timny tirgger, pillered and bedded the stock.

Did my load development and have great results.

Very nice looking setup. Looks like a good shooter.

 

[mattri]

Thanks for the links for triggers!

I may go with an extended bolt handle but would prefer not to. This is going to be a walking rifle and would like to keep it slim/sleek.

First order of business will be a T&T from SSS and hopefully that does the trick.

 

[K9TXS]

I have 4 Axis. Three of the original and one Axis 2 Pro. .223 Rem, 6 ARC, 350 Legend and 308 Win. The only thing that I can possibly gripe about is the grittyness of the action.
Any way the slicker it up. All of them are good to great shooters

On my Savage 110 PCS it felt like it was full of sand when I bought it knew. I stripped it down, used 2000 grip paper and cleaned up the bolt and inside the action and flushed it out with Free All. During reassembly I put a little bolt grease on the lugs and it's very smooth now.

Whenever Savage sprayed the action the grittiess came from over spray. Using the 2000 grip removed the overspray but did not effect the coating on the lugs or action.

 

[WNYBILL]

Not to rain on your parade, but did you consider BIGHORN ARMS ORIGIN ACTIONS? Your barrels will screw on and it has a Rem 700 footprint, so lots of stocks and really good triggers. I have 6 or 7 110 actions and a bunch of barrels; wish I would have bit the bullet years ago. "too soon old, too late smart"

 

[mattri]

Yeah I've heard good things about them, if I ever do another build will definitely give them a look.

 

[foadlefty]

I prefer the axis over the 110 .

 

[mattri]

Cool what is it you like about them?

 

[ONE-TEN]

You mentioned a 16” Barrel. What cartridge are you doing? The 300BO? (AKA the 300 Whisper that WAS!)

I’m guessing you’re going for a Can and SUBsonic route?

 

[mattri]

Yepper. Fred has the action now and waiting on a barrel.

 

[ONE-TEN]

Yepper. Fred has the action now and waiting on a barrel.

Do you already have a Can? I find it odd everytime I see a 300AAC build in a Bolt Action. (Not in a bad way, just odd to me.) That because it’s become an AR15 shooter’s dream.

 

[mattri]

Just got the action back from SSS and can't believe the difference in bolt lift effort. Absolute night and day difference, I cannot overstate how impressed I am with Fred's work.

 

[ONE-TEN]

Very cool!

WOW! Now that was some LIGHT-SPEED turnaround time! I doubt many get that kind of attention! You’re like a SUPER-DUPER VIP mattri! You should post a video of the bolt lift after pulling the trigger. Compare it to the video I’ve posted of my Model 10, so other with an Axis can SEE the difference from stock.

Looking forward to seeing your finished rifle.

 

[mattri]

Thx, it'll be a while before the barrel gets here but will definitely update as progress is made.