Opinions on savage axis .308?

[adrian.madu64]

Hello, looking for opinions on the Savage Axis in .308. I would be my first hunting rifle initially aiming for deer. I would like a reasonably priced rifle but I would also want one that’s durable enough to last. Also, would the .308 cartridge be a decent caliber? I would also want to use this rifle to practice long range shooting.

Thanks for any help!

[SlightlyDistracting]

308 is an amazing cartridge. Great deer rifle
Savage axis are not pretty but will get the job done. I have one in a smaller varmint caliber and it is stupid accurate. Downside... The stocks are horrible. Id save a couple more hundred and buy a weatherby vanguard series 2 in .308. even a used one over the axis
Just my 2 cents

[SlightlyDistracting]

As far as long range...
Whats your idea of long range?
308 will reach out to a mile in the right hands
Scope will play a big part. With a cheap scope and budget rifle any accuracy at extended ranges will be tough
But 308 win is quite capable. An axis? Not so much

[adrian.madu64]

Thanks for the reply. Yeah I just want to be able to get my feet wet in longer range shooting, I know accurate long range rifles get pricy.. i just want something mildly capable of hitting paper at around 800yards, just so I can work on my shooting. When the time comes that I want to shoot tight groups I’ll have to upgrade.

I heard the savage action is pretty accurate so that’s why I’m looking at the axis. Any other <$500 worth looking at?

[freeride]

Could always pick up a used savage 10, I have seen a few go for 5-600.

Down side is that it's heavier for hunting, weighing in just over 2 lbs more then the axis.

Plus side is that it will get you to 800 yards, and you can easily buy a chasis for it if you want and have a heavy accurate target rifle during the off season. Throw it back in the lighter polymer stock for hunting season.

[SlightlyDistracting]

Find yourself a used weatherby or Remington 700. You wont regret it.
This is my new toy I built for paper at longer ranges

[88thunderbird]

I've owned one for about 5 years now , works great . I got tired of the cheesy looking stock , got one off the buy/sell here for $100.
There is also a $50 rebate right now if you buy a new one .

[Redneck 7]

Even if you bought yourself a Remington 783 in 308, you'll be way ahead of an axis. They have accuracy just like a 700

[FellSwoop]

Cabellas has them for $429.99 after rebate including an unnamed 3-9 ×40 scope. Hard to compete with that. The reviews are positive with most negative comments being about the scope. I've never fired an Axix but do have a 308 and this cartridge would be my choice of going down to one gun.

[FallAirFever]

I have owned a Savage Axis in 308 win for 4ish years. It has treated my fine. I replaced the scope and put a rifle basix trigger in it. Shoots very accurate.
If you can save a few more bucks and buy a higher quality rifle I think you will be happier in the long term.

308 win is a great chambering!

[Unregistered user]

I bought my first Savage 20 years ago, back when all the rifle snobs belittled them and their owners. It has killed lots.. At the time Ron Coburn was saving the company from oblivion and boy did he ever. There are still snobs out there that refuse to admit that Savages are shooters because they are so cheap and to many people, ugly (Looks don't kill, kiddies). All the other big manufacturers make their own versions of the Savage with the barrel nut with equally impressive results. Buy the gun, shoot it and go from there. If you don't like it, sell it, you won't lose much.