Savage rifle advice
#1
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2022
Posts: 1

Hi all. I am asking about 2 hunting rifles made by Savage Arms.Basically I can get the Axis II that comes with a Bushnell scope for $459
or, the 110 Apex Hunter that comes with a Vortex Crossfire II scope for $619
Assuming that I don’t necessarily want to replace the scope any time soon, is the 110 worth the extra $160?
As you may guessed I will be a first time hunter this year, even though I am 52. I have experience with rifles from the service but never owned a hunting rifle. Any other suggestions in that general price range would also be welcome.
Thanks in advance!
or, the 110 Apex Hunter that comes with a Vortex Crossfire II scope for $619
Assuming that I don’t necessarily want to replace the scope any time soon, is the 110 worth the extra $160?
As you may guessed I will be a first time hunter this year, even though I am 52. I have experience with rifles from the service but never owned a hunting rifle. Any other suggestions in that general price range would also be welcome.
Thanks in advance!
#2
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: west central wi USA
Posts: 2,210

In my opinion, the 110 with a Vortex scope is worth the extra money. The Axis has way too much plastic for my tastes, and I'm guessing the Bushnell wouldn't be their top of the line. BTW, welcome to the forum.
Last edited by Wingbone; 06-28-2022 at 03:24 AM.
#3

I'm on the other side of the fence from Wingbone. I have an Axis in 350 Legend and I really like this little gun. I did a lot of searching to find one without the Accutrigger. I got one with the standard trigger and installed an MCarbo trigger kit which cut the trigger pull weight in half and fixed the side to side wobble. And that "plastic" is a polymer and is extremely tough. Now the action is not as slick as on my Brownings or Tikkas but works flawlessly. Accuracy is right up there too. Its no 1 MOA shooter but will keep them all in 2" @ 100 yards which is plenty accurate.
#4

I have a Savage Axis in .270 without the accutrigger which I bought a little over a year ago. It is extremely accurate pic below, and I am using it in oct on a pronghorn hunt. The only polymer on it is the bottom of the detachable magazine so I don't see where there is too much plastic. I bought my grandson a Savage 110 in .243 a several years ago and my Axis has a much smoother operating bolt. Judging from the Axis I have, I would not hesitate to buy another. Top group 50 yds bottom group 100 yards.


Last edited by Oldtimr; 06-28-2022 at 07:26 AM.
#5

I have a Savage Axis in .270 without the accutrigger which I bought a little over a year ago. It is extremely accurate an I am using it in oct on a pronghorn hunt. The only polymer on it is the bottom of the detachable magazine so I don't see where there is too much plastic. I bought my grandson a Savage 110 in .243 a several years ago and my Axis has a much smoother operating bolt. Judging from the Axis I have, I would not hesitate to buy another.
I forgot to mention in my earlier post that my trigger spring kit was only $20 and took 10 mins to install.
#6
#7

I have an Axis in .308 with the "bull barrel". Had tons of accuracy problems with it while using a mounted bi-pod (Harris). Come to find out the stock was very flexible and would bend to touch the barrel. I am assuming from the weight of the barrel. I replaced the synthetic stock with a Boyds and the problem was fixed. Now its a tack driver.
#8

[QUOTE=Oldtimr;4404447]Did you install the kit yourself? check my post again, I added a target to see how it groups. My stock is wood. here is the rifle.
QUOTE]
Yes OT...It doesn't take long at all to install. There is even a video on their site to watch before you buy to see if you want it. Mcarbo.com
QUOTE]
Yes OT...It doesn't take long at all to install. There is even a video on their site to watch before you buy to see if you want it. Mcarbo.com
#9

I have an Axis in .308 with the "bull barrel". Had tons of accuracy problems with it while using a mounted bi-pod (Harris). Come to find out the stock was very flexible and would bend to touch the barrel. I am assuming from the weight of the barrel. I replaced the synthetic stock with a Boyds and the problem was fixed. Now its a tack driver.
#10

[QUOTE=bronko22000;4404464]
Thanks Bronco, which spring did you use, the 21/2 or the 31/2 lb?
Did you install the kit yourself? check my post again, I added a target to see how it groups. My stock is wood. here is the rifle.
QUOTE]
Yes OT...It doesn't take long at all to install. There is even a video on their site to watch before you buy to see if you want it. Mcarbo.com
QUOTE]
Yes OT...It doesn't take long at all to install. There is even a video on their site to watch before you buy to see if you want it. Mcarbo.com