Opinions on Savage Axis II XP .308

[andrewak47]

I'm really interested in getting a new Savage Axis II XP from Big5. My goal is to play along with the big boys (friends) for the first time hunting mainly deer, but not limited to just deer. I've also been watching YT videos of shooters shooting out as far as 1,000 yards with this rifle; straight out of the box. No modifications at all. I'd like to do at least 100 yards at my local outdoor range too. I may like to take it out a little farther or reach out to it's maximum range.

http://www.big5sportinggoods.com/store/details/savage%20arms-axis-ii-xp-308-winchester-bolt-action-rifle/0310107250112/_/A-5075668?_D:search=+&_D:siteScope=+&_DARGS=/store/cartridges/SearchBox/SearchBox.jsp&_dyncharset=UTF-8&siteScope=ok#.WlrrhN-nGHt

[67Cuda]

I like Savage rifles. I say go for it, looks to fit the bill for you.

[Divernhunter]

The Savage is a good rifle. Put a good scope on it. For hunting and fun shooting that means a Leupold 3X9X40 or 3.5X10X40 duplex reticle sighted in 3.75" high at 100 yards and you hold on the animal. That will put meat in the freezer.
I would suggest 130 or 150gr Barnes TTSX in the no lead zones. I prefer the 130gr in the 308w for most hunting

[Califpatriot]

Yep, that's good for your purposes. You might be able to save on price if you look around--these were going for $250 around the holidays I think.

It's probably not a 1000 yard rifle, though, youtube aside. For that, you should get the same Savage in a different barrel like a 6.5 creedmoor, put a high-end scope on it that will probably cost twice what the rifle does, and replace the stock.

[andrewak47]

Great constructive feedbacks! I appreciate that. I'd like to keep in in the .308 round and hopefully be able to use the scope it comes with. I plan on getting the Boyd's stock. Attach a Harris bipod and a sling.

[2shotjoe]

I got the gen 1, I rebarreled it to 6.5. No flex in the receiver, shoots good.

The 223 spotter barrel didn't shoot that well.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[sigstroker]

Yep, that's good for your purposes. You might be able to save on price if you look around--these were going for $250 around the holidays I think.

It's probably not a 1000 yard rifle, though, youtube aside. For that, you should get the same Savage in a different barrel like a 6.5 creedmoor, put a high-end scope on it that will probably cost twice what the rifle does, and replace the stock.

It will probably reach 1000 with 175 gr GMM, but isn't really the best tool for it. Especially with a 9x scope.

[operavoice]

I have the 11VT, the next up model from the Axis Heavy Barrel.
Better scope, Accu-trigger, and MOA all day long right out of the box.
If you catch them at the right time at Dick's, $460 out the door including tax and DROS.
I'd warrant its worth the extra $ over the Axis.

[Divernhunter]

Agreed there are better choices for 1000 yards. But the OP did say for hunting and some 100 yard shooting. Maybe longer?
If you want 1000 yards get a different model(like their F-Class model) and scope(more power). Not to say you cannot shoot it at 100-1000 yards as set up for hunting but you will not do as well as others with specialized equipment.

For hunting get The Claw sling. I have tried many others both leather and synthetic and The Claw has been the best.

Good luck and enjoy whatever you get.

[andrewak47]

I got a Ruger Gunsite Scout in .308 at a clearance price over at Big5 for under $800! I'm happy with my buy.

[Horrendo Revolver]

Great constructive feedbacks! I appreciate that. I'd like to keep in in the .308 round and hopefully be able to use the scope it comes with. I plan on getting the Boyd's stock. Attach a Harris bipod and a sling.

[NorCalFocus]

The scope that came on my wife's Axis has held up fine. But it has been moved to a 22lr. I bought my wife a Vortex 4-12 Diamondback that works great.

[Califpatriot]

This. A pillar bedded Boyd's stock is a nice upgrade, but glass is way more important. And not much more expensive. Athlon has excellent values on very good scopes.

[sigstroker]

The scope they come with is a Weaver Kaspa that sells for a little over a hundred bucks. It's perfectly fine as a beginner scope.

[Horrendo Revolver]

Which cost Savage about $35.00. And it would be ok for a beginner scope to shoot deer at 100 yards. It would not remotely be ok to do some of the things the OP has stated he wants to do.