I agree that the XS-7 is probably a little nicer rifle, however the Axis won't require a transfer fee or shipping and will come with a fair scope (it has poor quality optics/light gathering, but it's serviceable). I think that's one point they improved on the Axis-II, I'd take the Weaver (not the greatest, but not the worst either) over the bottom of the barrel Bushnell any day. On the other hand, if you want to put a decent scope on it (and you really should if you have the budget to do so) the XS-7 definitely has a better stock. Both have barrel nuts so it's easy to swap the barrels on them if you decide you want a different chambering or simply burn up the first (which is not unlikely, if you shoot it a fair bit, given the chambering).