Cheap deer rifle: CVA Scout or Savage Axis?

[TBL65]

Decided I’m finally going to get a cheap deer rifle to take advantage of future gun seasons here in Ohio when I can’t bow hunt as much. Being Ohio we are limited to straight wall cartridges. So I’ve got the caliber narrowed down to probably being 350 Legend and got the rifles down to the following two $300-ish rifles:

-CVA scout single shot
Or
-Savage axis / axis II

Anyone have experience with either of these, their accuracy, function and reliability?

I’ve always had good luck with savage being accurate in my old savage 10 and current savage 12. But the axis is hard to find in stock anywhere. No experience with the CVA but they seem to get positive reviews and have found them in stock places!

Thanks in advance!

 

[glockgod]

Savage 111 Trophy Hunter package. Only extra you'll need is ammo!

 

[wombat13]

I have a CVA muzzleloader and a Savage Axis II (in .25-06). Both are very accurate rifles. Since you have to cock the hammer in the CVA, the trigger will have a very nice, light and clean break. I find the ergonomics on my CVA to be very nice as well. I'm guessing that the Scout disassembles for cleaning just like my ML, so that will make it very easy to clean.

On the other hand, the Savage will offer more than one shot. Mine is quite accurate and the accutrigger (that comes on the Axis II) is very good in my opinion. I bought the rifle for my daughter and hunted with it this year. I told her she may have to wrestle the rifle away from me when she's ready to rifle hunt.

I think you'd be happy with both. It really comes down to whether you prefer a single shot or bolt?

 

[earlthegoat2]

Since for most people the time it takes to cycle a bolt is nearly equal to the time it takes to load another into a break action, inwould go with the single shot CVA.

I have also never been to fond of the Axis rifles even among the various budget rifles. The seem extra economical to me.

 

[horsey300]

Decided I’m finally going to get a cheap deer rifle to take advantage of future gun seasons here in Ohio when I can’t bow hunt as much. Being Ohio we are limited to straight wall cartridges. So I’ve got the caliber narrowed down to probably being 350 Legend and got the rifles down to the following two $300-ish rifles:

-CVA scout single shot
Or
-Savage axis / axis II

Anyone have experience with either of these, their accuracy, function and reliability?

I’ve always had good luck with savage being accurate in my old savage 10 and current savage 12. But the axis is hard to find in stock anywhere. No experience with the CVA but they seem to get positive reviews and have found them in stock places!

Thanks in advance!

Been running a compact cva .223 for years, also have an axis2, overall length makes the single shot a VERY useful lil critter gitter! Honestly you've not given enough data to say either one is a wrong choice because they're both a good choice! The extractor on the cva won't have the issues of the ejectors on other break opens. The axis2 stock had too much flex so we swapped it for a Boyd's. The best answer is buy both and alternate which one you take out.

 

[BigBL87]

Between the two, I'd favor the Axis if for no other reason than I already own one. CVA has a good reputation with their muzzleloaders, I don't know enough about their single shot rifles to comment one way or the other.

If you get an Axis, you probably will want to upgrade the stock eventually. Not much in the way of options for that other than Boyds (which is what I went with) and I think one or two chassis. I went with the Boyds Spike Camp stock, which will run you about $125 shipped. I upgraded to aluminum bottom metal to replace the polymer (which I'm sure would work fine) so mine ended up at $168 shipped.

The Accutrigger in the Axis II is nice, though I have an Axis I with a $20 M*CARBO spring kit and its pretty darn nice in its own right (though not as nice as the Accutriggers on my Mark II and 10 FCP IMO).

One annoying part of the Axis is with the 90 degree bolt throw, you may need to mount the scope a little higher so the bolt handle doesn't hit the eyepiece of the scope. I had to use X-High Weaver Quadlocks, and ended up putting a cheek riser on to get a good cheek weld. All in all I'm happy.

All of that said, if Illinois were ever to move to the straight walled cartridge thing instead of shotgun only, I'd probably give the CVA Scout a look.

 

[adcoch1]

I just last week took possession of a 44 mag cva scout 2, and to say I am satisfied is an understatement! The trigger is light and crisp, the stock very nice for a plastic one. It has a little take down latch on the forend to break down the rifle for cleaning, backpack carry, etc. Overall it is a lot nicer than I expected.

The Savage is a super accurate rifle, and while I love savage guns, being accurate seems to be about all the axis is meant to be. Pretty rough, but it's just a basic utilitarian bolt gun that'll have a few quick follow up shots for hunting if needed.

I would go cva Scout 2 first, then the savage if you need it. Or step up to a savage 10/110, much nicer rifles reflected in their price.

 

[Grayrock]

I picked up a Savage Axis in .308 a couple of months ago (thanks to the thread on close-out rifles at Wal-Mart). It has a wood stock and regular trigger. I really like it for the cost. It seems to be accurate. I might look into that spring kit.

 

[BigBL87]

I picked up a Savage Axis in .308 a couple of months ago (thanks to the thread on close-out rifles at Wal-Mart). It has a wood stock and regular trigger. I really like it for the cost. It seems to be accurate. I might look into that spring kit.

It's 100% worth it on the spring kit. My father-in-law just bought his own Axis, and comparing his with mine was a night and day difference. I'm going to buy him a spring kit.

 

[Hookeye]

Am not constrained by straight wall.
And am not a fan of break open rifles for deer ( falling block for the win ).

But if I had to play by such rules, Id look at the .450 BM in a Ruger American.

Lil Thumper

 

[3Crows]

I would go Axis II, Boyds, bottom metal and metal trigger guard, extractor kit. But there are these at some Walmarts (and in 350 Legend at that!):

cascade

I got my two Axis II rifles when Walmart was giving them away like candy and two Remington 700s even cheaper so now I am spoiled by rifles that cost hardly more than a tank of gas.

 

[Barbaroja]

Between the two, I'd favor the Axis if for no other reason than I already own one. CVA has a good reputation with their muzzleloaders, I don't know enough about their single shot rifles to comment one way or the other.

If you get an Axis, you probably will want to upgrade the stock eventually. Not much in the way of options for that other than Boyds (which is what I went with) and I think one or two chassis. I went with the Boyds Spike Camp stock, which will run you about $125 shipped. I upgraded to aluminum bottom metal to replace the polymer (which I'm sure would work fine) so mine ended up at $168 shipped.

The Accutrigger in the Axis II is nice, though I have an Axis I with a $20 M*CARBO spring kit and its pretty darn nice in its own right (though not as nice as the Accutriggers on my Mark II and 10 FCP IMO).

One annoying part of the Axis is with the 90 degree bolt throw, you may need to mount the scope a little higher so the bolt handle doesn't hit the eyepiece of the scope. I had to use X-High Weaver Quadlocks, and ended up putting a cheek riser on to get a good cheek weld. All in all I'm happy.

All of that said, if Illinois were ever to move to the straight walled cartridge thing instead of shotgun only, I'd probably give the CVA Scout a look.

thanks for posting about the spring kit I forgot about it. Just ordered the pro kit. Look forward to seeing the difference from the stock trigger.

 

[TBL65]

Thanks for all the feedback so far!

I just last week took possession of a 44 mag cva scout 2, and to say I am satisfied is an understatement! The trigger is light and crisp, the stock very nice for a plastic one. It has a little take down latch on the forend to break down the rifle for cleaning, backpack carry, etc. Overall it is a lot nicer than I expected.

The Savage is a super accurate rifle, and while I love savage guns, being accurate seems to be about all the axis is meant to be. Pretty rough, but it's just a basic utilitarian bolt gun that'll have a few quick follow up shots for hunting if needed.

I would go cva Scout 2 first, then the savage if you need it. Or step up to a savage 10/110, much nicer rifles reflected in their price.

Glad to hear you like it in 44, what kind of accuracy are you getting with it? That’s all I’m really looking for is a utilitarian rifle to deer hunt with. Not wanting to be anything fancy as it’s going to be in the elements, and is more a tool than a safe queen!

Am not constrained by straight wall.
And am not a fan of break open rifles for deer ( falling block for the win ).

But if I had to play by such rules, Id look at the .450 BM in a Ruger American.

Lil Thumper

I wish we weren’t limited but it’s a step in the right direction, a few years ago we couldn’t even use straight walls. I handled a couple of the ruger American ranch’s at the LGS the other day, the way the bolt cycled and his gritty it was ended up being a big turn off. Plus the savages and CVA are cheaper!

I would go Axis II, Boyds, bottom metal and metal trigger guard, extractor kit. But there are these at some Walmarts (and in 350 Legend at that!):

cascade

I got my two Axis II rifles when Walmart was giving them away like candy and two Remington 700s even cheaper so now I am spoiled by rifles that cost hardly more than a tank of gas.

Competently forgot about checking Walmart! I might have to see what they have! I did look into the CVA bolt gun but it’s almost double what the CVA scout or savage are going for (when you can find em)?

found a stainless CVA scout in 350 legend for $299+ shipping to my ffl. Still haven’t found any axis’s in stock anywhere

 

[horsey300]

Thanks for all the feedback so far!


Glad to hear you like it in 44, what kind of accuracy are you getting with it? That’s all I’m really looking for is a utilitarian rifle to deer hunt with. Not wanting to be anything fancy as it’s going to be in the elements, and is more a tool than a safe queen!


I wish we weren’t limited but it’s a step in the right direction, a few years ago we couldn’t even use straight walls. I handled a couple of the ruger American ranch’s at the LGS the other day, the way the bolt cycled and his gritty it was ended up being a big turn off. Plus the savages and CVA are cheaper!

Competently forgot about checking Walmart! I might have to see what they have! I did look into the CVA bolt gun but it’s almost double what the CVA scout or savage are going for (when you can find em)?

found a stainless CVA scout in 350 legend for $299+ shipping to my ffl. Still haven’t found any axis’s in stock anywhere

With the right loads (not picky either) it's well under moa, favorite loads get a 1holed wonder, worst loads were 1.5 moa (plenty good enough for the bumping around in the truck gun, popped a prairie dog at a lased 400 yds with it. You should be ok for deer

 

[adcoch1]

Thanks for all the feedback so far!


Glad to hear you like it in 44, what kind of accuracy are you getting with it? That’s all I’m really looking for is a utilitarian rifle to deer hunt with. Not wanting to be anything fancy as it’s going to be in the elements, and is more a tool than a safe queen!


I wish we weren’t limited but it’s a step in the right direction, a few years ago we couldn’t even use straight walls. I handled a couple of the ruger American ranch’s at the LGS the other day, the way the bolt cycled and his gritty it was ended up being a big turn off. Plus the savages and CVA are cheaper!

Competently forgot about checking Walmart! I might have to see what they have! I did look into the CVA bolt gun but it’s almost double what the CVA scout or savage are going for (when you can find em)?

found a stainless CVA scout in 350 legend for $299+ shipping to my ffl. Still haven’t found any axis’s in stock anywhere

I haven't had a chance to shoot mine yet but 299 is a good deal for the stainless 350 legend.

 

[TBL65]

With the right loads (not picky either) it's well under moa, favorite loads get a 1holed wonder, worst loads were 1.5 moa (plenty good enough for the bumping around in the truck gun, popped a prairie dog at a lased 400 yds with it. You should be ok for deer

Can’t complain about that! Thanks for sharing!

I haven't had a chance to shoot mine yet but 299 is a good deal for the stainless 350 legend.

Look forward to your accuracy report! Best deal I’ve found on them so far!

 

[robert4301]

Just got a CVA Scout in 450 Bushmaster and took 20 shots with it today at a 50 yard indoor range to zero the scope. Handholds with three types of bullets easily went into 1/2" for Hornady .452" rifle bullets and 1" with .451" pistol bullets. It's a bit of a thumper but it has a really good butt pad, so it's very shootable. It has simple take down, good feeling synthetic stock and is very well made with good fit and finish. I was not expecting this level of accuracy at this price point but the barrel is from Bergara. Good feel, simplicity, high accuracy and quality all at cheap rifle money. Trigger is good as-is, light enough and very crisp. The supplied one piece scope base and some 1" low rings allow a 3-9X40 Luepold freedom to mount low. No cheek riser needed and the hammer clears the eye piece.

 

[rdnktrkr]

I have the plastic and wood stocked Axis I rifles and prefer the wood 2 to 1 over the plastic, check the scope rings screws AND the bases, also check the action screws and torque them. Mine came as a "kit" with a scope that is adequate, the triggers are OK, maybe I need to look into the springs, there are some hints on here as well as the net for stiffening the stock and fine tuning the trigger. My 6.5cm and 223 shoots very well after cleaning and checking the torqued. My other 3 are still in the box waiting.
My only single shot is a H&R in 30-06 that is accurate, lightweight (sorta), fun, has a nice trigger, cheap (not as cheap as the Savages after rebate) hunting rifle, get a shell holder for the stock and you can still make multiple shots.

 

[Grayrock]

Just put in my M-Carbo spring kit this morning. It dropped my trigger pull from about 7 lbs to approximately 4 ½ pounds. I scrounged around and found a washer to use as a shim like the pro kit. I never noticed the wobble until the M-Carbo video pointed it out. Mine is still there, just less pronounced. Thanks for the suggestion. I hope to use my $135 rifle to bag a deer or 2 in a couple of weeks.