Cheapest Accuracy Available Today

Savage Axis ll , but I like the Ruger American action better .

 

Already have.

 

I didn't see you mention anything other than your 110, which is a big step up from the Axis. I happen to have a 110 Tactical myself.

Maybe I mis read your intention. I took it that you were discounting the folks here, including myself, who have had sub moa results with the Axis despite the cheap stocks.

I think myself and others here have tried to give the Op some options and be carefull to share the good and the bad so he knows what to expect. That's why we're recommending this rifle, but also making him aware of the negatives so he doesn't rebuke our advice later.

 

Oh, absolutely not, and if I gave you that impression, my most sincere apologies! You`re right, I only have a 110 but certainly am not disparaging the Axis line or its shooters. On the contrary, I think Savage has obviously produced a very capable "budget " gun in the Axis, particularly the Axis II, stocks and all! Again, my apologies to you and all the Axis shooters!

 

No apology needed, I should have asked and clarified your intent.

 

Well at any rate thank you to everybody for all the replies and suggestions. I know that what I am looking to do will have its share of negative aspects. I am prepared to accept and deal with them. I have put myself on a notification list for a heavy barrel Axis II in 223. We will see how it goes from here.

 

The down side to lower priced rifles will be the stock. Manufacturers have to cut costs some how and using a cheap stock saves them money while still producing an accurate rifle at a price point.

And with Savage it won't matter if you buy the Axis, Axis II, 110, MkII or 93, they all have the same stocks that flex at the fore end. I have zero experience with the Savage Impulse, A Series or B Series but I bet the synthetic stocks are the same on them too. Ruger is no different with the American rifle.

Personally I would rather save some money and get a flimsy synthetic stock since I am going to replace it anyway.

There have been some good suggestions for inexpensive rifles that shoot well. For all of you right hand shooters, there are a lot of choices.

 

I think you will be happy with the Axis II with the heavy barrel. All of the Savage rifles I own have their heavy varmint barrels and all do well.

 

For 300-500 yards 223 will certainly work, but the CM's will shoot inside the 223. They're not my preferred target cartridges, but you can't argue with facts.

If he's chasing utmost accuracy though, the cartridge is certainly a part of the occasion. If you're not handloading you're not going to be squeezing all the possible accuracy out of your rifle. 223 will do pretty good, and it is economical to load. But the further out you get, the more the wind will push those bullets around. There's a reason you don't see too many 223's on the competition line outside of competitions that all but mandate 223.

 

I have 3 of these Savage Axis Precision rifles and all exceed my expectations.
https://www.savagearms.com/content?p=firearms&a=product_summary&s=57549


For scopes I would recommend an Arken scope.
https://www.arkenopticsusa.com/arken-optics

In 6.5 CR or .308 Win this combo will get you out to 1000 yards easily. If you want to stick with .223 then I'd say 1000 yards is possible with heavier grain ammo but 800 yards is more easily attainable. The only upgrades I've done are installing extended bolt handles and good brakes.

Another option is you get an inexpensive Savage setup and put it in an Oryx chassis. They have a couple different options available now.

 

I really heavily considered one of those Axis Precisions, but found a Bergara HMR-14 for the same price and I personally preferred the feel of the stock over the chassis, and generally prefer 700 actions over Savage so I went that way. But I don't think the Savage would be a bad choice at all, I just have my preferences.

 

Everyone, the OP stated that he is getting a heavy barreled Savage Axis II once available.

 

I really like the Bergaras as well. I have a BMP, since discontinued, that is the most solid feeling rifle I own. I would not hesitate to get a Bergara.
Oryx just released their Field Stock as an alternative to a chassis stock for those preferring a more traditional hybrid stock.

https://oryxchassis.com/oryx-field-stock/

 

Oh those look interesting. Wonder how they'll stack up against a KRG Bravo. It's about a half pound heavier than the Bravo and about %25 more expensive.

 

You say that like it matters.

 

The problem with the Model 12 FV is that it is only available in 6.5 CM or 308. The OP is wanting something in 223.

I do agree that the Model 12 FV is a great rifle. I love my left hand 12FVL.

 

I, too, think you`ll enjoy your Axis II in 223. I kind of wish my 110 in .223 had a heavy barrel. The Accutrigger is a great trigger IMO. Mine came from the factory at 3 lbs, fine for a hunting rifle and casual range gun. Once you zero, I would be stunned if you`re not shooting sub-MOA groups (precision) and less than an inch POA vs POI ( accuracy ) at 100 yards once you find the loads that it likes. I suspect that your Axis II will come with a 1:9 twist barrel. 55 to 70 grain loads should shoot well, but you can expect definite preferences. OTMs and flat based hunting bullets seem to shoot best in mine.

 

Glad to know I'm not the only one who likes the Accutrigger. There is much hate out there for any trigger with a blade, and I just don't understand it.

 

I recently bought 2 Savage Axis rifles in .222 Rem, one with the accutrigger, one without. I really like the accutrigger and plan to replace the other trigger with one when I put the rifle in a new stock. As a primarily long range target shooter, I find there is a world of difference in knowing exactly when my gun is going to fire. The accutrigger reminds me very much of the two stage triggers I have in my target ARs.

 

Thanks for the info. This is my first Savage without the accutrigger so I'm ignorant on the subject. Its not a bad trigger, just not an accutrigger.

 

Just trying to stay within the goal that that the op specified. Cheap to purchase and shoot, 200-500 yds. Nothing more.

This is my .223 rifle for 2-5. That's a Howa 1500 action and HB. Build was around 1K. Works.

 

I can dial the accutrigger on my Savage down to just over 2 lbs. without any modifications by me. I usually hunt with them just under 3 lbs. I've gotten to the point where I am so used to the Accutrigger that I don't shoot as well without one. I think if people just give the Accutrigger an honest try, they will fall in love with it as I have. I honestly think some people are more offended by the blade as a second "unnecessary safety" that they can't see what a great trigger it actually is. The loathing of any secondary safety by some in the rifle community is quite strong. It's a shame because the Accutrigger is just a darn good trigger.

I would have zero qualms about epoxy bedding a heavy barreled Axis II into a thumbhole Boyd's stock and pounding steel at 300-500 yards. The rifle is up to it if the optics and shooter are.

 

My Savage Axis in .223 Rem with Nikon 3-9X40mm scope is a very affordable and plenty accurate rifle. It got me my first coyotes, and a double at that!.

I did trim the trigger spring a bit, & that's all I did for accuracy. I also cammo painted the stock.

 

A while back I picked up a Savage 12 in .223, I think it was $300 after the rebate, for a tannerite rifle people could use. Put one of the cheaper vortex scopes on it.

This is 3 rounds at 300 yards using 68gn Hornady’s.



And 5 rounds at 300 yards of WWB 55 grain FMJ’s.