I'm looking to buy a bolt action rifle for casual 100 yard paper punching. I'm trying to decide between the Savage Axis XP and Savage 11 Trophy Hunter XP. The Savage 11 comes with the accutrigger and Nikon scope which is clearly a better setup than the Bushnell scope on the Axis, but the 11 also costs $180 more ($300 vs. $480). I have no doubt the 11 is a better rifle, but is it really worth the extra money? I also plan to keep it in stock configuration. Any thoughts.
Savage Axis vs. Savage 11 - value choice?
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hardluk1
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Of the 2 rifles buy far my choice would be the model 11. The model 11 is a normal savage in regaurds to any changes or up grades you be want to do in the future. The axis is what it is, stocks are not avalible ether.The other model the compairs to the model 11 is the savage/stevens 200 as its a savage 10 with no accurutrigger. Add a $85 rifle basix trigger for a better than trigger than the model 11but still around 300 dollars but with no scope.
HOWARD J
Member
I like my savage Axis--- I think mine is stamped EDGE
The price was right for a 243 Win plinker.
Using Win cartridges--I got a small bluge at the web of cartridge--I switched to PPU cartridges & the problem was solved.
The gun is very accurate up to about 3 or 4 shots --then ths barrel gets very hot & accuracy falls off an inch or so (50 yards)
The price was right for a 243 Win plinker.
Using Win cartridges--I got a small bluge at the web of cartridge--I switched to PPU cartridges & the problem was solved.
The gun is very accurate up to about 3 or 4 shots --then ths barrel gets very hot & accuracy falls off an inch or so (50 yards)
creeper1956
Member
Sounds like you're on a snug budget... and with that thought in mind, I'd get the cheaper of the two guns. Why? So you can spend the remaining $180 on ammo.
Inexpensive rifles have no appeal for me... but a rifle that I could not afford to shoot, unless it's so damn wonderful that just handling it satisfies all my needs, is a useless rifle.
C
Inexpensive rifles have no appeal for me... but a rifle that I could not afford to shoot, unless it's so damn wonderful that just handling it satisfies all my needs, is a useless rifle.
C
Inebriated
Member
I have both.
I prefer the 111 (same thing as the 11, just long action for .30-06) for the stock and AccuTrigger. The stock is by no means exceptional, but unlike the Axis, it can be upgraded. The Axis stock is fine if you stiffen it up some. The bolt actually feels smoother on my Axis, but then it's stainless and has more rounds through it than my 111, which is matte finish and still relatively new. Both rifles are sub-MOA, but the trigger on the Axis really hinders it. Also, I happen to prefer the Nikon that came on the 111 over the Bushnell that came on the Axis.
You can't necessarily go wrong with either, but for the price difference ($350 vs. $550), I find more value in the 111. The Axis is great, and seems to be superior to other rifles in its price range, but the 11/111 is great compared to rifles 2 or 3 times its price range.
I prefer the 111 (same thing as the 11, just long action for .30-06) for the stock and AccuTrigger. The stock is by no means exceptional, but unlike the Axis, it can be upgraded. The Axis stock is fine if you stiffen it up some. The bolt actually feels smoother on my Axis, but then it's stainless and has more rounds through it than my 111, which is matte finish and still relatively new. Both rifles are sub-MOA, but the trigger on the Axis really hinders it. Also, I happen to prefer the Nikon that came on the 111 over the Bushnell that came on the Axis.
You can't necessarily go wrong with either, but for the price difference ($350 vs. $550), I find more value in the 111. The Axis is great, and seems to be superior to other rifles in its price range, but the 11/111 is great compared to rifles 2 or 3 times its price range.
hirundo82
Member
Stevens 200 over the Savage Axis for the reasons already mentioned--it's a no-frills rifle built by Savage, but can take all Savage 10/110 upgrades and accessories. Best budget bolt rifle available IMO.
The Axis, Remington 770, Ruger American and Mossberg rifles are all disposable rifles meant for the guy who will average about a box of ammo a year. If that is all anyone ever plans to shoot they will do the job they were designed for. All reports indicate that they all shoot quite well, but it is long term durability that is not there.
After a few years if something wears out or breaks it is cheaper to just buy another gun, and they are not designed for long term heavy use so something will break. There have been reports already of all but the Ruger having something break and the repair costs have been equal to the cost of a new gun. The Ruger is too new to have had this happen.
If you decide to trade up to a better gun in a few years many other guns,including the 11/111 series actually have some value on the used market. Right now the Ruger will bring a fair price used, because they are still a little bit hard to find in some calibers, but the others are almost impossible to sell or trade at any price.
After a few years if something wears out or breaks it is cheaper to just buy another gun, and they are not designed for long term heavy use so something will break. There have been reports already of all but the Ruger having something break and the repair costs have been equal to the cost of a new gun. The Ruger is too new to have had this happen.
If you decide to trade up to a better gun in a few years many other guns,including the 11/111 series actually have some value on the used market. Right now the Ruger will bring a fair price used, because they are still a little bit hard to find in some calibers, but the others are almost impossible to sell or trade at any price.
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