Savage Model 12/112 Vs Axis

[spanky1968]

I have a question about Savage rifles. I own one model 12FV in .223 that I shoot for prairie dogs. Sweetest shooting rifle I own and laser straight.

My daughter (16) has expressed an interest in going with me next year to shoot p-dogs. I was elated at the idea of one of my girls wanting to shoot with me.

Now for the question of rifle build. I have been looking at a heavy barrel axis at the local store. It looks ok. Fit and finish are kinda gritty, but I have read reports on all kinds of forums about how accurate the axis is straight out of the box.

Question is: How different are they really from the standard Savage rifles? Are they the same mechanically? As I said fit and finish are lacking, but that can be polished up some.

I think the Axis is a good place to start for a kid rifle, but I want it to last in case she wants to continue shooting.

Thoughts?

 

[montanaoffroader]

If it has the adjustable trigger (Axis II) then I would go for it. My Axis in .223 is quite accurate, but I had to do some work the get the trigger usable. Not great, but usable. If you are prepared to spend time and money to work over or replace the trigger then it doesn't matter.

There are some differences in design, the stocks can be a bit flimsy and the recoil lug arrangement is different. But it doesn't seem to affect the rifle's ability to shoot straight and I have no reason to think it won't last. Mine is one of the first with the Axis name and I have had no issues with it other than the fact that it does NOT like steel case ammo. Tried it once, won't do it again.

My daughter shoots the Axis quite a bit and likes it, in fact she shot her first deer with it. She will probably talk me out of it someday.

 

[JackSprat]

With an Axis you will be getting a long action ,with widely spaced mount screws,.The bolt handle isn't contoured quite right,and considering it has a 90℅ throw plus a little slop it is likely to scratch the ocular bell of your glass.I have a Revolution on mine,and put a layer of black tape over the knurled section of mine,because even though I can cycle it without hitting it, it has enough slop that it can . I just try to be careful..You will be getting a cheaply built clip..I can't complain about the accuracy...I guess it depends on if it's worth the extra money to get the better rifle.. Only you can make that decision...

 

[Nature Boy]

Why not get her one exactly like her old man's?

Bought my 12 year old son a Model 12 BVSS for the exact same reason. Shoot pdogs and range duty. He'll have it for the rest of his life and I assume your daughter will as well. May as well step up in grade.

 

[MrGiggles]

Early Axis models came with a very heavy trigger from the factory. Clipping a couple coils off of the spring makes them a lot lighter.

Boyds makes a good reasonable laminated stock for them.

 

[spanky1968]

Thanks everybody. I really like my 12fv in .223. Having a hard time finding one like I have, but I think that's the way I want to go. I may look for a Rem 700. I know how to work on those too. I have a couple M98 actions in various stages of completion. I may even have one of those re-barreled to a .22-250. The M98's were my dad's and the .22-250 was his favorite caliber. I have some time to decide.

 

[FiveInADime]

Thanks everybody. I really like my 12fv in .223. Having a hard time finding one like I have, but I think that's the way I want to go. I may look for a Rem 700. I know how to work on those too. I have a couple M98 actions in various stages of completion. I may even have one of those re-barreled to a .22-250. The M98's were my dad's and the .22-250 was his favorite caliber. I have some time to decide.

There's also the M10 Predator, M11 Trophy Predator Hunter package, and the Dick's Sporting Goods exclusive model 11VT. They all have medium-weight barrels and might be a bit easier for a young-lady to handle than a 12FV. They will, however, all cost more than a 12FV, sadly.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[VoodooMountain]

Axis uses the same bolt but different receiver and the recoil lug is in the stock.

If it were me I would pick up a cabelas version of the savage 12 for about $420if they still have them

The axis will do well if it has the accu trigger. The original trigger is sintered and doesn't lend itself to modifications as well. Sure you could buy an aftermarket trigger but how much money should one sing into a budget gun?

 

[spanky1968]

I will be close to a Cabelas on Sunday, I may check them out. Thanks.