It is no real secret Savage Arms makes one of the most accurate rifles, if not the most accurate rifles out of the box. The fact Savage Arms also makes their rifles affordable just adds to the value. Savage introduced the Axis line a little while back, to get a budget friendly bolt action rifle to the market, though it has been out a while I believe this rifle is worth looking at a little closer.

First Impressions 

The Axis can be had in multiple calibers, and many dealers offer it as a package with a 3-9×40 Bushnell scope for around $350

The ambidextrous two position safety.  On safe the bolt can still be actuated allowing for loading/unloading while the rifle is on safe.

Depressing the small tab down and pulling the trigger will allow removal of the bolt.

Factory installed sling swivel studs on the stock and forend. The trigger is adequate, breaking at 4 1/2 pounds

Range Time 

100 yard 3 shot groups from a rest.

Conclusions 

This is a very purpose built rifle, it would serve well as a hunting rifle to be carried all day and still expected to perform. Weight is kept to a minimum with a thin barrel, and synthetic free floated stock. Coming in at a light six and a half pounds the 30-06 did generate some perceived recoil, but it was still manageable.  During extended range use the barrel did show signs of stringing, as expected with a thin barrel, but accuracy is under two MOA with standard off the shelf hunting ammunition from a cold barrel.  Though as a sportsman’s rifle it is more at home in the brush than banging away all day at the bench, this rifle is plenty accurate for it’s intended use. The Savage Axis would serve very well as a budget primary or secondary hunting rifle. After about 150 rounds downrange there were no mechanical failures and the rifle held up well. If you are in the market for an inexpensive hunting rifle, the Axis will make a reliable option.

Acknowledgments 

Brad Berggren

Julius Cattaneo

Specifications 

  • Series: Axis
  • Magazine: Four round detachable box
  • Stock Material: Synthetic
  • Barrel Material: Carbon Steel
  • Barrel Finish: Matte
  • Barrel Color: Black
  • AccuTrigger: No
  • AccuStock: No
  • Sights: Drilled and tapped for scope mounts
  • 30-06 Springfield
  • Handed: Right
  • Rate of Twist:10
  • Weight: 6.5 lbs
  • Overall Length: 43.875″
  • Barrel Length: 22″
  • Ammo Capacity: 4
  • MSRP: $369.00

By Hunter Elliott

I spent much of my youth involved with firearms and felt the call early on to the United States Marine Corps, following in my father's and his brother's footsteps. Just after high school I enlisted and felt most at home on the rifle range, where I qualified expert with several firearms and spent some time as a rifle coach to my fellow Marines. After being honorably discharged I continued teaching firearm safety, rifle and pistol marksmanship, and began teaching metallic cartridge reloading. In the late 1990s I became a life member to the National Rifle Association and worked with the Friends of the NRA. Around that time my father and I became involved with IDPA and competed together up until he passed away. I began reviewing firearms for publications in the mid 2000s and have been fortunate to make many friends in the industry. Continuing to improve my firearms skills and knowledge is a never ending journey in which we should all be committed. I am also credited as weapons master on a few independent films.

7 thoughts on “Savage Axis 30-06, nice price, accurate, and reliable.”
  1. Great review and the video was one of your best yet. Hunter, sorry I missed your call asking for my help with this one; I must not have been home — Right? —– Keep up the good work and by the way I am at home.

    Barbara

  2. Thanks for the review! I own several Savages all are very accurate with the right ammo. The only Axis I own is decent, but not as accurate as it’s “regular” Savage counterpart. YMMV.

    Keep up the good work!

  3. My will not shoot the Remington Express 150 gr. CORE-LOCK psp anywhere near the 1 3/4 that yours does. Mine does about 7.5 inch groups but the Winchester 180 gr. POWER-POINT will do about 1 1/2 inch. These where shot at 75 yards. My range just got extended to 175 yards but the Remington’s probably will not even show up at the target at that distance. Maybe it’s the lighter bullet and faster speed that’s causing this I don’t know. Maybe I’ll have to try Remington’s 180 gr see how they do.

    1. Wow 7.5″ groups? Something has to be going on. Several folks were able to get 2-3 MOA with that ammo without a problem, while the 1 3/4″ was the best 3 shot group 2 1/2″ was easy, even with less experienced shooters. Please keep me posted but you may want to call Savage and see what they say.

  4. Love the rifle! Sighted it in, and shot a doe with one shot! Hit right where I put it! Only issue I have is the magazine. Bullets get stuck when trying to reload. Bolt doesn’t want to push in chamber. If I wiggle the magazine, it will line up. Any help is appreciated.

  5. The savage axis is one of the worst guns you could purchase. The gun I have is horrible. Very inconsistent accuracy with every ammo that I tried along with the different bullets weights. The magazine broke after 20 rounds, I can’t find one to save my life. Just the poorest quality firearm ever manufactured.
    The scope bases that came on the gun are the worst example of mounting hardware I have come across.
    These are some of the many problems I am having with a savage axis.
    There are really no parts available for this gun and if you can find a rail to replace the bases supplied you better triple check to see which rifle you have because all the info I’ve found is incorrect or misleading.
    Please do all the homework you can on your next savage purchase.

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