Savage Edge (Axis)

[gnihcraes]

I just picked up a Savage Edge (now Axis) in 308 at Jensens of Loveland. $282 out the door.

So I thought I'd start a thread for the Edge. I didn't buy it to do long range work, just a larger caliber than anything else I have and wanted to play in .308.

From what I understand, Ford sued Savage to change the name because it infringed on the Ford Edge name of a car/suv.

Once I figure out a scope mount and optics, I'll post up how well it does.

[Beer]

[SSChameleon]

I picked one up in 223 for varmint control. It shoots well, I upgraded the scope to a Nikon BDC and I'm already looking to upgrade it again.

It does not have the accutrigger but there is a company that sells a nice adjustable trigger for $85 if you want to upgrade down the road.

I've been very happy with mine. I made the mistake of purchasing the rife/scope combo. If I had it to do over again I would just get the rifle and put more $ towards a quality scope.

So far I've only pushed it out to 300 meters shooting 50gr v-max. I'm working a load with heaver bullet to see how it runs at 400.

[cysoto]

I agree with Chameleon on the trigger. The trigger on this rifle is really heavy (though not really gritty as I would have expected). RifleBasix makes an aftermarket adjustable trigger that is both affordable and easy to install. It will bring your trigger pull down considerably!

The stock is extremely flexible which makes this rifle unusable if you are trying to shoot it off a sling. On the other hand, if you shoot it off a bipod, if should perform quite well. Though keep in mind that this unit is so light that the .308 version will punish your shoulder.

I think that for the price, this is a good rifle. If nothing else, this is a really good action to build around.

Congrats on your new purchase! [Beer]

[gnihcraes]

Thanks for the information on the trigger and scope options. I bought the bare rifle, and put on a bushnell sportview 3x9x32 for now. This is my first big caliber rifle, always had 22's and then bought the AR and now this in 308. I doubt I'll ever shoot it a whole lot, just wanted to have one larger caliber available in my collection.

It gives me something to reload for, upgrade and play with. I'll see how hard it is on the shoulder and might get a better stock sometime.

[C Ward]

The stock is extremely flexible which makes this rifle unusable if you are trying to shoot it off a sling. On the other hand, if you shoot it off a bipod, if should perform quite well.

Flimsy stocks are just as bad if not worse off a bipod as the forend will flex up into the barrel changing the point of impact . If the exact same tension is not put on the bipod every time the point of impact will constantly be changing . Even if the hold is the same every time there is no telling where the shot will be thrown .

[SSChameleon]

The Edge uses a recoil lug to secure the barrel to the stock so the barrel 'floats' in the stock. I've been shooting mine with a bi-pod and haven't had any issues with the stock flexing.

I haven't been shooting it with a ling so I can't say how big of an impact that will have.

I read on another site that some people who want to reduce the flex of the stock will use a dremmel and cut a channel in the stock below the barrel then insert the handle of a ridged golf club.

[gnihcraes]

Good to know on the stock. I'll take it apart and have a look maybe tomorrow. I need to clean the chamber and barrel before its first shot, it doesn't look very clean out of the box.

[jmg8550]

Make sure you post some targets when you do shoot it. I am interested if it as accurate as their other rifles.

[Irving]

$282 out the door is an awesome price. I'm going to research this rifle now.

[C Ward]

If you are preloading the bipod to reduce the bipod hop as is needed to properly call your shots its happening . Every OEM injection molded stock regardless of manufacturer I've seen does it . Get into position and have someone check the barrel channel for contact .

The injection molded stocks across the board are junk and should be replaced if the goal is to get the most accuracy out of the rifle . There are many alternatives out there like Choate , Bell & Carlson , and HS Precision for drop in stocks . Don't bother with Houge as they are the manufacturer of most of the OE stocks .

[jmg8550]

If possible, I would look into the accustock. They are very rigid as there is an aluminum channel that runs all the way out to the front sling swivel.

[SSChameleon]

Here are some photos from a hand load I was testing. This is a five shot group at 100 yards with the factory Savage stock, a Nikon Buckmaster BDC scope and a cheapo walmart bipod.

[jmg8550]

Pretty impressive so far. Savage makes an accurate rifle.

[gnihcraes]

I'll get a photo of my target. I'm impressed so far with the accuracy. I still need to work on adjusting my scope, but ran out of ammo.

[roman gnome]

I got a pretty good Savage out of the box.

Can't say enough good things about the Accu Trigger,very smooth!

http://i56.tinypic.com/v5wemr.jpg

[gnihcraes]

I only had a few rounds with me, and ran out trying to get the scope on paper. (so much for bore sighting!)

So I ended up shooting my final 8 reloads and this is what I ended up with.

Each shot of the 8, were .5 grains more than the previous shot. 7.62.51 LC Brass, so I had to start low and work my way up, checking pressure.

Once I finally get the scope where it should be, I'll post up another test target.

(100 yards +/- at south site)

http://www.dcandh.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=928&g2_serialNumber=1

[DFBrews]

Hey gnihcraes is there anything that you wish was better about the Axis? Reason I ask is that I am looking at dabbling in .308 and this seems like the ideal platform to play around with. I have not been able to find a aftermarket stock found the drop in trigger. just curious if you found any glaring issues.

[gnihcraes]

Only thing is the stock. It does wiggle and twist a lot of under pressure at the front sling stud. The action isn't a Remington 700, but I'm no expert by any means. Its light, and hurts the shoulder after about 30 rounds. I'd like to find a really decent stock for it, but haven't located any dealers yet online that show a stock is available for it. The Savage 110 stocks might fit, but haven't found a confirmation on this yet.

Otherwise, great for my purpose, which was to dabble in .308, mostly just for fun and to be sure I had a larger caliber available. I don't have $500-1000 for a decent Remington 700 setup, so this got my money. Good so far.

[DFBrews]

Only thing is the stock. It does wiggle and twist a lot of under pressure at the front sling stud. The action isn't a Remington 700, but I'm no expert by any means. Its light, and hurts the shoulder after about 30 rounds. I'd like to find a really decent stock for it, but haven't located any dealers yet online that show a stock is available for it. The Savage 110 stocks might fit, but haven't found a confirmation on this yet.

Otherwise, great for my purpose, which was to dabble in .308, mostly just for fun and to be sure I had a larger caliber available. I don't have $500-1000 for a decent Remington 700 setup, so this got my money. Good so far.

Thanks for the response, come on money I lent the government for the last year interest free return!!!!

If you find a replacement stock please post it up.

[Rinodods]

Look here are some savage Axis tweaks and info. Currently there aren't really many aftermarket mods besides the trigger. No stocks, no bolt handles. Bolt heads and barrels appear to be the same as other savage models. The action is really a fairly different design. If you really want a cheap savage to part swap on go with a stevens 200. More stocks, triggers and all kinds of mods. Stevens are the same as all the other Savage 11, 12, 110, 111...actions without an accu-trigger. I've talked to a couple of experienced savage smiths and have yet to hear anything positive about the new axis design. Common thought is the Axis is a shortcut design to be cheap. Don't get me wrong they appear to still shoot well just don't expect a lot of parts to come on the market in the near future. If you can find a Stevens for around the same price you'd be better off in the long run. You won't miss out on any accuracy and you'll have more options later.

http://savageshooters.com/SavageForum/index.php/board,110.0.html

[gnihcraes]

I ran out of time to finish Zeroing the Axis in 308, but not bad with my newer scope. Nikon Prostaff 3x9


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JFZzyDbm2Ic/U1mDv_yZo2I/AAAAAAAA0Xc/r8dL6anKcTs/w1454-h820-no/IMG_20140424_112559_343.jpg

[J]

If you want to tighten up those groups a bit, throw it into a $99 boyds stock. It does wonders:

https://www.ar-15.co/threads/124845-New-Best-for-Shooter-and-Rifle

[gnihcraes]

If you want to tighten up those groups a bit, throw it into a $99 boyds stock. It does wonders:

https://www.ar-15.co/threads/124845-New-Best-for-Shooter-and-Rifle

Thanks! I'll look at the boyds stocks. I don't believe they had them available when I purchased the Axis. Looks like they are reasonable too!

The group I shot might be better if I took my time with the shots. I'd already shot it a bit to sight it in and was getting tired. :) I'm a wus, shoulder was sore too. haha

[ray1970]

You don't need a rifle to hit a target when it's that close. [Coffee]





https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JFZzyDbm2Ic/U1mDv_yZo2I/AAAAAAAA0Xc/r8dL6anKcTs/w1454-h820-no/IMG_20140424_112559_343.jpg

[gnihcraes]

ha
ha

was waiting for that comment.

My droid phone couldn't get a good focus out at 100 yards... nor could it at 3 feet. :)