Savage Axis after some modifications.

H

HANDYANDY83

Private
Minuteman
Aug 25, 2012
20
0
41
NE
#1
Oh man, this took some doing. I am really happy with the way it turned out, and it shoots just as good if not better than it looks. The axis stock has been known to have some issues with flexing. Once I added all the epoxy and bondo, these problems no longer exist. I hope you enjoy my hard work, and if anyone has some suggestions on things I could do to improve the performance, or possibly just comments, please let me know. Thanks.

Andy

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#3
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.


The scope was bought for 35 dollars, and it actually shoots really well. I box tested it last weekend, and it returned back to zero every time. It's only a .223, so the recoil isn't the most awful think in the world. So far I've taken it out to 500 with some 75gr Hornady rounds that I found at the local gun shop. The group stayed at 6 center to center, so I'm pretty pleased with that. I've shot some really nice systems, but it's a little tougher now since Uncle Sam isn't supplying them anymore. I just wanted to see what I could do with a rifle and a scope that didn't cost me an arm and a leg. Truth be told, it shot very well. I'm getting ready to put a heavy barrel, and a better trigger in it shortly, then we'll really start having fun. I've only shot this round out of service rifles before, and I must say that out of a bolt action the results are astounding. Damage, and accuracy wise.
 
#4
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HANDYANDY83</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I'm getting ready to put a heavy barrel, and a better trigger in it shortly, then we'll really start having fun.</div></div>

Good luck with that...Honestly, you'll be better of selling and starting over.
 
#5
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HANDYANDY83</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I'm getting ready to put a heavy barrel, and a better trigger in it shortly, then we'll really start having fun.</div></div>

Good luck with that...Honestly, you'll be better of selling and starting over. </div></div>

And just how would that end up being better????
 
#6
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dmpowder</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HANDYANDY83</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I'm getting ready to put a heavy barrel, and a better trigger in it shortly, then we'll really start having fun.</div></div>

Good luck with that...Honestly, you'll be better of selling and starting over. </div></div>

And just how would that end up being better???? </div></div>
simple, you can throw all kinds of money at it but it will still be a savage axis action. Dress up a pig like a king is still a pig kinda analogy.
good work on the stock and if it fits you fine enjoy shooting no matter what anybody else is saying.
cheers.
 
#7
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

And the same can be said with the Rem action! I mean does slapping on a $500 stock change the fact that it is still a factory 700 action?? The only thing the Edge/Axis does not have going for it is the aftermarket stock as of now! People try and think of the Axis as the same as they think of the 770 and it's not even close.

I'm like the OP and can't wait to spin a new barrel on my Edge! Something about beating the piss out of high dollar rigs just wets my whistle!
 
#8
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.


It fits me fine, and it shoots really well. The only thing that the axis doesn't have is a recoil lug on the barrel, and that could be added if that's the road I want to take. I understand that some people don't see the point in doing work on a cheap rifle, but when it's all you have, it's all you have. It may not be a rifle chosen by an government group, or a branch of the military, but it still puts holes in things just fine. I'm a firm believer that it has less to do with the rifle, and more to do with the one pulling the trigger. The fact is that some people can buy a stock pre painted, with flush cups, and all that nice stuff right off the bat, I suppose I could too if I saved for quite some time, but I wanted to start shooting now, and that's what this rig has allowed me to do. I didn't post these pictures of my work so people could look down their nose at my setup, I posted them because I thought maybe there was someone here with the same rifle that may want a better contoured stock without having to pay a lot of money. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. I'm sure that some people assume that since I have a rifle like this I must not know much about precision shooting. I've worked dope, and gotten first time cold bore hits at 700m, so I know a thing or two about shooting. I'm sure that targets aren't going to move out of my way because they know I'm shooting a Savage Axis, with a Barska scope on it, the fact is that I took something that wasn't that fantastic, and made it shoot like something that would cost a hell of a lot more than it did. Thanks.
 
#9
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

Don't worry about people like that as you will always run into people that look down on others rifles as it makes them feel better about spending so much on theirs!

I remember when a Stevens 200 with a BSA scope beat many customs rifles both bolt and semi with high dollar optics. So you are correct it is more so on the shooter then the rifle.

Keep up the ideas and keep shooting. Like you said the rifle served it's duty as Savage intended it to do. You got it for less and it got you shooting quicker and that turns you into a better shooter in the long run and only idiots will disagree.
 
#10
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

Nothing wrong with working on an Axis, very accurate bargain rifle. I always felt that all I would have to do to an axis is get a new trigger and add a cheek piece and it would be a fun, accurate and comfortable rifle to shoot. Too bad I'm all caught up with my two Savages atm (and I can't find any lefty Axis rifles anywhere, has savage released them yet?)
 
#12
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HANDYANDY83</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
It fits me fine, and it shoots really well. The only thing that the axis doesn't have is a recoil lug on the barrel, and that could be added if that's the road I want to take. I understand that some people don't see the point in doing work on a cheap rifle, but when it's all you have, it's all you have. It may not be a rifle chosen by an government group, or a branch of the military, but it still puts holes in things just fine. I'm a firm believer that it has less to do with the rifle, and more to do with the one pulling the trigger. The fact is that some people can buy a stock pre painted, with flush cups, and all that nice stuff right off the bat, I suppose I could too if I saved for quite some time, but I wanted to start shooting now, and that's what this rig has allowed me to do. I didn't post these pictures of my work so people could look down their nose at my setup, I posted them because I thought maybe there was someone here with the same rifle that may want a better contoured stock without having to pay a lot of money. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. I'm sure that some people assume that since I have a rifle like this I must not know much about precision shooting. I've worked dope, and gotten first time cold bore hits at 700m, so I know a thing or two about shooting. I'm sure that targets aren't going to move out of my way because they know I'm shooting a Savage Axis, with a Barska scope on it, the fact is that I took something that wasn't that fantastic, and made it shoot like something that would cost a hell of a lot more than it did. Thanks. </div></div>

Well said man, well said. I dont have money to spend on a $5000 gun, so I shoot a Savage, and its Awesome! I shot a 1/2" group at 250 yds with the gun I built and I know the deer won't die any differently just because its not a Surgeon or a GAP. Nice gun!
 
#13
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

That's awesome. Great job. Totally changed the way that "tupperware" stock looked. It's great to see American ingenuity.
 
#14
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

Thank you for all the positive and nice comments. I enjoy doing work like this because I can look at it and know that I'm the one who made it better, and it's mine. I can tell you that this rifle is no slouch, even with a sporter barrel. I was planning on putting on a heavier one, but I think I'm going to have this one cut and crowned. That should make it stiffer. I know the scope is cheap, that's why I'm saving up to get an elite 3200 with a 20 moa EGW rail. I love the look on my friends face when my 400 dollar rig out shoots his ruger 6.5 target rifle.
 
#15
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.


I recently got a really nice flip cam, and I've been looking for a good way to use it. I think i'll start posting a vlog on YouTube to follow along as I do modifications on rifles like the Axis, XS7VS, and other variants to see what I can squeeze out of them for the least amount of money. I know that some people on here have some really nice sticks, and I think that's awesome. But I also know that there are probably just as many people who would love to get into this hobby with a little less scratch that just need to know where to start. If anyone has any tips, or tricks that they have learned along the way, I would love to mention them in said videos, and give credit to the person who submitted it. Thanks again, all.

Andy
 
#16
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

A guy doesn't have to spend tons of cash. By the time you rebarrel and upgrade the trigger, you could buy a stock Remington or Savage varmint/tactical model. So in the end, you'll be money ahead to sell and start over. I'm not telling you to go spend 5k.
 
#17
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

Man, you posted on the wrong site. If you don't have a Gap, Mcmillian, AI, topped with a Smidt and Bender on here, you arnt even allowed to ask questions. I say rock on with your Axis if that's what you want to do. I have a modified Savage that shoots as good as 90% of the custom rigs on here and have less than a grand in the whole rig. Haters gonna Hate.
 
#18
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

Hey HANDYANDY83 are you located in Nebraska and if so where at? To each there own is what i think. How you spend your money is up to you. Good job on the rifle.
 
#19
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.


I really think a lot of people are selling this rifle short on what it can do. Sure there's no aftermarket stocks yet, but I managed to get past that for less than 30 dollars. I also did a little polishing on the trigger, and it's quite a bit better now. The scope is a Barska, yes. But it has worked fine for me, and the clicks are positive and repeatable. I can't ask any more of it than that. So the only thing I really need to do now is the barrel, but like I said I think I'm just going to shorten and crown it. I would have no problem whatsoever putting this rifle up against a SPS .223 with similar modifications out to any range. Savage barrels shoot, and that has been proven. Even with the money I have spend to make the stock more user friendly, and the 75 dollars it will cost me to shorten and crown the barrel, I'll still be quite a ways under what the cheapest 700 will be. Plus, I can upgrade as I go with this, and instead of counting and waiting to have enough money to buy a 700, I'm shooting now, which is the most important reason I went this route. I'll keep track of what I spend, and I'll do a write up after I'm done working on it, and we'll see how far off I am choosing this platform as opposed to a 700. I think the results will be in my favor. optics are optics, so they will not be included in the results. All I am trying to accomplish is to prove with hard evidence that with a little work, and a small amount of money, this rifle will perform better than the person pulling the trigger ever could.

Andy
 
#20
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

That is nice work on that stock. I like to drool over the high end rigs just as much as the next guy, but really enjoy seeing someone take that proverbial sow's ear and make it seem like a silk purse.

I may be wrong, but I'd venture a guess that there are more Hide members that are in your (mine too) financial bracket than there are those that have the cabbage to spring for the finer toys.

Good work! Keep on keeping on...
 
#22
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

I'm all for using what you got! Enjoy it man, have some fun.

I like getting the most bang for my buck too. I make a lot of my life decisions based on that. If I may pass along some wisdom though, it's always cheaper in the end to buy what you want first than to modify something that isn't. Take that as advice from a stranger that doesn't know you; only you know you and what works best for you. But no matter what "you" are, throwing $1000 at that rifle is never going to equal a $1000 rifle in quality, fit, or performance, nor will it make you any better. If it were me, I wouldn't do any serious mods to that gun, I'd spend all my money on ammo, and save for a higher dollar gun in the next year or two.

Good job on the rifle, always nice to have more marksmen out there using whatever tools they can get their hands on.
 
#23
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.



I'm pretty happy with the rear of the stock, but I am planning on doing some work on the forend to square it off a bit, as well as stiffen it a bit. Barrel is getting shortened this week, at that point I'll put it back together and give the barrel and action some color as well. I have also purchased a KRG bolt lift adaptor for the handle. I know it's for a 700, but I'm sure I'm more than capable of filling in or taking out whatever material needs to be filled or removed. More pictures to follow, as well as some groupings. Work has been crazy, so toy time has been at a minimum. I know that starting with a 700 may be more to the point, but I am a person who likes to work on things, and taking the back road on this is proving to be quite enjoyable. Every time I start to work on something with this rifle, I am more and more impressed with what savage has done for the money. It's impressive. Thank you once again for all the wonderful comments and suggestions.

Andy
 
#24
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

dont take it the wrong way. what people mean about the edge/axis is this. here is savage. they sell savage stamped receivers at top dollar. great. they sell stevens at a little less. great. they find out people are buying stevens and building that up and they sense a loss of some sort. its the way of business and governments too when they think they should be able to tax something. so savage rumors that the stevens will no longer be made. guys snap up stevens s/a and stock pile for future builds. great. then they come up with a way to sell a budget rifle that no one will want to or be able to upgrade after a few design changes.

thats your rifle. what is being said is this. buying a stevens and going that route is what you should consider. better selection of stuff and the better platform. stop polishing your turd, put the money into a stevens and barrel that. better stocks available more often, your recoil lug is a part of the barreled action, not a part of the stock and in the long run you can use your skills and keep the Axis for a beater and to do any experimenting on before you try it on the stevens. take a step up to a stevens and get access to another level of possible accuracy without reinventing the wheel.

take it for what its worth
 
#25
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

oh and yeah

[ i m g ] your links for the photos here and remove all the spaces and close with [/img]


and thats how you post a picture. great job on what you have done to adapt a tool to your needs and to fit your situation
 
#26
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

It's always the same thing. In the 70ies and 80ies, when I started riding, there was no aftermarket part to speak of for Harleys. We made them ourselves, just like you did with your rifle. We chopped, bondo'ed, polished and modified the parts we had. 10 years later, along came the money crowd with their thick wallets, their trailers, their crew cuts. these people ride as little as some people here shoot, but they frown upon the old school people with their berat up bikes.
You made YOUR rifle. It fits you, and probably nobody else. It may not be the latest and greatest, but you did a good job that you can be proud of. What's not to like?
 
#27
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

I think it's more akin to hopping up a ford tempo rather than starting with a Mustang.

There will likely never be a big Axis market much like there isn't a Remington 770 market.
 
#28
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.


I've shot the 770, and I didn't much care for the way it felt, or the way it was put together. I can change the barrel on my rifle, you can't on the 770. It also doesn't come in .223, only deer dropping rounds. It's a newer version of the 710, and neither of them are really what I would call quality weapons. I know mine isn't a lot better, but I can change the trigger if I want, I can change the barrel if I'd like to do that as well, I even found an article that shows how with little mods, I can fit it to a Choate Varmint stock with an aluminum block. So it's not like there aren't any options. It just seems to me that some people are really upset about the work I'm doing, and that fact that I really don't wish to change to a different rifle. Even going so far as to tell me to stop polishing my turd. Lets all go back to high school and make fun of the kids who didn't wear the right clothes while we're at it. People get so caught up in what is mil spec, and what is used by serving marksmen that they forget the fact that 99.99999 percent of these people aren't taking lives with their rigs, and no ones lives are depending on their rigs either. If someone can tell me one thing that an SPS in the factory stock chambered in .223 can do that my savage axis can, please do. All I'm asking is that people keep the negative comments to themselves. It's not that I'm thin skinned. I've spent the last 11 years in the military as a marksman, I can take it. It's the fact that It's rude. I've been nothing but polite and courteous of all the people I have conversed with on here, I believe that it isn't too hard to return the gesture. Not everyone has a huge amount of funds set aside for this hobby, and I'm just trying to show that you don't need to in order to have fun, and enjoy shooting. Thank you.

Andy
 
#29
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

First off, nobody is upset that you're modifying the Axis. It's not as if it's a highly collectible rifle with value.

Nobody is doubting your ability to bubba it into something you feel is usable.

Nobody is making fun of you like a high school kid.

The fact is, people are speaking from EXPERIENCE trying to give you good advice that will save you effort and money in the end. The simple fact that you're talking about switching barrels and triggers goes to show their advice is correct----you could have purchased a heavy-barreled factory rig with a descent trigger for the amount of money you'll have in this or less. When you're done, it's not worth anything and you will still be extremely limited on options.

What will a 700 do that this won't? For one, they can accept a wide variety of aftermarket parts unavailable to the Axis. The 700 has a stiffer heavy barrel capable of more strings. The accuracy of a 700 is arguably better, though there is variance from sample to sample. So I guess if it simply comes down to it in your terms---they must be the same thing because you can drop a round in, close the bolt, and yank the trigger and expect a "bang" they must be just about the same in the grand scheme of things. And hell, buy a Savage 10 if you hate the 700 so much. It's got more going for it than the Axis. But it really seems like you've got your hard head made up (sticking to your own analogy) like that high school boy that doesn't learn from the mistakes of others....he's got to experience them first hand.
 
#30
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

you did notice my turd is a savage, didnt you? far from spec anything. had i known before what i learned after, id have a stevens in an A4 stock for the same money, which i am spending all over to get the rifle i wanted from the start. sort of.

like i said, dont take in the wrong way, but you kinda already did
 
#31
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">First off, nobody is upset that you're modifying the Axis. It's not as if it's a highly collectible rifle with value. </div></div>

No but your telling him he should just start with a 700 so he can be like most others!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
When you're done, it's not worth anything and you will still be extremely limited on options.
</div></div>

Your never limited on options when you can think of and do the stuff he has done. Yeah your right if you don't have the mind and skill to create stuff your better off buying a 700. Because then you have people telling you want to do. And in the end that rifle will look just like yours and the other 300+ of them just like it on this site. Who cares what it's worth when he is done as he is likely not to do for resell value.




<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
What will a 700 do that this won't? For one, they can accept a wide variety of aftermarket parts unavailable to the Axis. The 700 has a stiffer heavy barrel capable of more strings. The accuracy of a 700 is arguably better, though there is variance from sample to sample. So I guess if it simply comes down to it in your terms---they must be the same thing because you can drop a round in, close the bolt, and yank the trigger and expect a "bang" they must be just about the same in the grand scheme of things. And hell, buy a Savage 10 if you hate the 700 so much. It's got more going for it than the Axis. But it really seems like you've got your hard head made up (sticking to your own analogy) like that high school boy that doesn't learn from the mistakes of others....he's got to experience them first hand. </div></div>

The 700 won't do anything a Axis,Savage,TC,Mossy,770 etc etc won't do! In the end they are all just tools well unless 700's have mind control??? Heavy barrel point is void as he can spin a HB on his Axis or any other rifle.

I won't even get into the accuracy part as it's a Chevy vs Ford thing that will never end! But word of advice NEVER doubt others rifles as I'm sure no one on this site thought the gas shootout thread would be like it sits right??? $2000+ rigs get out shot all the time and will continue to do so until the end of time.

So in the end you only have one point that actually has facts to it! And that is the aftermarket support. Which in that it is only limited to stocks. But also look at how long the 700 action has been around compared to the few years the Axis has of course there will be more support.

Just wondering tylerw02 why are you wasting money and time with a 700 action when you can have a custom one instead??? I mean they will have a higher resell value right? Why waste your time with that NF scope when USO or S&B hold more value??
 
#32
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

"No but your telling him he should just start with a 700 so he can be like most others!"

Reading comprehension? Nope, you have none. I told him start with a standard Savage or Rem because he'd be money ahead. Not to "be like others". Is that lost on you?

"Your never limited on options when you can think of and do the stuff he has done."

Unless he has full access to a machine shop, yeah, the Axis is pretty limited.

"The 700 won't do anything a Axis,Savage,TC,Mossy,770 etc etc won't do! In the end they are all just tools well unless 700's have mind control??? Heavy barrel point is void as he can spin a HB on his Axis or any other rifle."

Actually, no, they aren't all just the same. And you're missing the point. If he buys a new barrel and trigger, the money he saved by going with the cheap rifle is lost. He'll have as much in it or more than a factory Savage or Remington Varmint/Tactical.

"I won't even get into the accuracy part as it's a Chevy vs Ford thing that will never end! But word of advice NEVER doubt others rifles as I'm sure no one on this site thought the gas shootout thread would be like it sits right??? $2000+ rigs get out shot all the time and will continue to do so until the end of time."

There are things called trends where anecdotal evidence has limited applicability. In the end, most people aren't that great of shooters---most of the winners will win with a rifle that's as accurate as they are. The "$2000+ rigs" as you call them, don't get "out shot", the shooters do.

"So in the end you only have one point that actually has facts to it! And that is the aftermarket support. Which in that it is only limited to stocks. But also look at how long the 700 action has been around compared to the few years the Axis has of course there will be more support."

With the stock being the most important part to have wide availability of to get the one that suits the shooter best. Oh, and there's triggers, bases, chassis, and so on. And I'm sure you're aware, many of the best smiths won't touch an Axis, 710, 770, etc. Hell, many don't want to mess with Savage!

"Just wondering tylerw02 why are you wasting money and time with a 700 action when you can have a custom one instead???"

Did I say anything about what I shoot?


"I mean they will have a higher resell value right?"
I'm sure you've noticed if you've spent any time here at all, many pet rifles are sold. Check the classifieds. Obviously, things like the bubba'ed stock hurt the resale of a rifle most people wouldn't want anyway. So when the guy spends $400 for a barrel and $120 for a trigger, he's still got a $250 rifle. He could just as easily get a stock Savage 10/12 or Remington 700 and still satisfy his need to tinker and have more money in his pocket.

"Why waste your time with that NF scope when USO or S&B hold more value??"

Do you have any evidence of the difference in resale of NF, USO, or S&B based on percentage of investment recovered or are you just spouting off bullshit because myself, and others, have given the guy advice (which you don't like) which he solicited?

Where the hell do you get off thinking you know what I shoot, my experience, and so on?

Meanwhile, since you want to be a smart-ass talking from your ass, my main rifle is a Stiller/Bartlein/Manners/S&B
wink.gif


I sold 2 NF scopes for exactly what I paid for them in the last year.

So quit trying to put words in my mouth and misinterpreting what I've typed. I've responded to the OP own statement, "if anyone has some suggestions on things I could do to improve the performance, or possibly just comments, please let me know. Thanks. Andy". If you don't like my response, go chase a dog.
 
#33
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

While these other guys are arguing i say get after it. im not made of money but i try and save and get the better toys when i can afford em. i have two savages, 223 and a 308 in mcmillan. sent it off and had the 308 bedded. also have a 700 with a hart barrell in a hs precision stock that i can find a load for as of yet. just got it back from the gunsmith so hopefully it will shoot better.

My son is in the Marines and cant afford nice toys yet so he has to save pennies to buy his sticks too. he found a savage on here that shoots lights out for 700 bucks. hes saving for a nightforce so he doesnt have to buy again later.

anyway i love to see someone working on their stuff. nice job on the stock. i doubt i would have the patience to do that.
 
#34
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

calm-down.jpg


To each is their own I guess. I have a Savage 10 and a Rem 700. Happy with both and that is all that matters so OP if it makes you happy good for you. Also remember though many here have made mistakes better to learn from them than make them yourself.
 
#35
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Unless he has full access to a machine shop, yeah, the Axis is pretty limited.</div></div>

How do you know he doesn't? Again just because some company doesn't make it already doesn't mean your limited.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Actually, no, they aren't all just the same. And you're missing the point. If he buys a new barrel and trigger, the money he saved by going with the cheap rifle is lost. He'll have as much in it or more than a factory Savage or Remington Varmint/Tactical. </div></div>

Yeah, and he would have a factory rifle for what he spent on a cheaper rifle with a better barrel and better trigger! And yes they are all the same! That's kinda like saying tires are different because they have different tread or size in the end it's still a tire!


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
There are things called trends where anecdotal evidence has limited applicability. In the end, most people aren't that great of shooters---most of the winners will win with a rifle that's as accurate as they are. The "$2000+ rigs" as you call them, don't get "out shot", the shooters do. </div></div>

Well the rifle is only as good as the shooter correct? So now we are going back to the mythical "sub MOA all day long" or the "when I do my part" theory here or what? I mean it's in your sig line correct? Please for the love of god let me know when you plan on posting in the shootout thread! Your not the first person that I have called out and won't be the last!

So going by your theory or "trends" with the Gas shootout since 7 out of the 10 are either Factory off the shelf rifles or home builds people should stop spending money on the high dollar guns?? Or is it just all the people that are great shooters just don't want to prove themselves? Maybe they are too good for that you think??



<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
With the stock being the most important part to have wide availability of to get the one that suits the shooter best. Oh, and there's triggers, bases, chassis, and so on. And I'm sure you're aware, many of the best smiths won't touch an Axis, 710, 770, etc. Hell, many don't want to mess with Savage!</div></div>

Well all be go to hell he made his stock fit him better all with out the need of a aftermarket company! PS they make bases and triggers for the Axis!
wink.gif
(chassis are the same as a stock so again it's void) Oh shit I forgot about the all mighty over sized bolt handle! How ever will he be able to become a good shooter without that??
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Oh my certain smith's won't touch a Savage action!
shocked.gif
They must be bad! They won't touch them because why? They don't know them? The action's don't require hardly any work so there is no money to made? So what makes a good mechanic?? Is it the one who only works on Ford's or is the one who will work on any make or model???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Did I say anything about what I shoot? </div></div>

You don't have to! It comes across in your post!
wink.gif


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I'm sure you've noticed if you've spent any time here at all, many pet rifles are sold. Check the classifieds. Obviously, things like the bubba'ed stock hurt the resale of a rifle most people wouldn't want anyway. So when the guy spends $400 for a barrel and $120 for a trigger, he's still got a $250 rifle. He could just as easily get a stock Savage 10/12 or Remington 700 and still satisfy his need to tinker and have more money in his pocket. </div></div>

Again who says he intends on selling this rifle?? But see he can just spin the barrel off and remove the trigger and sell them instead of selling the gun complete. And yes he could have easily done that just like you could have easily never posted in this thread with your bull shit comments! Who's to say he had the money at the time to buy a 700 or 10/12?


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Do you have any evidence of the difference in resale of NF, USO, or S&B based on percentage of investment recovered or are you just spouting off bullshit because myself, and others, have given the guy advice (which you don't like) which he solicited? </div></div>

Well I'm sure if he needs help with his 401k he will give you a call!

Again your advice was he wasted his time! Because his return investment wouldn't be as large blah.... blah.... blah...!

And yes I don't like yours or others that claim he is wasting his time! The guy was just showing off his work and then here comes Mr. money man with his negative comments. So are we safe to say you would say the same thing to Tom Manners if he were to come out with a stock for Axis or 770???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Where the hell do you get off thinking you know what I shoot, my experience, and so on? </div></div>

I'm just another tough guy on the internet waiting for you targets to be posted! What.... end of the month right???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Meanwhile, since you want to be a smart-ass talking from your ass, my main rifle is a Stiller/Bartlein/Manners/S&B
wink.gif


I sold 2 NF scopes for exactly what I paid for them in the last year.
</div></div>

Congrats your never happy and you throw money thinking it betters you!
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#36
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.


Again, read what I wrote.

If he had a machine shop, he wouldn't be buying a Savage Axis to save money. That's a fact.

Another fact, to repeat yet again, he's planning to put a heavy barrel and trigger on it. The price of doing so is more than buying a factory rig.

Let's see five groups from this rifle
wink.gif


Where did I say he should buy a custom rifle? Where did I say it takes a custom rifle to shoot well? We've seem time and time again, as I said above, most aren't as good as their rifle.

So now you're saying factory rigs are as good of better than customs? Why would you then suggest my advice of starting with a good factory rifle is somehow inferior to bubba-rigging this into a "custom" rifle? In the end, when he has to whittle the crap out of this to accept a heavy barrel, it doesn't shoot well?

Why won't smiths work on 710, 770, and other rifles in the same category? Because they are not reliable, cheaply constructed and not a good platform to build from. Why don't they mess with Savages often? Ask them. I'd imagine a lot has to do with the fact that Savage changes lots of parts from model to model and they choose actions they have more faith in since it is their name that goes on the side.

So I'm not able to be satisfied and throw money around? Glad you think you know me so well. Again, I'd recommend not speaking for others. Your assumptions are false. People can save and penny-pinch and have nice stuff. Hell, I'm working full time and going to college full time at the moment. I've hardly got deep pockets.

When Tom Manners decides to make full-line Axis stocks along with people like Badger making a good source of parts and all the others we can say tr Axis has made the big time. But it's not going to happen. Some people just want to be different at their own peril. That's fine, but when they ask I'll tell them what will work better.
 
#37
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

All that said, I would just skip the rebarrel : ). That stock looks fantastic, very nice work. I sold the stock I worked on a while back... kinda regret it.

Use that money and get some good handloads going for it. THAT will be the absolute best modification you can do for the rifle. Apologies if you already do. I did not make it through the entire thread lol.

If you can shoot, you can shoot. As long as that rifle is functioning alright, I doubt it will hold you back for practical applications. Hunting, steel shooting etc. I'll wager you can get 1 to 1.5 minute groups with good ammunition. That is more than enough to kill anything and swing steel at a good distance.

Budget rifles are necessary. I still have mine and I still shoot it. Sure it is not as slick at the upper end stuff, but I ll be damned if it does not tag steel at range and kill deer.

How is it shooting for you? Unless you are planning to compete, snatch bad guys' lives, play benchrest, I say run what you brung.

Again, nice work!
 
#39
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

Nice job on the stock.After all,thats what your post was all about.I've been toying with budget rifles for a long time,just to see what they can do with a little bit of work.Most are truck rifles now and get the crap beat out of them.Would I do that with one of my higher end rifles ?? No way and thats why there will always be a market for low cost rifles.Good luck with the project.
 
#40
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

Tyler, back those words and post your groups. I'll do the same. Let's see where this Crap rifle gets me. I'm betting I can stuff five under am inch at 100. Let's see if you can do the same.
 
#41
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

As far as I'm concerned, the only aspect of the Axis that makes it inferior to other higher cost rifles is the lack of a good stock. Since HANDYANDY worked on his own stock and made it the way he wanted it, I see no reason he can't spend money upgrading the rest of his rig. Now he would have a rifle with a match trigger, match barrel at the cost of a factory rifle, and at the same time have a more comfortable stock for him, with all this considered I see no issue with him putting all this work into the rifle.
 
#42
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

Mr Andy, I've posted groups in the past on here. If you insist I will post some match targets for you since you think I need to "validate" myself to give advice you asked for.

For the record, shooting 100 yard groups in training is a silly idea. One is better served leaving them for load development and zeroin. Shoot dot-drills or KYL drills if you want to get better.
 
#43
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

Here you go. This is the first 40 rounds through my Baldwin Bun Works chambered Bartlein .260 Rem. There are three rounds from zeroing (one of which was shot at 50 yards then the other two at 100) the. Four groups. The bottom left group is labeled 5 rounds but it was actually seven. The other three groups are ten rounds for a total of 40. These are also four different charges.
7F1AA07F-8A9D-4405-9CCC-C55E8C640DE7-1710-000001E11D7B8703.jpg



Then the next time I went shooting was a match. This target was shot from multiple positions from 300-800 yards. I ended up with a 2" group fired at 400 yards half a mil over because I neglected to dial my scope, dumb mistake. With that mistake, I still managed 359/400 with 5x. Also figured into the score was a dot drill and a 200 yard target. This was the next 40 rounds through my rifle. (well, I confirme my zero when I got there so I technically have 83 tot rounds on the gun). Notice, I relied solely on the ballistic calculator for dope.

1F9AC837-9F4C-472A-8EC0-2694B008B095-1710-000001E1369D9CCE.jpg
 
#47
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.


Good shooting man, I'm going to the range friday, I'll be sure that this is the first place I go when I get back. 100 yards is just something I figured would be a good starting point. I prefer steel, it gives more satisfaction on hits. Paper doesn't usually do it for me. What I'm trying to prove is that everyone, including yourself, thinks that this rifle isn't worth the effort. I have the stock the way I want it, and even after adding a barrel and a trigger, I'm still ahead of the price of the standard SPS chambered in .223. I have no problems with Remington, I happen to think the 700 is a wonderful platform, I just can't afford it right now, so I'm trying to make do the best I can with what I have. But I'll post some targets to show you that even a cheap rifle can make some nice holes. I prefer prone, or even makeshift shooting positions. I've been incorporating running, and other forms of cardio into pre shooting, in order to get the blood pumping, I miss that from being in the army. Your rifle sounds killer by the way. I can't wait to show you what my Axis is really capable of.
 
#48
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rusty815</div><div class="ubbcode-body">As far as I'm concerned, the only aspect of the Axis that makes it inferior to other higher cost rifles is the lack of a good stock. Since HANDYANDY worked on his own stock and made it the way he wanted it, I see no reason he can't spend money upgrading the rest of his rig. Now he would have a rifle with a match trigger, match barrel at the cost of a factory rifle, and at the same time have a more comfortable stock for him, with all this considered I see no issue with him putting all this work into the rifle. </div></div>

Thank you, all I wanted to do was show what I thought was a pretty good bit of work on my behalf, and that it doesn't take a lot of money to make something competitive.
 
#50
Re: Savage Axis after some modifications.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HANDYANDY83</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Good shooting man, I'm going to the range friday, I'll be sure that this is the first place I go when I get back. 100 yards is just something I figured would be a good starting point. I prefer steel, it gives more satisfaction on hits. Paper doesn't usually do it for me. What I'm trying to prove is that everyone, including yourself, thinks that this rifle isn't worth the effort. I have the stock the way I want it, and even after adding a barrel and a trigger, I'm still ahead of the price of the standard SPS chambered in .223. I have no problems with Remington, I happen to think the 700 is a wonderful platform, I just can't afford it right now, so I'm trying to make do the best I can with what I have. But I'll post some targets to show you that even a cheap rifle can make some nice holes. I prefer prone, or even makeshift shooting positions. I've been incorporating running, and other forms of cardio into pre shooting, in order to get the blood pumping, I miss that from being in the army. Your rifle sounds killer by the way. I can't wait to show you what my Axis is really capable of. </div></div>

Thanks. Its a good shooting rifle, but I have a 700 AAC that I can shoot just as well for 1/4 of the cost. Man, I completely get it. But honestly, how much are you going to have in this rig with a barrel and trigger? Most triggers are $100 or so and most barrels that are an improvement are going to be at least $300...those two alone would get you an ADL Varmint at Dick's right now. Usually if a guy can't afford a $400-500 rifle, he'll never afford to shoot it enough to attain a greaet skill-set. I'd also recommend saving for some training, either online or in person.

I have no problem with making due with what you've got. I shot a sporter Ruger 77 starting out. It was very inaccurate for long strings and recoil was horrid! Its still a pain to shoot. My best advice is to save anything if that you'd be putting into the Axis if you can't afford $350 for the Dick's special. I'm just trying to keep you from throwing money down the drain. Why buy a new trigger and barrel if you can get MOA out of it the way it is? I had a buddy that wanted to try everything under the sun before finally giving in and getting one of the platforms you see over and over again on this site. He threw away tons of money trying to be different. He ran a Stevens sporter, two odd-caliber Win 70s, a cobbled-together AR, several Handy Rifles, and so on before he finally spent $500 on an SPS Tactical .308 Win. With a little instruction and help with ballistics he's shooting upper-middle of the pack with his SPS and a $300 Bushnell. You see formulas like that here time and time again. Why? It works.

Eventually, you're going to get good where you'll find shooting paper and steel is boringly easy. When you miss, you'll question your equipment. You'll max out the capability of your rifle. that is when having the more mainstream platforms will really, really shine.

Enjoy your rifle, and congrats for using ingenuity.
 
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