As I've previously posted, about a year ago my wife won a Savage Axis ( newest Ergo stock version, new style magazine ) .243 in a VFD raffle.  After two weeks on the mantle like a leg lamp, she gave it to me seeing no need for it.  I then tried to figure out what to do with it as it's not legal for deer in this state and with the 3x9 scope it came with, it was clearly configured for deer.  I learned from Arfcom that .243 can be an excellent varmint round with the right load.  I set about making it so.

First, I got a better scope.  A vortex 6-18.  I then found the scope would not fit on the supplied bases, it was too short by an inch or so.  I removed the bases and added an $11 pic rail for this model.  One issue, one of the screw heads was trashed from the factory.  Gunsmith charged me $20 to remove it and install pic rail. I then installed a bipod and sling from the great big box of everything and went to the range.  With three different varieties of factory ammo I found it shot MOA or better 4 shot groups.  I went with 4 as that is what the magazine holds and 5 seemed to heat the sporter barrel up enough to produce a flyer.  I then set about producing a handload as I now had some brass, and a member here sent me a box of vmax 58gr projectiles he was not going to use.  I also found more once fired brass at a gun show for cheap.  I did a ladder test with components on hand and produced the following results, all are 4 shot groups.



Note here that the worst group on this target is the worst group this rifle fired with anything.  More than acceptable as a hunting rifle for med to large game.

I also noted that the newer Ergo stock was considerably better than their earlier plastic stock from 10 years ago and that it is fully free floated.  The trigger ( non accutrigger ) isn't bad an I saw no reason to change anything.  

Once I found the magic load, this thing has been a woodchuck killing machine.  It is accurate, lightweight and easy to carry around the field. It has also been extremely reliable and the new mag is much nicer than their older style mag.  It seems solid and durable.

Now, after a year of use and many groundhogs dead, I am confident in saying that this is a good choice for someone who does not want to spend a lot of money to get into the field.  It has done everything a hunting rifle is supposed to do and done it well.  If I have any criticism, it is that the wrist area of the stock is a bit skinny for my preference.  I would also like a more durable finish however keeping it oiled is working to prevent rust.

So far, this rifle has proved worthy, I would buy another.

I had no idea they made the Axis in Rimfire. Every one I've ever seen has been centerfire.

Yeah, I couldn't find any ammo that I considered inaccurate.  I also noted that I really didn't get any zero shift between loads at 100yds.

I bought a pic rail for $12 on Amazon.

I actually put the weaver on my 1903 sporter in .270. It has worked well in that roll.

Given the accuracy I'm getting, It's probably good for everybody.

Yes, the new style mag and Ergo stock make a huge difference.  You do still need to insert the mag back to front for proper engagement. It is night and day to the Axis .223 I had about 10yrs ago.  That one got sold off quickly and was the only Savage I've ever owned I'd describe as inaccurate.  I suspect the older style more flimsy stock was not allowing the barrel to free float.  This again is corrected.

With the .243 I'm making 300yd + shots off the Bipod on woodchucks.

Yes, see photo above.  The vortex would not fit with factory bases.  I bought the rail on Amazon for like $12 and it's been very adequate.

I put the factory weaver on my .270 1903 sporter and it has been adequate in that role.

A two year update.

My rifle was put up for the past winter with just a light coat of clenzoil on the exterior and a clean bore.

On my first outing late March. I had a malfunction. Light primer strike. I had several more. After numerous discussions, I was resigned to send it back to savage and let them fix it.

I then got the idea to put a few drops of clenzoil into the bolt and striker springs. Success and no further light strikes.

18 woodchucks this season to date, and still going strong.

So yesterday, I bought another Axis in .223.  This one is the older style with old style stock and mag.

I paid $200 and the seller seemed glad to get it.  Everything looked good, but compared to my .243, the trigger was terrible. Smooth, but like 7lbs.  I of course youtubed it and found a fix. I clipped 1.75 coils from the trigger spring and now have a crisp 3.5lb trigger.

Shot a 1/2" group at 100yds with ammo loaded for my varmint AR. I will likely put this one in a boyds stock.  

I put a Burris 4.5-14 that I had on it, which seems about perfect.

The woodchucks are just starting to wake up.

I don't think my issue was that severe. Some oil or something likely had solidified while the rifle sat over the winter. A good breakdown and cleaning fixed it. No problems all summer after that. Lots of woodchucks down.

Well, the .223 Axis is also a success. 1st chuck with this rifle. 1 and done. That 60gr vmax over cfe223 really puts a smack on them.

A side note, rather than spend another $200 on a Boyd's stock, I bought the Mcarbo stock stiffener kit for $24. I was skeptical,  but it worked quite well. My barrel is fully free floated, and now stiff enough to use the bipod without issues. This fits my philosophy of a budget varminter. As this rifle sits, with my handloads, I am getting consistent sub moa groups for a total investment under $400 as pictured.

I didn't actually buy the .243, vfd raffle.

Well, I now have a third in .350 legend. I paid full retail for it. Nice and handy deer killer. I'm getting right at 1moa with Winchester 180gr. I will likely not reload for this rifle as that is more than good enough for a 200yd max deer. More likely between 50 and 150yds where I hunt.