Best buy on a new .223 bolt rifle?

[Tactically Fat]

Is this the best buy on an entry-level .223 bolt action rifle?

Savage 19228 AXIS XP 223 PACKAGE $311.00 SHIPS FREE

For a guy who'll probably shoot 20x a year - maybe...

This one is a bit more...and doesn't come with a scope. So it'll be another ~$150 on top of that to get into a barely adequate scope and decent rings. Marlin X7VH 223 4+1 26 SYN DLR $329.00 SHIPS FREE

Going up in price again just a step. Same $150 extra cost for glass/rings. Ruger 6914 American 5+1 223REM 18" Compact $342.00 SHIPS FREE

Thanks!

 

[jrose361]

I think Savage still has the rebate on the Axis XP

 

[nascarfantoo]

Really like my Ruger American.

 

[aclark]

Might try to find a 10/110 instead of the Axis. While the Axis is ok, its bare bones and doesn't offer a lot of upgrades. The 10/110 comes with the accutrigger, and a lot of the scoped models use Nikons which isn't a bad scope, also a better market for upgrades/parts.

 

[Bennettjh]

I would go Savage. JMHO.

 

[d.kaufman]

Ive got the savage axis II which does come with the accutrigger. Its a great shooter right out of the box and for under $400 you've got a complete entry level bolt action rifle. Great rifle and love mine

 

[red_zr24x4]

Might try to find a 10/110 instead of the Axis. While the Axis is ok, its bare bones and doesn't offer a lot of upgrades. The 10/110 comes with the accutrigger, and a lot of the scoped models use Nikons which isn't a bad scope, also a better market for upgrades/parts.

Love my 10FP.. Mine didn't come as a scoped package, but I'd buy another in a heartbeat.

 

[cwillour]

Ruger American gets my vote, particularly since I know I would be replacing the glass. I believe the package scope used to be a low-end Bushnell, which may or may not maintain zero.

FWIW, I picked up my .308 compact from my LGS for $330 + tax not too long ago, so it may be worth shopping around a bit.

If you are willing to take a 22" barrel (like the Savage) you can probably find the Ruger for closer to $300.

 

[hooky]

I have no experience with the Marlin, but I've heard second hand from a friend of a friend that he likes his.

I've shot a buddy's Axis in 7-08 and while it's bare bones, the trigger is pretty decent. He has a Nikon scope on it, not a package scope.

The Ruger American I shot was in .223 and I liked the trigger a lot. Didn't care for the bolt though.

Personally, I'd get an Axis II and put a Vortex Crossfire on it if I was on a budget. Like cwillour, I think you'll end up replacing the package scope anyway.

 

[Tactically Fat]

Thanks for the input, folks.

The $311 pricing is FANTASTIC on the XP from Buds, however. IF I buy this, it'll be as a gift. And, like I said, he MAY only fire it 20 rds a year. Seriously. Aftermarket support doesn't mean much. The accutrigger would be something that I'd be interested in if it were me...but I don't think he'd care.

ETA: I'll definitely entertain links/leads to similar rifles in that price range!!!

 

[hooky]

Sorry, I read 20x a year as taking it out 20 times a year and shooting it, not pulling the trigger 20 times a year. In that case, go with the savage package.

 

[kludge]

I'd get a Marlin before I bought an Axis or anything else in the $250-$350 category. And that from a Savage nut.

Stepping up, I'd go for a Savage over a Ruger American or anything else in that category from $400-$600. I have handled the Rugers, and I'm not loving them... and I'm a big Ruger handgun fan.

Another rifle that would work is the Stevens, which is basically a non-accutrigger Savage.

 

[danielson]

If you get the axis, bear in mind they are cheapened up to fit that area of the market. They will still be the best bang for that buck though.

 

[Tactically Fat]

I had a chance to handle a few of these rifles the other day at Gander Mountain.

Right now, they're having a sale on the T/C switch-barrel gun... $350!!!!!!!!!

And on the Ruger American. Same price, I believe.

The T/C is a heavy beast. The Ruger feels lighter but may just balance better.

The Savage I handled wasn't the el-cheapo I've linked above as it had an Accu-Trigger. But it did feel OK in hand. Regular price is $449 or somewhere in there. Think it was the Axis II XP. The one I handled did have the Weaver scope on it, so I think it's this rifle: Savage Axis II XP Centerfire Rifle Package-782457 - Gander Mountain

I also have an FFL friend of mine on the hunt for me. He doesn't charge me any mark-up or transfer fees.

 

[sgreen3]

Don't forget about the Savage Hog Hunter series. they can be had for very reasonable money and come with accutrigger, heavier barrel and threaded. Plus has the nice model 11 action.

 

[Tyler-The-Piker]

I recently went on the hunt for an "inexpensive-yet-decent" (my words, not yours) bolt action in .223 or .308. I just wanted a lightweight, longer range bolt action companion for an AR. I went with the Ruger American Compact. I was going to get the Redfield Revolution edition because they put a decent $250 scope on the American and MSRP at near $650+ which means $500-$575 retail...not too bad!
but I ended up finding a deal on a NIB .223 w/out Redfield (I paid/traded him $200 cash + 180rds AE .223) and I'm going to find my own hunk o' glass. that'll be part of the fun...picking out my own optic(s). I like the trigger, the light weight, the overall quality Ruger fit and finish. someone above mentioned their dislike for the bolt but that's a shame because mine is like buttah. I already put a good sling on it, I don't know about a pod but def good optics and this thing'll be goin right to work...

 

[croy]

I picked up a Savage 11/111 Trophy Hunter Monday and I love it, scope was way off out of the box but just gives me a reason to get to the range more often.

I even got to shoot a Kel Tec KSG someone had on Monday.

 

[Jeremy1066]

"Best buy..." in a bolt gun always brings Savage to my mind.

 

[Tactically Fat]

I'm finding it harder and harder to find something less expensive than the rifle from Bud's mentioned above. I tried to look for the same rifle on their page but without the scope. I don't think I was able to find it.

 

[Yeah]

Ruger American is too much of a shooter for this application. 20 rounds / year is squarely in Salvage's wheelhouse, as long as they are fired in fair weather.