Savage Arms
 

Just bought a Savage Arms Axis XP .308 and wanted to know if anyone had any experience with them. Also, does anyone know where I can find a aftermarket stock possibly with rails? Please delete if posted in the wrong AO.

Why would you want rails on it? It's a long range weapon not for CBQ...

Very valid point. I retract the rails part(wasn't thinking clearly this morning). Just looking for a stock with a cheek pad really. The stock it has is good but I'm about to tape some foam padding to it.

How accurate is it?

After zeroing the scope (simmons) at the crappiest range I have ever been on I'm putting consistent shot groups into a 3-inch circle at 100yds using basic .308 Winchester. Nothing extreme but I'm still getting used to it. I'm going to re-zero it at a different range soon. Hopefully one that has shooting positions that don't look like a JDAM helped build them. Plus, I'm way out of practice as I haven't gotten to shoot a lot in my current assignment.

After your cold, clean bore shot, you should be touching holes at 100 yards off a bag with a sock. Even with a Simmons scope. Those Savages are normally pretty decent rifles...

I blame operator head space and timing due to lack of practice mostly. Been a while since I had a rifle to shoot whenever I want. I have seen what they can do in the ways of accuracy and I was very impressed. Plus for the price, you can't really beat it.

Savage Arms
 

Excellent for the price.
I have an Edge 30.06. It is the first run of the Axis before the name change.
Very accurate if you can get over the trigger. The trigger isn't very good and isn't adjustable. I am trading out the trigger a Basix trigger from Midway USA. Not very expensive.
I don't have much time behind a scope and would consider myself a marginal shot with glass. But I am putting 3 shot groups within an inch at 100 yards. It is listed as an entry level and the price is right. I am very happy with it.

Sincerely,

Check with HS Precision. Get one of their Varmit stocks and add an extra sling swivel. Decent price, quality mid-level stock, and they offer a military discount too. No sense in spending mega bucks for a big name stock on a starter rifle (I am NOT badmouthing the Savage!). FWIW - I would suggest getting a Jewell or a Timney trigger vs the Rifle Basix.

Savage is an excellent weapon for its price and I have recommended it to more than a few new shooters. The weapon is capable of much greater accuracy then 3 moa. You should get 1 moa easy. Some of your trouble could be scope.

As far as rails, the only reason for rails is what we use them for and I doubt seriously you are going to have the bucks for a PVS-26/27 and a laser illuminator. If you can afford them then you can engage targets at night to about 700 meters with your weapon. :munchin :D

Agree

Was reluctant to buy one for a long time because I never really liked the bolts or the way they were built. Bought a 10FP a few years ago and have been very happy with it. They may not be as refined as some of the better known brands but they are definately accurate.

Many good shooters spent many hours getting in the correct firing position, going through the correct steps, and dry firing before they even went to the range, and it seemed to help with consistent accuracy.

Before you spend anymore money, try buying a couple hundred rounds of Black Hills and learn the basics with what you already own-especially trigger control and breathing, how to clean the bore, etc.

You may not need to buy anything else.

If you can't get at least MOA by then, get a better scope and a Jewell trigger.

Thanks for all the advice. I could definately tell position and breathing were kicking my ass out there. Going back out this weekend to put some more down range. About the trigger.....yeah, its a little rough, but I'll give it some time to break it in before I trade it out.

Black Hills
 

Once you get that supply of Black Hills, spend a few more bucks before you fire a singel round and have a competent gunsmith make sure the scope is on right (loose screws, loose mount, poor fit between scope/rings/base/receiver...). Other causes include loose guard screws and poor bedding. I and others have pick-up some great rifles cheap because the then owner couldn't get a rifle to group, got disgusted, and then sold the "problem". Don't shoot another round until you know everything is mechanically right with the gun.

MVP

MVP: Way ahead of you on that one. Had the whole system inspected and bore sighted by a smith. Weapons are kind of like used cars to me, you never know what you're going to get even when the gun is fresh out of the box. After seeing people buy weapons modified by morons, I don't trust any of them till they are inspected.