New Savage Axis Owner - Question on Scopes

[djzero]

Hi all. I just bought a Savage Axis in .223, the very base model. I went to DROS it today and was a little surprised to learn it had no sights whatsoever. I had assumed it came with iron sights which I would use for a while before upgrading to a scope, but it seems like I'll have to get a scope right off the bat. Can someone fill me in on everything I'll need? This is my first rifle, so I'm a little uneducated. From everything I've read, I'll need a base, rings, and the scope itself. Is that everything? Would like to go ahead and order before I take possession so I don't have any down time before I can take it out. Thanks!

[LHitchcox]

You will need a one piece or two piece base set. If going two piece, be careful. The action is long and the scope may be too short to fit between the two piece bases, unless you get an extended front base. I used Weavers. The #46 bases that fit round back Savages work, but I used a #46 on the rear and added an extended #402 front to get proper eye relief. For rings I use Weaver Quad Loks from Walmart that cost about $12.

[DrThunder88]

I like the EGW rail on my rifles but have made do with the same two-piece setup LHitchcox mentioned. I tend to go for a more tacticool look myself, and the matte black finish fills that need. To that same end, I also like UTG Max Strength rings, which are aluminum but more than good enough for my application.

[ejk24]

A scope rail leaves many scope mounting options vs the 2 piece bases on the Axis guns . I have 3 Axis rifles and use EGW rails on 2 and a Weaver rail on the other . The Weaver rails can be had for under $15.00 .

[Rosco]

Had a lot of the same questions when I bought my first Bolt Action Rifle earlier this year. As with anything, opinions vary, but here is a short list of what was suggested.

One Piece Scope Mounts

Weaver

http://www.opticsplanet.com/weaver-multi-slot-savage-axis-rifle-scope-base-system.html

EGW

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/146355/egw-1-piece-picatinny-style-base-savage-axis-edge-matte?cm_vc=ProductFinding

DNZ Game Reaper(Has rings included)

http://www.opticsplanet.com/dnz-products-1in-mount-for-savage-axis-or-edge-rifles-black-finish.html


Scope Rings

Burris Sig Zee Rings

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1548398483/burris-30mm-signature-zee-weaver-style-rings-matte?cm_vc=ProductFinding

Burris Tactical

http://www.opticsplanet.com/burris-xtreme-tactical-30mm-rings.html

Weaver Tactical

http://www.opticsplanet.com/weaver-1-30mm-tactical-ring-6-hole-picatinny.html

Scopes

These seem to be the more popular scopes that have been recommended to people new to shooting. Personally, I have the 10x SWFA fixed, and am planning on buying the Primary Arms after the holidays.

SWFA -FIXED

http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-10x42-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P499.aspx (Great Sale going on right now)

Primary Arms 4-14x(Variable)

https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_4_14X44_FFP_Scope_p/pa4-14xffp.htm

There are also a ton of quality second focal plane scopes for under $200.00 if you are on a budget.

[Rosco]

Also, if you don't know the difference between Picatinny and Weaver, 1inch vs 30mm, Second Focal Plane vs First vs Fixed and how to pair these properly just post and someone will let you know. Additionally, if you have never mounted a scope before take the time to learn from the pro's here. So many of the YouTube made it look SOOO easy and caused me much misery,money ,range time and ammunition!!


Enjoy the new Axis!! And Happy Thanksgiving

[djzero]

Also, if you don't know the difference between Picatinny and Weaver, 1inch vs 30mm, Second Focal Plane vs First vs Fixed and how to pair these properly just post and someone will let you know. Additionally, if you have never mounted a scope before take the time to learn from the pro's here. So many of the YouTube made it look SOOO easy and caused me much misery,money ,range time and ammunition!!


Enjoy the new Axis!! And Happy Thanksgiving

Wow, thanks so much for all the links and info. I was originally just looking for verification on what I'd need and then I was going to do research on what to buy but this puts me a lot further down the road. Will check it out and follow up if/when I have questions. Happy thanksgiving!

[bigkahuna]

I picked up a demo Vortex HST 6-24x50 scope from Cameralandny.com and love it. Before ordering I called and asked the difference between a demo unit and a new one and the reply he gave me was "fingerprints". He must have been joking because when the scope arrived I couldn't find any fingerprints on it anywhere. ;) Seriously though, they usually give the best prices on Vortex scopes and for my money I think Vortex is amongst the best.

[djzero]

So I went ahead and bought a Simmons 8-Point Truplex 3-9X40mm. Everything I've been reading says you can't cheap out on a scope, but having never even used a scope before I wouldn't know what to look for in a higher-end unit. I figure I'll learn on this and buy better the next time around. For the time being, this was only 10 bucks after rebate, and I'm pretty sure it's analogous to the scope that comes on the XP.

Based on the recommendations Rosco put up, I'm looking at Weaver for both mount and rings. Is there any universal guidance on low/medium/high ring height or is that more based on the shooter?

[Rosco]

As a rule of thumb go low on the rings.

[Lonewulf]

got med rings on mine and a tasco 6-24 x42 scope and it is a tack driver, I like to be able to see where I am hitting :)

[savage2014]

these are what I have on my Axis:

scope rings:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003GSOKDG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

weaver rail:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006YU66XK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I am using the scope that came with it which is a weaver Kaspa 3-9x40, but when it breaks, i will replace it with maybe a Vortex diamondback as it is what I can afford.

[daddyusmaximus]

Yours has a Weaver scope? Do they not have a standard scope to put on the Axis? Mine came with a Tasco, and I've read of other brands too...