Cabelas 12 FV or Axis HB

[WV1951]

Have been doing some reading and I am leaning toward the 12FV.

In a .223, have been considering a 12FV--$420 minus rebate= $320. vs. an Axis HB-- $249 minus rebate= $199.
I have held the Axis and as many have said, the stock has much to be desired. Have not held the 12FV and cannot speak for the stock as to whether it is any heavier/sturdier. No question the action and trigger is superior on the 12FV. The blind mag is not an issue. I believe a 12 FV replacement stock is a little less than the Axis from Boyds, if I find it necessary to replace. Wouldn't know until I shoot.
Local Rural King has the Axis HB in .243, which is a possibility rather than the .223. Will be near a Cabelas in a few weeks. I would have to see if my local RK could come up with a .223.

Mainly paper punching with some possible varmint. Most likely factory loads(at least for now).

Not to muddy the water, if I wait a few months, there will probably be a $50 rebate(like last year) on the 10TH XP, that already has wood and a decent/middling ?? scope.

[alltherage]

I got both recently. You wont go wrong w a model 12, but dont discount the axis. You get a nice manageable heavy barrel with a sturdy, rigid actionthat can be used to build a short or long action repeater vs the 12 where you are limited to short action repeater or long action single shot. There are some here that say the axis action could be more accurate due to the rigidity of the more "closed in" action. There are plenty of pics n vids online that demonstrate excellent accuracy. I havent examined the finishes very closely, but the axis appears higher quality to me at first glance on the barrel. Axis trigger can be greatly improved for virtually nothing as well. Both nice rifles for the money.

[DrThunder88]

The 12FV from Cabelas is my favorite out-of-the-box Savage. The stock, especially the forend, feels a bit more substantial with its beavertail design. The comb sits too low for my tastes on both rifles. The Axis' detachable magazine is a convenient feature, but it's not something I miss too much with the FV when I'm just target shooting or if I were shooting F-Class with it.

After I'd heard about the Ruger Precision Rifle, I thought that the 12FV would be a good candidate or at least a starting point for Savage's counter-punch. Prior to the introduction of the RPR, I had recommended the 12FV to someone who asked me about getting into long range shooting. With a few tweaks the 12FV would be a very competent starter rifle that would take a while to outgrow. It would be even better suited for that role if it were chambered in 6.5 Creed or a fast twist .243 Win.

[ivob]

The 12FV would be my choice however the Axis is a darn good tack driver too (owned one) - currently have a 12FV in 22-250

[WV1951]

Well, I picked up the 12FV in .223 today. As near as I could see, the rifling and chamber looked very good. I laid side to side with an Axis on the counter and the stock on the 12FV is definitely a heavier/beefier stock. Especially the forearm and grip areas. I slid a card under the barrel and it easily glided to the barrel nut. Very little side to side movement. Although I like wood, I may have to rethink before I drop another 130 bucks. Now I have to decide on bases, rings, and scope. In no hurry. Ready to mail in my rebate request.

[Rosco]

Let's us know how it goes!!

[WV1951]

Let's us know how it goes!!

Will do. I have another thread regarding the optics for this and have commented there. The Mueller Scope, Warne two piece bases, and Burris Signature Zee rings is a stout set up. Just received some hand loads with 55's for starters, so in the newt few days, maybe I will get it out. Might pick up something heavier to go with the 55's for initial break in. Still need some Hoppes #9 or similar to chase down the barrel when breaking in.

[WV1951]

Made it out today just to get started. Only 50 yds. today to get started. I would be considered a novice and my 65 year old eyes and steadiness will have an affect. Not on a bench. Pics are for the first 9 shots down the tube. Ran a couple of patches after 3 and 6 rounds. Didn't get real serious. Think I may be on the right track. Pleasantly surprised. Will get out again some time soon and stretch it out a bit.
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g152/mandn1951/IMG_2486_zpsp8b7gvwb.jpg (http://s55.photobucket.com/user/mandn1951/media/IMG_2486_zpsp8b7gvwb.jpg.html)
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g152/mandn1951/IMG_2489_zpsp4px6uem.jpg (http://s55.photobucket.com/user/mandn1951/media/IMG_2489_zpsp4px6uem.jpg.html)

[Rosco]

That's a good start!! Coming together on that second target.

[Texas10]

Run some American Eagle 50 gr. tipped varmint (p/n AE223GTV) through it. Federal must sprinkle Pixie Dust on them, you'll be amazed how well they shoot out of a 12FV with a bi-pod on that plastic stock. If the gun feels a bit too nose heavy, some folks here have removed the butt plate and stuffed some weight/lead/BB's in the hollow to balance it better. I switched to a laminate stock and that turned it into a real shooter.

You're gonna love how it shoots, right out of the box!

[WV1951]

Yea, been looking at Boyds pro varmint in wood. Just not sure I want to dump another 150 bucks into this before I determine if the tupperware does ok. Thanks for the tip on the American Eagle. A bit pricey for plinking, but might run some dowm.

[wbm]

Run some American Eagle 50 gr. tipped varmint

Best factory ammunition I have used. Shoots really good in my Axis. Another is Australian Outback.

[Texas10]

Pricey?! I've been getting it for under $9.00 a box. Some of the deals I've found were $5.86 a box. Currently at Cabelas on sale for $8.89, or was just a few days ago.

If you want a thumbhole stock WITH pillars already installed, go here: http://www.eabco.net/Savage-Thumbhole-Varmint-Stock-by-Revolution_p_14233.html

The Tupperware stock is not a bad shooter, just way out of balance with that heavy barrel.

[WV1951]

I took a quick look on line and saw ~11 bucks a box. Didn't see on Cabelas site. I'll look around more. Have seen FMJ for the 6-7 dollar range, but not others. Not a thumb hole fan. I have seen the EABCo one. Prefer classic, and Boyds only offers in Pro Varmint, which I do like better than the thumb hole. The out of balance is not a deal breaker for me.

[Damon555]

You made the right choice....The standard Savage action is better than the Axis.....for roughly the same price there's really no comparison. I am looking for a cheap 22-250.....I can get an Axis with a sporter barrel for ~$285 or the heavy barreled 12 FV after a $100 rebate for 40 bucks more.....Needless to say the model 12 will probably end up in my safe.

[WV1951]

Did finally make it out for a 100 yd. run. I am a complete novice and my LOP isn't as comfortable as I would like. With that said, I believe this 12FV can be a real shooter with some experience. The second pic is some el cheapo Tulammo just to get some more down the tube. You get what you pay for.
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g152/mandn1951/IMG_2506_zpsnqy12uu8.jpg (http://s55.photobucket.com/user/mandn1951/media/IMG_2506_zpsnqy12uu8.jpg.html)
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g152/mandn1951/IMG_2507_zpsdir6wobn.jpg (http://s55.photobucket.com/user/mandn1951/media/IMG_2507_zpsdir6wobn.jpg.html)

[Damon555]

Nothing wrong with that shooting at all!......You learned one of the easier lessons early on about cheap ammo.....It ain't worth a hoot if you want to do anything more than sling ammo down range.

You sure put some effort into making that target.....there are plenty of good options for downloadable/printable targets on the internet. Get some 110# card stock and print away. Hopefully this link isn't against the rules.....check it out. http://www.accurateshooter.com/shooting-skills/targets/

[DrThunder88]

The standard Savage action is better than the Axis.

I've heard this said. Why is it so?

[WV1951]

I have used on line sites before for target printing. I have the time and patience to do my own.

[Texas10]

Yes, indeed they can be very accurate. My son and I were at the range doing some load development last week. He's using the Sierra 53 grain FB (p/n 1400) and 8208XBR in his 12FV with a laminate stock.
His best grouping load was right at 25 gr. and .010 off the lands and while shooting 5 shot groups, he got a .617 and .345 group with that load. But the first three rounds of the .345 group measured in at .049, cutting my best ever group in half!

Brought tears of joy to his ol' man's eyes.

BTW: We also print out our targets on card stock. Cheap, quick and easy. We grade all targets and keep in a file with data from shoot.