Model 10 / Axis swaparoo - Check my math please

[Newtosavage]

Okay, so I've decided I can't live without a short action Savage in 7mm-08 for deer hunting. I also am dying to do my first barrel swap with a Savage rifle...

What I have now is a model 10 that started out as a "Scout" in 7.62x39. Rare rifle I know, and I love it, but it's what I have for a donor.

I also have a new take-off 7mm-08 barrel from an Axis in the mail.

But since the 7.62x39 uses a different bolt head, baffle and magazine, and because I still want a bolt-action 7.62x39, here's what I'm thinking...

Pull the 7.62x39 barrel off the model 10. Pull the 7.62x39 bolt head off the bolt.

Buy a Savage Axis in .308 or 6.5 CM on clearance from Cabelas.

Put the 7.62x39 barrel on the Axis.

Swap the .308/6.5 CM head from the Axis with the 7.62x39 head from the model 10

In theory, I should end up with a 7.62x39 Axis, and the 7mm-08 model 10. The only part I haven't worked out in my head is the baffle that keeps the model 10 bolt from reaching all the way back in the receiver.

I was about to spend $150 or so for a full out .308/7mm-08 bolt, but for $75 more I can get the parts I need from the Axis and reassemble the 7.62x39 in the Axis configuration and still have two working rifles.

Thoughts? Am I crazy?

If I'd really been thinking ahead, I would have bought a 7mm-08 Axis and used the barrel off it for my model 10, but the idea didn't occur to me until I had already bought the barrel. So I could get the .308 or 6.5 CM and have a third barrel option if I wanted it.

[RustyShackle]

Buy a 12FV from cabelas quick! Use that!

[Newtosavage]

LOL

I thought about that too, but my 7.62x39 is a pig gun and that stock tho... LOL

[penna shooter]

I second the Cabelas 12FV deal....Good luck.

[Newtosavage]

Thanks! That 12 FV deal is pretty awesome. I can't believe it's still going!

[SageRat Shooter]

And the FV is a FAR better platform to build from than the Axis...

[jpdown]

If you go the 12FV route, your Savage SA are a match and your Axis small shank 7mm08 barrel will fit. Sell the 12FV barrel ($100) and 12FV stock ($40). Now you can swap your favorite Savage stock back and forth between barreled actions.

[Newtosavage]

If you go the 12FV route, your Savage SA are a match and your Axis small shank 7mm08 barrel will fit. Sell the 12FV barrel ($100) and 12FV stock ($40). Now you can swap your favorite Savage stock back and forth between barreled actions.

Yea, but going the Axis route gives me two operational rifles at $90 less, which is why I am looking at that. I don't mind my 7.62x39 in the Axis platform. It's mostly a loaner/truck/pig gun anyway.

Can anyone tell me if the bolt baffle and heads are the same between both the Model 10 and Axis bolts? I know the handles are different and they aren't interchangeable.

My 7.62x39 model 10 bolt has the PPC head and a baffle that abbreviates the stroke for the shorter rounds. If I got the Axis in a .308-based caliber, would it still have a baffle since those are all long actions?

If I get the Axis, I can steal the .308 based bolt head and Mag off it for the 7mm-08 build.

[jpdown]

Yes, the Axis bolt head with 0.473" bolt face (.308, 7mm08, etc.) has the regular bolt baffle and it is interchangeable with the Savage 10 PPC bolt head and longer baffle. Same for the magazine box and follower.

[Newtosavage]

Thanks a ton jpdown. That's the info I needed. If I just buy the parts I need, I'm already into the swap for $75 or more and I'll only have one rifle.

If I get the whole Axis rifle, I have all the parts I need for TWO rifles, for $229, so basically I'm paying $154 to keep my 7.62x39 shooting, plus a spare barrel in a 3rd caliber.

Think I'll go that route.

Thanks all.