Originally Posted by
big honkin jeep
I have owned 2 Axis. Key word being owned (past tense)
I know some guys seem to love them. I cant get past the weird recoil lug arrangement or the stock design.
I'd go with something on the 10/110 action. I have found the older flat backs are great project rifles and most all the factory parts can be improved rather than replaced.
Improving the factory parts instead of replacing them is the part that makes Savage projects so much fun for me. Bedding stocks, making the bolt lift kit, trigger springs and adjustments, adjusting length of pull, paint, barrel length and swaps, these are the things about the early 10/110s that are fun for me. They typically shoot very well as is, but they are are economical and leave lots of room to tinker on most every part of the rifle.
The Savage 10/110 and Stevens 200 will be the same action.
In my opinion, The newer stuff with accutriggers and accustocks are so good out of the box and stunningly accurate once broken in that they generally dont leave much if any tinkering. Primarily just aesthetic touches to an individuals taste or maybe a barrel swap if you want to change calibers.
Good luck