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With so many internet opinions on the Savage Axis factory stock being "flimsy" I question whether the stock on my Axis HB 223 Must be replaced for optimum performance. I thought I had read changing the stock was more of a must do on the bigger calibers 308--30*06 etc. Id like to hear how the Axis oe stock really works or dosent for bench shooting. Also if its a total waste or can it be saved with mods ?
The Axis stock is super flimsy... If you reach up to the forend, you can do two things.... You can twist it almost like a wet washcloth, or you can squeeze it and move it far enough to touch your barrel. I found that off a bench and bag, that my consistency was rather poor if I didn't have the rifle pushed into the bag almost up to the trigger guard, so that everything from the barrel nut forward had zero pressure on it. I put the Prairie hunter from Boyds on mine (22-250) and she is solid now... No flex, no twist, and my PIO stays consistent as long as I do my part behind the trigger.
Im considering the Boyds Pro Varmit , the colored stocks look nice also. A more pronounced pistol grip and sturdy stock is what Im after plus price $ wise its hard to beat Boyds.
Go with the Boyds Laminate Pro varmint!!!!!! I have one on my 260 Rem (build in process) and is my favorite stock from Boyds thus far. I'm a lefty, so I didn't have that option for my Axis build...
I have Axis XP 223. My experience with the factory stock: Putting any pressure on the forend -- in front of where the recoil lug is -- seems to disperse the groups. Installing a bipod on the front swivel stud led will lead to inconsistent groups, if you put ANY weight on it. My red neck hack was to use Rockite on the forend and 1/2 of rear stock + super glue the trigger guard... Haven't yet confirmed if this improved the groups or not, but it sure made the stock VERY stiff but added about 1lb of extra weight... It's okay since I won't hunt with it. Others in the forum bedded various types of stiff rod in the forend.
Go rockite...very solid w little weight=great accuracy
For benchrest shooting, man, get a better stock. If you don't you'll be complaining on this board constantly because however well it shoots, it won't be good enough. Now, this may not describe you, and if it doesn't I'll apologize right now, but it's a pattern seen before -- and personally experienced.
I bought my two Axis rifles, a .223 and a .270, as light hunting rifles. I was hoping for very-near-MOA accuracy out to 300 yards and rifles that could achieve that reliably from the numerous field-shooting positions I use. It took a little trigger-tweaking and very little shooting, really, to show me that's what I had from both rifles already, using several different factory loads in each one. The factory stock ain't purty, but the way I use it, it works just fine.
When I purchased my Axis in .223 very late last year, I was pretty certain I'd be switching out the stock based on everything I'd read. But the more I fire the rifle, the more I think it's not necessary. My use is probably not anything out of the ordinary. I'll be doing some light hunting, but mostly bench rest target shooting out to 400 yards. The biggest limitation is my own skill as a shooter rather than the stock on the rifle...skill deteriorating with age.
So the jury is still out long-term, but I won't be rushing out to replace the stock anytime soon.
UPDATE: A year after my original post, I thought I'd update just in case anyone is reading this thread. After more shooting time with this rifle, I've definitely decided against upgrading the stock. The flex in the stock just isn't significant enough to enter into the equation: .223 with bench rest and sandbags. I might feel differently if I used a bipod or a larger round with more punch but, for what I'm doing, the factory stock is just fine. Still going strong with the original stock in April of 2018.
The plastic stock Axis is a noodle for sure. But it's the twisting between the butt and receiver that I hate the most.
If you want it stiff from the factory get the new hardwood Axis II XP. Does not cost much more than the plastic version and is plenty stiff. It's a Boyds stock in solid wood, not laminate. No, the finish is not spectacular but it gets the job done. You can refinish it yourself or paint it in some nice epoxy colors...
Just got my scope mounted gona try it out bone stock this Sat to get it sighted in and see for myself how good or bad the stock is. Best i can do till i get a replacement stock is sandbag it neath the magazine against the trigger gaurd. ; Wich reminds me a couple of things a. i notice lot of guys change out the trigger gaurd is this cause their plastic and break or just cosmetic and b.any one with a 223 axis know the barrel twist rate is it marked on the barrel or written in the owners manual. plus what weight factory ammo is most consistant at 100-200 yards punchin paper ? I know my 783 Remi 223 identical to the Axis is awsome with the Hornady .75g bthp match - 3 shots one hole / 100yds that ammo is not cheap but man is it badass.
Hank,
the 223 Axis has a 1-9 twist according to the site. 50-55 grainers should shoot really well in it, but you may have luck with the 75s... twist rate is a little slow for those IMO, but it's just an opinion.
I have 2 Axis' and do not plan on replacing the stock on either. I won the 7-08 at a gun raffle and was very put off by the stock at first. I had never owned a synthetic stocked rifle of any kind. It eventually grew on me and it is very accurate. It's primary use is a hunting rifle and I do not expect to put 1000's of rounds through it to try and get tiny groups at any distance. When I do my part, it's a 1-1.5" group all day. Much better than I need to drop deer at any distance. I like the rifle so much, that I just recently purchased a stainless 25-06. I'll be keeping the factory stocks on both.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BurkeW80
I am going to keep my Axis 308 HB stock not going to upgrade the trigger or stock. It is going to make me a better shooter after all it is a budget hunting rifle that is sub MOA
It is what it is - received my 308 the other day sure the trigger is ambit heavy but am gonna give it a chance - will not be replacing that or the stock
I did get a "trigger kit" off Ebay to reduce the trigger pull a bit. It was $15 and dropped it a couple pounds. Other than that though, it's staying stock.Quote:
Originally Posted by ivob
I measured my trigger pull a constant 5.5 pounds
Before I purchased my Axis XP 30-06 Hardwood, I read a ton of reviews. That's what made me decide on the hardwood. The stock was the biggest issue so I stayed away from the Synthetic ones.
I got mine at WalMart. They didn't have any of the Axis XP II models with accutrigger, but this one showed up one day in their gun case and I bought it on the spot. The stock is pretty good quality and adds some weight to assist with felt recoil. I have put the trigger kit in (from ebay) and now it has changed the trigger pull from 7lbs down to 3.25 - tested with my RCBS trigger pull gauge. I also purchased the Limbsaver airtech recoil pad. Next up is to upgrade the Weaver scope with a mil-dot. I'm trying to keep it low cost, but the scope is something that I'm not going to scrimp on.
I'm sure that it will work just fine on Mule Deer.
The stock on my 308HB is fine - I do not shoot using a bi-pod a couple sandbags works well at the range - recently had a local gunsmith install a Timney Trigger and its breaks at 2.5 pounds a noticeable difference from 5.5 pounds. I was able to shoot (2.230 - 0.308) 1.922 four shot group before the trigger upgrade with hand loads at 200 yards. It does look promising - I hope to shrink these groups further next time I am at the range.
I have a 243 and 223 axis., both hb. Got the 243 first, rockited it, helped but still flexy, I can touch the barrel to stock by applying pressure to the stock when holding the barrel. With the 223 I removed a lot of the stock at the barrel channel, stuck it on my mill, took down the sides as well as under the barrel, can't make the stock/barrel contact without heavy pressure(more than anything encountered while shooting), think free float on steroids, no problem with it on bags or bipod, won't touch. I did put rockite in the wrist(and stuck in 1/4x 3 hex bolt in the rockite) of the 223 extending 2-3" towards the butt, it does noticeably stiffen that area and helps balance the hb. I don't see any down side to this, its free floated(sort of) from the factory anyway, and barrel blocked rifles just have the barrel hanging out there. I also glued the plastic trigger guard to the stock which adds a bit more stiffness. I'm a pretty experienced wood worker so I'll make stocks for both rifles with birch veneer plywood using pieces stacked and glue-lammed when I have the time but until then it I'm good since I'm not a match shooter.
Brian
Decided to upgrade the trigger after I started shooting MOA with the factory trigger out to 200 yards - itching to go to the range Sunday after my 19km run to try it out
My son bought an Axis 270 4 years ago. No ups, no extras and I think he's in his second box of factory ammo. Four years, three deer.
So last Spring I ordered an Axis II 30.06 with the hardwood stock and I really like it. One year, zero deer.
He's had a lot of training with firearms and he seems to think his (actually both) rifles are just fine for their purpose.
BZimm
I would prefer a Boyd's stock for aesthetic reasons, but as a first step I did Rockite in the forend and in the grip area. Excellent result.
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I got myself an Axis 223 a week ago, sifted through all the reviews ect. The main reason was the cost, and my budget. The trigger was an easy fix, I had the parts at hand, watched and read a bunch of how-to's. Tackled the stock this weekend, with a 7/16th drill I had extended to 14", two holes were drilled from the front of the stock all the way under the recoil lug into the trigger housing, sections of a carbon fiber arrow shaft were inserted and fixed in place with epoxy putty, putty was pushed down to fill the two triangular holes in front of the recoil lug where the arrow shaft passed through, the shafts were cut at the front flush with the fore end and plugged with the epoxy putty, (looks like nostrils), the 'Ice Tray' was sanded of course and filled with two part epoxy, the but stock was also drilled (one hole) and a 12" aluminium gutter spike inserted and epoxied in place, and half filled with two part epoxy. I also super glued the trigger guard/cover in place, and the barrel groove was sanded to open it up just a tiny bit more. It feels more solid now, but the real test will be at the range. I took some pictures but still need to upload them to PB.
Yeah, I'm keeping the factory synthetic stock on mine. Here in Canada it's a $400 rifle. My scope cost more than the rifle. I didn't expect anything earthshaking in the accuracy department and have been surprised that I'm getting as good as I am with sub MOA at 100 yards. Even with a bipod attached I'm finding it shoots just fine. If I was going to be targeting out to 600 or 1000 yards then I'd have to be a bit overly optimistic to think I was going to be successful with a rifle that's priced like it is. You get what you pay for. If you want to do long range or one hole groups, spend the long range money and buy the right gun.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hank Williams
Did the same except mine was in 243. Replaced trigger with a Rifle Basix. The wood stock is exactly what the Axis needed. Shot the Winchester Deer Season 95gr XP extremely well. Waited several minutes between shots and ended up with five shots touching. Like the Winchester XP ammunition a lot. It has shot less than 1 moa in two Savage 243's. Don't see much point in reloading for general hunting situations.Quote:
They didn't have any of the Axis XP II models with accutrigger, but this one showed up one day in their gun case and I bought it on the spot.
If you get the provarmint, i suggest you get a colored laminate because it is stronger than the black painted plywood.
I have both, and the laminate is just a little better. It has been impregnated with epoxy resin. But, that black finish is also pretty tough stuff.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fangolio
It is evident that there resides a great reservoir of good sense in the Great White North. :-)
Rockite in the foregrip and in the wrist area does the trick. I'd prefer a Boyd's stock for aesthetic reasons, but haven't found it necessary. With the Rockite the stock is plenty stiff.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hank Williams
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Bought the .223 Axis as an inexpensive coyote popper 4 years ago (and haven't really even gone for coyote yet). No intention of changing the stock, so put JB Weld in the fore-end and sanded out the channel. Put some two-part epoxy in the wrist and magazine well walls. Put a Burris ballistic plex scope on it and have 9/16 groups using 55g Hornady SP & Vmax reloads at 100 yards even with my old eyes. Plenty good enough for what I need it for.
I took a heavy barrel stock and did the rockite in forearm and stock, will use this for 270 and 30-06 as its has a little bit more weight. It is not to heavy to carry for my use as a hunting rifle. I also did the rockite on a couple of regular stocks to use with 243,308 and 22-250, did rattle can paint job on all and they turned out decent for hunting rigs.
I upgraded the trigger but I'm not replacing the stock. It shoots just fine with factory one.
I dig my pro varmithttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f0db042ab2.jpg
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I'm, in no way, a markmanship expert capable of cloverleafing but, I just didn't like the stock. I don't know what effect it would have had on my shooting and it seems I'll never find out. I got my Axis as a Christmas present and the first thing I did was order a Boyds stock for it. I also ordered a M*CARBO trigger spring kit for it and just won a Bushnell Bannner Dusk & Dark, 4-12x40 on EBay with the intent of replacing the Weaver 3-9x40 that came with the rifle. My goal for this rifle is to make it a respectable coyote eliminator. Once all done, I'll post pics.
Been a while since I've had mine apart; how do you get the rocktite into the wrist cavity?
The way I did mine was to take recoil pad off and used modeling clay to plug the notch for trigger guard and fill with rocktite ( I filled mine but use as little as you want )Quote:
Originally Posted by Willy
I have a Savage Axis HB in 22-250. With a Timney Trigger, and everything else left alone, including the stock, I consistently shoot 1/2" groups at 100 yards. There is no reason at all to change the stock unless you are looking to upgrade the guns LOOKS. My accuracy surely does not suffer at all.
This is for a Savage Axis factory synthetic stock.
The 308 Axis rifle synthetic stock in factory bare condition (no optic) weighs about 6 lbs.
(1.5 lb stock, 4 lb 7 ounce action, trigger, and barrel)
Weighed it on a scale.
With the rockite in forearm it is 6.5 lbs.
(2 lb stock, 4 lb 7 ounce action, trigger, and barrel)
Weighed on a scale.
An optic with rings (2-7x35 or 3-9x40) will add 1 lb in weight to that.
So 7.5 - 8 lbs is about right for backpack hunting or stalk hunting work.
Felt Recoil is about 17 - 19 lbs for a 270, 308, 30-06 rifle with optic at 8 lbs.
If you rockite the rear hollow synthetic stock area that will add another 1 lbs and fill the grip / rear stock.
That brings the total weight to 9 lbs lbs to tame recoil down to 14 - 16 lbs for felt recoil in above calibers.
If you use attached bipods add another 1 lb for weight.
The heavier a rifle begins to get, the more it gets suited for stationary work.
Above calibers in a 10 lb rifle = 13 lb recoil or comparable to a 30-30 in recoil.
An 8 lb 243 Win with scope = 10 lbs felt recoil with 100gr bullets.
That is a deer slayer with minimum felt recoil.
Rockite can be your friend when both stiffening the stock and reducing recoil for the Savage Axis.
After the rockite has dried for a week+, I use Rust-Oleum Leak Seal Black rubber waterproof sealant spray paint on all exposed Rockite in the forearm.
It is made for concrete waterproof sealing. Some will say it isn't needed, but I don't want any chance of water absorbed if caught in a heavy downpour.
The Rockies can have sun and great weather and then 2 hours later can put heavy rain, hail, or snow on you.
It is best to weatherproof some things once and just call it good.
YMMV
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http://www.shooterscalculator.com/ba...les%20(ft.lbf)
Just updating my post from last year. I just sold my Axis XP hardwood in 30-06 to a friend that's starting to deer hunt and needed a worthy rifle. I really liked the rifle, but have many Rem 700 parts so am building an 06 out of those and going a different direction for my 06 build. Don't get me wrong, I really liked the Axis XP and plan to purchase another in 308 hardwood in the future. I was really impressed by the rifle. My suggestion to anyone looking for a better stock than the flimsy factory synthetic on their Axis XP is to hunt down the factory hardwood stock and buy it. They are Boyds stocks and pretty good despite what some may say bout Boyds. For an 06 the extra weight of the wood stock reduced recoil a bit. I also added a limbsaver recoil pad to mine and could shoot it all day long with out any sore shoulder issues which is a concern for some shooters. I also purchased the trigger mod kit for mine and reduced the trigger pull. It only took about 5 rounds to zero the scope after bore sighting (factory setting was about 12 inches low and 4 inches to the right). I found only a slight difference with this rifle between 125 gr handloads and 165gr handloads in relation to felt recoil. I use Nosler bullets for my rifle handloads and used the ballistic tips for my axis xp. After sighting in I was able to get tight groups with the Weaver Kaspa scope that came on the rifle. I put quite a few boxes of handloads through the rifle and did not have to readjust the scope with the exception of small height adjustments for using heavier weight bullets.Quote:
Originally Posted by Roegun
To sum things up. Buy the Boyds hardwood stock. Break in the barrel properly. Reduce the factory trigger pull weight. Change the factory scope if you choose. Don't let anyone badmouth the rifle, and enjoy your purchase. They are a great rifle at a budget price.
I bought my Axis 223 three years ago and I have kept the factory stock. I use it to shoot sage rats in Eastern Oregon and NE California a few times a year. I get half inch accuracy at 100 yards using Hornady 53 grain HP match bullets and RL7. I added a Leupold 4X12 and a slip on recoil pad to increase the length of pull. This set up works for me.
I have a savage axis in 30-06 that I bought a few years ago. I haven't done any mods to it at all, right now it shooting MOA groups. But I love all of this information and I may try stiffening my stock in the future. I have no problem with the factory stock and it shoots well enough to suit me. But I love projects so it might happen in the future.
My Axis II HB in .223 also has the original stock on it. I mostly shoot off a bench with a bipod on the front swivel. But, when shooting I put almost no pressure on the forend. My off hand is holding the bag under the rear stock. Trigger hand is just loose around the grip. And, yes, I also get better than MOA groups with it unless I mess up.
But, I have decided to put a Boyd's stock on it. Mainly just for looks but I will appreciate the extra weight as well. Yes, I could have just added weight to the plastic stock but I wanted something better looking.
So, no you don't have to change out the plastic stock unless you are someone who puts a lot of stress on the forearm.
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