Savage Axis Heavy Barrel complete: Shooting into .20" repeatablly

So my local dealer had the Axis Heavy Barrels on for $289 - $50 rebate (whos gonna pass that up)

So I got the .308 (my 3rd Savage)

Break in, showed good potential, although a TERRIBLE trigger pull, 7.6# was the Lyman avg.


Trigger: followed the instructions in here about a 10mm bolt, found a good spring in the Hillman Parts section. Cut said spring in half, and used it on the trigger and side spring. I stoned the contact areas slightly and Flitz'd them with a felt wheel. 2.75# trigger, and it feels like snapping glass.

Scope: Originally I ran a SWFA SS 10X with a Weaver multi slot base and Weave tactical rings. An ok setup. I then tried a Vortex Viper, and then wanted better rings, but found the EGW Matched Rings have a full size MIL-STD-1913 crossbar that will fit picitinny, but NOT Weaver rails, as it's too thick for weaver slots

Final Set up is a EGW Picitinny Rail, with EGW Matched 30mm Scope rings, and a Vortex Viper 6.5-24 Scope. Overall the quality upgrade is totally apparent over the Weaver rings and rail, with EGW.

For now since it is not impacting performance at all I am keeping the Stock.

With this setup I am consistently getting 1 hole groups that when you subtract .308 from are in the .15"-.22" range

I have a custom Rem 700 that is a .25" rifle with FGMM and HSM 168Match, it has several $1000's of $$$ into it, and the Axis does the same at well under $1000.
Not bad for a $239 rifle, with a $150 worth of work and parts, and $900 scope.

The Axis is not very well respected even among the budget class of bolt-action rifles. Nevertheless, I have quite a few and have found them to be better than average shooters with a little work. My .308 doesn't print groups that small but when I do my part it is mostly a sub-moa gun, and you will find a few other guys on this board that have had the same experience. I sit at the range with guys that have $2500.00+ Remmy's,Winchesters etc.. and can shoot right along with them no problem.

i think the axis hb is for the very most part both a terrific value and good to great performing bolt action. its short coming is that nasty trigger, but as noted by many, a diy job on it will take care of that issue. add in some decent glass and good cartridges and yer good to go for critters, gongs or paper.

sounds great, what load / bullet are you using?