Axis switch barrel

[srsummers]

Hello all. I'm new to this forum and to Savage rifles.

I have a Axis in .223 and want to make it a switch barrel. I'm curios to know if the .308 mag will fit in my .223 action. If so, I'm going to get a .308 barrel.

[Rosco]

I believe you are going to need a different magazine body,follower and spring as the .308 round does not fit into the .223 mag. Also, you would need a new .308 style bolt head along with go and no go gauges.

Just buy another Axis! 😃

[srsummers]

That's what I was reffering to. Will the 308 mag body fit into my 223 action. I was aware of the bolt head swap and I already have the gauges.

[Rosco]

I think it will fit into the action but there maybe a spacer or something in the mag that will not allow for the ammo to fit properly.

[LHitchcox]

The .223 mag and the .308 mag are the same length. The .223 mag has a spacer built into the rear of it to make for a proper fit in a .308 sized mag opening. You will also need a bolt head for the .308.

[thomae]

Short answer to your question:
Yes.
The .308 magazine will fit into the stock of your rifle where the .223 magazine currently goes.

[MrGiggles]

.243 is a necked down .308 case, so if you really wanted a versatile rifle to switch barrels, pick up an Axis in .243 and get a .308 barrel for it. The magazine and bolt should be the same between them. It would be easier than retrofitting a .223.

[gumbo333]

The regular axis is about affordable enough you could get the whole 0 8 family and forget the work and trouble. No headspacing to worry about, maybe a couple would shoot lights out.

[srsummers]

Yes, the Axis rifle is affordable if you leave it alone. I'm adding Boyd Stock, Leupold glass, high end rings/bases, timney trigger, bolt knob and I want both calibers to be a heavy barrel. So if I already have all of these on my .223, I can just buy the heavy barrel in .308, 308 mag and bolt face and switch back and forth. My Leupold is a target model...I can figure out the settings for each caliber/yardage and not have to spend a day at the range dialing it in every time I switch. Plus, it just sounds like a lot of fun!