I'm an Axis fan, but if you're willing to shoot .223 Rem or .308 Win, the best out-of-the-box Savage for the money is the 12FV. It's bigger and heavier than an Axis with a long, heavy barrel, Accutrigger, better plastic stock, and the inchoate benefits of being a 10 rather than an Axis. Still it's competitively priced with the Axis II XP though the 12FV does not include an optic.

If you're going to be hauling the rifle around, the 12FV might be a little cumbersome. The Axises make better guns to carry since they're light and handy.