Savage Axis 2 vs PSA AR15

[Starslinger]

I've been wanting a range rifle that I can scope and shoot out to 300 yards. I generally prefer traditional looking rifles with wooden stocks so I've been looking at a bolt action Savage Axis 2 XP hardwood in 223 for $600. I shoot left-handed so this really limits my choices for bolt guns.

But I am starting to feel a little silly because aren't there AR15's in that price range that I could shoot out to 300 yards with? I think 2 moa would be good enough for me. Is it silly to buy a bolt gun when an AR15 can do almost as well?

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[nwslopoke]

I've been wanting a range rifle that I can scope and shoot out to 300 yards. I generally prefer traditional looking rifles with wooden stocks so I've been looking at a bolt action Savage Axis 2 XP hardwood in 223 for $600. I shoot left-handed so this really limits my choices for bolt guns.

But I am starting to feel a little silly because aren't there AR15's in that price range that I could shoot out to 300 yards with? I think 2 moa would be good enough for me. Is it silly to buy a bolt gun when an AR15 can do almost as well?

The issue with rifles like the Axis is they are lighter weight barrels and are meant more for hunting than target shooting. You didn't mention what the purpose outside of 300 yds. Within a small number of repeated shots, the barrel gets hot enough to affects follow up shots. ARs are generally less affected by this. IMO.

 

[Starslinger]

It's really just for plinking at steel targets. I highly doubt I will ever take it hunting. I like to pretend, but I don't have any friends who own ranches that are going to ask me to shoot a coyote at 300 yards.

 

[Buddy1211]

A heavier barrel wouldn't hurt. I'm sure savage offers one in even a varmint contour somewhere between a full on bench rifle and a sporting profile. Then it's not too terrible to pack if you do decide to hunt!

 

[Koda]

I've been wanting a range rifle that I can scope and shoot out to 300 yards. I generally prefer traditional looking rifles with wooden stocks so I've been looking at a bolt action Savage Axis 2 XP hardwood in 223 for $600. I shoot left-handed so this really limits my choices for bolt guns.

But I am starting to feel a little silly because aren't there AR15's in that price range that I could shoot out to 300 yards with? I think 2 moa would be good enough for me. Is it silly to buy a bolt gun when an AR15 can do almost as well?

An AR will be more versatile in roles it can fill, a Bolt gun will be a more precise shooter and more specific to hunting or precision... I 'hear' Savage rifles are really accurate shooters these days often sub moa out of the box with factory ammo. Consider the difference, 2MOA at 300yds is a spread of 6.3 inches where 1MOA at 300yds is half that at 3.14 inches... your more likely to get a 1moa bolt rifle than even a 2moa AR15.
It just comes down to what you want from it. Side note, you don't have to have private land access to hunt coyotes or other game but if you primarily want to plink steel then the AR is worth considering.

 

[nwslopoke]

It's really just for plinking at steel targets. I highly doubt I will ever take it hunting. I like to pretend, but I don't have any friends who own ranches that are going to ask me to shoot a coyote at 300 yards.

A bolt rifle should get you better results in theory than an AR. I just don't believe an Axis (I had one) or a basic Ruger American will fill that bill. Maybe a tier or so higher will. I have a Ruger American Hunter in 308. It has a heavy barrel and I can shoot all day without much deviation.

 

[TTSX]

First thought, buy a 10/110 over an axis. They're higher quality. Second, I'm a lifelong lefty and have no issues with right handed bolt actions. You just do it like that guy in the watch tower in saving private Ryan. For target shooting, I absolutely would not buy an AR over a bolt gun if I preferred the aesthetics of the latter. All other things aside, you gotta like the way your rifle looks.

 

[NeoBlackdog]

If you get an AR you will have the option of changing the upper to a different caliber or configuration at your whimsy. It's a much more versatile platform.

 

[TTSX]

Por que no los dos?

 

[Starslinger]

Por que no los dos?

Dinero

 

[Koda]

Dinero

Here's what you do....

Get the bolt gun, but buy a $50 AR lower receiver on the same background check to save that extra fee and absorb the $50 into the cost of the bolt gun.
Worry about building the lower receiver later or as you find components on sale later on at your leisure.