1st Gen Savage Axis Review & Shoot 6.5 Creedmoor

Published on March 27, 2025
Duration: 27:32

This review examines the first-generation Savage Axis rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, highlighting its budget-friendly nature and suitability for hunting. While the rifle is noted for its potential accuracy with specific ammunition, the review points out limitations such as the trigger pull weight and the inconsistent performance with the tested hunting ammunition. The presenter plans a follow-up to demonstrate the rifle's capabilities with ammunition it prefers.

Quick Summary

The first-generation Savage Axis in 6.5 Creedmoor is a budget-friendly hunting rifle, often bundled with a basic scope. While capable of MOA accuracy with preferred ammunition like 140-grain SNB FMJ, it exhibited inconsistent performance with 129-grain soft points. Its trigger is heavier than newer models, and the bolt action can be stiff, but the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge offers manageable recoil and good range.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: OG Savage Axis 6.5 Creedmoor
  2. 00:17Identifying the Original Axis (No ACU Trigger)
  3. 00:22Strata Camo and Discontinuation
  4. 00:48Original Price Point and Scope Combo
  5. 01:11Plans to Upgrade Scope
  6. 01:19Previous Experience and Zeroing
  7. 01:33Preferred Ammunition: SNB 140gr FMJ
  8. 01:48Testing New Ammunition: 129gr Soft Point
  9. 02:31Concerns with New Ammunition Uniformity
  10. 03:01Proven MOA Accuracy with Preferred Ammo
  11. 03:12Checking Zero and Lubrication
  12. 03:31Target Distances: 200, 400, 500 Yards
  13. 04:19Shooting the OG Savage Axis
  14. 04:23Trigger Assessment: Weight and Feel
  15. 04:47Bolt Action Stiffness
  16. 05:27Trigger Pull Weight Measurement
  17. 06:07Trigger Weight for Hunting Rifles
  18. 06:18Budget Hunting Ammunition
  19. 06:44Magazine Capacity and Loading
  20. 07:30Safety Mechanism
  21. 08:09First Shots and Zero Confirmation
  22. 09:11Accuracy with Second and Third Shots
  23. 09:41Blaming Self for Shots (Initial Assessment)
  24. 10:07Difficulty Printing Groups
  25. 10:31Second Group Analysis
  26. 11:05Different Support Method for Stability
  27. 12:38Second Group Results and Flyer Analysis
  28. 13:37Ammunition Preference Theory
  29. 14:12Past Experiences with Ammo vs. Scope Issues
  30. 14:47Confidence in Ammo as the Issue
  31. 15:12Known Good Shooter with 140gr SNB
  32. 15:14Part 2 Plans: SNB 140gr Ammunition
  33. 15:42Longer Range Shooting Expectations
  34. 16:03200 Yard Target Engagement
  35. 17:06200 Yard Target Hits
  36. 17:20400 Yard Buffalo Target Engagement
  37. 17:31Zeroing for 200 Yards, Estimating for 400
  38. 18:10400 Yard Hit Confirmation
  39. 18:54Second 400 Yard Shot
  40. 19:01500 Yard Target Engagement
  41. 19:05Drop Calculation for 500 Yards
  42. 19:31Windage Considerations
  43. 20:02Aiming Strategy for 500 Yards
  44. 20:49First 500 Yard Shot Result
  45. 21:07Adjusting Aim for Wind and Height
  46. 21:25Second 500 Yard Shot Result
  47. 22:01Third 500 Yard Shot Result
  48. 22:12Accuracy Issues with Ammunition
  49. 22:36Final 500 Yard Shot Result
  50. 23:07Recap of Shooting Experience and Ammo Theory
  51. 23:32Ammunition vs. Scope Issues
  52. 24:21Confidence in Ammo as the Primary Issue
  53. 24:30Part 2 Plans: Better Scope and Preferred Ammo
  54. 25:07Overall Rifle Impression
  55. 25:11Comfort, Weight, and Recoil of 6.5 Creedmoor
  56. 25:21Hunting Application Focus
  57. 25:31Future Ammo Testing: FMJ and Soft Point
  58. 26:03Recommendation: Axis 2 or Modern Axis
  59. 26:16Benefit of ACU Trigger
  60. 26:20Original Axis for Budget Shooters
  61. 26:31Longer Range Shooting Considerations
  62. 26:56Links and Resources
  63. 27:25Conclusion and Part 2 Tease

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the first-generation Savage Axis rifle?

The first-generation Savage Axis in 6.5 Creedmoor is a budget-friendly bolt-action rifle, often sold with a basic Weaver scope. It lacks the ACU trigger found on newer models and features a Strata camo pattern. Its original price point was around $299-$349.

How accurate is the Savage Axis with different types of ammunition?

While known to be an MOA or better shooter with specific loads like 140-grain SNB FMJ, the tested 129-grain soft-point hunting ammunition produced inconsistent results with significant flyers, suggesting the rifle may not prefer this particular load.

What is the trigger like on the original Savage Axis?

The original Savage Axis has a non-ACU trigger that is described as crisp with no pre-travel or creep, but it is on the heavier side, measuring around 5.1-5.2 lbs. While manageable, it's not considered ideal for precision shooting.

What are the advantages of the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge in a hunting rifle?

The 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge offers manageable recoil, approximately 30% less than a .308 Winchester, making it comfortable for extended shooting. It also provides superior ballistic performance and range compared to many other cartridges.

What improvements are recommended for the Savage Axis?

For improved performance, especially for longer-range shooting, upgrading the factory scope is recommended. Additionally, finding ammunition that the rifle specifically likes is crucial for achieving consistent accuracy, as demonstrated by the performance difference with various loads.

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