The axis and axis ll will both shoot, no question about it, but they are more of a low budget rifle. The flimsy, lightweight, rattly, plastic safety on the few that I've seen and shot was very irritating, They seemed to have a few other rattles too, but I didn't examine them that closely. It just didn't lend confidence in terms of longevity. Other than that, and the 6 lb non adjustable (read- adjustable if you don't mind figuring out how to do it) trigger on the original axis (axis ll comes with an adjustable trigger) they're a bargain. The Ruger American- ugly as it is, just feels like a more solid piece of equipment. Nothing rattles, and there are no loose parts. For some reason that gives me a lot of peace of mind.
The Axis II (what I was discussing) is no more "low budget" than this Ruger which has some REAL (heavily discussed) concerns with mags and sticky bolts. No such issues with the Axis IIs (or the old original "Edge/Axis" line for that matter).
Out of a dozen or so Axis II's going through my hands the last 8 years (1/2 bought for customers/friends/family)... I've had ONE out of the box that "rattled" on its empty clip which I fixed in 2 minutes by loading the clip (I later fixed it though- took under 20 minutes on my tool bench). I have also tweaked the Axis original triggers... a LOT easier job than my old 700s and Rugers were.
BOTH these NEW model guns (not the old Axis) have the SAME trigger (and barrel mount system) designed by who??? -Savage. (*and both these guns use this Savage technology with accu-triggers and barrel nuts).
I've held the Ruger and worked the bolt- same plastic stock, rougher bolt-- same feel as the Savage. They BOTH have the same "budget" factors and build quality. BUT, The Savage II XP stainless comes with a Bushnell Banner (decent) scope you can sell off for $75 and is about $75 cheaper shipped with this scope... than the un-scoped, non-stainless Ruger. *** $150 cheaper to get stainless... Hum?***
I've customized a few Axis IIs for myself too- stock, barrel replacement, good glass on top- beautiful, rugged, and accurate in the field. If you own a barrel vice, you are then addicted (I am) to modding switch barrel rifles. My custom Axis II (Maple 260ai) build took the buck in my avatar last December at 365 yards (ranged)-- in the neck as intended. It's done it a few times over the five years I've owned it and I'd not trade or sell it as its so damned accurate (consistently). Haven't touched it since building it- dozen pigs, deer, and an elk have gone through the freezer with this gun.
Most "down" the Savage because of the lower-end ($250ish on sale) original Axis's (and it's heavy trigger everyone complained about, then fixed without a follow-up post)... and that's about it. Don't forget... It WAS the gun that broke the "Sub $300" market wide open back then and it held up pretty good for what it was. You don't hear about them failing much 10 years later either.
But today... the Axis II has the accutrigger, updated (adjustable LOP) stock, and an equally accurate barrel as the Ruger. BOTH need some tweaks at times (as do some higher dollar makers too mind you), but the nice thing is that both Ruger and Savage are US companies and aren't going anywhere. And BOTH companies are delivering higher-end guns (both great) if you spend the money.
But... comparing the Axis II (in stainless) to this Ruger on all points... I'll (keep on) taking the Savage Axis II's.
