Savage Axis vs Mossberg 100 ATR
 

I'm looking for an entry level bolt action, and have come across these 2. which one would you pick of the 2?

both are in .308 I'm not an avid hunter, but have always thought about starting into it. for the most part, I'm going to be using it to put holes in paper for a while. longest range I currently have access to is about 350-400 yards.

I've looked into both extensively. I've handled both, money just never came free for one. From what I saw/ felt I would buy the savage. Handles better for me and the bolt seems smoother.

Between the two, I'd go with the Mossberg ATR. You might want to check out the Marlin X or Ruger American in .308, as they are worthy of consideration and in same price range.

Huffman, any reason why you suggest the mossberg over the savage?

I've not had a chance to handle either one yet, and have been "internet shopping"

from what I've read so far, I've heard that the mossberg's bolt is clunky feeling, but the savage bolt feels a lot smoother.


Anyone who's shot either one or both...how was out of the box accuracy? trigger feel?

I haven't handled the axis, are, or Ruger. That said, I saw a Ruger American in .308 yesterday at wallyworld in Lima. Guns magazine (March 2013) was grouping consistently at an inch with factory ammo(30-06), many times under an inch. It's 100% American made, reportedly smooth action, for $400. Kinda sexy looking, too. I know what I would do.

Cuda, i have owned the ATR100 in 30-06. very smooth bolt, decent trigger, though mine wasn't adjustable that i knew of, and pretty danged accurate. IMO i like how it felt when shouldered better than the Axis. i have never owned the Axis but have shot a few. and from a personal preference, i like the Mossberg better. for me the Axis feels like a youth gun.

downside, well you knew there had to be one didn't you! well compared to other rifles i have had, and do have in the same cartridge, that Mossberg was one of the hardest recoiling 30-06 rifles i have ever owned! felt more like a 300 Win. Mag. than a 30-06. but that rifle was a literal tackdriver when it came to being accurate.

another good option which i own three of and one in 308 as well, are the Marlin X7 series. much beter at dealing with recoil, have pillar bedded stocks, an adjustable trigger, and have very good accuracy. priced pretty decently as well and built very nicely. they are in about the same price range as the other choices you listed. give them a look at and some consideration. most people who have bought one are not disappointed. good luck.

70cuda383. by the way nice car. Why ATR over Axis? Familiar with Axis since I own one in .223. Decently accurate, but its stock, trigger and poor ejection of fired brass causes me to be negative on the Axis. As to the ATR, I do not own one. Have seen a few of them at range I'm a member and their owners were pleased with the rifle. Gent I shoot with on a regular basis had a 7mm-08 ATR at range for 3 Sundays straight before last deer season here and was developing a hunting load for it and etc. His son had recently purchased it. This gent owns some fairly high end Savage rifles and a couple of Remington 700 Custom Shop rifles, all very fine shooting rifles. He was impressed enough with the ATR to comment "I might have to get one of these for myself.... has a decent trigger and pretty darn accurate for a cheap rifle." Be aware, only thing that has prevented me from buying an ATR or similiar Mossberg rifle is way barrel is installed in receiver that does not lend itself to easily replacing it.

Thanks for the advice.


and the car is a work in progress. gotta LONG way to go! especially since I can't narrow myself down to just ONE hobby! guns or cars....guns or cars....I just can't pick, so I have both! haha.


http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c6...383/Cuda-2.jpg

My cousin has an ATR in 30-06 and axxe is not lying when he says it kicks like a mule. I own an axis in .308 and it's a great gun. If there was one thing I would change it would be the trigger. I have heard people say that it comes at about 7lbs from the factory.

the mule comment is putting it mildly!:eek:

but the rifle is very accurate. as an accurate hunting rifle, i would definately recommend it. as a target rifle or casual plinker, there might be some better choices. now with a stock change, and Boyd's Gunstocks does have a laminated stock for it, it might cure some of the recoil problem. that and a better recoil pad.