Savage vs. ruger
 

Ok, I'm looking for a good cheap synthetic hunting rifle for around $300 or $400. Which would be better, the ruger american or the savage axis?

See if you can find a Stevens 200 usually run around $325-360, they are based on the pre-accutrigger Savages so there is a lot of aftermarket support for them.

So the accu trigger isn't good?

the Savage is definately a good choice. the Ruger American, haven't shot one yet, but have handled one and from what i saw and have heard, i think it could be a viable option as well

also check out the Marlin X7 series of rifles. i do actually prefer the Marlins over the Savage Axis, but that's a personal preference. another good one to check out is the Mossberg ATR100. very accurate, but does have some healthy recoil. very solid and dependable rifle.

the Marlin X7's are very good rifle and i now have three of them, a XS7 in 7mm-08, a XL7 in 25-06 and the XS7VH in 308. the Marlin X7's are very accurate, well made, have an adjustable trigger, pillar beddedstock and one fantastic recoil pad. IMO, one of the best rifles for the price.

I had also considered the marlin, I guess I need to handle them.

The accu trigger is great the Stevens 200 is a cheaper version of the savage 110 and most aftermarket stocks,trigger,barrels and other part for the 110 works on the Stevens 200 I have a savage edge/axis and I love it the trigger can be a little lighter but its a great cheap hunting rifle bad thang is there is no aftermarket support for it I hear a lot of good review about the ruger american but I have not used one yet

No the accutrigger is just fine, just meant that the Stevens 200 was based on the older rifle to help keep down it's cost. Sorry if I wasn't clear.

I have never shot a savage or marlin bolt action that was intolerable. I would buy the gun that fit me. I haven't been whacked by a scope since I started buying rifles that fit me. All the newer rifles are pretty accurate.

please do. they are really a very good option for you. worthy of consideration. decently priced in most places.

i have shot all the rifles i have suggested and some of those by others as well, with the exception of the Ruger American. the first one i bought after seeing it at my LGS a few years ago, and shooting it, i knew it wouldn't be the last one i owned! the second and third Marlins did nothing but reinforce that decision.

of all the rifles listed, i really don't think any of them would be a bad choice, just that i am partial to the Marlin X7's. but that's strictly my personal preference.

I like the looks of the marlin x7s, whats your opinion on the stainless steel? What about the pro fire trigger?