Savage 111 vs Savage Axis + other bolt rifle competitors

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GarandTd

New member
I saw a used Savage 111 30-06 at the LGS the other day. It had a synthetic stock, but no Accu-trigger. It came with a "free" Simmons scope. The rifle seemed to be in decent enough condition. I'm curious, for those that have experience with both, what the differences are and is there any reason I should consider the 111 over something new. I know the scope is cheap and of little to no value.

I'm shopping for a budget friendly synthetic stocked bolt rifle to relieve my heirlooms and classics from rough use and inclement weather. I know there are many options for new rifles from Remington, Ruger, Savage, Thompson Center and a couple others in packages that include scopes for $300-$400. Is the used 111 worth my time or should I shop new?

I'm not looking to spend more than $350+/- and I'll be looking at 30-06 or 308. I'm looking for accuracy and reliability and it will be used for white tail deer and the range.
 
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Don Fischer

New member
Considering what you are looking for and the price of them new, I can't see a reason one to buy one used unless it's almost free!
 
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PlatinumCore16

New member
I agree. I would just get the Axis II and get you an Accu-Trigger. It's worth it and you can probably find a scoped package for right around that price. Black Friday is almost upon us...
 
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GarandTd

New member
That's pretty much what I figured. There are so many budget options out there right now that unless it's ridiculously cheap, I'd be better off with the new model. So far, I've looked at the TC compass, Remington 783, Savage Axis, and Ruger American. I thought the TC was gonna be it til I handled it and hated it. I did like the Remington. It had a very smooth action and just felt better. Haven't checked out the Ruger yet.
 
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T. O'Heir

New member
"...came with a "free" Simmons scope..." Sounds like a Savage Package rifle. Rifles are fine, but Simmons stuff is low end entry level kit.
Current M111 packages retail at about $489 but come with Nikon scopes. MSRP on an M111 Trophy Hunter XP is $629. They have the AccuTrigger now.
An Axis II is an entry level hunting rifle. Comes with a Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm scope and the AccuTrigger. MSRP is $484.00.
Near as I can guess the difference in price is about the scope.
Deer seasons over yet in PA? That's the best time to buy used hunting rifles.
If your budget is firm at $350 you're looking at an Axis. $450 will buy you an Axis II .30-06 at Cabela's with a Weaver scope. Pays to shop around on-line.
 
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GarandTd

New member
Pa rifle season starts Monday. The used Savage was priced at $275 if I remember correctly. I didn't try to "wheel n deal".....I was only looking. I know most of the packages in my price range come with questionable scopes. I'm not too hung up on pricey scopes. My Remington 141 has been sporting a Tasco for 30 years without issue and last year I bought a $30 Simmons 8 point that has worked just fine so far on my son's Marlin 336. I do understand that those scopes have their limits and that more $ buys a better scope.
 
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5whiskey

New member
It depends. If you ever decide you want to tinker, bed, barrel swap, get into tiny group shooting... go with the 111. Aftermarket accessories and ease of performing work on the beast is a huge plus. The axis... not so much.

OTOH, if you just plan on hunting with the thing and want something that will take a deer at 200 yards for the least amount of money... about anything will do.
 
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stillquietvoice

New member
I have had several savage rifles all of them would shoot sub moa. Bought 2 m11 rifles 1 an accutrigger model and one not paid well over 400 for each. If I had seen one for 275 it would have a new home in my safe no hesitation.
The older models triggers are adjustable usually 3 ways pull weight, creep and overtravel. Some need a lighter spring to get below 3 lbs but still a good system or you could replace it with rifle basix

Just sold my axis 2 xp in. 223 to SIL to help finance my new m11, axis 2 loved hornandy vmax 55gr and69gr gmm both one hole 5 shot groups.
 
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taylorce1

New member
I'd rather have the used M111 over a new Axis II any day. However, if you're looking for a white tail and range rifle I wouldn't be looking for a .30-06. I'd probably look at .243 Win and 6.5 Creedmoor rifles first, they would be far more enjoyable to shoot at the range and are more than capable deer rifles.
 
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T. O'Heir

New member
"...at $275..." Snap it up. If it's still there. Scopes can be changed with no fuss. It's very hard to damage a modern commercial hunting rifle. You really have to work at it.
Savage has quit using Simmons scope. Nothing but Weavers, Bushnells and Nikons these days. Mind you, the Simmons kit was serviceable, but it just didn't last long.
Had a $40 Tasco on my .243 long ago. After a few years of service, I could watch the reticle bounce left and right through a bore sighter every time I operated the bolt.
 
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GarandTd

New member
Ammo costs are a concern. I don't reload. I would like whatever I get to be readily available and not overly expensive. My current deer rifle is chambered in 35 Remington and costs me about $1.75/round and is sometimes hard to find. I stock 30-06 for another rifle that I don't hunt with and those rounds are relatively economical and readily available. I don't know the costs of some of the other calibers, so I suppose that is something I'll have to research. A softer shooting round would be a welcome change.
 
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GarandTd

New member
For those of you that would prefer the 111 over an Axis, what is the reasoning? Is it the Accu-trigger or are there other differences that affect that preference?
 
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RC20

New member
You get into quite a range of option and one of those yes/no decision trees (which sometimes you have to go back up and re-do)

First break point is do you want a softer shooting round?

As you noted, there are a lot of options there, 30-06 is certainly not the worst but its about the bottom of the nasties as I call them (7mm Mag on up, big case, lots of powder for a limited velocity gain (grin)

If YES, then the Savagte is not for you.

If NO, then its really a matter of do you want the nice trigger (Remington are poor) or is it makes no difference. I like the older Savages but like the Acu trigger. The older ones are just nicer for smooth.

For deer, any of the 6.5s would do just fine. They are soft shooting.

Lots of choice including Savage there, often on sale with a decent scope (and who needs a great scope for deer?).

If you want to target shoot it some then the Savage FV or 10T at Cabellas (and a slightly different model at Dicks) gets you a heavy barrel (longer on the FV)

Axis work and is a lower cost version of the Savage action with a few differences.
 
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olddav

New member
The 111 (110 series) has more options in aftermarket stocks and triggers. It is easier to pillar bed, there are bolt lift kits available to reduce the force required to lift the bolt.
 
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stillquietvoice

New member
The axis and axis 2 rifles have a smaller eject port harder to single load, they use a center feed mag and are listed at 6.5 lbs. Triggers both standard and accutrigger are fairly easy to refine and can be set less than 3 lbs safely cost about 10 bucks for screws and springs.
The 111 series are little heavier better fit and finish have smother bolt travel, and as been said more after market support.
 
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std7mag

New member
At $275, let me know where it is so i can get it if you don't!
I have a 24" barrel in 280AI ready to go from E.R Shaw.

If your thinking about it, i have a 111 in 7mm Rem Mag. I adjusted the trigger down to 3 lbs.
It is sporting an EGW 20MOA one piece base, Vortex Viper low rings, and a Vortex Diamondback 4-12X40 scope.
Saving up for either the 4-12X40 Leupold VX Freedom, or the 3-16X42 Sightron STAC.
I handload, and it shoots everything from 120gr. Hornady Varmint through 168gr. Berger VLD Hunting just fine.
It is my go to bad weather rifle.
 
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std7mag

New member
As a side note, i hunt up near Bennezette.
Just got done bear hunting up there. 12" of snow on the ground.
But wasn't snowing when i went up there, so i took my Ruger 77 MKII in 280 Rem with me.
Wish i'd taken the Savage 111!!
Less weight for one, and i shoot heavier bullets with the Rem Mag.

Supposed to snow next week for deer season. I'll be taking the 111 with me for sure!
Hunting mostly along the power/gas lines up there shots can be anywhere from 20ft to 1,200 yards.
Not saying i'd shoot that far, just the distances that present themselves.

My old Savage 110 in 06' really prefered the 165gr. Nosler Ballistic Tip.
Be it hand loaded, or factory Federal Premium.
 
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GarandTd

New member
In my youth, I did some hunting in McKean County, PA. My older brother's boss had a camp up that way and I spent a couple seasons hunting up there with my him and his boss. I am familiar with some of the long views/shots up/down the power lines.
 
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