$500 Savage Axis in a 600-Yard Match - Did it work? | The Social Regressive

After four months of trigger work, load development, stock shaping, and action bedding, the "1000 Yards for $500" Savage Axis rifle is heading to a 600-yard match! Let's see how it does!

First, a disclaimer. I know the premise was to prove the rifle's effectiveness at 1,000 yards, but unfortunately I had a nasty reaction to antibiotics the night before the BIG match at Tulsa's Red Castle Gun Club. They only host two of these matches per year, so we will all have to wait until October. Until then, I plan to find some private land where we can set up a target at 1K.

Overall the rifle performed well, but as I shot it became evident that I need to make a few improvements. First, the rifle needs more stability. The Boyds Pro Varmint stock has a rounded forearm, and the gun is overall lighter than optimal. Adding some lead weight to the forearm and buttstock will correct the weight issue. As for the rounded forearm, I can either flatten it or start using a bipod.

I still need a thin cheek riser; I have to raise my face a few millimeters to see through the scope. While we're on the subject of the scope, the Simmons 44 Mag was a real pain to look through. The turrets and reticle are fine; it's the glass that ruins the whole thing. The image at 24X is total garbage, as you might expect for $100.

Overall I would call the experiment a success. The barrel was accurate and the upgraded trigger was a pleasure. With a few tweaks (like throwing out the scope) the "1000 Yards for $500" Axis should perform perfectly well in the 1,000-yard match.

-The Social Regressive