The Savage Axis XP in .308 Winchester is a popular choice for hunters and target shooters alike, offering excellent value for its price. However, many owners find that a few strategic upgrades can significantly enhance the rifle's accuracy, reliability, and overall shooting experience. This guide dives deep into the most impactful Savage Axis 308 upgrades, helping you transform your rifle into a precision machine.
Stock Upgrades: Improving Accuracy and Ergonomics
The factory stock is a common starting point for upgrades. While functional, it often lacks the rigidity and adjustability needed for optimal accuracy and comfort.
Replacing the Stock: A Foundation for Improvement
Upgrading to a higher-quality stock is one of the most noticeable Savage Axis 308 upgrades. A stiffer stock reduces flex during recoil, leading to improved accuracy. Consider these factors when choosing a replacement:
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Material: Synthetic stocks are durable and weather-resistant. High-quality polymer stocks offer excellent stiffness at a reasonable price. Wooden stocks can be aesthetically pleasing but are more susceptible to damage from the elements and can be more expensive.
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Adjustability: Stocks with adjustable cheek rests and length-of-pull (LOP) allow for a customized fit, improving comfort and consistency.
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Weight: A heavier stock can help reduce felt recoil, but this can negatively impact maneuverability. Find a balance that suits your shooting style and needs.
Case Study: A shooter upgraded their Savage Axis stock from the factory model to a Boyd's Tacticool stock. They reported a significant improvement in accuracy, particularly at longer ranges, due to the increased rigidity of the new stock.
Adding a Stock Pack: For Enhanced Comfort and Stability
Adding accessories to your existing stock, such as a recoil pad or cheek rest, can significantly improve the shooting experience without the cost and effort of a complete stock replacement.
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Recoil Pads: A thicker recoil pad helps absorb recoil, reducing muzzle jump and making follow-up shots easier. Look for pads made from high-density materials for maximum effectiveness.
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Cheek Risers: A cheek riser adjusts the height of your cheek weld, improving sight alignment and reducing strain on your neck. Adjustable cheek rests offer more versatility.
Trigger Upgrades: Enhanced Control and Precision
The factory trigger on the Savage Axis can feel somewhat gritty and heavy. A trigger upgrade is often considered one of the most impactful Savage Axis 308 upgrades, providing a crisp, clean break for improved accuracy.
Trigger Job: A DIY Option for Budget-Conscious Shooters
For those comfortable with gunsmithing, performing a trigger job can be a cost-effective way to improve the trigger's feel. However, this requires careful attention to detail and a good understanding of firearm mechanics. Improperly performed trigger jobs can be dangerous.
Aftermarket Triggers: Ready-to-Install Solutions
Numerous aftermarket triggers are designed specifically for Savage rifles. These offer a range of adjustable features, such as pull weight and overtravel, allowing for a customized trigger pull. Popular brands include Timney, Rifle Basix, and others. Replacing the factory trigger with a well-regarded aftermarket trigger is a substantial upgrade.
Note: Always consult your local gun laws and regulations before undertaking any firearm modifications.
Barrel Upgrades: Improving Accuracy and Consistency
While the factory barrel is perfectly adequate for many shooters, an upgrade can lead to marked improvements in accuracy.
Barrel Upgrades for the Discerning Shooter
Upgrading the barrel is a more significant undertaking, requiring more tools and potentially gunsmithing skills. This isn't a simple DIY project. However, a match-grade barrel will drastically change the rifle's potential for accuracy. Consider these aspects:
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Barrel Material: High-quality stainless steel barrels are known for their durability and accuracy. Some high-end barrels are made from chromoly steel for even greater accuracy.
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Barrel Profile: Different barrel profiles offer varying degrees of weight and heat dissipation. Heavier barrels tend to be more accurate, but they can also increase the weight of your rifle. A medium or heavy profile is generally recommended for accuracy improvements in a .308 Savage Axis.
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Barrel Length: A longer barrel will generally increase muzzle velocity and accuracy, but it also increases the overall length and weight of the rifle.
Scope Mounting and Optics: Seeing is Believing
The right scope and mounting system are crucial for accuracy.
Scope Mounts: A Solid Foundation for Accuracy
A high-quality scope mount ensures your scope remains securely attached to your rifle. Consider mounts made from steel or aluminum for durability and rigidity.
Choosing a Scope: Matching Your Needs
The choice of scope depends on your intended use. For hunting, a variable-power scope with a wide field of view is beneficial. For target shooting, a fixed-power scope with a high magnification might be preferred.
Remember to consider features like glass clarity, eye relief, and reticle type when making your selection. The scope should match your intended use. A powerful scope on a hunting rifle might not be practical. Likewise, a low-power hunting scope might not be accurate enough for target shooting.
Ammunition Selection: Finding the Right Load
The accuracy of your Savage Axis is also dependent on the quality of your ammunition.
Ammunition Considerations for Your Savage Axis
Experimentation with different ammunition brands and types can reveal which loads your specific rifle shoots most accurately. This will also help you learn your rifle's unique characteristics.
Conclusion: Maximizing Your Savage Axis XP 308 Performance
Upgrading your Savage Axis XP .308 doesn't necessarily mean breaking the bank. By focusing on key areas like the stock, trigger, and optics, you can significantly improve your rifle's accuracy, reliability, and overall shooting experience. Remember to research each upgrade thoroughly and choose components that meet your needs and budget. With the right upgrades, your Savage Axis can become a truly exceptional rifle.