Rifle Battle: Savage Axis 2 vs. Ruger American Gen II

I picked up a Ruger American bolt-action rifle for lower than $300, and I wasn’t alone. Ruger’s line of American rifles has been among the many hottest budget-friendly rifles of the final decade, and 1000’s of children will get up on December twenty fifth to unwrap the up to date American Era II.

Both that, or they may discover themselves with one other wildly in style funds rifle, a Savage Axis. The Axis was additionally the beneficiary of a facelift in recent times, and the corporate claims the Axis 2 is all-new, redesigned, and prepared for the sector.

Each the American Gen II and the Axis 2 have a well-deserved repute for strong efficiency at an especially reasonably priced worth. However in case you’re a budget-conscious hunter searching for a brand new rifle, or the mother or father of a younger hunter who could or could not take to the sector, which one do you have to select? Maintain studying, and you’ll resolve for your self.

Barrel Contour: Medium

Barrel Fluting: Spiral

Barrel Size: 20″

Barrel Threaded: Sure

Thread Sample: 5/8″-24

Twist: 1:8″ RH

Capability: 3

Journal Sort: AI-Fashion

Sights: None-Picatinny Scope Base

Weight: 6.5 lb.

Total Size: 41.25″

Size of Pull: 12″ – 13.75″

Set off: Marksman

Set off Adjustable: Sure

Set off Pull Drive: 3-5 lbs

Barrel Contour: Sporter

Barrel Size: 22″

Barrel Threaded: No

Price of Twist: 1:8″ RH

Journal Capability: 4

Feed Sort: Removable Field Journal

Scope Bases: 2 Piece, Weaver Fashion

Weight: 6.6 lbs

Total Size: 42.5″

Inventory Pull Size: 13.75″ (34.93 cm)

AccuTrigger: Sure

Set off Adjustable: Sure

Set off Pull Drive: 2.5-6 lbs

The Ruger American Gen II is costlier (extra on that beneath), and also you’ll see from the spec sheet that it has extra to supply. Whether or not that further price is value it, nevertheless, is a unique story. Each rifles are within the $400 to $600 vary, and each the American and Axis strains have been billed as budget-friendly. For that cause, I believe the matchup isn’t too apples-to-oranges.

As with Caliber Battles, I’ll cowl a wide range of classes that make a superb looking rifle and select a winner in every. The rifle with essentially the most wins might be declared the general winner, although as with all issues gun-related, the perfect rifle for you relies on greater than what gun nerds say on the Web. Finally, I wish to offer you as a lot data as attainable and allow you to make your individual resolution.

For extra data on the American Gen II, take a look at Ruger’s product web page right here or purchase one from Scheels right here. For extra data on the Axis 2, take a look at Savage’s product web page right here or purchase one from Scheels right here. Massive because of Scheels for sending us the rifles for this assessment.

The bolt on the Ruger American is a single piece of chrome steel, and the three-lug design and 70-degree throw doesn’t supply a lot resistance when opening and shutting.

The Savage, then again, options the corporate’s two-lug floating bolt head, which they are saying promotes accuracy. Which will or might not be true, however I did discover that unlocking the bolt requires noticeably extra pressure than the Ruger. It sticks simply previous to opening, the smaller bolt deal with was much less comfy to carry, and the longer throw was typically awkward to function with a scope.

Three-lug Ruger (left) vs. Savage’s two-lug “floating bolt head” (proper).

I did respect that the Savage’s journal was steel (versus Ruger’s plastic magazine), and that it held 4 rounds of 6.5 Creedmoor reasonably than three. As a hunter, I additionally like that the Axis managed to squeeze an extra spherical within the magazine with out protruding from the underside of the gun, because the American does.

Savage four-round magazine (prime) vs. Ruger three-round magazine (backside).

However with regards to the motion, clean biking is the final word take a look at, which is why this spherical goes to the Ruger.

Winner: Ruger American Gen II

The barrel is without doubt one of the most noticeable variations between these rifles, and the one you favor relies on what you worth. For those who worth bullet velocity, the Savage is the way in which to go. As you possibly can see within the velocity knowledge within the “Accuracy” part, the Savage’s 22-inch barrel provides about 80 feet-per-second (fps) of muzzle velocity to a 6.5 Creed bullet in comparison with the Ruger’s 20-inch barrel. What’s extra, it provides these feet-per-second with out rising the rifle’s general weight because of the Sporter contour.

If, nevertheless, you worth warmth dissipation and a muzzle gadget, the Ruger is your cup of tea. The aim of these spiral flutes on the barrel is to avoid wasting weight whereas giving the barrel a heavier contour. Heavier barrels are likely to deal with warmth higher than lighter barrels and are extra constant even after lengthy firing strings. The American’s barrel can also be threaded and comes with a muzzle brake, which gives out-of-the-box suppressor compatibility, and the 20-inch barrel is helpful within the woods and the looking blind. That’s particularly good in case you’re utilizing a 7- or 8-inch suppressor.

I are likely to fall in that latter camp–I’d reasonably have higher maneuverability and suppressor compatibility than 80 fps of velocity–which is why this spherical additionally goes to the Ruger.

Winner: Ruger American Gen II

For manufacturing unit rifles at this worth level, each triggers are glorious. Every arrived from the manufacturing unit set at 3.5 kilos, which I didn’t really feel any want to regulate. If I did wish to make any changes, the Savage AccuTrigger would supply a larger vary than the Ruger Marksman set off (2.5 – 6 lbs. vs. 3 – 5 lbs.). However since each might be adjusted all the way down to about three kilos, I don’t see any cause to knock both. A mother or father may want the Savage’s heavier, six-pound set off for a younger hunter, however I might advise training with a lighter set off over hoping a heavier set off will stop unintentional firings.

Subjectively talking, I wasn’t in a position to detect any distinction between these two triggers. The break on each is clear and constant, and if I ever missed with these rifles, the set off isn’t the place I’d place the blame. The Savage could have had a slight quantity of overtravel (motion after the break), nevertheless it was so small I went forwards and backwards on whether or not to even point out it.

There’s a vital distinction between these rifles with regards to the protection mechanisms. Each function a set off blade, however the Ruger gives a 3 place security whereas the Savage solely options two positions. The Ruger might be set in order that the set off and the bolt is locked, the bolt can transfer however the set off can’t be pulled, and in a firing place. The Savage’s two-position security retains the set off from firing, nevertheless it permits the bolt to maneuver. This lets the hunter extract a spherical from the chamber with out taking the rifle off “Secure,” however it could additionally permit the bolt to be by accident unlocked.

Ruger three-position security (prime) vs. Savage two-position security (backside).

Each safeties are ambidextrous and simple to function, however I at all times want a security that retains the bolt from opening within the subject. For that cause, despite the fact that each triggers are glorious, this spherical additionally goes to the Ruger.

Winner: Ruger American Gen II

The inventory on the Savage is, frankly, a bit of misleading. It seems like it may be adjusted for size of pull and comb peak, however it might probably’t do both. While you take away the recoil pad, you discover that what seems to be a detachable part is linked to the remainder of the inventory.

The Ruger, then again, might be adjusted for each comb peak and size of pull, although it requires the acquisition of separate comb risers. The size of pull might be considerably decreased by eradicating the included spacer, which is nice for smaller hunters.

I don’t know that every one the deep cutouts on the Ruger inventory supply that a lot profit within the subject, however the stippling offers a pleasant grip floor with out going overboard. The Savage inventory is clean and has that Tupperware really feel that I bear in mind on the primary era of American shares. I don’t know what Ruger did, however this Gen II model feels fairly a bit extra sturdy.

Most significantly, the American inventory options two V-block bedding pillars that give the motion a strong, constant level of contact with the inventory and scale back motion and flexing when firing.

The V-block bedding system on the Ruger American.

The Savage inventory additionally has steel pillars (together with a steel recoil lug), however they’re embedded within the inventory. This enables the motion to be cinched down tight however doesn’t supply that constant level of contact alongside the perimeters of the motion.

It is also value noting that the Savage’s recessed entrance sling stud does not permit a bipod to be connected if it attaches to the sling stud. That may sound like a minor element till you contemplate the way to mount a bipod (trace: there aren’t a ton of excellent choices).

Winner: Ruger American Gen II

The Ruger American continues its dominant efficiency on this class as nicely with chamberings in much less widespread and newfangled cartridges just like the 7mm PRC and 22 ARC:

Winner: Ruger American Gen II

For those who’re a fan of the Axis line of rifles, you’ve been clamoring for me to cowl this level. Whereas earlier generations of Ruger American rifles may compete with the Axis on the counter, this era prices fairly a bit extra (no less than, comparatively talking).

The MSRP on the Ruger American Gen II is $729. What you’ll pay on the gun retailer is at all times considerably lower than the MSRP, and I believe that’s very true for a rifle with a repute as a funds gun. Scheels cuts over $100 from the MSRP and gives the American Gen II for $599. The Axis, against this, can normally be had for $499 however as of this writing Scheels is promoting it for $399.

That $100-$200 distinction holds true at most massive retailers. Sportsman’s Warehouse sells the Ruger for $599 and the Axis for $449. Hinterland Outfitters has a Ruger American in 6.5 Creed for $570 and an Axis 2 for $438, and Cabela’s gives the Ruger for $599 and the Savage for $439.

Increasing your search past the large retailers enables you to entry a wider worth vary. For those who aren’t choosy about cartridge, you’ll find a Ruger American Gen II on GunBroker for nearer to $530. It’s attainable to discover a Savage Axis 2 for lower than $400, nevertheless it seems like most costs land about the place the large retailers put it.

The left-brained of us are going to hate this class, however as I’ve written earlier than, how a gun seems is extra vital to us than we typically prefer to admit. Nonetheless, I’ll acknowledge that that is essentially the most subjective class, so nobody ought to take my opinion because the gospel fact.

I wouldn’t name both of those rifles a stunner. They each depart from the normal bolt-action looking rifle look, and their polymer shares are clunky and utilitarian. However the Ruger seems prefer it’s making an attempt too arduous. The off-color cheek riser, the heavy stippling, the fluted barrel, and the muzzle brake all serve vital capabilities, however they don’t meld collectively right into a single entity. The Savage can also be utilitarian, however its simplicity is a degree in its favor, no less than on this class.

Each of those rifles weigh about 6.5 kilos, so each are simple to shoulder and hearth from a standing place. The set off on every is clear and constant, which makes it simpler to hit pictures from awkward subject positions.

The muzzle brake on the Ruger does what all muzzle brakes do–it reduces recoil and muzzle rise, nevertheless it additionally makes the gun extremely loud. Whilst I appreciated the power to see my hits within the scope, I needed to double up on ear safety throughout testing. The Savage was extra nice to shoot however undoubtedly produced extra felt recoil. For those who took the Ruger into the sector, some form of ear safety is a should.

The Ruger’s motion was sooner to cycle, because of its enlarged bolt deal with, quick throw, and inherent smoothness. The Savage reliably extracted spent brass and loaded a brand new cartridge, however I minimize my fingers on the scope making an attempt to boost the bolt. Utilizing a unique scope may resolve that drawback, nevertheless it’s one thing to remember.

Since eradicating the muzzle gadget would resolve my solely actual criticism in regards to the Ruger, this spherical goes to the American.

Winner: Ruger American Gen II

Everybody desires premium-rifle accuracy at budget-rifle costs. Typically, you get fortunate, and people fortunate ones get posted to gun boards. More often than not, you don’t, and your funds rifle shoots 1-2-inch teams at 100 yards. That’s completely regular, and what I used to be anticipating out of those two firearms.

Ammo
140g PH
130g ET
120g Copper
140g Match

Common Group (in)
1.5
1.1
1.7
1.2

Small Group (in)
1.2
0.9
1.3
0.9

Common Velocity (fps)
2668
2577
2805
2594

Ammo
140g PH
130g ET
120g Copper
140g Match

Common Group (in)
2.8
2.2
1.4
2.3

Small Group (in)
2
1.1
1.1
1.5

Common Velocity (fps)
2649
2757
2888
2673

4 three-shot teams have been shot from 100 yards with every sort of ammo, and velocities have been recorded utilizing a Garmin Xero C1 Professional chronograph.

One of many Ruger’s higher teams.

I used to be extra stunned at how nicely the Ruger did than on the Savage’s poor efficiency. I’ve examined Axis rifles earlier than, to not point out different budget-friendly weapons, and that is normally the way it goes. They are usually choosy about ammo. This Axis 2 seems to want lighter bullets, and almost posted a one-inch group with Sig’s 120-grain all-copper projectiles. If I had bought this rifle for myself, I might accumulate one other three or 4 choices utilizing 120-grain bullets and see if I may discover one thing it actually favored.

The Ruger bucked the budget-rifle pattern by taking pictures 120-, 130-, and 140-grain bullets all pretty nicely. It particularly favored these 130-grain growth tip and these 140-grain match bullets, nevertheless it dealt with the 120-grain all-copper and 140-grain Accubond bullets simply advantageous.

Ruger ran away with this class, however I’ll supply this caveat to these trying to buy both rifle. The factor about lower-cost rifles is that you simply by no means know precisely what you’re going to get. Your Ruger American Gen II may shoot worse. Your Savage Axis may shoot higher. Learn different gun evaluations to get a bigger knowledge pattern, and don’t essentially take my outcomes with these particular rifles as consultant.

Winner: Ruger American Gen II

The Savage Axis 2 comes with a considerably lighter price ticket than the Ruger (30% lighter in some instances), and I don’t wish to undersell that. For many individuals, $150 is the distinction between seeing that lengthy, slim field beneath the tree and staying inside subsequent deer season. If that’s you, get the Axis. It’s completely usable, and you’ll find ammo able to taking deer on the distances most individuals hunt.

However if in case you have a bit of further within the ol’ funds, the Ruger American Gen II is the way in which to go. It gives higher options and efficiency whereas staying (barely) within the funds rifle class. For that cause, the American Gen II takes the general nod.

Total Winner: Ruger American Gen II