I thought it might be, I also have the Approach gen 1 in 6.5cm and it shoots sub half moa with Gold Medal 140/130gr and Prime 130gr ammo. Great for shooting from a blind but at 11lbs it gets heavy stalking your game.
The weight restriction in idaho, if nobody has clarified, is 16lbs with everything scope sling and ammo. If it's over, you can't big game with it. The weight restriction is for big game only
Re: Savage Axis I have one and live in Oregon. Very wet here. Yes, the steel is produced at a lower price point and can rust more easily than others. But with a bit of simple care, this is easy to avoid. Odie's Oil on the outside. Tri-Flow on the inside. Good to go. 9 years on mine and still looks great.
I would assume this same advice applies to the axis 2? i was looking at getting one for my first hunting rifle and i would love to know proper maintenance. In arizona there isnt usually much moisture but better safe than sorry
@@EliCarlton axis 2 just means it’s has the accutrigger there’s nothing different about the way the rifle is made. I’ve found Break Free CLP and Birchwood Casey Barricade both work well at protecting less expensive firearm finishes.
Looking at a CVS Cascade in 6.5prc (owned or partnered with Savage) because it comes Ceracoated which should be an extra layer against corrosion. I have two blued Savage rifles because they have excellent accuracy for very little $$$ and they've both given me outstanding durability.
I use electronic hearing protection for hunting with my brake. Living in the PROC (Calif) we can't have suppressors and I was amazed at the diff it made when shooting 300 WM with a brake. You can find electronic hearing protection relatively affordably now and we (my hunting buddies and me) can communicate just fine before and after the shot. I make folks with me aware before getting into a shooting situation if I know they don't have hearing protection. Wearing hearing protection is good habit to get into anyway and with the right set, they enhance hearing also. I've just gotten in the habit of making sure I have them with me along with fresh batteries whenever I go hunting. If you make it as habitual as making sure you have ammo, it shouldn't be a problem. Brakes are effective, they just have to be accommodated for.
Im a South African and I live in limpopo near Kruger. I hunt with a suppressor, always. The biggest reason is that we often try take off multiple animals in a day, because I live in a hunting area I just drive where I need to go for day hunts, instead of going on a multi day trip. The suppressed rifle doesn't have the same impact in terms of making other game skittish as an unsuppressed rifle, making it easier to harvest more game in a shorter period of time. That being said, I still like to walk and stalk with my electronic muffs, over years of shooting my hearing has deteriorated, and with the electronic muffs turned up to full volume it amplifies any little noise I make while on a stalk, helping me stay more quiet
@CamaroZ28Nut3 man that sucks... that's a lot like what we have to do in order to buy a firearm in South Africa. Each individual firearm that you own has to be licensed, and that license has to be applied for every time, and that process usually takes 6 months. They're also usually double the price here. I bought a .22 lr for my daughter in January, I'm still waiting for feedback on the license application. We're also limited to 4 firearms per person, unless you go through the process to become a dedicated hunter or dedicated sports shooter, and then you still have to motivate for why you need each firearm that you apply for
@CamaroZ28Nut3 Here in the UK it's portrayed as almost rude not to have a sound moderator (or suppressor in US) on your rifle. Has to be added to your firearms license.
I’m personally a fan of the muzzle brake . I understand your reasoning, but where I live suppressors are not an option. The recoil reduction/ spotting of your shot easily outweighs the minor annoyance of wearing hearing protection. I actually think that modern electronic hearing protection is an advantage when hunting if you get the right equipment. Great channel, love the content 👍
@@virtuaguyverify for pure recoil reduction, a muzzle brake will always be more effective. One device is expelling gas while the other is capturing it. A Magnum rifle that produces heavy recoil is much more enjoyable to shoot with a good muzzle brake.
@virtuaguyverify none of my cars or bikes have mufflers. Loud and proud baby. I shoot and it has a loud bang that's fun. If I wanted silence I'd use a bow.
I got a Christensen ranger and it had same problem. I sent it in and they took care of it. Now it’s my favorite squirrel rifle. Extremely accurate and easy to shoot
@@briansmith2616 I also have a Mesa in 300 win mag and a ridgeline fft in 280 AI. Both shoot well under an inch with the right loads. I have had no issues with them at all. Some of my favorite rifles
Agree, had very poor extraction on mine. Christensen sent a return label and had it repaired and returned ASAP with a free magazine. Runs great now, super accurate rifle. Love it and have restored faith in CA.
Any idea what’s causing the issues with the Rangers? Like what Christensen is fixing/replacing when they go back? I’m glad they’re making them right but it’s a shame they couldn’t have done that to rifles before they were put on store shelves
@@scotteger6271 I believe the issue was to do with the way the extractor held onto the rim but the bolt mechanics would knock the empty off the extractor most of the time and it would stay in the chamber.i believe they fixed the issue with a few replacement parts. I’m guessing since it was one of their early runs those issues have all been sorted out but don’t know that for sure. I have been looking at the 22 mag version and would not hesitate to buy it personally. I own three of their rifles the 22, a 280ai fft Ridgeline, and a 300 win mag Mesa. All shoot fantastic.
Pretty sure you were talking about me with the 6.5 PRC ;) Thanks! Yes, if I had your experience with the Patriot, I would never get another one. You brought up a great point about it being the .308. I have had some others I know have the same problem with the .308 and 30-06. For my 6.5 PRC I did take the Patriot out of the factory stock and I found a small plastic pillar at the end of the stock that rests under the barrel. I can only imagine that you think it is free floated but every time you shoot, you are hitting that plastic pillar. That can't be good. After I put it in an MDT Oryx Chassis, I'm a constant 1/2 MOA with Precision Hunter and Match ammo. So if you have a Mossberg Patriot or Predator, take it out of the stock and check it!
AR in .223 is endlessly wonderful for coyote. I was hunting with a 123gr Hornady Black in my 6.5 Grendel. That heavy buggar was launching right through them… I swapped out for my .223 and I was dropping them like flies!
I've shot a bunch of coyotes with my AR-15 in 5.56 and I've never had one run off. And I've made some poor shots in my day. I shoot the cheapest 55 gr fmj ammunition too. I've shot javelina, whitetail, mule deer, feral hogs, jack rabbits, foxes, bobcats and never hit one that got away.
You are the reason I picked up a Kimber Montana.280AI and I must say, I think it will quickly become a favorite. Topped with a 2-10 VX5HD and Leupokd Backcountry ring mounts to keep weight down. Very nice pointing gun
@@jayoutdoors1534 you do you, but you would be severely undergunned for Mule Deer, Pronghorn, Elk etc on an out west hunt. Save that for the PA deer woods.
For your Mossbergs, try pulling a dollar bill between the barrel and down the length of the stock. If it binds or is tough going, you may need to free-float your barrel. Had that happen with my Remington (.308) and I sanded out the stock a little and it went from all over the paper to an absolute nail driver. Read it in an Outdoor life article circa 1990 and it worked for me. Who knows, they may go from a shelf gun to one that gets used a lot.
The Mossbergs don't shoot .308 or 7mm08 very well for some reason. I've seen othe calibers do great. The new 7mm prc in Mossberg is a tack driver .75 and under all day.
Personally my favorite AR-15 hunting caliber is 6.5 Grendel. When you can find ammo or powder or primers of course, which is almost never. After almost 4 years of this craziness my supply has finally run out so no more Grendel shooting for me 😢. Looks like .223 is the only choice left until manufacturers realize they've saturated the market with it and can finally start making other calibers in bulk. Interesting video. I only have one bolt action rifle (Savage 116 .30-06 Weather Warrior) and it was considered a "cheap" rifle at the time. I wish I had the new style stock on mine but it's still a great rifle and very accurate until the barrel gets too hot. Not really a problem when hunting.
The US and NATO ( the real NWO) is transitioning to the 6.8 SPC, they have already reduced 5.56 production at some plants. This will effectively limit civilian 5.56 within the next few years and will dry up eventually. It’s by design, no accidents when it comes to limiting resources.
They are all cheap production rifles. All copying rem 700 that isn't great. All production rifles are a gamble. Some like Tikka are basically zero risk gamble.
Agreed. I had one from 1943. Someone did a great job of sporterizing it, except for the stadard mil trigger. I justgot used to it, and it was a tack driver.
I had an Axis in .223 for awhile. It was a tack driver, and while I didnt much trust whatever the metal finish was, it seemed to soak up oil. Well oiled it survived a few Canadian winters behind the seat of my service truck without rusting. I've never really bonded with any cheap plastic rifle, so it eventually got sold. I wouldnt take it on a backcountry hunt, but it would for sure survive the average back-40 type deer hunt.
Krylon or Rust oleum is your friend:) I know some people wont paint a gun. Especially an expensive one. I have a Tikka T3 in 7mm08 which I have had for 15 years give or take. I got out the green and tan and went to town. I also took a 2 inch piece of piccattiny rail and JB welded it on the front left of the forend. I did that so before I got into NV and Thermal for pig hunting I could put a green Streamlight light on it. It works great but I have moved on from it for pigs but do deer hunt with it. If the game warden ever checks it he may question my hunting because it looks like a poacher setup:) After all that my answer to the Axis problem would be paint paint and more paint:)
AR15 16" 6ARC with 1-10× is my primary Hunting Rig for East Coast Deer and Hoggs . Q Mega Fix is 300 WSM is what I want to get once it comes out . They are gonna be coming out with Mega and Proper Fix Rifle . Mega is gonna be based off 300WM Size Cartridge and Proper is gonna be based off 375 Size Cartridge..
I have had great experiences with multiple caliber on the axis ! From 243 to 6.5 creedmoor the scope is the trick ! I use sig buck master scope and get great results even a 300 yard shot on a coyote with 243 Many deer with the 223 but I usually break that out after I killed a buck with my TC 6.5 or 30/30.. I use 223 for doe and small stuff
The bushnell it comes with on the cheaper ones is mediocre, I did notice mine (270) seems to prefer hornady interlocks, it has a vortex diamondback on it now.
Try a little "Red Oil" on your cheap matte blue finish to keep it from rusting. I've been using it for nearly 20 years as a post treatment for parkerizing. I have two Savage precision carbines that were matte blued and just didn't look right in the camo stocks with a matte blue finish so I parkerized them brefore I even fired them. My friend has an Axis with the same matte blue finish. Red oil is an old recipie that my buddy learned when was in the National Guard Marksmanship Training Unit small arms shop several decades ago. It is 3 quarts automatic transmission fluid (red F type), 1 quart 10W or 30W non-detergent motor oil, 1 pint STP oil treatment and 4 ounces Hoppe's #9. The stuff is an amazing lube and an awesome preservative on rough finishes like matte blue or parkerizing. As for the accuracy of the precision carbines or the Savage Axis is amazing, so Red Oil the barrel and let it rain.
Timestamps: 0:23 - Franchi Momentum 1:56 - Mossberg Patriot 3:25 - Christensen Ranger 5:41 - Bergara? 6:37 - Savage Axis 7:39 - Browning X Bolt Pro 9:07 - AR-15 in .223 10:24 - Muzzlebrakes While I agree with most of this, the Browning shouldn't be on this list. He complained about the trigger, which is easy to lower the weight of, and shooting a 28 Nosler without even a brake? Should've used a handy, short suppressor, and 7mm PRC is better anyway. Great video!
On the muzzle break topic. I run a Mossberg Patriot (one of the few ones that can actually group decently) chambered in .450 bushmaster. I put a muzzle break on it to help lighten the recoil as that caliber does tend to beat you around a little bit after a few shots. I've only ever shot it with ear pro on. But this past fall, I was lucky enough to use it to drop a whitetail Doe. Double lung and blew through the arteries at the top of the heart. She ran all of 40 yards and piled up but I couldn't hear her crash because. Well. I couldn't hear shit. It's a loud rifle with the muzzle break on it. Might be looking into getting a suppressor if I can find one that'll fit it instead just because when you are out in the woods and you take a shot. Being able to hear an animal go down is a huge advantage.
I have the Ruger American ranch in .450 bm. Thought it was loud & obnoxious even with plugs and muffs. When my rugged obsidian .45 cleared jail I put it on the front and it totally changed my opinion of that gun. Tamed the noise and recoil and tightened the groups
Savage axis in 308 here. Got it on sale from a local hardware store for right about $320 out the door, I don't have a problem with rusting because I painted mine with Rust-Oleum camo paint top to bottom. Shoots sub MOA out to 600yd. (the longest range my local club offers) Ps. I haven't made a single shot on any game animal past 300yd
Just bought one of these two, I paid about 620$ for the savage axis 2 XP in 308, right out the box it has to have been sighted because I was hitting 1 inch groups at 125 yards. Took out a 310 lb black bear start of September with it! No rust issues to speak of but my Guns are always stored in a gun bag indoors so not sure if it really could rust or not.
I got a Franchi Momentum 300 win mag, muzzle brake & Vortex scope in 2020 @ Gamaliel Shooting Supply. I hate synthetic stalks but it felt amazing. The action stood out. Another thing that impressed me was that Franchi listed the factory ammo tested on the chart in the box (Hornady Precision Hunter 200 grain). When I got home, I set up my table (2 metal sawhorses w/ plywood weighted w/ 2 bags quickcrete then used 2 ratchet straps to secure lead sled to table). I fired 3 rds into ground & sat up 1st target while cooling barrel. I cleaned then fired 5 shots, then measured w/ a Mitutoyo caliber). I repeated the process above @ 200yds. Both measured just shy .70 (MOA style of measuring) which blew my mind!!!
As far as hearing protection goes, get a pair of Axil earbuds... they enhance sounds under 70 DB and don't let sounds spike above 85 DB. FANTASTIC for hunting with muzzle brakes (which are my favorite) and just hunting in general... even suppressors will ring my ears a lil
My big mistake was getting a Winchester Model 70 in .300 win mag. Great Mauser action rifle that just weighted too much with the scope. I much prefer the 30-06 cartridge for big North American game. The original US Army 30-06 specification was for a round that could bring down a cavalry horse at 1000 yards. That is more than enough power for any game I am going to shoot.
@@johnappleseed9290 if 30-06 can bring down a horse at 1000 yards it can do an elk at the same range.. Not that I would take 1000 yard shot. I would not feel comfortable beyond 300 and at that range 30-06 or.308 would do the job. I knew someone who bagged an elk with a .243 but that was headshot at 100 yards.
@@johnshepherd9676 I looked up the weight of the Winchester Model 70 and jeez I had no idea they were nearly 9lbs for the 300 win mag. The super grade atleast, I’m in the market for a rifle and that’s one helluva of artillery lol.
I appreciate you conveying your rifle experience with all of us. This will be very helpful in helping all of us pick our next rifle/caliber. Thanks! And I'm with you on hunting with the .223!
True, however not nearly ideal unless you are shooting the 80lb does that so many Texans think represent the species countrywide. For those,, I use a 218 Bee or a pellet gun. You happy now suemeade, I agree with you!
My kids mossberg patriot youth model in 6.5 cm wouldn’t shoot anything above 130 gn. And now his savage axis in 308 we couldn’t get on paper until I changed the trigger spring. I didn’t realize how detrimental a 6lb trigger would be!!!! Now it’s at 2.5 and shoots just fine.
I've got 6 Axis in the collection, solely because I discovered the spring replacement early on, and the accuracy is quite impressive with most. My 6.5 Crd is the worst. I haven't found a factory load yet that it completely agrees with. But everything else dials nicely and gives me great confidence in my shooting. I've doubled on prairie dogs out to 525yds... with an Axis! I expand holes @100yds with my 30-06. I won't brag about the creep, or the Savage "scratch," but the softer spring really yields a great improvement at a low cost. I've also shimmed the trigger to reduce the "scratch." I will say this too, every Axis that I've put an aftermarket stock on, has shot better than the factory stock. The most noticeable was in the 22-250, turning it from discouraging to deadly.
Great points, explanations, and insights! I love muzzle brakes, but after a few hunts with my favorite muzzle brake, I certainly understand your reasoning. More reasoning now for me to bite the bullet purchasing a suppressor. Thanks for sharing!
As a savage owner, I've owned three, and he's bang on with the rust, I had a older savage edge, and pretty much every time I took it out on a wet day I had to oil it after or it would rust. And yes the scopes are definitely cheap. Rhat being said, it always put the bullet where I wanted it to. So I tolerated it. Side note Yes coyotes are a tough animal to knock down with a small fast caliber, shot placement needs to be 150% accurate
As a Canadian, suppressors being prohibited, and owning a Christensen Arms Mesa in 300 win mag, I’d only shoot it with a brake as my set up weighs less than 7.5 lb. So for me, I’m looking for threaded muzzles and or brakes on rifles when I am shopping for another long action
I must agree with you for the savage axis. I own one in 6.5 creedmore with a great scope, a Boyd at-one stock and it group within 2inches at 300yards, it's an inexpensive rifle with no recoil for beginners but damn I brought it at North of 53th parallel as a small lightweight rifle and just from the light snowing from one day the barrel started to rust. None of my other guns ever rusted, even my cheap 22lr that I don't take that much care of
Yeah that's no good. I bought a Remington 783 in 30-06 a couple years back and it was around the same price as the Savage Axis in .308. I almost bought the Savage, but I'm glad I just stuck with buying the Remington. Never had the rusting issue, accurate gun, and I love the accutrigger it has.
I be seen 2 at shooting range. One was brand new,guy was trying to sight in. It would not extract shot cartridge reliably. The other one was so bad at 100 yds,could barely get 5 rounds in 6 inch circle.
Great reviews. I agree with you overall on the 223 BUT what I’ve found with the 223 is the ammo of choice is the world!! Barns TSX 55 grain is the bomb for that rifle!! No coyote run offs!! Love the reviews. Thanks again.
Absolutely. I was about to write the same thing. Ammo and shot placement will prevent run offs. Several coyote hunters in out area started using a higher power cartridge this season to prevent run offs.... the result was a similar percentage of run offs. Use a quality projectile and hit them in the correct spot and there won't be many, if any runners.
223 with 77 TMK will quickly kill deer, elk ,bear ,moose out to 400 yards plus. And do so with absolute authority. And EVERYONE SHOOTS LESS RECOIL BETTER! EVERYONE! Bullet matter FAR more than what the headstamps says. 77tmk creates larger permanent wound channels than harder ,tough ,FUDD bullets from much larger cartridges.
I got the browning x-bolt mountain pro in 300win with the recoil hog brake and I love it. It’s a tack driver! Trigger is good and very fun to shoot. My 11 y/o neph was having no problem with the recoil. One of my favorite guns. It was expensive but it met all my expectations
Yea I dunno he complains about the xbolt triggers all the time…I’ve had several and still have a few and all of my triggers have been just fine…some of my smallest groups have been shot with standard composite xbolts
I've never hunted with ear pro, but if you did why would you not use battery powered ear pro and fix all of the problems you just stated? you can hear amazing but shots will be suppressed to your ears.
Very good and honest information and I thank you for providing that. I find the inclusion of the Bergara Approach to be without merit only because the rifle is just as it is advertised at approximately 8.5lb bare and performs above reasonable expectations. If the title of the episode is "7 Rifles I wouldn't trust on a hunt", that lends me to believe there is a reliability or performance deficiency with these rifles. The Approach is heavy, and advertised as such, and it seems you subjectively prefer less weight, which is fine, but that doesn't equate to a problem on the rifle's part, as the title of the episode would suggest. Not to brow beat you, again you put on a great show with Backfire, just offering some feedback from one viewer's perspective.
Mossberg Patriot 30-06 synthetic stock I bought when it first came out in 2015. I adjusted the trigger to 2lbs pull. I got 3/4 in group at 100 yards using the scope that it came with.The ammo was Remington core 185 grain. I paid $350 for it and thought it was a great purchase. Next year I shot a mule deer at 118 yards facing me. I actually shot the top of the heart it dropped where it stood. I never had any problems with accuracy. I even took it to a range that went out to over 1/2 mile. I shot 150 grain and went out to 400 yards. I was shooting 6 inch groups. The only thing I thought was very strange I didn't change the elevation. So I shot at 100 yards left to right dead center but was six inches high with the 150 grain. I haven't been able to figure it out. I probably need to sight it in again using my hunting load before I take it on a hunt. I have seen way too many videos where the rifle doesn't hold a true zero. Did I get lucky, or did Mossberg do something with the later models.
I agree with the assessment of the .223 for hunting deer. I shot a deer with a .223 when I was 13-14 years old. It did the job, BUT, there was absolutely no blood trail. It simply passed between ribs on both sides, nicking the apex of the heart and hitting both lungs. Now, had the deer not ran straight up an open trail for 70 yards before collapsing, it would have been very difficult to track. Even with that, I do k ow someone sharp enough on a scope who consistently domes his deer with a .223 every season
The problem is the volume of Christensen rifles that need to go back. Their qc is notoriously atrocious. Some people get masterpieces that shoot lights out and have no issues, but if you spend 30 seconds researching Christensen issues, you’ll see countless horror stories.
I have 2 and they are fantastic. With that, yes they can have issues and I won't deny that. I just know their warranty is great and will work with you to make it right.
Your suppressor argument (muzzle brake vs. suppressor) is fair. However, for a fraction of the price of JUST the most inexpensive suppressor (tax stamps and app fees aside), there are a great many fantastic sets of ear muffs out there to be had. As a former musician with huge governmental trust issues, hearing is as important to me as staying out of government paperwork. Even when suppressed, the report of a rifle can still damage hearing, so a good set of muffs isn't a bad idea.
I had a brand new 10/22 and hated it. Never could fix feeding anf stove pipe cases. Tried all the mods. Sold it, bought a 25 year old Marlin 60 22LR and it fired everything perfect. Get one of those for hunting and for the kids to learn on.
My 10/22 has many issues from feeding to extraction and stove piping. My grandfather's Glenfield Model 25 (Marlin "value" brand) shoots everything without issue, just gotta adjust POA/POI when necessary.
I’m not a fan of the newer 10/22s. It seems like they have cheapened over the years. I had a mid 90s model that I put an aftermarket barrel on that ate tens of thousands of rounds no problem. I bought a newer one and didn’t have issues, but it felt “clunky”
@davessparetime83 Not sure how many rounds you put through your 10/22. The ones I and friends had in the 70s and 80s were great rifles with no problems....until they had a few thousand rounds through them. The first thing to try is a new magazine. They do get worn out and loose over time. If that doesn't help, a new recoil spring and extractor from Brownells would always cure any jamming problems and they would run like a champ again. Takes all of 15 minutes to do. I made quite a bit of side money rebuilding 10/22s this way. And I am by no means a gunsmith.
Thanks for sharing about your experience. I really appreciate it. Just a note, I use a blast forwarding device on my hunting ar rifle. Can't afford a suppressor yet! ;)
I've hunted in western Oregon where being rained on multiple times a day is normal. Never had a problem with my 1893 Mauser rusting or its 4x Tasco scope fogging up. That Savage would be ruined in no time out here.
Western Washington here, you’re not entirely wrong. My axis looks like crap after 6 seasons, but it’s still a tack driver, you just gotta wipe it down with an oily rag every day
I know I am late for the party, but the Ruger American magazine problem can be easily fixed. I bought one 6 months ago and have had no problems at all with it. Love it!!!
I recently bought a browning mtn pro in 6.5. Though I like the looks of a break the same diameter as the barrel which the recoil hog is NOT, it shoots lights out and is fairly lightweight and I have forced myself to start wearing a walker game ear which helps me hear whispers and definitely helped when sitting next to my grandkids as a spotter when shooting elk.
Bought my brother a axis 2 in 308, no rust issues but we've had a lot of failures to fire. Got an updated spring for the bolt, but still seems to hang fire 1 in 10. So I've pulled it apart and cleaned up every edge possible. Still need to retest it.
In Idaho our big game rifles have to be under 16lbs will all attachments. As far as the 223 I love it but not for much beyond small varmints... Bring enough gun:)
I have never bought any of these rifles except the AR. I own two M4's, one in .223 Wylde and .50 Beowulf. The 223 will drop a coyote every single time, even with poor shot placement by a neophyte. It hits hard and is extremely accurate. A neck shot on a deer is a guaranteed "drop". It's all in the placement. The Beowulf of course is only for the largest of game (moose, bear, bison, etc.). Surprisingly ... the Beowulf is a "tack-driver" using the 350gr Hornady XTP bullet (reloads) with 100 yrd dope and energy of 2,000 ft. lbs moving at 1,800 fps.
I am a fan of a muzzle break. Reducing recoil matters for follow up shots. Most hunting situations you are only shooting a few rounds and you are directly behind the angled blast. Your friends can cover their ears.
I bought a CA Ranger last year. Wanted a CZ but they were impossible to find and the magazines were even more difficult to find. Stumbled on a Ranger at Bass Pros, liked the look, the weight and the fact it used 10/22 mags, something I had a pile of at home. I must have got the unicorn ranger because it feeds, shoots and extracts flawlessly.
You can get decent active hearing protection for $50. Super hearing allowing you to hear the deer 10 times further away while still protecting yourself when you fire. Side benefit, nature really comes alive with them and it's a lot easier to stay interested and alert.
All you need for the Browning 28 Nosler is a gunsmith trigger job and a refrigerator box flattened out on the ground to lay on and keep the muzzle blast from blowing up dust.
My AR chambered in 7.62×39 is my GO-TO for deer, wild hog, and javelins....I also use a 20" 5.56 upper for all of the same.....I've never had a problem with either caliber. The deer here are just not that big....and the secret to the 7.62 round is to use quality brass-cased ammo for accuracy and long-term reliability
First year using a tikka t3x veil camo chambered in 300win mag and the muzzle brake is awesome, the recoil is hardly a thing, and the noise doesn’t affect me much.
I also have the Christensen ranger and had all kinds of issues with feeding and ejecting. The bolt handle was loose and felt like it was going to fall off. I sent it in to them, which was also a pain in the ass they make you ship it back through an FFL, and they fixed it. For a $900 .22lr rifle I expected top quality. I will never buy Christensen arms again.
I've never seen a review of the Tikka hunting rifles by any Nth American channel. I use a stainless synthetic in .270 on Sambar deer here in Australia. Only been hunting for about about 5-6 years and I don't get out often enough. But that things lands right on point every time. Love to hear thoughts from Tikka owners in the U.S.
Tikka is the only real choice for lefties. Excellent build quality but if you put in a lot of range time you will want to upgrade to an aftermarket stock, especially in heavier calibers.
@@aldocella4947 True. I'm a lefty, (not one THOSE lefties let me be clear!) What is the issue with original stock? Had no issues so far. And if that day comes, what aftermarket brands would you suggest? Cheers
@@sambarr7826 IMO the issues were twofold: 1). Excessive felt recoil in the larger calibers, and 2) had to raise my cheek off the comb to align with the scope (and I use low mounts). I attribute this to the stocks geometry and light weight. For firing a few shots a year hunting that 's no big deal, but I do a lot of bench shooting so I replaced it with a Boyds laminate w/Limbsaver pad and it's like a whole new rifle. Groups got smaller too!
@@aldocella4947 Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like I won't have much to worry about. 3 shots maximum at a target 100-200 yards depending on where I'm hunting the day before each hunt . I take about 10 deer per year which costs me no more than 12 shots. Plus I'm only 5' 6" and about 140. Y'all should consider coming to Victoria Australia for a crack at these ghosts of the bush! There's more than one million of them out there, no season, no bag limit. But they will hone your skills and really make you think. Don't worry about our gun laws, as long as your not trying to bring in a semi auto, and your paperwork is in order, it's all good! Winter is the best time so snakes aren't a concern. Seriously guys, UA-cam Australian Sambar deer hunting! They are a very worthy target! Peace
For the savage axis rust doesn't seem like something to not take hunting. You can go the correct way and do a duracoat paint job or even just rattle can the whole thing. Both fix the rust problem.
There is a reason the 24" 7.25 lb sporter with a standard weight barrel is the standard. It's the sweet spot between consistent group sizes, enough heft for stability but not too heavy at 8-8.5 lbs scoped, yet nimble enough to carry around without undue strain. Recoil with standard cartridges is manageable, even off the bench. Barrel is long enough to keep the muzzle blast out of your face and ears. Even the 6.75 lb featherweights give up some of these attributes with skinnier barrels.
Idaho is 15 lbs on the rifle weight. I also have a 1903 Springfield 30-06 that will not accurately shoot any factory ammo I've tried to date, so off to the bench I went. I found a load that will shoot sub minute of angle at 100yds and moa at 200. Maybe that's the answer for the 308's you mentioned. I've also bought several rifles by several manufacturers from ' friends (cheap) who barely speak to me anymore because I got them to 'shoot' by developing a handload. Maybe this is your problem?
I bought the Axis 2 in 7mm-08. I have not experienced the rust issue you mention, however, you are correct on the scopes they pair it with. Absolute piece of garbage. I got lucky and found it on sale online for $249 with a $50 rebate.....so with $25 delivery fee, my cost for the rifle was ~$225. I couldn't pass it up. Used the supplied scope for a few months until it literally fell apart, then bought a Nikon for it when it was on sale. Bottom line.....excellent and accurate, and dirt cheap, and I love that trigger. I agree on the muzzle break. I had a youth hunter destroy my right ear drum with a muzzle blast ricochet on a hog hunt. That ear has been screwed up for 3 years. Upside, I know when the weather is about to go bad because it buzzes in a pressure drop!
Good show. It had a random ending felt short. An rife riding on a zipper on witch must have been a washed board. Would have massive scratches, and if it was wood it would have deep gouges. I have Christensen rifle I took hunting last fall and it was in the back of a 01 extra cab Tacoma. With another rifle with it going on ruff trails for a week. Not even a scratch on it.
I have heard those same complaints on the Ranger, I have 2 of them and they have both been great. My buddy bought one after shooting mine and his had issues, he sent it back and it has been great ever since.
Almost sounds like they use their junior apprentice gunsmiths to assemble those Ranger 22 rifles to learn on. Some very good, others not so good. I'm Glad yours is a shooter.
On the subject of muzzle brakes, sound out for the Witt Machine SME. It’s an integrated muzzle brake/blast can. It takes the edge off of both recoil and sound to the shooter. I would say that it makes my AR-15 in 7.62x39 sound and feel like my AR-15 in .223. I expect it would also render a .30-06 like a .308 and a .300 Win Mag like a .30-06. Highly recommended for any rifle that is not suppressed! I will know that I am in the market for a suppressor also. That’s really the way to go if your budget allows.
Good observations brother, my only rebuttal is the Savage Axis has phenomenal barrels. So I'm assuming your example is external rust? Not internal bore rust? Unlike a Ruger American Savage Axis barrels do not have heat deflection issues and hold groups consistently. Savage Axis in an MDT chassis holds its own with 2500$ rifles. F-class proven. My advice to any hunter it's to lubricate and manage your rifles. Especially in hunting conditions.
Tip for using the mossberg in home defense 10 yards max 😅 Went to scheel and these are low end kid rifle (the rascal) there was 5 of them and all of them have rusty barrels , while all the rest of the rifle near by barely have any brown on their barrel 😳 I would go 556 instead of 223 , if you’re shooting pass 100 yards
Bummed you have had such bad luck with the patriots. It was the first rifle I bought myself and was in 6.5 creedmoor with the wooden stock. Shot my first deer at 218 yards double lung and got my first buck at roughly 50 yards last year. I really enjoy the rifle. No doubt the ones you have are not good though. I wonder if it’s a quality control issue at mossberg or perhaps maybe something to do with the chambering. Thank you for honest and accurate reviews! I really enjoy the channel!
Mossberg won't disappoint you if minute of deer lungs is all the accuracy you ask from it, they'll do that job all day. But personally I'm a head/neck shot kind of guy, so I tend to favor Ruger, Savage, weatherby, etc. because I don't have a 6-8"kill circle I'm shooting for, it's more like 1.5-2". That said, there's nothing wrong with having something inexpensive that accomplishes what you need it to
They(Mossberg patriots/Mossberg centerfire rifles)) just hands down are one of the poorest made rifles in the budget rifles. They barely have any support how action mates to stock, and many of them break or crack in that area. The savage axis is probably the better of the cheapest end, then, Ruger A, and T/C venture if they still make them, a step up, but since Ruger As are in imaginary land prices of 500+$ range(price category they do not belong in) now, your better off with a HOWA, which is a way better built gun. I've also heard good on Rem 783 rifles. If don't mind used, some of the best deals for accuracy/money, is savage 110/10 series rifles. Often overlooked jems.
@@Hill_Billy_Without_A_Hill well put. I'm a big fan of the savage 110's and 116's, if you can handle the extra $300 or so at the time of buying they're a way better buy than any of the "budget tier" guns
@@Northwoods208 If you get on places like gunbroker, sometimes you can find used 110/10 series rifles at similar prices as "budget rifles". I've seen barely used model 11s and 10s under $400. Just got to watch.
hey man i love most of your videos but the browning xbolt pro is by far the best rifle ive shot and if you look you can find older models for 900, i have both a 30-06 and 300 win mag and i absolutely love both of them never had a problem with the trigger weight. I think your just so used to light triggers that you cant use heavier triggers anymore.
i have two savage axis in 350 legend i bought from cabelas up here in Michigan with the fancy camo stocks, and i personally haven’t had a problem with rust or accuracy. now i did put vortex SFP scopes on them and zeroed at 100yards with 180g winchester super x ammo.
My local Cabela's had an entire rack of the Savage Axis II rifles in 6.5 Creedmoor. There must have been a hundred of them, like the got a bulk price and just dropped them on the market. Like you said, scope included for $500-ish. I picked one up and it's actually the luck of the draw what you end up with. I would rank it 5 out of 10. And I noticed that the barrel was corroding just from my fingers. Not bad, but it was surprising. It was developing surface rust. So I oiled the hell out of it, and I keep the barrel wet. Not dripping, but wet. The action was a little rough until I got past the break in. When I did the first field strip cleaning I really polished/oiled up everything and now it's...passable. My range only goes out to 122 yards, so at 120 I was putting all the shots on a 10" diameter paper plate, with most in the 8" range and a few flyers. Not the best, but I am not a good shooter either. I can drop a large animal, that's about it. But my friends at my hunting club who are good shots have tried it and fared the same. The rifle just doesn't have it in itself to be accurate.
I hated my axis. The obnoxious trigger, the stock and the barrel. It was very inaccurate and 1 drop of water on the barrel and the whole thing is rusted to hell. So pretty bad blueing. Which is also the reason why most of my guns are cerakoted or stainless steel.
@@Brandenuzis Yeah, the more I use it the more I don't care for it. I actually don't mind the trigger, I have gotten used to it. But the fit/finish and trim are way low on the scale. But, it's got its purpose. There are places I won't take my nice rifles, so it has its place
I have 3 savage axis that I hunt with. They are exposed to snow, rain, anything mother nature can throw at me. I have never had an issue with rust. And they may go a week without cleaning. Just telling you my experience.
As far as a bolt action rifle the best place to start is a Mauser Model 98 action and build from that. When going this route it can be anything you can dream of. When l added it up for a trigger, barrel, chamber reamer, and stock it's sometimes cheaper to by a new gun. This action was designed to hunt the absolute most dangerous animals-man.
I absolutely love my AR platform in .223 for hunting prairie dogs and coyotes. We aren't hunting them to bring home pelts or meat, so your mileage and preferences may vary.
I have purchased 8 Savage mk2 vft's for the youth shooting sports club I manage and coach. The rust if you look at them crosswise. Constantly having to scrub them down. We're slowly getting them coated but that costs as much as the gun did.
Easier to answer which ones you would trust, with the 1000s of scope, brands on market. Look for good warranties and track records. Leupold, Burris, Tract, Primary Arms, many seem to like Vortex and Athlon. I'm not impressed with Bushnell products.
have you ever used the Kifaru gun bearer? It’s not perfect but it’s a break through piece of equipment for when you have to cover some ground, especially with a heavy rifle.
In the midwest here, a .223 ar15 is king among coyote rifles. Its also plenty capable with heavyweight bonded bullets on deer size game. Mind you, shots on deer rarely exceed 50-75 yards here. As for the ranger, they got the ejection figured out and its not an issue anymore. Id send it in and get it tuned up. I absolutely love mine, its sub moa all day with cci standards. As for brakes and hunting, another solution is electronic hearing protection. Im a huge proponent of them. I do a good bit of bird hunting and nobody wears ears due to communication. Its SUPER advantageous to have the ability to communicate and also protect your hearing at the same time.
I had the same issues with my Mossberg Patriot 308…I tried multiple types of ammo and it was all over the place…I ended up getting rid of it for something else…I hated it because it was a beautifully made rifle…
That's a shame, cause I would think a good engineer could find 5he problem and correct it without a ton of retooling. Selling a beautifully made rifle with such poor performance is a damn shame.
Nice video! I like your attitude towards the guns and pointing out that it's your personal opinion. It's unfortunate to hear about your experiences with Mossbergs. I have a .270 Patriot, and that gun shoots dead on target at 200 yards. Although my first choice to hunt whitetail is my Win 30-30 lever action, it's always nice to have a good back up, and that is my .270. I also have a Savage rifle but it hasn't gotten wet so I can't relate to that issue, yet.
Sorry guys. Forgot to mention the heavy rifle is a Bergara Premier Approach. I may put a new stock on it to lose some weight.
I thought it might be, I also have the Approach gen 1 in 6.5cm and it shoots sub half moa with Gold Medal 140/130gr and Prime 130gr ammo. Great for shooting from a blind but at 11lbs it gets heavy stalking your game.
My bergara in 308 is by far the most acurate rifle I own. Love that rifle.
13 pounds or not- I’m carrying that Bergara!!!!! Great video!!!!
The weight restriction in idaho, if nobody has clarified, is 16lbs with everything scope sling and ammo. If it's over, you can't big game with it. The weight restriction is for big game only
@@shaneklimes953 Do you happen to know the reason why?
Re: Savage Axis
I have one and live in Oregon. Very wet here. Yes, the steel is produced at a lower price point and can rust more easily than others. But with a bit of simple care, this is easy to avoid. Odie's Oil on the outside. Tri-Flow on the inside. Good to go.
9 years on mine and still looks great.
I have a Savage Axis in stainless because of Oregon weather.
I also have a Savage Axis with a stainless barrel and never had a problem, but like you said a little bit of care goes a long way.
I would assume this same advice applies to the axis 2? i was looking at getting one for my first hunting rifle and i would love to know proper maintenance. In arizona there isnt usually much moisture but better safe than sorry
@@EliCarlton axis 2 just means it’s has the accutrigger there’s nothing different about the way the rifle is made.
I’ve found Break Free CLP and Birchwood Casey Barricade both work well at protecting less expensive firearm finishes.
Looking at a CVS Cascade in 6.5prc (owned or partnered with Savage) because it comes Ceracoated which should be an extra layer against corrosion. I have two blued Savage rifles because they have excellent accuracy for very little $$$ and they've both given me outstanding durability.
I use electronic hearing protection for hunting with my brake. Living in the PROC (Calif) we can't have suppressors and I was amazed at the diff it made when shooting 300 WM with a brake. You can find electronic hearing protection relatively affordably now and we (my hunting buddies and me) can communicate just fine before and after the shot. I make folks with me aware before getting into a shooting situation if I know they don't have hearing protection. Wearing hearing protection is good habit to get into anyway and with the right set, they enhance hearing also. I've just gotten in the habit of making sure I have them with me along with fresh batteries whenever I go hunting. If you make it as habitual as making sure you have ammo, it shouldn't be a problem. Brakes are effective, they just have to be accommodated for.
Im a South African and I live in limpopo near Kruger. I hunt with a suppressor, always. The biggest reason is that we often try take off multiple animals in a day, because I live in a hunting area I just drive where I need to go for day hunts, instead of going on a multi day trip. The suppressed rifle doesn't have the same impact in terms of making other game skittish as an unsuppressed rifle, making it easier to harvest more game in a shorter period of time.
That being said, I still like to walk and stalk with my electronic muffs, over years of shooting my hearing has deteriorated, and with the electronic muffs turned up to full volume it amplifies any little noise I make while on a stalk, helping me stay more quiet
@CamaroZ28Nut3 man that sucks... that's a lot like what we have to do in order to buy a firearm in South Africa. Each individual firearm that you own has to be licensed, and that license has to be applied for every time, and that process usually takes 6 months. They're also usually double the price here. I bought a .22 lr for my daughter in January, I'm still waiting for feedback on the license application. We're also limited to 4 firearms per person, unless you go through the process to become a dedicated hunter or dedicated sports shooter, and then you still have to motivate for why you need each firearm that you apply for
@CamaroZ28Nut3 Here in the UK it's portrayed as almost rude not to have a sound moderator (or suppressor in US) on your rifle. Has to be added to your firearms license.
@CamaroZ28Nut3 in Canada it's simple, no suppressors no silencers.... doesn't matter which province. #tears
Great reply!
I’m personally a fan of the muzzle brake .
I understand your reasoning, but where I live suppressors are not an option.
The recoil reduction/ spotting of your shot easily outweighs the minor annoyance of wearing hearing protection.
I actually think that modern electronic hearing protection is an advantage when hunting if you get the right equipment.
Great channel, love the content 👍
Life is better on the other side. Get you a suppressor, you wouldn't want to drive a car without a muffler, would you?
@@virtuaguyverify for pure recoil reduction, a muzzle brake will always be more effective. One device is expelling gas while the other is capturing it. A Magnum rifle that produces heavy recoil is much more enjoyable to shoot with a good muzzle brake.
@@virtuaguyverify canada...
@virtuaguyverify none of my cars or bikes have mufflers. Loud and proud baby. I shoot and it has a loud bang that's fun. If I wanted silence I'd use a bow.
I disagree. My precious hearing is way more important than a little extra push on my shoulder.
I got a Christensen ranger and it had same problem. I sent it in and they took care of it. Now it’s my favorite squirrel rifle. Extremely accurate and easy to shoot
@@briansmith2616 I also have a Mesa in 300 win mag and a ridgeline fft in 280 AI. Both shoot well under an inch with the right loads. I have had no issues with them at all. Some of my favorite rifles
Agree, had very poor extraction on mine. Christensen sent a return label and had it repaired and returned ASAP with a free magazine. Runs great now, super accurate rifle. Love it and have restored faith in CA.
Any idea what’s causing the issues with the Rangers? Like what Christensen is fixing/replacing when they go back? I’m glad they’re making them right but it’s a shame they couldn’t have done that to rifles before they were put on store shelves
@@scotteger6271 I believe the issue was to do with the way the extractor held onto the rim but the bolt mechanics would knock the empty off the extractor most of the time and it would stay in the chamber.i believe they fixed the issue with a few replacement parts. I’m guessing since it was one of their early runs those issues have all been sorted out but don’t know that for sure. I have been looking at the 22 mag version and would not hesitate to buy it personally. I own three of their rifles the 22, a 280ai fft Ridgeline, and a 300 win mag Mesa. All shoot fantastic.
Pretty sure you were talking about me with the 6.5 PRC ;) Thanks! Yes, if I had your experience with the Patriot, I would never get another one. You brought up a great point about it being the .308. I have had some others I know have the same problem with the .308 and 30-06. For my 6.5 PRC I did take the Patriot out of the factory stock and I found a small plastic pillar at the end of the stock that rests under the barrel. I can only imagine that you think it is free floated but every time you shoot, you are hitting that plastic pillar. That can't be good. After I put it in an MDT Oryx Chassis, I'm a constant 1/2 MOA with Precision Hunter and Match ammo. So if you have a Mossberg Patriot or Predator, take it out of the stock and check it!
AR in .223 is endlessly wonderful for coyote. I was hunting with a 123gr Hornady Black in my 6.5 Grendel. That heavy buggar was launching right through them… I swapped out for my .223 and I was dropping them like flies!
I've shot a bunch of coyotes with my AR-15 in 5.56 and I've never had one run off. And I've made some poor shots in my day. I shoot the cheapest 55 gr fmj ammunition too. I've shot javelina, whitetail, mule deer, feral hogs, jack rabbits, foxes, bobcats and never hit one that got away.
If you have runoffs with 223 you are not hitting vitals
Exactly, I've seen coyotes run off after someone shoots them with a 243. A bad shot is a bad shot.
You are the reason I picked up a Kimber Montana.280AI and I must say, I think it will quickly become a favorite. Topped with a 2-10 VX5HD and Leupokd Backcountry ring mounts to keep weight down. Very nice pointing gun
280AI is a sweet cartridge!
I’ve got one too…
I have 3 different 280ai rifles. Love the cartridge
You spend the money but my grandfather's 30-30 will still do better with iron sights.
@@jayoutdoors1534 you do you, but you would be severely undergunned for Mule Deer, Pronghorn, Elk etc on an out west hunt. Save that for the PA deer woods.
I enjoyed listening to you on Ron's podcast. You 2 are my favorite hunting UA-camrs. It was like a dream come true.
For your Mossbergs, try pulling a dollar bill between the barrel and down the length of the stock. If it binds or is tough going, you may need to free-float your barrel. Had that happen with my Remington (.308) and I sanded out the stock a little and it went from all over the paper to an absolute nail driver. Read it in an Outdoor life article circa 1990 and it worked for me. Who knows, they may go from a shelf gun to one that gets used a lot.
The Mossbergs don't shoot .308 or 7mm08 very well for some reason.
I've seen othe calibers do great. The new 7mm prc in Mossberg is a tack driver .75 and under all day.
Personally my favorite AR-15 hunting caliber is 6.5 Grendel. When you can find ammo or powder or primers of course, which is almost never. After almost 4 years of this craziness my supply has finally run out so no more Grendel shooting for me 😢. Looks like .223 is the only choice left until manufacturers realize they've saturated the market with it and can finally start making other calibers in bulk.
Interesting video. I only have one bolt action rifle (Savage 116 .30-06 Weather Warrior) and it was considered a "cheap" rifle at the time. I wish I had the new style stock on mine but it's still a great rifle and very accurate until the barrel gets too hot. Not really a problem when hunting.
If you are looking for powder, try Bruno's out of Phoenix, AZ they have plenty of powder selection at a fair price
The US and NATO ( the real NWO) is transitioning to the 6.8 SPC, they have already reduced 5.56 production at some plants. This will effectively limit civilian 5.56 within the next few years and will dry up eventually. It’s by design, no accidents when it comes to limiting resources.
For what Christensen charges for a rifle it shouldn't ever be on a list of rifles not to trust!
Yup. Same with Fierce. It's an epidemic!
Neither should Browning. They are way too proud on price to be what they are.
As a former Christianson owner TWICE, there guns are trash
@@joshuameade8953 , what I've seen out of them, I'm not impressed at all.
They are all cheap production rifles. All copying rem 700 that isn't great. All production rifles are a gamble. Some like Tikka are basically zero risk gamble.
Great to hear you are coming back to SA Jim, I am sure the group will enjoy it as well. Keep up the great content
I have a 1903 springfield, made in 1924, and is a wonderful deer rifle.
I agree, I have 1903 covered to 264 by flaigs. It's a tack driver.
Ditto but my 1903a3 is from 45 and it still makes things dead at any distance.
New does not always mean better.
Agreed. I had one from 1943. Someone did a great job of sporterizing it, except for the stadard mil trigger. I justgot used to it, and it was a tack driver.
I had an Axis in .223 for awhile. It was a tack driver, and while I didnt much trust whatever the metal finish was, it seemed to soak up oil. Well oiled it survived a few Canadian winters behind the seat of my service truck without rusting. I've never really bonded with any cheap plastic rifle, so it eventually got sold. I wouldnt take it on a backcountry hunt, but it would for sure survive the average back-40 type deer hunt.
Krylon or Rust oleum is your friend:) I know some people wont paint a gun. Especially an expensive one. I have a Tikka T3 in 7mm08 which I have had for 15 years give or take. I got out the green and tan and went to town. I also took a 2 inch piece of piccattiny rail and JB welded it on the front left of the forend. I did that so before I got into NV and Thermal for pig hunting I could put a green Streamlight light on it. It works great but I have moved on from it for pigs but do deer hunt with it. If the game warden ever checks it he may question my hunting because it looks like a poacher setup:) After all that my answer to the Axis problem would be paint paint and more paint:)
Kryon or rustoleum is crap. Don’t listen to that nonsense you will ruin your guns.
if you want to have sub moa you should try the German Manufacturer Heym, those rifles are just perfect.
AR15 16" 6ARC with 1-10× is my primary Hunting Rig for East Coast Deer and Hoggs .
Q Mega Fix is 300 WSM is what I want to get once it comes out . They are gonna be coming out with Mega and Proper Fix Rifle . Mega is gonna be based off 300WM Size Cartridge and Proper is gonna be based off 375 Size Cartridge..
I have had great experiences with multiple caliber on the axis ! From 243 to 6.5 creedmoor the scope is the trick ! I use sig buck master scope and get great results even a 300 yard shot on a coyote with 243
Many deer with the 223 but I usually break that out after I killed a buck with my TC 6.5 or 30/30.. I use 223 for doe and small stuff
The bushnell it comes with on the cheaper ones is mediocre, I did notice mine (270) seems to prefer hornady interlocks, it has a vortex diamondback on it now.
Try a little "Red Oil" on your cheap matte blue finish to keep it from rusting. I've been using it for nearly 20 years as a post treatment for parkerizing. I have two Savage precision carbines that were matte blued and just didn't look right in the camo stocks with a matte blue finish so I parkerized them brefore I even fired them. My friend has an Axis with the same matte blue finish. Red oil is an old recipie that my buddy learned when was in the National Guard Marksmanship Training Unit small arms shop several decades ago. It is 3 quarts automatic transmission fluid (red F type), 1 quart 10W or 30W non-detergent motor oil, 1 pint STP oil treatment and 4 ounces Hoppe's #9. The stuff is an amazing lube and an awesome preservative on rough finishes like matte blue or parkerizing. As for the accuracy of the precision carbines or the Savage Axis is amazing, so Red Oil the barrel and let it rain.
Great to see the Momentum getting some love. The Elite series is definitely worth the extra money.
CHECK THE SCOPES TOO! Maybe it wasn't the Mossbergs, but the cheap Chinese scopes on them that cost about $20 to make.
Timestamps:
0:23 - Franchi Momentum
1:56 - Mossberg Patriot
3:25 - Christensen Ranger
5:41 - Bergara?
6:37 - Savage Axis
7:39 - Browning X Bolt Pro
9:07 - AR-15 in .223
10:24 - Muzzlebrakes
While I agree with most of this, the Browning shouldn't be on this list. He complained about the trigger, which is easy to lower the weight of, and shooting a 28 Nosler without even a brake? Should've used a handy, short suppressor, and 7mm PRC is better anyway.
Great video!
On the muzzle break topic. I run a Mossberg Patriot (one of the few ones that can actually group decently) chambered in .450 bushmaster. I put a muzzle break on it to help lighten the recoil as that caliber does tend to beat you around a little bit after a few shots. I've only ever shot it with ear pro on. But this past fall, I was lucky enough to use it to drop a whitetail Doe. Double lung and blew through the arteries at the top of the heart. She ran all of 40 yards and piled up but I couldn't hear her crash because. Well. I couldn't hear shit. It's a loud rifle with the muzzle break on it. Might be looking into getting a suppressor if I can find one that'll fit it instead just because when you are out in the woods and you take a shot. Being able to hear an animal go down is a huge advantage.
Just get the walkers razor and upgrade the muffs to the gel ones so they are comfortable to leave on for a few hours
I have the Ruger American ranch in .450 bm. Thought it was loud & obnoxious even with plugs and muffs. When my rugged obsidian .45 cleared jail I put it on the front and it totally changed my opinion of that gun. Tamed the noise and recoil and tightened the groups
Savage axis in 308 here. Got it on sale from a local hardware store for right about $320 out the door, I don't have a problem with rusting because I painted mine with Rust-Oleum camo paint top to bottom. Shoots sub MOA out to 600yd. (the longest range my local club offers)
Ps. I haven't made a single shot on any game animal past 300yd
Just bought one of these two, I paid about 620$ for the savage axis 2 XP in 308, right out the box it has to have been sighted because I was hitting 1 inch groups at 125 yards. Took out a 310 lb black bear start of September with it! No rust issues to speak of but my
Guns are always stored in a gun bag indoors so not sure if it really could rust or not.
I got a Franchi Momentum 300 win mag, muzzle brake & Vortex scope in 2020 @ Gamaliel Shooting Supply. I hate synthetic stalks but it felt amazing. The action stood out. Another thing that impressed me was that Franchi listed the factory ammo tested on the chart in the box (Hornady Precision Hunter 200 grain). When I got home, I set up my table (2 metal sawhorses w/ plywood weighted w/ 2 bags quickcrete then used 2 ratchet straps to secure lead sled to table). I fired 3 rds into ground & sat up 1st target while cooling barrel. I cleaned then fired 5 shots, then measured w/ a Mitutoyo caliber). I repeated the process above @ 200yds. Both measured just shy .70 (MOA style of measuring) which blew my mind!!!
As far as hearing protection goes, get a pair of Axil earbuds... they enhance sounds under 70 DB and don't let sounds spike above 85 DB. FANTASTIC for hunting with muzzle brakes (which are my favorite) and just hunting in general... even suppressors will ring my ears a lil
My big mistake was getting a Winchester Model 70 in .300 win mag. Great Mauser action rifle that just weighted too much with the scope. I much prefer the 30-06 cartridge for big North American game. The original US Army 30-06 specification was for a round that could bring down a cavalry horse at 1000 yards. That is more than enough power for any game I am going to shoot.
300 Win Mag is good, but sometimes, you just need a little less gun.
Anything above a 30-06.. .300 win mag should exclusively be used for elk or moose or wild boar that are the size of a damn house lol
@@johnappleseed9290 if 30-06 can bring down a horse at 1000 yards it can do an elk at the same range.. Not that I would take 1000 yard shot. I would not feel comfortable beyond 300 and at that range 30-06 or.308 would do the job. I knew someone who bagged an elk with a .243 but that was headshot at 100 yards.
@@johnshepherd9676 I looked up the weight of the Winchester Model 70 and jeez I had no idea they were nearly 9lbs for the 300 win mag. The super grade atleast, I’m in the market for a rifle and that’s one helluva of artillery lol.
@@johnappleseed9290 Try lugging that through the mountains of Colorado. WWII GIs were tough hombres.
I appreciate you conveying your rifle experience with all of us. This will be very helpful in helping all of us pick our next rifle/caliber. Thanks! And I'm with you on hunting with the .223!
Agreed on 223! It's too small for deer
@@ChronicalsofAl depending on the bullet construction it is worthy. But everyone has their reasons.
True, however not nearly ideal unless you are shooting the 80lb does that so many Texans think represent the species countrywide. For those,, I use a 218 Bee or a pellet gun. You happy now suemeade, I agree with you!
My kids mossberg patriot youth model in 6.5 cm wouldn’t shoot anything above 130 gn. And now his savage axis in 308 we couldn’t get on paper until I changed the trigger spring. I didn’t realize how detrimental a 6lb trigger would be!!!! Now it’s at 2.5 and shoots just fine.
I've got 6 Axis in the collection, solely because I discovered the spring replacement early on, and the accuracy is quite impressive with most. My 6.5 Crd is the worst. I haven't found a factory load yet that it completely agrees with. But everything else dials nicely and gives me great confidence in my shooting. I've doubled on prairie dogs out to 525yds... with an Axis! I expand holes @100yds with my 30-06. I won't brag about the creep, or the Savage "scratch," but the softer spring really yields a great improvement at a low cost. I've also shimmed the trigger to reduce the "scratch." I will say this too, every Axis that I've put an aftermarket stock on, has shot better than the factory stock. The most noticeable was in the 22-250, turning it from discouraging to deadly.
I bought a savage axis in stainless in 308 . Shoots factory amo well under sub moa. No issues with rust great for hunting in wet conditions.
Great points, explanations, and insights!
I love muzzle brakes, but after a few hunts with my favorite muzzle brake, I certainly understand your reasoning. More reasoning now for me to bite the bullet purchasing a suppressor.
Thanks for sharing!
As a savage owner, I've owned three, and he's bang on with the rust, I had a older savage edge, and pretty much every time I took it out on a wet day I had to oil it after or it would rust. And yes the scopes are definitely cheap. Rhat being said, it always put the bullet where I wanted it to. So I tolerated it.
Side note
Yes coyotes are a tough animal to knock down with a small fast caliber, shot placement needs to be 150% accurate
As a Canadian, suppressors being prohibited, and owning a Christensen Arms Mesa in 300 win mag, I’d only shoot it with a brake as my set up weighs less than 7.5 lb. So for me, I’m looking for threaded muzzles and or brakes on rifles when I am shopping for another long action
I must agree with you for the savage axis. I own one in 6.5 creedmore with a great scope, a Boyd at-one stock and it group within 2inches at 300yards, it's an inexpensive rifle with no recoil for beginners but damn I brought it at North of 53th parallel as a small lightweight rifle and just from the light snowing from one day the barrel started to rust. None of my other guns ever rusted, even my cheap 22lr that I don't take that much care of
Yeah that's no good. I bought a Remington 783 in 30-06 a couple years back and it was around the same price as the Savage Axis in .308. I almost bought the Savage, but I'm glad I just stuck with buying the Remington. Never had the rusting issue, accurate gun, and I love the accutrigger it has.
I be seen 2 at shooting range. One was brand new,guy was trying to sight in. It would not extract shot cartridge reliably. The other one was so bad at 100 yds,could barely get 5 rounds in 6 inch circle.
Great reviews. I agree with you overall on the 223 BUT what I’ve found with the 223 is the ammo of choice is the world!! Barns TSX 55 grain is the bomb for that rifle!! No coyote run offs!! Love the reviews. Thanks again.
Absolutely. I was about to write the same thing. Ammo and shot placement will prevent run offs. Several coyote hunters in out area started using a higher power cartridge this season to prevent run offs.... the result was a similar percentage of run offs.
Use a quality projectile and hit them in the correct spot and there won't be many, if any runners.
I’ve had really good luck with Hornady .223 GMX Full Boar on both coyotes and hogs
223 with 77 TMK will quickly kill deer, elk ,bear ,moose out to 400 yards plus. And do so with absolute authority. And EVERYONE SHOOTS LESS RECOIL BETTER! EVERYONE! Bullet matter FAR more than what the headstamps says. 77tmk creates larger permanent wound channels than harder ,tough ,FUDD bullets from much larger cartridges.
I got the browning x-bolt mountain pro in 300win with the recoil hog brake and I love it. It’s a tack driver! Trigger is good and very fun to shoot. My 11 y/o neph was having no problem with the recoil. One of my favorite guns. It was expensive but it met all my expectations
Yea I dunno he complains about the xbolt triggers all the time…I’ve had several and still have a few and all of my triggers have been just fine…some of my smallest groups have been shot with standard composite xbolts
I have a Mossberg Patriot .308 and I have had the same issues. This helped me feel less crazy!
I've never hunted with ear pro, but if you did why would you not use battery powered ear pro and fix all of the problems you just stated? you can hear amazing but shots will be suppressed to your ears.
Like the content man, you deserve alot more subs. Enjoy Africa and much luck
Very good and honest information and I thank you for providing that. I find the inclusion of the Bergara Approach to be without merit only because the rifle is just as it is advertised at approximately 8.5lb bare and performs above reasonable expectations. If the title of the episode is "7 Rifles I wouldn't trust on a hunt", that lends me to believe there is a reliability or performance deficiency with these rifles. The Approach is heavy, and advertised as such, and it seems you subjectively prefer less weight, which is fine, but that doesn't equate to a problem on the rifle's part, as the title of the episode would suggest. Not to brow beat you, again you put on a great show with Backfire, just offering some feedback from one viewer's perspective.
Mossberg Patriot 30-06 synthetic stock I bought when it first came out in 2015. I adjusted the trigger to 2lbs pull. I got 3/4 in group at 100 yards using the scope that it came with.The ammo was Remington core 185 grain. I paid $350 for it and thought it was a great purchase. Next year I shot a mule deer at 118 yards facing me. I actually shot the top of the heart it dropped where it stood. I never had any problems with accuracy. I even took it to a range that went out to over 1/2 mile. I shot 150 grain and went out to 400 yards. I was shooting 6 inch groups. The only thing I thought was very strange I didn't change the elevation. So I shot at 100 yards left to right dead center but was six inches high with the 150 grain. I haven't been able to figure it out. I probably need to sight it in again using my hunting load before I take it on a hunt. I have seen way too many videos where the rifle doesn't hold a true zero. Did I get lucky, or did Mossberg do something with the later models.
Great content as always! Thanks for the awesome content & your time! 👍
I agree with the assessment of the .223 for hunting deer. I shot a deer with a .223 when I was 13-14 years old. It did the job, BUT, there was absolutely no blood trail. It simply passed between ribs on both sides, nicking the apex of the heart and hitting both lungs. Now, had the deer not ran straight up an open trail for 70 yards before collapsing, it would have been very difficult to track.
Even with that, I do k ow someone sharp enough on a scope who consistently domes his deer with a .223 every season
You should send the Christensen in.. their warranty is fantastic and they will make it right 👍
The problem is the volume of Christensen rifles that need to go back. Their qc is notoriously atrocious. Some people get masterpieces that shoot lights out and have no issues, but if you spend 30 seconds researching Christensen issues, you’ll see countless horror stories.
Good idea. I should
I have 2 and they are fantastic. With that, yes they can have issues and I won't deny that. I just know their warranty is great and will work with you to make it right.
100 agree with this they're overpriced for piss poor QC concerns. to send it back to make it right is not good at all.
Your suppressor argument (muzzle brake vs. suppressor) is fair. However, for a fraction of the price of JUST the most inexpensive suppressor (tax stamps and app fees aside), there are a great many fantastic sets of ear muffs out there to be had.
As a former musician with huge governmental trust issues, hearing is as important to me as staying out of government paperwork. Even when suppressed, the report of a rifle can still damage hearing, so a good set of muffs isn't a bad idea.
Electronic hearing protection. Save your hearing without sacrificing communication.
I only hunt suppressed. You can communicate, which adds to safety as well.👍👍
You don't have to brag, not everyone lives in a free state. LoL
Cheers from Illinois.
@@corylyons1107😢I hate it hear
I had a brand new 10/22 and hated it. Never could fix feeding anf stove pipe cases. Tried all the mods. Sold it, bought a 25 year old Marlin 60 22LR and it fired everything perfect. Get one of those for hunting and for the kids to learn on.
I love my stainless model 60. Tube fed is just fun, and holds a lot without the downward protrusion.
My 10/22 has many issues from feeding to extraction and stove piping.
My grandfather's Glenfield Model 25 (Marlin "value" brand) shoots everything without issue, just gotta adjust POA/POI when necessary.
I’m not a fan of the newer 10/22s. It seems like they have cheapened over the years. I had a mid 90s model that I put an aftermarket barrel on that ate tens of thousands of rounds no problem. I bought a newer one and didn’t have issues, but it felt “clunky”
@davessparetime83
Not sure how many rounds you put through your 10/22.
The ones I and friends had in the 70s and 80s were great rifles with no problems....until they had a few thousand rounds through them.
The first thing to try is a new magazine. They do get worn out and loose over time.
If that doesn't help, a new recoil spring and extractor from Brownells would always cure any jamming problems and they would run like a champ again.
Takes all of 15 minutes to do.
I made quite a bit of side money rebuilding 10/22s this way. And I am by no means a gunsmith.
Thanks for sharing about your experience. I really appreciate it. Just a note, I use a blast forwarding device on my hunting ar rifle. Can't afford a suppressor yet! ;)
Enjoy your videos - greetings from South Africa
I've hunted in western Oregon where being rained on multiple times a day is normal. Never had a problem with my 1893 Mauser rusting or its 4x Tasco scope fogging up. That Savage would be ruined in no time out here.
Western Washington here, you’re not entirely wrong. My axis looks like crap after 6 seasons, but it’s still a tack driver, you just gotta wipe it down with an oily rag every day
I know I am late for the party, but the Ruger American magazine problem can be easily fixed. I bought one 6 months ago and have had no problems at all with it. Love it!!!
Thought there was something different about you.....then saw the tools and library app on one of your videos....well done Brother. Great videos
I recently bought a browning mtn pro in 6.5. Though I like the looks of a break the same diameter as the barrel which the recoil hog is NOT, it shoots lights out and is fairly lightweight and I have forced myself to start wearing a walker game ear which helps me hear whispers and definitely helped when sitting next to my grandkids as a spotter when shooting elk.
Bought my brother a axis 2 in 308, no rust issues but we've had a lot of failures to fire. Got an updated spring for the bolt, but still seems to hang fire 1 in 10. So I've pulled it apart and cleaned up every edge possible. Still need to retest it.
My 6.5 creedmoor patriot is just fine. No issues with accuracy. Beautiful wooden stock. Came with vortex scope super value.
In Idaho our big game rifles have to be under 16lbs will all attachments.
As far as the 223 I love it but not for much beyond small varmints... Bring enough gun:)
I have never bought any of these rifles except the AR. I own two M4's, one in .223 Wylde and .50 Beowulf. The 223 will drop a coyote every single time, even with poor shot placement by a neophyte. It hits hard and is extremely accurate. A neck shot on a deer is a guaranteed "drop". It's all in the placement. The Beowulf of course is only for the largest of game (moose, bear, bison, etc.). Surprisingly ... the Beowulf is a "tack-driver" using the 350gr Hornady XTP bullet (reloads) with 100 yrd dope and energy of 2,000 ft. lbs moving at 1,800 fps.
I am a fan of a muzzle break. Reducing recoil matters for follow up shots. Most hunting situations you are only shooting a few rounds and you are directly behind the angled blast. Your friends can cover their ears.
An it a lot cheaper
I find they don’t do anything. I took it off my 450 Bushmaster and it feels the same but actually groups better without it.
Then why is on the 50 BMG?
I bought a CA Ranger last year. Wanted a CZ but they were impossible to find and the magazines were even more difficult to find. Stumbled on a Ranger at Bass Pros, liked the look, the weight and the fact it used 10/22 mags, something I had a pile of at home.
I must have got the unicorn ranger because it feeds, shoots and extracts flawlessly.
You can get decent active hearing protection for $50. Super hearing allowing you to hear the deer 10 times further away while still protecting yourself when you fire. Side benefit, nature really comes alive with them and it's a lot easier to stay interested and alert.
Love the Christus Statue in the background.
All you need for the Browning 28 Nosler is a gunsmith trigger job and a refrigerator box flattened out on the ground to lay on and keep the muzzle blast from blowing up dust.
My AR chambered in 7.62×39 is my GO-TO for deer, wild hog, and javelins....I also use a 20" 5.56 upper for all of the same.....I've never had a problem with either caliber. The deer here are just not that big....and the secret to the 7.62 round is to use quality brass-cased ammo for accuracy and long-term reliability
First year using a tikka t3x veil camo chambered in 300win mag and the muzzle brake is awesome, the recoil is hardly a thing, and the noise doesn’t affect me much.
I also have the Christensen ranger and had all kinds of issues with feeding and ejecting. The bolt handle was loose and felt like it was going to fall off. I sent it in to them, which was also a pain in the ass they make you ship it back through an FFL, and they fixed it. For a $900 .22lr rifle I expected top quality. I will never buy Christensen arms again.
I've never seen a review of the Tikka hunting rifles by any Nth American channel. I use a stainless synthetic in .270 on Sambar deer here in Australia. Only been hunting for about about 5-6 years and I don't get out often enough. But that things lands right on point every time. Love to hear thoughts from Tikka owners in the U.S.
Tikka is the only real choice for lefties. Excellent build quality but if you put in a lot of range time you will want to upgrade to an aftermarket stock, especially in heavier calibers.
@@aldocella4947 True. I'm a lefty, (not one THOSE lefties let me be clear!) What is the issue with original stock? Had no issues so far. And if that day comes, what aftermarket brands would you suggest? Cheers
@@sambarr7826 IMO the issues were twofold: 1). Excessive felt recoil in the larger calibers, and 2) had to raise my cheek off the comb to align with the scope (and I use low mounts). I attribute this to the stocks geometry and light weight. For firing a few shots a year hunting that 's no big deal, but I do a lot of bench shooting so I replaced it with a Boyds laminate w/Limbsaver pad and it's like a whole new rifle. Groups got smaller too!
@@aldocella4947 Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like I won't have much to worry about. 3 shots maximum at a target 100-200 yards depending on where I'm hunting the day before each hunt . I take about 10 deer per year which costs me no more than 12 shots. Plus I'm only 5' 6" and about 140. Y'all should consider coming to Victoria Australia for a crack at these ghosts of the bush! There's more than one million of them out there, no season, no bag limit. But they will hone your skills and really make you think. Don't worry about our gun laws, as long as your not trying to bring in a semi auto, and your paperwork is in order, it's all good! Winter is the best time so snakes aren't a concern. Seriously guys, UA-cam Australian Sambar deer hunting! They are a very worthy target! Peace
For the savage axis rust doesn't seem like something to not take hunting. You can go the correct way and do a duracoat paint job or even just rattle can the whole thing. Both fix the rust problem.
There is a reason the 24" 7.25 lb sporter with a standard weight barrel is the standard.
It's the sweet spot between consistent group sizes, enough heft for stability but not too heavy at 8-8.5 lbs scoped, yet nimble enough to carry around without undue strain. Recoil with standard cartridges is manageable, even off the bench. Barrel is long enough to keep the muzzle blast out of your face and ears. Even the 6.75 lb featherweights give up some of these attributes with skinnier barrels.
Idaho is 15 lbs on the rifle weight.
I also have a 1903 Springfield 30-06 that will not accurately shoot any factory ammo I've tried to date, so off to the bench I went.
I found a load that will shoot sub minute of angle at 100yds and moa at 200.
Maybe that's the answer for the 308's you mentioned.
I've also bought several rifles by several manufacturers from '
friends (cheap) who barely speak to me anymore because I got them to 'shoot' by developing a handload. Maybe this is your problem?
I use a good ole Remington Model Seven chambered in 7mm-08. They’ve been making those rifles for 40 years. That’s about as reliable as it gets.
Yea...
I bought the Axis 2 in 7mm-08. I have not experienced the rust issue you mention, however, you are correct on the scopes they pair it with. Absolute piece of garbage. I got lucky and found it on sale online for $249 with a $50 rebate.....so with $25 delivery fee, my cost for the rifle was ~$225. I couldn't pass it up. Used the supplied scope for a few months until it literally fell apart, then bought a Nikon for it when it was on sale. Bottom line.....excellent and accurate, and dirt cheap, and I love that trigger. I agree on the muzzle break. I had a youth hunter destroy my right ear drum with a muzzle blast ricochet on a hog hunt. That ear has been screwed up for 3 years. Upside, I know when the weather is about to go bad because it buzzes in a pressure drop!
Good show. It had a random ending felt short. An rife riding on a zipper on witch must have been a washed board. Would have massive scratches, and if it was wood it would have deep gouges. I have Christensen rifle I took hunting last fall and it was in the back of a 01 extra cab Tacoma. With another rifle with it going on ruff trails for a week. Not even a scratch on it.
I have heard those same complaints on the Ranger, I have 2 of them and they have both been great. My buddy bought one after shooting mine and his had issues, he sent it back and it has been great ever since.
Almost sounds like they use their junior apprentice gunsmiths to assemble those Ranger 22 rifles to learn on. Some very good, others not so good. I'm Glad yours is a shooter.
On the subject of muzzle brakes, sound out for the Witt Machine SME. It’s an integrated muzzle brake/blast can. It takes the edge off of both recoil and sound to the shooter. I would say that it makes my AR-15 in 7.62x39 sound and feel like my AR-15 in .223.
I expect it would also render a .30-06 like a .308 and a .300 Win Mag like a .30-06.
Highly recommended for any rifle that is not suppressed! I will know that I am in the market for a suppressor also. That’s really the way to go if your budget allows.
Good observations brother, my only rebuttal is the Savage Axis has phenomenal barrels. So I'm assuming your example is external rust? Not internal bore rust? Unlike a Ruger American Savage Axis barrels do not have heat deflection issues and hold groups consistently. Savage Axis in an MDT chassis holds its own with 2500$ rifles. F-class proven. My advice to any hunter it's to lubricate and manage your rifles. Especially in hunting conditions.
Tip for using the mossberg in home defense 10 yards max 😅
Went to scheel and these are low end kid rifle (the rascal) there was 5 of them and all of them have rusty barrels , while all the rest of the rifle near by barely have any brown on their barrel 😳
I would go 556 instead of 223 , if you’re shooting pass 100 yards
I have never hunted before, and I’m looking forward to starting. Thanks for the video.
Bummed you have had such bad luck with the patriots. It was the first rifle I bought myself and was in 6.5 creedmoor with the wooden stock. Shot my first deer at 218 yards double lung and got my first buck at roughly 50 yards last year. I really enjoy the rifle. No doubt the ones you have are not good though. I wonder if it’s a quality control issue at mossberg or perhaps maybe something to do with the chambering. Thank you for honest and accurate reviews! I really enjoy the channel!
Mossberg won't disappoint you if minute of deer lungs is all the accuracy you ask from it, they'll do that job all day. But personally I'm a head/neck shot kind of guy, so I tend to favor Ruger, Savage, weatherby, etc. because I don't have a 6-8"kill circle I'm shooting for, it's more like 1.5-2". That said, there's nothing wrong with having something inexpensive that accomplishes what you need it to
They(Mossberg patriots/Mossberg centerfire rifles)) just hands down are one of the poorest made rifles in the budget rifles. They barely have any support how action mates to stock, and many of them break or crack in that area. The savage axis is probably the better of the cheapest end, then, Ruger A, and T/C venture if they still make them, a step up, but since Ruger As are in imaginary land prices of 500+$ range(price category they do not belong in) now, your better off with a HOWA, which is a way better built gun. I've also heard good on Rem 783 rifles. If don't mind used, some of the best deals for accuracy/money, is savage 110/10 series rifles. Often overlooked jems.
@@Hill_Billy_Without_A_Hill well put. I'm a big fan of the savage 110's and 116's, if you can handle the extra $300 or so at the time of buying they're a way better buy than any of the "budget tier" guns
@@Northwoods208 If you get on places like gunbroker, sometimes you can find used 110/10 series rifles at similar prices as "budget rifles". I've seen barely used model 11s and 10s under $400. Just got to watch.
hey man i love most of your videos but the browning xbolt pro is by far the best rifle ive shot and if you look you can find older models for 900, i have both a 30-06 and 300 win mag and i absolutely love both of them never had a problem with the trigger weight. I think your just so used to light triggers that you cant use heavier triggers anymore.
My 6.5 mossberg patriot with a leupold scope is incredible it’s super accurate I’m gonna take it to Colorado in October
i have two savage axis in 350 legend i bought from cabelas up here in Michigan with the fancy camo stocks, and i personally haven’t had a problem with rust or accuracy. now i did put vortex SFP scopes on them and zeroed at 100yards with 180g winchester super x ammo.
My local Cabela's had an entire rack of the Savage Axis II rifles in 6.5 Creedmoor. There must have been a hundred of them, like the got a bulk price and just dropped them on the market. Like you said, scope included for $500-ish. I picked one up and it's actually the luck of the draw what you end up with. I would rank it 5 out of 10. And I noticed that the barrel was corroding just from my fingers. Not bad, but it was surprising. It was developing surface rust. So I oiled the hell out of it, and I keep the barrel wet. Not dripping, but wet. The action was a little rough until I got past the break in. When I did the first field strip cleaning I really polished/oiled up everything and now it's...passable. My range only goes out to 122 yards, so at 120 I was putting all the shots on a 10" diameter paper plate, with most in the 8" range and a few flyers. Not the best, but I am not a good shooter either. I can drop a large animal, that's about it. But my friends at my hunting club who are good shots have tried it and fared the same. The rifle just doesn't have it in itself to be accurate.
I hated my axis. The obnoxious trigger, the stock and the barrel. It was very inaccurate and 1 drop of water on the barrel and the whole thing is rusted to hell. So pretty bad blueing. Which is also the reason why most of my guns are cerakoted or stainless steel.
@@Brandenuzis Yeah, the more I use it the more I don't care for it. I actually don't mind the trigger, I have gotten used to it. But the fit/finish and trim are way low on the scale. But, it's got its purpose. There are places I won't take my nice rifles, so it has its place
Idaho Is 16 lbs. My hunting rifle weighs more than yours and I don't mind a heavy long range rifle.
I’m going to South Africa this time next year. I’m stoked about it!
Welcome to mzantsi a weather is so great for hunting this time hope fully you post videos on you hunt
I have 3 savage axis that I hunt with. They are exposed to snow, rain, anything mother nature can throw at me. I have never had an issue with rust. And they may go a week without cleaning. Just telling you my experience.
As far as a bolt action rifle the best place to start is a Mauser Model 98 action and build from that. When going this route it can be anything you can dream of. When l added it up for a trigger, barrel, chamber reamer, and stock it's sometimes cheaper to by a new gun. This action was designed to hunt the absolute most dangerous animals-man.
❤ 100% agreement!
I absolutely love my AR platform in .223 for hunting prairie dogs and coyotes. We aren't hunting them to bring home pelts or meat, so your mileage and preferences may vary.
I have purchased 8 Savage mk2 vft's for the youth shooting sports club I manage and coach. The rust if you look at them crosswise. Constantly having to scrub them down. We're slowly getting them coated but that costs as much as the gun did.
Did he ever name the one at 5:40? Based on the stock I thought it could be a Bergara or Springfield Waypoint.
Thats odd. Ive had great luck with my mossberg patriot- .308. Inch and a half grouping or so but never had issues in 6 years or so.
brutally honest man! I saw a recent ad for a Savage Axis in stainless paired with a Vortex scope, so that might solve those two problems.
What scopes would you not trust?
Easier to answer which ones you would trust, with the 1000s of scope, brands on market. Look for good warranties and track records. Leupold, Burris, Tract, Primary Arms, many seem to like Vortex and Athlon. I'm not impressed with Bushnell products.
have you ever used the Kifaru gun bearer? It’s not perfect but it’s a break through piece of equipment for when you have to cover some ground, especially with a heavy rifle.
In the midwest here, a .223 ar15 is king among coyote rifles. Its also plenty capable with heavyweight bonded bullets on deer size game. Mind you, shots on deer rarely exceed 50-75 yards here.
As for the ranger, they got the ejection figured out and its not an issue anymore. Id send it in and get it tuned up. I absolutely love mine, its sub moa all day with cci standards.
As for brakes and hunting, another solution is electronic hearing protection. Im a huge proponent of them. I do a good bit of bird hunting and nobody wears ears due to communication. Its SUPER advantageous to have the ability to communicate and also protect your hearing at the same time.
I had the same issues with my Mossberg Patriot 308…I tried multiple types of ammo and it was all over the place…I ended up getting rid of it for something else…I hated it because it was a beautifully made rifle…
That's a shame, cause I would think a good engineer could find 5he problem and correct it without a ton of retooling. Selling a beautifully made rifle with such poor performance is a damn shame.
The .223 I found is extremely good when hunting something like coyote, but other than that it didn't have much other use other than home defense.
Nice video! I like your attitude towards the guns and pointing out that it's your personal opinion. It's unfortunate to hear about your experiences with Mossbergs. I have a .270 Patriot, and that gun shoots dead on target at 200 yards. Although my first choice to hunt whitetail is my Win 30-30 lever action, it's always nice to have a good back up, and that is my .270. I also have a Savage rifle but it hasn't gotten wet so I can't relate to that issue, yet.
I mentioned a while ago that you would love the Franchi. Now trust me you need to get your hands on a Lithgow you will fall in love with it.