Hey everyone,
I was in Fleet Farm today and overheard a fella asking a staff member about turning in a Bushnell scope for repair that came on his Savage Axis. The staffer mentioned in the conversation that they’ve been seeing this quite a bit lately. Just wanted to pass it on in case you’re looking at one because the scope, while cheap anyway, may be a risky purchase and a troublesome venture.
Ruger american w/vortex crossfire 3-9 would be a very comparable alternative.
Interesting, bought one for my son 2 years ago. It’s shot 3 deer in 3 shots, and the scope has been fine. It’s certainly not a high end scope, but the 270 with that scope has been very accurate out to 300 yards.
Hopefully they fix the issues they’re having, because I honestly think that the Axis is one of the most accurate budget rifles you can find today.
Both my kids have that package in .243. 1 going on 4 years and one 2 years. Not a single issue with them so far!
Ruger american w/vortex crossfire 3-9 would be a very comparable alternative.
A comparable alternative with possibly comparable issues.
I had to return a Vortex Crossfire last summer. It was bad out of the box, no amount of adjusting could make it maintain focus from shot to shot. After looking over the replacement the supplier sent, I thought the optical quality was very poor, even for a budget scope so I opted for a Bushnell at the same price and it has proved to be a much better scope.
In any rifle/scope combo, the scope is always where they cut corners. I love the Axis rifles but would never buy a pre-scoped package.
The Axis represents fantastic value per unit of accuracy. I have fired literally over 1000 rounds (yes, I keep an exact count) through my 2 Axis varminters and I have had only 2 issues. A case head seperated and left the case body in the chamber. An ice bath and cleaning rod with new brass brush took care of that. And the magazine’s retainer spring broke on my .223 Axis. Luckily Axis mags are easy to find and I found one that evening at a local gun shop.
The Ruger American if also a fine rifle, but comparing like to like levels of the respective product lines, it is generally more expensive than the Axis of the same level. So yes, of course, if you spend more you get more.
We have to keep in mind as well, that the average rifle owner fires a handful of rounds per year, IF even that. I honestly believe that my two shot-hard-and-put-up-wet Axis varmint rifles have already been shot more than the average rifle will be shot in its entire life.
Grouse
I have a savage axis 270 for the lady friend and ive personally put 2 deer down with it, never had a issue. Great beginner package for the wife. Hope savage fixes it or ditches the scope and goes else where. I personally like ours.but what can you expect for 300 bucks. You get the quality rifle so it must come with a cheaper line scope.
Like any “combo” package, you get what you pay for. Products get engineered for a specific price point – regardless of the lack of quality.
For many, a quality scope is not a necessity as they are only using it a couple days out of the year and clarity/good turrets are not a priority.
When I’m working events at retail stores, I see many customers buying these combos with the intent of upgrading the scope to their needs
I would add that like rifles, there are now many very good scopes at the lower price points.
It is now completely possible to assemble a budget rifle with a entry level scope and have a rifle that shoots as well or better than 90+% of the factory rifles of 30 or more years ago. They may or may not last as long, but for pure accurate performance, modern manufacturing has it figured out.
I also like the fact that the lower end of the spectrum attracts aftermarket parts makers. Whatever you don’t like about a budget rifle like the American or Axis, you can change. Stock, trigger, everything can be swapped out.
Grouse
Like many others here, I purchased a pair of Axis in the early going, both are varmint calibers, one in a scope package, and while I upgraded, I put the combo scope on another rifle intended for short range and that Bushnell is fine for what I need it to do. Last year, I bought one in 6.5 Creedmoor and that one came with a Weaver. It’s not any worse and seems to be holding up. I get solid groups using Hornady American Whitetail or Hornady Precision Hunter.
For clarity, my post wasn’t directed at old purchases, or the Axis rifle, but a possible recent trend in Bushnell issues…. in case anyone would appreciate a heads up.
Not all Savage axis combos come with the Bushnell. My son’s had a Nikon with BDC reticle and its a very fine scope considering the price for the combo. I did buy this a couple years ago though.
Wait, on second thought, his isn’t an Axis its a Trophy Hunter. Its a very nice little gun.
Well, I spoke too soon. After 2 years of hunting, I sighted my sons Axis 270 in on 9/29. Had it dialed in an inch high at 100, perfect. Took him out youth hunting the next saturday, and went to turn the scope zoom down to 3 power, and it was froze. Can’t turn it at all. I turned it up without issue the Sunday before.
My first thought was somehow the rings were too tight, but even after loosening them, it didn’t help. In the long run though, I got that combo for $20 more than just the gun alone. It took down all 3 deer that it ever shot at, I was just hoping for another year or two.
I think I got my $20 worth, but put a new scope on, and will sight in again before the main rifle season.
It’s good to hear at least the scope failure didn’t cause a miss or ruin a hunt.
Overall, you can’t beat the system on scopes. Good glass costs good money and this is one area where outside of the occasional old stock bargain, the price you pay is a pretty good indicator of what you’re getting.
That’s not to say you can’t get a decent scope for a reasonable price. There are some good Bushnell, Nikon, and even some better Simmons scopes out there that are good scopes for the price and will represent good durability and value.
However… IMO, where things start coming undone is right around 9 or 10 power maximum magnification. When you start getting into 12, 18, or even 20+ power scopes, there is just no beating the system at all. Cheap is cheap. IMO, stick with the good ol 3×9.
Grouse
However… IMO, where things start coming undone is right around 9 or 10 power maximum magnification. When you start getting into 12, 18, or even 20+ power scopes, there is just no beating the system at all. Cheap is cheap. IMO, stick with the good ol 3×9.
Grouse
I would have to say that my personal experience supports this 100%. I can honestly say I’m interested in upgrading my PD/varmint setups for this very realization, I just have a hard time internally paying for the good optics… which is something I have absolutely no explanation for. I love discovering how much sense I don’t make sometimes! 
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