Help with choosing a .270

[HELLSING]

I've decided to run with a .270 for deer hunting and long range accuracy shooting at the range.

I've narrowed my choices between the Remington 700 and the Savage Axis.

Anyone have any feedback or comments on either one? All I know is the Savage is about $90 cheaper than the Remington.

Thanks

 

[Texas Star]

I'd try to manage to get a Winchester M-70 Fwt. Classic but of the two named, I'd probably opt for the Savage. I don't know that variant, but they have a classic style with walnut stock that looks good. I suspect the bluinng and overall QC is better than on the Remington.

I've seen some Rems that had the bolts turn a plum color and seen more with rust on the bolts than on any other brand, basing this on guns handled in stores. (New and used.)

Also, there is the issue of the M-700's trigger, the design dating back to the M-721-722 of the 1940's design frame. The DESIGNER (I think it was Mike Walker) warned Remington that he had made an error and offered to re-design the trigger to avoid accidental discharges. The company refused, because it'd reportedly add about a NICKEL to the cost of the rifle, and they wanted to market it at a certain price point. This sparked a nasty expose on NBC, and I basically agree that the problem needed exposure.

I realize that many here wil tell you that they have M-700's and like them. So be it. They do tend to be very accurate, and the cheapskate (in my opinion) extractor usually works. MOST owners don't have trigger issues.

But I'd sure think about a M-70, a CZ, or a Sako. Still, I know the Savage has some very enthusiastic followers on the Web. They seem to be regarded as a great value. Accuracy is said to be at least on par with Remington.

 

[A10]

I've had both Remington and Savage rifles. Given the choice today, I'd go with the Savage. The accu-trigger is amazing, and the method they use for barrel installation assures consistency and accuracy.

 

[DWalt]

If cost is a major issue, and you don't care about a fancy appearance and want a utilitarian gun, check out the Mossberg or Maverick bolt action rifle. Very plain Jane, but including scope, they go for $300 or less. Calibers available are .243, .270. .308, and .30-'06. I have owned one for about 18 months (in .30-'06), and it groups better than any rifle I have. If cost is not an issue, go for the new Winchester (FN) Model 70. Nothing wrong with the Remington 700 either.

 

[CJRob]

The 270 Win is my favorite big game caliber. I bought a Savave 110 package gun that came with the Bushnell scope.

With my handloads using Sierra 130 weights and IMR 4831, it's a tack driver.
My advice is to choose a Savage 110 or 111 and get a little higher grade scope. The scope on mine has stood up well for two years, but for the difference in the price of a 700, you can afford to upgrade.

 

[DWalt]

I own three 270s. I can truthfully say all three shoot ANY load well, factory or reload, typically 1" to 1-1/4" or better 5-shot groups at 100 yards. I've never had to do any .270 load development for that reason. 110 grain bullets shoot especially well, better than 130s or 150s.

I have only one Savage bolt action, a 112V in .223, and it groups very well - but it is a heavy barrel varmint rifle, and it did take some load development to get optimum performance out of it.

 

[Hillbilly77]

From what I understand, the Savage Axis is the former Savage Edge with a new name.
I don't know if the gun underwent many changes with the new name, but in my opinion, a huge miss was a plastic release tab on the magazine. It just seems wrong to have something like that be plastic.

I second the idea to get a Model 111 - I love mine. I bought it as a package gun, and now it wears a Leupold scope, a Timney trigger, and a wooden stock.

 

[Texas Star]

Well, Savage makes them with wooden stocks. I don't see much need to buy a package deal if the 'scope is cheap, as they usually are.

In all, I suspect that Arthur Savage would be proud of the current products from the firm.

 

[Hillbilly77]

Well, Savage makes them with wooden stocks. I don't see much need to buy a package deal if the 'scope is cheap, as they usually are.

In all, I suspect that Arthur Savage would be proud of the current products from the firm.

At the time that I bought mine, the package gun was all I could afford. All of my add-ons were done over the span of a few years.

I agree... They do make some damn fine rifles, though. Accurate too.
My best shot group is 3 shots at 200 yards that you could cover up with a nickel. Not bad out of a "cheap" rifle.

 

[forresth]

If you can't find a cheap used Remington, I'd get the savage. I love my old Remington Sportster 78 (basically an ADL with **** trigger and birch stock) I've been successful with it for decades, but I'm not so sure about where the company has gone, and their current price points. this year I upgraded the scope and trigger. Next off season I'll try free-floating it and maybe bedding the action. I have been playing around with the idea of getting all artsy-fartsy and do some carving on the stock too.

 

[Farmer17]

For inexpensive guns I love the Weatherby Vanguard, mine is very accurate and has an adjustable trigger that is about 2-1/2 pounds and just about perfect for under 400 bucks. I also heard the Marlins were excellent rifles for under $350. The Savage Axis/Edge has a bent plastic tab as a magazine release and that was a "deal breaker" for me.

 

[peyton]

You can find a bucket load of Winchester model 70's on GB, the older Remingtons are good, stay away from the new ones. You did not mention your price range you have to work with. I have not owned a Savage but everyone speaks well of them.

 

[brucev]

I'd buy the Remington 700. Others will opine that the Savage is the gun to buy. Fine. Either will put a bullet on target. I simply find the Remington to be a better gun for my purposes. The BDL is much more aesthetically pleasing. Just my opinion. YMMV.

 

[DeadAye]

The safety failed on my Remington 700 BDL .270 (failed in the off position).
Took the rifle to a gun smith. He *fixed* it. Worked great for a few years then failed again (same problem). Sent the gun to Remington - Worked great for 1/2 a deer season.
Traded it for a .270 Win Weatherby Vanguard - Great rifle for the money.

No Mo Rem For Me - (their ammo is a joke too but I do like their oil)

AND:
Now I see that my Vanguard has been recalled --- What's next?

 

[gregintenn]

Buy once; cry once. Go all out and get a model 70 Winchester. This way you won't be wanting something else in a year or two.

 

[MP22]

Either one is a good choice...but I love the Axis. I shoot it in the .22-250 and love it. The accu-trigger is a must.

 

[forresth]

The safety failed on my Remington 700 BDL .270 (failed in the off position).
Took the rifle to a gun smith. He *fixed* it. Worked great for a few years then failed again (same problem). Sent the gun to Remington - Worked great for 1/2 a deer season.
Traded it for a .270 Win Weatherby Vanguard - Great rifle for the money.

No Mo Rem For Me - (their ammo is a joke too but I do like their oil)

AND:
Now I see that my Vanguard has been recalled --- What's next?

sounds like much more hassle than changing out the trigger (and safety) would have been.

 

[jspick]

You have been given a lot of good advice as to what gun to get.

I know you are set on a 270, but have you ever thought about a 280
Rem. I have 4 of them and they ALL shoot the same handload the same. Under 1/2". If you make it a 280 Ackley Improved you get closr to 7Mag. performance with out all the bang.

All of mine are Remington 700's all pre 2000 models. The oldest is a Rem. 725 in 280 made in 1958. newest is a stainless made in the early 90's. Savage is a great gun now a days.

The 7mm bullet range has more options than the 270. I think whatever you choose 270 or 280 you will be happy with. Good luck.

John

 

[forresth]

You have been given a lot of good advice as to what gun to get.

I know you are set on a 270, but have you ever thought about a 280
Rem. I have 4 of them and they ALL shoot the same handload the same. Under 1/2". If you make it a 280 Ackley Improved you get closr to 7Mag. performance with out all the bang.

All of mine are Remington 700's all pre 2000 models. The oldest is a Rem. 725 in 280 made in 1958. newest is a stainless made in the early 90's. Savage is a great gun now a days.

The 7mm bullet range has more options than the 270. I think whatever you choose 270 or 280 you will be happy with. Good luck.

John

so can you get decent factory 280s for $.75 a round on almost any store shelf that has ammo, like you can with the 270win?

 

[Hillbilly77]

Well, as long as we're suggesting different calibers now, I say get a .30-06.