Savage Axis Stock Replacement Guide: How to Upgrade for Better Accuracy and Comfort

The Savage Axis rifle is a popular, affordable bolt-action gun that many people enjoy using. Upgrading your stock can really improve how well you shoot. This guide will show you how to make your Savage Axis more comfortable and accurate. We’ll explain why you might want a new stock, how to choose one, and what benefits you can expect. This information is useful whether you’re new to guns or have been shooting for years.

Key Takeaways

Aspect	Benefit
Accuracy	Improved stability and precision
Comfort	Better ergonomics and reduced recoil
Customization	Adjustable features for a personalized fit
Durability	Higher quality materials for longevity
Performance	Enhanced shooting experience overall

Why Replace Your Savage Axis Stock?

The stock that comes with your Savage Axis is okay, but it has some issues. It can bend a little when you shoot, which isn’t great for accuracy. It might not fit your body well, making it uncomfortable to use for a long time. Here’s how a new stock can help:

A better stock can:

• Make your rifle more stable when you shoot, reducing unwanted movement and vibrations that can affect bullet trajectory
• Reduce the kick you feel (recoil), allowing for quicker follow-up shots and less fatigue during extended shooting sessions
• Fit your body better, so it’s more comfortable to hold for long periods, whether you’re in the field hunting or at the range
• Help you aim more accurately by providing a consistent cheek weld and proper eye alignment with your optics
• Improve the overall balance and handling of your rifle, making it feel more natural in your hands

When you replace your Savage Axis stock, you’re not just changing how your rifle looks. You’re making it work better for you. This can help whether you’re hunting or target shooting. A quality aftermarket stock can turn your basic Savage Axis into a high-performance rifle that’s as good as much more expensive guns.

What to Look for in a Replacement Stock

When choosing a new stock for your Savage Axis, consider these important factors:

Material

Stocks can be made from wood, plastic (composite), or metal (aluminum). Each has its advantages:

• The wood looks nice and feels good to hold. It’s easy to customize with different finishes.
• Composite is tough and doesn’t change shape in different weather. It’s good for hunting in various conditions.
• Aluminum is very strong and easy to adjust. It can help improve accuracy.

Length of Pull (LOP)

This is how long the stock is from the trigger to the back end. It affects how well the rifle fits your body. Some stocks let you change the LOP, which is great if different people use the same rifle.

Bedding System

This is how the action (the part that loads and fires the bullet) fits into the stock. A good bedding system helps keep your rifle accurate.

Free-Floating Barrel

Some stocks are designed so the barrel doesn’t touch the stock. This can help improve accuracy by letting the barrel vibrate consistently.

Remember to balance weight and durability. A heavier stock might be tough, but it could be hard to carry around all day. Also, make sure the stock fits both short and long action versions of the Savage Axis correctly.

How to Perform a Savage Axis Stock Replacement

Replacing your Savage Axis stock isn’t too hard, but you need to be careful. Here’s a basic overview:

1. Safety check: Always make sure your rifle is unloaded before you start. Remove the magazine and visually inspect the chamber to ensure it’s clear.
2. Remove the old stock: You’ll need to take out some screws that hold the action to the stock. This typically involves removing the action screws near the trigger guard and magazine well.
3. Put in the new stock: Carefully place the action into the new stock. Ensure that all components align properly, including the trigger group and magazine well.
4. Tighten everything up: Put the screws back in and tighten them the right amount (this is called torquing). Use a torque wrench to ensure proper tightening – over-tightening can damage the stock or affect accuracy.
5. Function check: Before loading any ammunition, perform a function check to ensure all parts are working correctly.

This process works for both the Savage Axis I and Savage Axis II. If you’re not sure about doing this yourself, it’s okay to ask a gunsmith for help.

Accuracy and Performance Improvements

A good replacement stock can really help you shoot better. Here’s how:

• A stiff, well-fitted stock keeps your rifle steady, which can make your shots group closer together.
• Better recoil management means the rifle moves less when you shoot, making it easier to aim for follow-up shots.
• A stock that fits you well helps you hold the rifle the same way every time, which is key for accuracy.
• Improved ergonomics can reduce shooter fatigue, allowing you to maintain accuracy over longer shooting sessions.
• Some stocks offer built-in adjustable features like cheek risers, which can help you maintain proper eye alignment with your optics.

These improvements can help whether you’re hunting or shooting targets. You might find that you can hit targets at longer distances or make more precise shots.

Comfort and Ergonomics Upgrades

A new stock isn’t just about shooting better – it’s about feeling better while you shoot. Many replacement stocks offer:

• Adjustable cheek rests: This helps you line up your eye with the scope more easily.
• Adjustable butt pads: These can change the length of the stock to fit your arm length.
• Better grip shape: This can make the rifle more comfortable to hold and control.
• Textured surfaces: Many aftermarket stocks have grippy areas that help you hold the rifle securely.
• Customizable weight distribution: Some stocks let you add weights to balance the rifle how you like.

Some stocks even let you change these things without tools, so you can adjust your rifle quickly in the field.

Maintenance and Long-Term Use

Once you’ve replaced your Savage Axis stock, you’ll want to take good care of it. Here are some tips:

• Clean your stock regularly, especially if it’s been out in bad weather.
• Check the screws that hold the action to the stock every so often. They might need tightening.
• Be careful not to over-tighten these screws – this can damage the stock or affect accuracy.
• If your stock is adjustable, make sure all the moving parts stay clean and work smoothly.
• For wooden stocks, consider periodic treatments with appropriate oils or finishes to protect against moisture and wear.
• Store your rifle in a climate-controlled environment when possible to prevent warping or other environmental damage to the stock.

Taking care of your new stock will help it last longer and keep your rifle shooting well.

Conclusion

Replacing the stock on your Savage Axis can make a big difference in how well you shoot and how comfortable you feel. It’s one of the best upgrades you can make to your rifle. Remember to choose a stock that fits your needs, whether that’s for hunting, target shooting, or both.

A quality aftermarket stock can turn your Savage Axis into a precision tool that’s just right for you. It can make you shoot more accurately, feel more comfortable, and even boost your confidence as a shooter. While it might cost a bit upfront, the long-term benefits in better performance and more enjoyable shooting often make it worth it.

If you’re ready to upgrade, check out some savage axis stock replacement options. With the right stock, you might be surprised at how much your shooting improves!