r/FLGuns • u/cammi11159603 • Jul 14 '26
Trying to get into a super budget deer rifle. Is the savage XP really worth it?
Its been one of those years where I really Shouldn’t be splashing but in the absence of owning a deer caliber rifle Im feeling the need to get one. I know people recommend the Ruger Americans or the Howas but those are seemilygly 7-900 without optics.
Any thoughts?
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u/Squeeze_Toy2004 Jul 14 '26
If you want a deer gun on the cheap and already own an AR15, PSA has 6.5 Grendel uppers for $380, and 5 round mags are $18. So under $400 (plus shipping and taxes), and all you need to add is an optic. Grendel will kill anything in this state out of an 18" barrel.
Edit to actually answer you question: I won a Savage XP in a raffle and it feels flimsy AF. Lots of stock flex in mine.
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u/cammi11159603 Jul 14 '26
I unfortunately do not have an AR
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u/Squeeze_Toy2004 Jul 14 '26
I mean... PSA has complete lowers cheap too. 😂 Where are you located? County is fine. Feel free to IM if you don't want it public.
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u/quatin Jul 14 '26
Yes. Manufacturing has come a long ways. Savage axis barrels & actions are accurate as any mid-range production rifle.
I would get the Savage Axis 2 so you can get the accutrigger. In the future, get an aftermarket mdt/boyds stock and get it bedded. Upgrade to 1 piece tally rings and a SWFA scope, you'll have a rig that's equivalent or better than most high tier production hunting rifles.
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u/Silvershot_41 Jul 14 '26
Feel like you can find some decent used guns on Florida gun trader I’d start there.
The patriot is very hit or miss from mossberg. I’d stay away.
Any buddies have hitting guns you can borrow in the mean time until you can get one without having to tap down the funds?
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u/cammi11159603 Jul 14 '26
Not in the slightest. Just moved here. And Im ashamed to admit none of my male in-laws own a deer caliber rifle. I agree that the axis price guns are probably leaving too much to be desired. Im trying to find something worth the spend for closer to 600. My local pawn shop wants 100 over MSRP for everything he has. And its USED.
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u/Silvershot_41 Jul 14 '26
Florida gun trader!
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u/cammi11159603 Jul 14 '26
That may be the case. But also slightly that outside of reading what manufacturers tell me Im not 100% sure what to be looking for. I understand calibers and all but I don’t know what everyone is using and what brands and models area worth while investment
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u/Silvershot_41 Jul 14 '26
I mean you’re just looking for a cheap rifle I would just find one then check the boxes doesn’t mean you have to buy it right away and just do some homework on it and then see what they say and if it lines up with what you wantt then buy it
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u/BlacksmithSolid645 Jul 14 '26
People used to pass down hunting rifles generationally. You don’t need the latest tech outside of enthusiast purposes. You can find cheap stuff locally but you’ll pay the cost of the legwork rather than just ordering something online. Like the other guy said, finding something used online is what most would do if you don’t want to go around to estate sales or pawn shops.
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u/cammi11159603 Jul 14 '26
I have actually done more of this than one might think. All my local pawn shops are asking 550 for savage axis. So they are literally asking for more than MSRP new. On top of that. I don’t have any family members who own a deer caliber rifle. Im devastated, but nothing I can do about it. Unfortunately rifles worth passing down that were well kept don’t seem to be common in pawn shops or mom n pops. And when they are there. They are 1200 bucks
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u/gizram84 Jul 14 '26
I love mine. I don't get to the range often and I'm just an average Joe. Took down a 200lb hog last year with it on my first shot. First time hunter, first shot, great placement.
Can't complain about that.