Understanding Scope Rails for Savage Axis Rifles
Types of Scope Rails
The Savage Axis rifle has become a favorite among hunters and shooting enthusiasts, known for its affordability, accuracy, and straightforward design. While its base model offers a reliable platform, optimizing it for specific purposes often involves enhancements. One of the most crucial upgrades for any Savage Axis owner aiming to improve accuracy and extend shooting capabilities is selecting the right scope rail. This seemingly simple component plays a vital role in ensuring your scope is securely mounted, providing a stable platform for precise shot placement. This guide explores everything you need to know about choosing and installing the perfect Savage Axis Scope Rail.
Understanding the importance of a solid foundation for your optic is the first step. A poorly chosen or installed scope rail can lead to a host of problems, from inaccurate zeroing to the scope’s eventual failure. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a weekend target shooter, selecting the appropriate Savage Axis Scope Rail is paramount to achieving consistent results. This article will help you navigate the various options available, understand the key factors to consider, and confidently install your new scope rail, ensuring your Savage Axis rifle reaches its full potential.
Types of Scope Rails
The world of scope rails can seem confusing at first. Understanding the different types available and their respective benefits and drawbacks is essential to making the right choice for your shooting needs. The most prevalent designs for the Savage Axis are Picatinny and Weaver rails. While both accomplish the same fundamental task, the specifications and features of each type differ significantly.
The Picatinny rail, often referred to as a MIL-STD-1913 rail, is a standardized rail system developed by the U.S. military. This standardization is a defining characteristic, ensuring widespread compatibility with a vast array of scopes and accessories. Its design features a series of evenly spaced slots and cross-slots, allowing for a secure and repeatable mounting of optics. The standardization also means that you can be confident that your scope and other accessories will fit seamlessly on a Picatinny rail. The design allows for a very robust and reliable connection. If your goal is the greatest possible flexibility in terms of future scope choices or add-ons, a Picatinny rail is often the best starting point. A lot of manufacturers create a Savage Axis Scope Rail that utilizes this design.
Weaver rails, while still popular, predate the Picatinny standard. They employ a less precise design, with slots that are typically narrower and less consistent. This means compatibility isn’t as universal as with Picatinny rails. While many scopes and accessories can still be mounted on Weaver rails, you’ll want to pay close attention to compatibility before making a purchase. They often offer a more streamlined appearance compared to Picatinny rails, and may be slightly less expensive. The choice between the two comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the shooter. Some find a good Savage Axis Scope Rail in the Weaver style is sufficient.
If you are using your Savage Axis rifle for long-range shooting or specialized applications where the ability to attach various accessories is important, a Picatinny rail is probably the preferred option. However, if you are seeking something more basic and cost-effective for general hunting or recreational shooting, a Weaver rail might suffice. Remember to confirm the compatibility of any accessory you plan to use with a Weaver rail before purchasing. Remember to confirm the compatibility of any accessory you plan to use with a Weaver rail before purchasing.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Scope Rail
Selecting the correct Savage Axis Scope Rail involves carefully considering several factors. These factors will impact both the performance of your rifle and the overall shooting experience. Taking the time to understand these crucial aspects will ensure a wise purchase, leading to increased accuracy and satisfaction with your firearm.
The material used to manufacture the scope rail significantly affects its durability, weight, and overall performance. Aluminum alloys and steel are the two most common materials. Aluminum rails are generally lighter than steel rails, which can be an advantage for those seeking to minimize the overall weight of their rifle. Aluminum is also often more affordable. However, steel rails offer superior strength and durability, making them a preferred choice for high-recoil rifles or applications where ruggedness is paramount. They also often have a longer lifespan. Consider the intended use of your rifle and the types of shooting you’ll be doing when weighing the pros and cons of each material. For a hunting rifle that receives regular use, the durability of steel might be a sensible choice. For recreational shooting, a high-quality aluminum rail could be perfectly adequate.
How the scope rail attaches to your Savage Axis receiver is also a very important detail. Mounting styles typically include screw-on and clamp-on designs. Screw-on rails are the most common and generally offer a very secure and reliable mount. They require the rail to be secured to the receiver with screws, often using pre-drilled holes. Clamp-on rails, on the other hand, use a clamping mechanism to attach to the receiver. While they can be easier to install, the security and stability they provide might not match screw-on rails, particularly under heavy recoil. The method of installation should align with your skill level, but also consider how secure the rail is likely to be over time.
The length of the scope rail and whether it has any degree of cant should also influence your choice. Rail length affects the range of adjustment you have when mounting your scope. A longer rail provides greater flexibility in positioning the scope, allowing for different eye relief distances and accommodating a wider variety of scope sizes. If you plan to use a scope with a large objective lens, or if you anticipate swapping scopes in the future, a longer rail can be beneficial. Cant refers to a slight upward angle built into the rail. This upward cant is designed to provide additional elevation adjustment to your scope, particularly beneficial for long-range shooting. While not always necessary, cant can significantly extend the effective range of your rifle.
Compatibility is a final consideration that must be at the forefront of your decision-making process. Ensure the scope rail you choose is specifically designed to fit your Savage Axis rifle. Different models and production years can have slight variations in receiver dimensions. While many rails are designed to be universally compatible, it’s essential to verify this compatibility before making a purchase. Double-check that the hole spacing and receiver contours match your rifle. You may need to consult the manufacturer’s specifications or read reviews from other Savage Axis owners to confirm compatibility. Failing to check this may result in wasted time and effort. The correct Savage Axis Scope Rail will always fit properly.
Recommended Scope Rails for Your Savage Axis
Choosing the right Savage Axis Scope Rail can be daunting, with numerous options available. Below are some recommended models that have received favorable reviews and have proven to be reliable choices. Always research before purchasing to ensure it’s a perfect fit for your rifle model and shooting needs. *Note: Product names and specific features may vary.*
Product 1
Brief Description: A popular and reliable steel base from a trusted manufacturer.
Key Features: Constructed from durable steel, this base offers a low profile and is easy to install.
Pros: The durable construction and ease of installation make this a solid choice.
Cons: May require the use of separate scope rings.
Product 2
Brief Description: A Weaver-style base known for its simplicity and affordability.
Key Features: Simple design, lightweight, and includes mounting screws.
Pros: A good budget option.
Cons: Limited compatibility with certain accessories.
Product 3
Brief Description: An affordable aluminum Picatinny rail offering excellent value.
Key Features: Provides a full-length Picatinny rail for flexible scope placement, durable design.
Pros: Versatile and user-friendly.
Cons: Might require some modification depending on the scope’s mounting setup.
When considering these products, think about your budget. Do you want to invest in a high-end scope or do you need something affordable for a hunting trip? Do you also already own a scope, or is this a completely new purchase? In this case, compatibility will become even more important. Finally, consider how you intend to use your rifle. Will it be used for hunting, target shooting, or a mix of both? Consider which style, material, length, and cant are right for your needs.
Installing a Savage Axis Scope Rail
Installing a Savage Axis Scope Rail is a relatively straightforward process, even for those new to firearm maintenance. Following the correct steps and taking the necessary precautions ensures a secure and accurate mount.
To begin, you’ll need a few tools and materials. You’ll need a screwdriver or Allen wrench (depending on the type of screws used with the rail), a torque wrench, degreaser, and possibly a small amount of threadlocker. Always have a clean, well-lit workspace to prevent any accidents or mistakes.
The first step is preparing the receiver of your Savage Axis. If there is an old rail, remove it. If necessary, use the degreaser to remove any oil or debris from the receiver’s surface. This ensures a clean surface for the new rail to attach.
With your receiver prepared, carefully position the new scope rail on the receiver. Align the rail with the mounting holes, making sure that it sits level and straight.
The next step is to install the screws. Insert the screws through the rail and into the mounting holes on the receiver. Tighten the screws gradually, using a torque wrench to ensure they are tightened to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications. Overtightening can damage the receiver or strip the threads, while undertightening may result in a loose rail. Refer to the rail’s packaging or the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct torque settings.
After tightening the screws, it’s crucial to check the alignment of the rail. The rail should be perfectly straight, level, and parallel with the bore of the rifle. Visual inspection is usually sufficient, but a level or alignment tool can be beneficial to confirm.
Threadlocker is an optional, but often recommended, addition. Applying a small amount of threadlocker to the screw threads before installation can help prevent the screws from loosening over time due to vibration or recoil. Follow the threadlocker manufacturer’s instructions.
Before taking your rifle to the range, perform a final inspection to ensure that the rail is securely attached and that the screws are properly tightened. Double-check the alignment and look for any signs of damage or wear.
As you handle your firearm, safety is the top priority. If you are not comfortable with any step of the installation process, or if you lack the necessary tools or expertise, it’s always best to seek professional help from a qualified gunsmith.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful installation, there might be occasional issues. Knowing how to address them can save time and frustration.
Sometimes, the scope itself may not mount correctly, even after installing the new scope rail. This can be due to incorrect ring selection, a scope that is incompatible with the chosen rail, or a rail that is not properly aligned. Inspect the rail, rings, and scope. Make sure all components are compatible and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
If the rail feels loose after installation, the issue typically resides in the screws. Retighten the screws to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications. If the screws continue to loosen, you may need to replace them or apply threadlocker.
A misaligned rail can lead to inaccuracies and difficulty zeroing your scope. Misalignment can be caused by improper installation or damage to the receiver. Use a level or alignment tool to check the alignment. If the rail is misaligned, loosen the screws and reposition the rail.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Savage Axis Scope Rail is a critical step in optimizing your rifle’s performance. By understanding the different rail types, carefully considering factors like material, mounting style, and compatibility, you can select a rail that meets your specific needs. From the sturdy Picatinny rails to the more simplistic Weaver designs, the available selection allows you to customize your rifle to your needs. Remember to follow the installation instructions carefully, prioritizing safety. By selecting and installing the appropriate Savage Axis Scope Rail, you’ll be well on your way to achieving greater accuracy and enjoyment with your Savage Axis rifle.
