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Opinions on Mossberg Patriot, Ruger American, Savage Axis

21K views 77 replies 39 participants last post by  NC Hunter  
#1 ·
I am considering purchasing an entry-level bolt-action rifle for a camping/hunting trip out west or up north in late 2019 (probably after July). The viable options seem to be the Mossberg Patriot, Ruger American, and Savage Axis. I tend to be a traditionalist, preferring traditional rifles like lever actions, and traditional calibers like the .30-30. The traditional .30-06 requires a bolt-action, though, which is why I am considering these rifles. My initial thinking was as follows:

1. Ruger is the preferred option because of its quality and customer service.
2. Savage is the second option because of its history, accuracy, and trigger.
3. Mossberg is the third option due to its history of economical, but reliable and durable, products.

Internet reviews have led me to alter my thinking to the following:

1. Mossberg is the preferred option because of its accuracy, reliability, durability, free-floated barrel, excellent trigger, and low price.
2. Savage is a good option, but it is more expensive than the Mossberg, and it does not come with the high-quality accu-trigger. One must select a higher grade model to get that trigger—which increases the cost significantly.
3. Ruger is the third option because it is having continuing problems with the accuracy of this model, and its performance is not up to the usual Ruger standards.

I realize that I could step up to the higher quality models for both the Ruger and the Savage; but since I do not have a long hunting career before me (I am already retired and my hunting days are numbered), I think entry level is sufficient. I am thinking of a synthetic stock with blued finish.

So, given these presuppositions and parameters, what is the thinking of the marlin owners.com experts? Your experience and insights will be greatly appreciated, so learn me sorting about bolt guns.

Thanks.
 
#2 · (Edited)
I'm a fan of the accuracy of Savage barrels & the accu-trigger. Though a bit more than the Axis, I have a couple of their Hog Hunters in .223 & .308 &love them. They include iron sights, which is always nice if you accidentally trash your scope (makes an expensive hunting trip even more expensive if it brings it to an end!). The .308 can get very close ballistically to the 06 and shave a bit off the rifle weight.
Another thing I like is that it has a threaded barrel so you can put a muzzle brake on it, not so much to soften the recoil on the shoulder, but to be able to self spot your shot with the reduced muzzle jump.
 
#4 ·
I can only speak of the Savage(not the Axis though). I have had several of the Savages with the Accustock and Accutrigger and they they have performed outstanding for me and my boys. The Savage is worth the money in my book. I can say that a buddy of mine raves about his Ruger American.
 
#5 ·
I have thought about the .308 instead the .30-06, but if I go to Alaska I might have a chance at some elk, moose, or bear. I am more confident in the .30-06 for the larger game. Still learning, though, so I am open to further "eddificumation."
 
#8 ·
I spent two years stationed in AK back in the 1990s with the Army. Don't sell yourself short--get a 30-06 if you are going up there. Mr Brown Bear can be very mean and very unforgiving if he is hungry and just pissed off in general.
 
#6 ·
I have both the Ruger American and the Savage Mod 11 Trophy Hunter XP package rifle with the accu-trigger (Half-step up from the Axis). Both are quality rifles and either would work well for a very bargain price. I highly recommend both of them. I don't have any experience with the Mossberg--so I can't comment on that rifle.
 
#7 ·
I would go with Savage. You can get a used model 10 or 11 cheap in my area, usually less than $300. I once bought a used model 10 in .243 for $180. Every Savage I have owned has been an excellent shooter. If you get one of those models, you always have the option of different custom stocks, barrels, and mags later on. Just my opinion. Hard to beat the accuracy of a Savage bolt gun for the money.
 
#11 ·
#15 ·
I gave the Marlin considerable thought. I only recently learned that Marlin did make a bolt action at one time. I would like to have one, but you pointed out the problem—availability and price!

Just can't bring myself to consider a Remington 738 which was the Remain replacement for the Marlin bolt actions.
 
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#16 ·
I would not go with an Axis. I hear their triggers a terrible. An Axis II has the AccuTrigger though. Out of the 3 the American probably has the best system.

But I'm gonna add two more for you. The TC Venture. Ive handed those and they seem better than the 3 you mentioned.

But the one I would suggest is the Weatherby Vanguard 2. It's $100 more than the American but not even in the same class. So much better. I would rate it above a Tikka. It would be a gun that you could hand down for generations for sure
 
#20 ·
I have a Ruger American Predator in 6.5 Creedmoor and it's a fine rifle for the money. Shot just about everything Hornady offers in 6.5 and they are all extremely accurate in the American. That said, the 6.5 is probabaly light for bears and mooses. Or is it meese? We don't have none of either one in SE Texas.
 
#21 · (Edited)
I understand the 6.5 Creedmoor is a good caliber, but I agree it is probably too light for an Alaskan adventure.

I did look at the Predator and agree it is a fine rifle, but it seems like more gun than I will need for the remainder of my hunting career.

I am not a grammar nazi, but I think the plural of moose is also moose, as is the case with sheep.

I just checked in with Alexa (you know, "Hey Alexa, what is the plural of 'moose'?" :hmmmm2:). She advised me the word comes from the Algonquin language, and does not use the English style of pluralization. Thus, the plural of "moose" is "moose", whether it is in Texas or Alaska. :laugh:
 
#23 ·
I have a Ruger American in 308 and it'll be as accurate as you let it. I was stacking shots in a quarter grouping at 100yds.

I asked my LGS about the Mossberg Patriot when I bought the Ruger and he said he doesn't keep them around because of quality issues (or he was just selling me what he had not what I wanted, can't tell)

For a real budget-minded price, the Ruger American is great. Light, accurate, and cheap enough that I don't care if it gets banged up in the field.
 
#28 · (Edited)
It was news to me when I started researching this issue. It is disappointing to hear, but I am glad Ruger is aware and addressing the problem.
 
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#27 ·
Mossberg You get the LBA trigger system.
You also get a Vortex scope and Walnut stock.
Then as you mentioned the full free floating barrel.
And most are fluted as well to save weight.
I have owned a Mossberg rifle it was accurate as all get out even with a cheap scope.
I sold it to a guy from work. He has taken 6 deer with it all over 150yds away with that cheap scope.
 
#30 ·
Would anyone recommend adding the Marlin XL7 in .30-06 to the list of candidates? I see a couple NIB and one "As New" on Gunbroker for about $400. Old reviews seem positive, but I would hesitate to make an out of production model my first choice. I am inclined toward the Mossberg, but I can't take any action on this until next July. I have a lot of time to do my research.
 
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#31 · (Edited)
I have a 2009 JM XL7W (factory walnut stocked) 30-06 and its a fantastic rifle! I heartily approve of that choice. A 1990s Marlin MR-7 30-06 bolt gun is another good choice if you can find one.
 
#32 ·
I wouldn't give two nickles for a Mossberg or a Vortex optic.
I can recommend the Marlin XL-7 or XS-7. The Savage 110 or Ruger American.
I have a Savage and a Marlin and they shoot lights out.
My next bolt gun is gonna be a Ruger Hawkeye. I know several hunters around here that have Americans and love them.
I hear that the Savages are on sale. The model with the scope on it. Spend just a little more money on a good trigger its worth it.
 
#33 ·
I just sold my 308 youth model Mossberg Patriot. It performed flawlessly and was 1 moa accurate with Hornady GMX 165. Down side of Mossberg is the bolt won't lock when safety is on. None of these less expensive plastic rifles have longevity built into them....if that's important....their connection to the stock, their 'pillars', their box magazine yada yada.......not built for longevity. Again....that's ok if you just want a quick, light, cheap rifle to beat up in the short term. You will still successfully put food on your table. I sold all my hunting rifles except one.......a JM 45-70 GS model. I think.....if I buy a second for greater distance...I will move one step up or more in quality.
 
#35 ·
Nobody has any love for the Weatherby Vanguard 2? It's basically a Howa 1500 in a Weatherby stock. Guaranteed MOA. Metal lugs into the stock and fully bedded sporter barrel how they are supposed to be(not free floated). I'd take that over an A-bolt, 700, M77, even CZ. All for $450 in a synthetic stock. Around $600 if you want a top notch Walnut stock but still a steal at that price.
 
#36 ·
I cant advise, but can report on the Mossberg. I own and use a Mossberg MVP Patrol in .308, and have done for a couple of years I think. I have read a lot of good things and some bad things about them. I believe the Patriot is very similar, sure looks the same. My MVP has never failed me, I have had no problems with it at all. In addition to the plastic PMags I have a couple of M14 mags that fit, and all work fine. Nothing has fallen off it, and it prints some decent groups for a 16.5" floating bull barrel.

My conclusion, I wanted a rifle I could get rough with, wouldn't cost a fortune and would be reliable. The MVP has done fine.
 
#37 ·
Well, the learning continues. Thanks for the guidance and information.
 
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#39 ·
I recently bought the Savage model 11 Trophy Hunter in 308. It comes with a nice Nikon scope that I took off installed a rail and replaced with a Leupold I had. It has the accutrigger. I got it before the rebate ended and it cost me $433.00 with shipping. It shoots better than I can and will hit anything pretty much where you have it aimed. My son put a tripod on it and has shot it more than I have. Not sure if I will get it back or not. :hmmmm2: