A basic bolt rifle that shoots straight is worth owning. The Savage Axis 2 is just that: a bolt action with an 18 inch barrel, a four-round magazine and a gray finish, from a maker known for accuracy at a fair price.

Savage includes its AccuTrigger on the Axis line, which lets you set the pull weight lighter than a typical factory trigger. That helps new shooters hit what they aim at. A short 18 inch barrel makes it handy in deer stands and ground blinds, and it is easy to load into a truck. Wipe it down after wet weather and store it dry, because North Carolina humidity is hard on steel. Test your chosen ammunition before you trust it in the field or for carry, and stick with what runs well.

Rifles like this serve as a first deer rifle or a spare truck gun.

Top it with a modest scope, sight it in at a hundred yards, and you are ready for the season. It ships to a North Carolina FFL dealer, where the background check is completed at pickup.