A.223 Remington bolt rifle is a good fit for coyote, groundhog and fox in the Piedmont, and its mild recoil makes it friendly for newer shooters. The Savage Axis 2 Pro in.223 wears a textured forest SP camo finish, which helps the rifle blend into brush.

The Pro version of the Axis adds upgrades over the base model, including a better stock and a more refined feel. The AccuTrigger system is a Savage trademark and lets you set the pull to your liking. The.223 is cheap to shoot compared to larger centerfires, which means more time on the range and less spent on ammo.

Check your state regulations before using a.223 on deer, since rules vary by location. It works well for varmints and for plinking, and it is a fine caliber for training. Spend time sighting in at a hundred yards, and consider a scope with good light gathering for dawn hunts. A few hours at the range with it will tell you more than any review.

This rifle is new. It ships to a North Carolina FFL dealer of your choice for the background check and transfer.