Camouflage on a budget rifle is a nice touch. The Savage Axis 2 Pro in 6.5 Creedmoor wears a Savage Woodland pattern that blends into the hardwoods and pines of the Carolina forests.

The Axis 2 Pro is a step up from the base Axis. Savage generally adds a heavier barrel or a better stock, and the AccuTrigger on this line lets you set a lighter pull. A lighter pull helps shooters of all levels place their shots, while the 6.5 Creedmoor brings flat flight and mild recoil. A little practice every month beats a long session once a year. Spend an afternoon at the range before the season so you know exactly where it shoots.

Whitetail across the Piedmont are well within the range of this combination. Add a scope and sight it in at a hundred yards, then confirm at longer range if you hunt open fields.

The Woodland pattern means you can use the rifle as it comes without extra camouflage tape. It is a solid value for a new hunter. It ships to a North Carolina FFL dealer, where the background check is completed at pickup.