Anarchy Outdoors Savage Axis Scope Base Review

First Impressions of Anarchy Outdoors Savage Axis Scope Base

The Anarchy Outdoors Savage Axis Scope Base promises to be an upgrade for Savage Axis rifle owners looking to enhance their long-range accuracy. Anarchy Outdoors positions this base as a quality aftermarket product, emphasizing the embedded bubble level and available MOA options. This review aims to dissect that promise, offering a brutally honest assessment based on hands-on experience.

I was seeking a reliable scope base to mount a new optic on my Savage Axis, primarily for longer-range target shooting. I was drawn to the Anarchy Outdoors offering because of its integrated bubble level and the choice of 20 or 30 MOA, features I believed would provide a competitive edge.

The initial unboxing was, frankly, underwhelming. The base itself felt solid enough, constructed of aluminum and finished in black. However, the machining appeared somewhat rough around the edges, and the bubble level seemed cheaply integrated. I immediately compared it to scope bases from EGW and Warne, which I’ve used on other rifles; the Anarchy Outdoors base felt noticeably less refined.

My first impression was a mixture of cautious optimism and a nagging feeling of disappointment. The idea was sound, but the execution seemed to lack the polish I expected for the price point. Would it perform as intended, or would the initial concerns translate into real-world issues?


Real-World Testing: Putting Anarchy Outdoors Savage Axis Scope Base to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the Anarchy Outdoors Savage Axis Scope Base was my local shooting range, under relatively benign conditions – clear skies and mild temperatures. I mounted the base on my Savage Axis short action rifle, torquing the screws to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications. Immediately, I encountered a problem: the provided 6-48 screws were significantly smaller than the 8-40 screws my rifle requires.

This necessitated an immediate trip to the hardware store to source the correct screws before I could proceed. Once I finally got the correct size screws, I mounted my scope and headed to the 100-yard range. The bubble level, despite its less-than-premium appearance, did prove useful in ensuring the rifle was perfectly level, contributing to more consistent groupings.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of range trips and approximately 200 rounds fired, the Anarchy Outdoors Savage Axis Scope Base has held zero, which is a basic requirement, but one it has met so far. However, the finish is already showing signs of wear around the edges, particularly where the scope rings are mounted. I’ve noticed that the bubble level shifts slightly when the rifle experiences recoil, requiring occasional readjustment.

Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward; a simple wipe-down with a gun-cleaning cloth is sufficient. This base falls short compared to my experiences with other scope bases like those from Nightforce and Badger Ordnance. The initial screw issue and the bubble level’s fragility are significant drawbacks.

Breaking Down the Features of Anarchy Outdoors Savage Axis Scope Base

Specifications

  • The Anarchy Outdoors Savage Axis Scope Base is constructed from Aluminum and finished in Black. This material choice aims for a balance of weight and durability.
  • It is designed specifically for the Savage Axis rifle with a Short Action. This ensures a proper fit.
  • The base is offered in both 20 MOA and 30 MOA. This is designed to enhance long-range accuracy.
  • It weighs 2.5 oz. This is reasonably lightweight.
  • It features a Picatinny rail for scope mounting. This provides compatibility with a wide range of optics.
  • The dimensions are 8″ x 0.5″ x 0.34″. These dimensions ensure a low-profile mounting solution.

These specifications are fairly standard for a scope base; however, the devil is in the details. The initial screw incompatibility issue reveals a lack of attention to detail on the manufacturer’s part.

Performance & Functionality

When the correct screws are used, the Anarchy Outdoors Savage Axis Scope Base functions adequately as a scope mounting platform. The Picatinny rail provides a stable interface for attaching optics. However, the questionable quality of the embedded bubble level and the initial screw incompatibility detract from its overall performance.

Its strengths lie in its compatibility with the Savage Axis short action and the availability of MOA options. The weaknesses are the initial screw issue and the bubble level’s susceptibility to shifting under recoil. The base does not exceed expectations, especially considering the price point and the competition.

Design & Ergonomics

The Anarchy Outdoors Savage Axis Scope Base’s design is relatively simple. Its low-profile design keeps the scope close to the bore axis. The aluminum construction keeps the weight down.

The build quality, however, is questionable, with rough machining evident. The bubble level, while functional, feels like an afterthought.

Durability & Maintenance

The aluminum construction should provide reasonable durability, though the finish is already showing wear. Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning after use will help prevent corrosion.

Long-term durability remains to be seen. The fragility of the bubble level is a concern.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Anarchy Outdoors Savage Axis Scope Base comes with the base itself and mounting screws (albeit the wrong size, initially). It is compatible with any Picatinny-compatible scope rings and optics. The availability of 20 MOA and 30 MOA options offers a degree of customization for long-range shooting.

No other included accessories or brand-specific customizations are available. The standard Picatinny rail design does allow for the use of many aftermarket accessories.

Pros and Cons of Anarchy Outdoors Savage Axis Scope Base

Pros

  • Compatible with Savage Axis Short Action rifles. This ensures proper fitment for the intended firearm.
  • Available in 20 MOA and 30 MOA. This enhances long-range shooting capabilities.
  • Integrated bubble level. This aids in preventing canting and promoting accuracy (when functioning properly).
  • Lightweight Aluminum Construction. This helps minimize added weight to the rifle.
  • Picatinny Rail Interface. This provides broad compatibility with various scope rings and optics.

Cons

  • Incorrect screw size provided. This necessitates an additional purchase and delays installation.
  • Questionable bubble level durability. The bubble level can shift and may not withstand long-term use.
  • Rough Machining. The overall machining and finish quality are less than ideal for the price.


Who Should Buy Anarchy Outdoors Savage Axis Scope Base?

The Anarchy Outdoors Savage Axis Scope Base is potentially suitable for Savage Axis owners who are on a budget and looking for a scope base with an integrated bubble level and MOA options. It might be a good starting point for casual target shooters who are not overly concerned with premium fit and finish.

Those who demand high precision, superior build quality, and absolute reliability should skip this product. Experienced long-range shooters or hunters who rely on their equipment in demanding conditions would be better served by investing in a higher-quality scope base from a reputable manufacturer like Nightforce, Seekins Precision, or EGW.

A must-have modification would be replacing the bubble level with a higher-quality standalone level or upgrading to a different scope base entirely. Ensure the correct screw size is used during installation (8-40 for many Savage Axis models).

Conclusion on Anarchy Outdoors Savage Axis Scope Base

The Anarchy Outdoors Savage Axis Scope Base promises enhanced long-range accuracy with its integrated bubble level and MOA options, but the reality falls short of the marketing hype. The initial issue with the wrong screw size is a significant oversight. The rough machining and questionable bubble level durability further detract from its value proposition.

The price of $83.99 is difficult to justify given the product’s shortcomings. While it functions adequately as a scope mounting platform (when the correct screws are used), it does not offer the level of quality and reliability I would expect at this price point.

Personally, I cannot wholeheartedly recommend the Anarchy Outdoors Savage Axis Scope Base. There are better alternatives available from other manufacturers that offer superior quality, durability, and attention to detail, even if they come at a slightly higher cost. Invest in a scope base that you can truly rely on, and don’t compromise on quality when it comes to mounting your valuable optics.

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