I have an Axis .223 Stainless. I've run about 3-400 rounds through it so far.
It's certainly a shooter, and as far as value for money, it's almost impossible to beat. There are many, many rifles on the market that won't shoot better than the Axis even though they cost 2-3 times as much. They may look better, they may have a smoother action, better trigger, etc, etc. But as far as the bullet hitting where the crosshairs were when you pulled the trigger, the Axis is the real deal. It's certainly capeable of shooting sub 1 inch groups all day long and even with factory ammo, I shot a 1.05 inch 5 shot group the first time out. Now that I have it dialed in with handloads, it's easily sub-1 inch for 5 shots.
IMO it will certainly hold up well over time. Especially when you consider the number of rounds the average hunter runs through a gun.
Obviously there are compromises with a gun at the price point of the Axis. It depends on what matters to you. The stock is ugly and as everyone will tell you, the trigger is poor.
But even if you spent $89 to get a Rifle Basix fully adjustable trigger, you're still ahead of the game IMO.
I opted to do a trigger job and I went from 7+ pounds 3 pounds and the feel is at least acceptable.
It all depends on what you want and value. If you want fine wood and checkering, a breaks-like-glass trigger, and flawless blueing, add at least $500 to your budget and look elsewhere. If you want a gun that goes bang and puts a bullet where you were aiming, the Savage is very tough to beat for the price.
Grouse
