It is my understanding that the name was changed due to legal naming rights, not a marketing ploy.  I recentlly ordered a Axis youth 7mm-08.  Internet research led me to believe this will be a fine rifle for my kids to grow into.

I agree Jim.  They don't impress me one bit.  I always liked the 111 and 110 - don't think they sell the m110 anymore though.  The model 111 isn't pretty by any means, but they're very accurate and affordable.  Another pro, I was never worried about scratching it - I only spent about $250 on mine roughly 15 yrs. ago.

Good points AF...

The recoil lug not being part of the barrel / receiver - to me - is silly.

OK - people made fun of Savage for years for that goofy looking barrel nut - big deal - I did not see it as a bad thing.

I bet this line peters out real quick....

Jim

Yes, as was aluded to, the reason for the name change was due to a trademark or copyright issue.

I'm not sure with this one but I don't have a problem with it. Some people will buy the cheaper Savage because of name reputation but not the Stevens because they just don't know.

I would not buy one anymore without the better trigger but I'm sure a lot of beginners will jump at the price and be totally satisfied.

But I will agree that name changes rarely help a new product.

Gunsmith in the midwest, name escapes me right now, Maybe Gordy Critters, told me years ago that he though that the secrete to Savage accuracy was the barrel nut. Something ssimilar to the barrel nut on the Dan wesson handguns. Tighting the nut and looseing it could change things very nicely.