The Savage Axis, by far, for one major reason. Aftermarket. You have a couple stock and trigger options with the Axis. Not so with the American. The flimsy, cheap, ugly stock that cannot be replaced is the main thing that keeps me away from the American. Also consider the barrel twist rate. The Axis (1:9") should shoot the 55 gr or lighter bullets better than the RAR (1:8"). Also if you want a stainless RAR you will have to wait till at least March. The RAR in .223 should be an accurate rifle, but I doubt seriously it will outshoot my .223 Axis.
