Looking for a cheap, light weight, beater rifle to pull Mule and pickup duty for the next 30 years or so and the Ruger American and Savage Axis in 22-250 or 243 both came up.

Considerations are Value, Accuracy, Durability,and Manufacturer Support.

I like the Axis because I can get stainless for about the same price as the regular American, the stock feel more solid, and the action is smoother.

I like the American because of my incredible experience with Ruger customer service and I think they may have a better after-market in the future based on their continued development of the line.

Both now come with "Accutrigger" style triggers.

What do you guys like between the two and why?

Between those two, I'd go for the one that seems to fit best when I pick one up and put it to my shoulder.

I have no real feeling that one stands out above the other, though of course each has an advantage or two. In the end, it's a toss-up, as far as I can tell.

If they both have the accutrigger, buy the cheaper one!!

I have no experience with the Axis, but own two Ruger Americans. I own a standard .243 and a .308 in the Predator series. Both shoot exceptionally well (accurate), triggers are decent, actions are reasonably smooth and I like the bolt handle angle. I don't like the flimsy stocks, or the barrel/action finish/coating. For the price point it's a tough rifle to beat.

I have both and would be hard pressed to pick one over the other. I'ts flat out amazing how well they shoot.

If you can get the Axis II in stainless for the price of the American, I'd get the Axis hands down. Stainless is less trouble for a truck/mule gun

Ford/Chevy

I've shot an Axis that a friend owns and it shoots very well. I've got a LH RAR in .223 that shoots very, very well. I added a Timney trigger and a cabelas scope to mine and thought I'd make a truck gun out of it as well. Turns out I always carry my Creedmoor to the range and since I'm not shooting it I tried 2 weeks ago to sell it but had no luck. I'd probably choose the RAR but I'd not be afraid to pick up an Axis for that purpose! Good Luck with your choice.

Marlin X7

Right now I am leaning toward 22-250 in a compact model. Given the fact that the RAR in 22-250 has a 1:10 twist over the Savages 1:12, that opens up the possibility for me to use a wider selection of bullets if I want and gives the RAR the edge. I also prefer the RAR's more traditional profile.

However if I lean back to .243 then the fact that I can get the Axis in stainless for much less than a stainless RAR tilts the skills back in the Axis' favor since they have the same twist in that chambering.

Right now it looks like the RAR. Maybe I can find a good deal on the stainless compact version.

Buy the one with the best aftermarket trigger availbility

The axis trigger is actually pretty easy to adjust weight...

If you're ever going to buy a suppressor you should consider the Ruger Predator models. They come in .243, have a heavier contour barrel and the barrel is factory threaded.

The choice might be tough. Too many choices and options. Might just boil down to whatever the cheapest deal is at the time.
--The blued finish on both Ruger and Savage are not very good. Savages are rougher and wear the blue off pretty quickly. Ruger looks better but is still thin. My vote is for the stainless for a truck gun.
--All Axis rifles are long action. Perhaps the Ruger has an advantage in a short action, but I do not know.
--The Axis II comes with the Accutrigger, and at a higher cost than the older Axis models.
--Scoping or irons? If you don't need a scope, look at a Savage hog hunter or a Ruger Gunsite Scout. Both only come in 223 or 308 though.
--Do you like internal box magazines or removable mags?

Like I said...too many options and easy to put too much thought into it. You can still walk into a gun shop and find a package gun under $400. Remington, Ruger, Savage, Mossberg, Winchester, etc...and I am sure someone will mention finding a beater $350 lever gun to use.

Do yourself a favor and buy a howa 1500 with the Hogue molded over grip. By far a better action and way less movement between the stock and barrel. They're priced about the same as the above mentioned guns. They're definitely one of the better low end guns. If you make it down to waco, keiths ace hardware in hewitt sells then for under 400$.

Another one to look at is the Remington 700 adl. SWFA had a package deal with a 3x9 scope for 399$ last week.

Ruger American and it's not even close to me. Everyone I have seen has shot lights out and they just feel better. For $299 I just don't think they can be beat.

For $125 you can get a Boyds aftermarket stock for the american that feels really good. I was hesitant to buy it at first but now that I did it's one of my favorite rifles.

I have one of the Ruger American Rimfires in 22 magnum. It will out shoot my trusty old Marlin, and I have no complaints about it.

Howa 1500 and 700 ADL have been mentioned. I would take either over the RAR and Axis any day and twice on Sunday.

T/C Venture, Weatherby Vanguard II, Mossberg Patriot

This.

I have 2 ruger American predators 22-250, 308 heaver barrel than RAR barrels threaded. I have no problem with stocks other than being green, but can paint it. both rifles surprised me in the way they shoot, very accurate, have done nothing to either. both will put as many shots as (i can) i say 1- 1.5 inch at 100yds, probably better with a real shooter.
But i don't plan to shoot flies or nats so they work for me.

The Mossberg Patriot has been mentioned a couple times. What is the advantage?

the howa, vanguards, marlin xl7 & the Mr7, axis, Remington,all are great choices, I have them all and they do what job it needs to, to me your .243 will handle anything and the big plus is the ammo is cheap and there is plenty of it at just about any place you go in a standard load
the only thing I don't care for on the axis is the plastic clip to open and drop the clip, and the top of the action is not open, it can get difficult for fat fingers to to feed ammo in, eapecially if your in a hurry, f you get the axis be sure to get an extra clip or two and keep them full and handy if have to run out of the first clip, or the clip breaks you will have some back ups and years from now they may cost more
the only ruger I own is a 10/22 my dad gave me when I was a kid, I can say anything against them nor for them, other then I have gave them a second glance, but did not go with it went a different direction.
god luck with you hunt!