I have two Axis rifles, a .223 and a .22-250. Both shot consistent groups of just over an inch at 100 with factory ammo, both shoot under an inch with handloads. They are more than good enough to take coyotes and they are a fantastic value considering the accuracy. I use mine for coyotes and p-dog expeditions, my sole reason for getting into the Axis rifles was that burning up much more expensive rifles shooting p-dogs just doesn't make sense to me.
As everyone will tell you, the stock trigger is bad. It's heavy and has creep. You can do a mod to reduce the pull, but that doesn't solve the creep, although it still makes a big difference just to reduce the pull to a manageable level. The best quick fix is to spend $89 on the Rifle Basix trigger. I have this trigger in both my rifles, it makes a fantastic improvement.
Cosmetics are adequate for a rifle of this price range. The stock is plastic, the magazine if metal/plastic, feels cheap, but works fine.
For the money, the Axis is a fantastic value. You can easily spend twice and much and not get any greater accuracy than the Axis can deliver.
I would question why you would want to get into barrel swapping on a sub-$350 rifle. The combination of the cost, hassle, and then having to rezero would, to me, outweigh the benefits.
As an aside, depending on the terrain in your area the best predator rifle may actually be a shotgun.
Grouse