I just picked up a Axis in 223, the scoped package. My first thoughts on these is they are cheap made and would be a POS. Well after I actually looked at one and held it at the dealer I liked how it felt how the bolt worked and how it shouldered so I bought it. 1st thing I did was get rid of the Bushnell that was on it and replaced it with a Tasco Varmint 2.5-10x42 scope...I know not a real good scope but I had it here and like it, and it's always held zero for me so I went with it. Went to the range yesterday with the gun after I cleaned it, and started to sight in, at 50 yards I was about 12" left and a tad low after adjusting the scope I was in the bullseye every shot then went back to 100 yards. I switched to the target that comes in all the paperwork with the rifle and shot 2 shots and the were in the bullseye, I then adjusted again 6 clicks up and shot 2 three shot groups all of which 1 were touching each other at about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 high and 1 being a flyer to the right which was me not the gun. All this was done off a not so great bench buddy and in a hurry, 20 mins tops I was there, I would say this is a great gun at a cheap price and would not think twice about buying another. But then again I am guessing the Stevens would probably have the same results at a good price too, and like said above there are more options for the Stevens if you want to change something on it. Either way ya can't go wrong IMO.