My wife bought a Savage Axis combo in .223 with the 3x9x40 Bushnell scope. I've shot it several times, and first I found the trigger to be a little Creepy, but that may be something that improves as it gets worn in. Second, I wish they would have made the stock comb (cheek rest) a little taller, but it actually fits my wife quite well. A cheek pad would help for me I'm sure. Maybe someday someone will make a good replacement stock for the Axis. Third, the magazine seems really cheaply made, and I fear the plastic release tab will break off someday soon, and may not work well in a cold environment. As far as accuracy, I've only had a chance to stretch it out to 100 yards, and it was grouping average at a little over two inch groups, sometimes I'd get a flyer.
Some of that was most likely me, since I had been shooting a .50cal muzzle loader right before that and was getting somewhat beat, but I think it was mostly because the 3x9 scope was somewhat lacking. With different ammo, and a different scope (maybe a better shooter) it may be capable of much better performance, and, it's still a brand new rifle it may close up after a shoot/break in period.
Over all though for the price I think it's a great rifle. Could be better, but sure could be a lot worse. Mind you I've only shot the .223 version, but I would recommend it to a friend, so far anyway.
BTW... My wife really likes it, and that's what really matters here anyway, because it's her rifle. ;-P
P.S.... Ours is not the SS model though.