re: Savage axis 30-06 or .308 for $140

That's an easy decision---buy BOTH! You'll find a good use for the one you decide not to keep for yourself.

Some years ago I bought 3 Stevens Model 200 rifles, all in 270 Win at an Academy clearance sale for $180 each. The Stevens was being discontinued, to be replaced by the Axis. I put all 3 to good use. First one was converted to 221 Remington Fireball for prairie dog hunting. Second was used a deer rifle gift from the men of our church to our pastor. Last one was made into a 20 Practical (basically a 204 Ruger using 223 Remington brass) for prairie dog hunting.