Savage Axis

The Savage Axis is Savage Arms’ entry-level bolt-action hunting rifle line, built around a button-rifled barrel and a detachable box magazine. The family includes the standard Axis and Axis 2, the scoped Axis XP and Axis II XP packages, the chassis-stocked Axis II Precision, and the camo-stocked Axis 2 Pro. Current Axis 2 rifles add a user-adjustable AccuTrigger, a threaded barrel and an adaptable length of pull. Calibers run from 223 Rem and 22-250 through 6.5 Creedmoor, 308 Win, 30-06 and 400 Legend.

Read our full Savage Axis Buying Guide ↓

Axis vs. Axis II and Axis 2: What Changed?

The original Savage Axis uses a standard trigger. The Axis II upgrades to Savage’s user-adjustable AccuTrigger, which lets the shooter set pull weight without gunsmithing. Savage now writes the name as Axis 2. Its current Axis 2 pages list threaded, button-rifled barrels, an adaptable length of pull, an enhanced bolt handle and a textured stock with ambidextrous palm swells. A removable spacer converts the Axis 2 stock from full size to compact. Most current Axis 2 calibers use a 20-inch barrel, and the 350 Legend uses an 18-inch barrel.

Savage Axis II XP and Axis 2 XP Scoped Packages

The Axis II XP and Axis 2 XP are the ready-to-hunt versions, with a 3-9x40mm scope mounted and bore-sighted at the factory. Savage lists the current Axis 2 XP with an OD Green or Gray synthetic stock, a black receiver and a four-round detachable magazine. The Axis 2 XP Hardwood adds a brown hardwood stock with laser-cut stippling on the grip and forend. Earlier Axis II XP rifles often used 22-inch barrels, so check each listing for barrel length. Axis II XP listings here cover 223 Rem, 5.56 NATO, 22-250, 243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08, 308 Win, 25-06, 270 Win, 30-06, 350 Legend and 400 Legend. Stock options include black, gray, green, hardwood, compact and stainless versions.

Savage Axis 2 Pro

The Savage Axis 2 Pro pairs the AccuTrigger with a spiral-fluted threaded barrel, a one-piece 0 MOA rail and a Cerakote barrel and action. Savage lists it in 15 calibers with right- and left-hand versions. Stock finishes include Savage Woodland, Savage Western, Forest SP Camo and Mossy Oak Original Bottomland. Unlike the XP, the Pro does not include a scope, so the optic choice is yours. See the Savage Axis 2 Pro page for calibers, barrel lengths and camo options.

Savage Axis II Precision

The Axis II Precision puts the Axis action in an aluminum chassis with an olive drab molded skin. Savage lists adjustable comb height and length-of-pull spacers, an M-LOK forend and a one-piece 20 MOA rail. It uses a 22-inch threaded heavy barrel and an AICS-pattern detachable magazine. Axis II Precision listings here cover 223 Rem, 243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 270 Win, 308 Win and 30-06 with 10-round magazines.

Left-Hand and Compact Axis Rifles

Savage builds left-hand Axis rifles across much of the line, so left-handed shooters get the same features as right-handed buyers. Many Axis II XP and Axis 2 Pro listings here are left-hand versions, including hardwood, green and camo stocks. Look for “Left Hand” or “LH” in the product name. Compact Axis XP and Axis 2 Pro versions suit smaller-framed and younger shooters. Current Axis 2 stocks also adjust between full size and compact with a removable spacer.

Caliber Options

The Savage Axis comes in a wide range of hunting calibers, depending on the variant. They include 223 Rem, 22-250, 243 Win, 7mm-08, 308 Win, 25-06, 270 Win, 30-06, 6.5 Creedmoor, 350 Legend and 400 Legend. That breadth covers everything from varmint hunting to elk. Straight-wall 350 Legend and 400 Legend versions suit hunters in states with straight-wall cartridge rules. The 6.5 Creedmoor and 308 Win versions are common choices for deer hunting and longer-range target shooting.

Frequently Asked Questions: Savage Axis

What is the difference between the Savage Axis and Axis II?
The Savage Axis II adds the AccuTrigger, Savage’s user-adjustable trigger, over the standard Axis and its basic non-adjustable trigger. The Axis II XP packages the AccuTrigger rifle with a factory-mounted and bore-sighted scope. Current Axis 2 rifles also add a threaded barrel and an adaptable length of pull.

What is the Savage Axis II XP?
The Savage Axis II XP is an Axis II rifle sold as a package with a 3-9x40mm scope mounted and bore-sighted at the factory. It keeps the AccuTrigger and a four-round detachable box magazine. Savage now calls the current version the Axis 2 XP.

What is the difference between the Axis 2 XP and the Axis 2 Pro?
The Axis 2 XP includes a mounted 3-9x40mm scope and a synthetic or hardwood stock. The Axis 2 Pro has no scope but adds a spiral-fluted barrel, a one-piece 0 MOA rail, Cerakote metal and camo stocks. Choose the XP for a complete package and the Pro to pick your own optic.

Does the Savage Axis II XP come in left-hand?
Yes. Left-hand Axis II XP rifles are listed in calibers including 223 Rem, 243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 350 Legend, 30-06 and 400 Legend. Look for “Left Hand” or “LH” in the product name.

What scope comes on the Savage Axis XP?
Axis XP and Axis 2 XP rifles come with a 3-9x40mm scope that is mounted and bore-sighted at the factory. The scope maker can vary by production run, so check the product listing for the brand.

Is the Savage Axis accurate?
The Axis uses a button-rifled barrel, and the Axis II and Axis 2 add the user-adjustable AccuTrigger. A clean, adjustable trigger helps a shooter get the most from the barrel. Real-world groups depend on ammunition, optic and shooter.

What calibers does the Savage Axis come in?
The Axis comes in 223 Remington, 22-250, 243 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08, 308 Winchester, 25-06, 270 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield, 350 Legend and 400 Legend. Available calibers vary by version.

Is the Savage Axis good for deer hunting?
Yes. The Axis is chambered in common deer calibers such as 243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 308 Win, 30-06 and 350 Legend. XP packages arrive with a mounted, bore-sighted scope, so the rifle needs only a zero before the hunt.

Savage Axis 2 Pro