First Look: Savage Axis 2

by
posted on August 29, 2024
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Savage Axis 2 Lead

Savage Arms of Westfield, Mass., today releases the next evolution of its exceptional Axis bolt-action hunting rifle. Called the Axis 2, it’s in stores now. Five new or updated models include Axis XP, Axis 2, Axis 2 XP, Axis 2 XP Hardwood and Axis 2 Pro priced from $489 to $689.

Male holding Savage Axis 2 bolt action rifle in Savage factory.

I was part of a media sneak-peak in the Savage factory in July and not only saw these rifles being built in Westfield—I actually built one. I can tell you this is a thoughtful evolution of the original Axis lineup. The incorporation of trending features with a now 10-year-old platform that already produced exceptional out-of-the-box accuracy is a winning combination for hunting season 2024. All the guns the media built in Westfield shot 1-inch groups.

Male at shooting bench with Savage Axis 2 Pro rifle shouldered.

“Axis set the bar for affordability and accuracy in regards to rifles,” says Savage director of marketing Beth Shimanski, and I’d have to agree. The rifle is a great choice for just about anyone including a beginner looking to jump into the game with a quality bolt-action or an experienced hunter looking to modernize his gun locker.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the relaunch is the fact every model in the Axis 2 lineup is available as right- or left-handed, as a standard or compact rifle. Updated ergonomics begin with a sleek updated bolt handle with a knob large enough to find and work in any situation.

Savage Axis 2 bolt removed from rifle.

Updated stock ergonomics include a vertical pistol grip, an ambidextrous palm swell, stippling on the grip and fore-end, a high comb, adjustable length of pull, room for a toe bag beneath the butt and inletted sling swivel studs. All units use a removable box magazine. Barrels, mounted to the action via thread-in head spacing, are button rifled and measure 18 to 22 inches long.

Savage Axis 2 rifle on shooting bench.

All models in the lineup are available right- or left-handed. Eleven calibers available across the line include .223 Rem., .22-250 Rem., .243 Win., 6.5 CM, 7mm-08 Rem., .308 Win., 350 and 400 Legend, .25-06 Rem., .270 Win. and .30-06 Sprg. In the smaller calibers, the Axis 2 feels like a slick compact mountain rifle.

Savage Axis 2 detachable magazine in rifle.

The Axis XP built on a black composite stock in right- and left-handed models comes with a factory-mounted, bore-sighted 3-9x40 scope for $479. The Axis 2 adds the famous Savage AccuTrigger and an OD green, gray or flat dark earth composite stock for $489. The Axis 2 XP includes a 3-9x40 scope with fully multi-coated lenses and tool-less turret adjustments for $549. Axis 2 Hardwood features a hardwood stock with laser-cut stippling on the grip and fore-end for $689. The grip on this unit is slightly fatter than that found on composite stocks as the wood needs extra rigidity.

Savage 2 XP Hardwood bolt action rifle.

Axis 2 Pro, the unit the media built and shot in Westfield, boasts all the best qualities of the Axis family in a Savage Woodland or Western camouflaged composite stock for $599. Also included is a threaded barrel, a O MOA one-piece Pic rail mounted atop the action and metalwork covered in Gun Metal Bronze Cerakote. Axis 2 XP Pro barrels all measure 20 inches, except 350 Legend, which measures 18 inches. This is a sweet rifle.

Savage Axis 2 Pro Picatinny rail.

For more information, visit savagearms.com.

Latest

Ledefriends Of The NRA Scholarship Image
Ledefriends Of The NRA Scholarship Image

NRA Foundation Awards $13,500 in College Scholarships

The National Rifle Association is proud to announce the Grand Scholarship winners from the 2024 Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.)—a group of exceptional students selected for their leadership, initiative, and dedication to advancing NRA programs within their communities.

Recipe: Bacon-Rolled Elk Burgers

Brad Fenson whips up his classic Bacon Rolled Elk Burgers in this week's recipe.

First Look: Chiappa Firearms Rhino Revolver

Chiappa Firearms is expanding its Rhino series by introducing two new revolvers chambered in the powerful, versatile 10mm Auto.

Tested: Henry Lever Action Supreme Suppressed

The .300 Blk carbine version of this new Henry hunting hybrid makes for a handsome and handy suppressor host.

First Look: FoxPro X360 Digital Game Call

FoxPro has unveiled the X360, the company's most advanced and feature-rich digital game call to date. Designed to redefine predator hunting, the X360 delivers  audio performance, next-generation features, and excellent realism.

A Win for Science-Based Wildlife Management in Arizona

Hound hunters in Arizona have been embroiled in a fight to continue their age-old tradition. Now, they have notched up another victory in this ongoing war.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.