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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For more information, visit savagearms.com.
