On this week's #SundayGunday, we shoot the brand-new Savage Arms Axis 2. It’s a redesign of the company’s fabulous bolt-action hunting rifle released 10 years ago, and it’s on dealer shelves right now, just in time for deer seasons nationwide. The next evolution of the exceptional Axis rifle includes five new or updated models: the Axis XP, Axis 2, Axis 2 XP, Axis 2 XP Hardwood and Axis 2 Pro, all priced from $489 to $689.
This is a thoughtful evolution of the original Axis lineup. The incorporation of trending features with a platform that already produced exceptional out-of-the-box accuracy is a winning combination.
Savage personnel like to say the Axis set the bar for affordability and accuracy, and we’d have to agree after seeing the initial Axis 2 models, all of which have shot 1-inch groups in our tests. The rifle is a great choice for just everyone, whether you’re a beginner looking to jump into the game with a quality bolt-action rifle or an experienced hunter looking for a new deer rig.
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.
Updated ergonomics include a sleek, swept-back bolt handle. It’s easy to find and work in any situation. Barrels, mounted to the action via thread-in head spacing, are button rifled and measure 18 to 22 inches long, in keeping with the trend these days to carry shorter and shorter barrels to the field. All models are built around an action in a stock designed to use a removable box magazine.
The new stock design is full of updates including a vertical pistol grip, an ambidextrous palm swell and stippling on the grip and fore-end. Hunters who like to shoot from precision positions in the field will appreciate a high comb and adjustable length of pull to settle in behind a riflescope. Beneath the butt there is room for a toe bag that will help you make micro-adjustments to muzzle elevation while in the prone. Sling swivel studs allow you to fit your favorite sling and keep its attachment points out of the way when the gun is shot from the 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 Springfield. In the smaller calibers, the Axis 2 feels like a slick, compact mountain rifle.
New Axis 2 Models
The Axis XP built on a black composite stock in right- and left-handed models comes with a factory-mounted, bore-sighted 3-9x40mm 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 3-9x40mm scope with fully multi-coated lenses and tool-less turret adjustments for $549. The 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.
And finally, the Axis 2 Pro, our favorite of the family and our test rifle, 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 0 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 in 350 Legend, which measures 18 inches. This is a sweet rifle.
For more information on the Savage Axis 2 hunting rifle visit savagearms.com, and for more #SundayGunday check out our playlist on YouTube, where all previous episodes are archived.
