[one_half padding=”0 0 0 0px”]
Savage Axis II XP
[/one_half]
[one_half_last padding=”0 0 0 0px”]
[/one_half_last]
Let’s say you’ve just gotten a call from a friend who wants to go hunting with you. Tomorrow. He wants to go tomorrow, but he doesn’t have a rifle. You know you’ll be able to put him on a deer, or a hog, or whatever it is he wants to hunt, but you don’t have extra rifles lying about, set up and ready to go. What would you suggest?
The Savage Axis in all of its budget minded glory. But don’t be fooled by the price-tag–it still shoots under 1 MOA.
There’s a lot to presume about the hypothetical above. Let’s pretend the friend knows his ass from his elbow and is aware of basic firearms safety and function. There’s a big-box retailer right around the corner. We can assume he or she can legally buy a gun, and can get a license (and that you will be hunting, not poaching). This friend needs a gun, one in a common caliber, and an optic (preferably one that’s already attached and sighted in). What he need is a rifle that’s turnkey, ready to go out of the box.
You need a Savage Axis II, the complete package.
The scenario above isn’t all that far-fetched. As I’m often asked for firearms advice, I find myself playing these games frequently. Not two weeks ago, a friend of mine called with a very similar situation. He’s a hippy farmer who sells organic heirloom vegetables to the yippies up in Richmond, and his farm has been overrun by whitetail that really appreciate the cervine buffet he’s planted in nice clean rows. He likes to live in harmony with nature but realizes that we’ve created a world in which the whitetail have no natural predators (at least none that aren’t powered by gasoline). My friend is ready to kill to defend his livelihood, and he just got a Kill Permit from the state that allows him to knock off the critters out of season.
The Weaver Kaspa 3-9×40 is as traditional, and simple, as an optic gets.
“What do I need?” he asked.
“Easy,” I said. “You need a Savage Axis II.” And then I went out for more charcoal.
The Savage Axis II is, at its core, an introductory package. There isn’t anything inherently introductory about it, though. It would still make a fine rifle for someone wanting reliable performance, simplicity and affordability.
The rifle is an introductory line for Savage. It comes in 22-250, .223 Rem, .243 Win, 25-06 Win, 270 Win, 30-06 and 308, 7mm-08 Rem. The polymer stock is a no-frills, indestructible stock that offers good ergonomics. The carbon steel barrel is 22 inches long, which makes the whole rifle 43.875 inches. It weighs in at 6.5 pounds, empty, and won’t weigh much more loaded, as the detachable box holds just four rounds.
The barrel on this 308 has a 1/10 twist, which no brand new shooter will understand. Still, they’ll appreciate it. The slow twist rate is a solid option for a stabilizing a wide variety of ammunition, especially heavier bullets over long distances. Since we’re talking specifically about a .308, there will always be a wide variety of ammo available. More on that in a bit.
The steel box magazine holds four rounds of .308.
Let’s get back to the package. There are two upgrades that make this more special. The first is the Weaver scope. When you take the gun out of the box, the scope is already installed. And the rifle has been bore-sighted. This gives you an immediacy that is very useful, more so for novices. The Weaver Kaspa 3-9×40 isn’t the fanciest scope available. It is made in China, for starters. The glass, though, is clear enough, and the reticle is easy to understand. It is a simple design—just cross-hairs and a couple of notches for calculating bullet drop over distance.
In the end, it is what you need to get started. And it has a couple of extras. The Savage AccuTrigger is adjustable and the industry leader for safety. The one on this rifle, out of the box, breaks at 2.8 pounds.
Shooting the Axis
Everything is relative. I took the Savage Axis to the range and shot it with a bunch of guys who prefer scopes that cost more than five times what this entire package sells for. These are guys who shoot out barrels on rifles and hand load their own rounds. They’re not the target market for the Axis line, to be sure, though all of them own a Savage or two. They’re not impressed by much of anything, really, so many of their reactions were decidedly bland. I had to remind them what it was.
This is all it took to sight in the Weaver. The first shot is the one on the far right. That is solid out of the box accuracy.
The accuracy out of the box was well within minute-of-deer. The blue circle on the left is 4 inches across. The first shot was less than 2 inches off of the bulls-eye. This is amazingly reliable out-of-the-box performance, with the least expensive .308 we could find. It is somewhat amazing to me to imagine this gun coming off the factory floor, getting boxed and shiped to a distributor who then sent it to my FFL, and making it all the way to the range with this type of zero intact. Not bad, Savage.
Once we stepped up to better quality, Nosler’s Match Grade .308, the groups tightened a bit. Yet not so much that it would matter for hunting big North American game. Both worked reliably well and shot decent groups for a rifle in this price range, and that’s all that really matters. Once I got a group under an inch at 100 yards, I put away the Nosler and went back to cheap stuff.
As for the other features. The bolt on the Axis is a bit rougher than I’d like. On the up stroke, there is a hang up, right before it unlocks, that requires a bit of muscle. You have to cycle like you mean it. Once it is open, it glides back and in with no problem. The bolt is easy enough to cycle from the shoulder, though I can’t keep my eyes on the target through the scope while cycling (only because of the jarring needed to get it through the upstroke).
This group was shot with Nosler Custom Match Grade .308.
The trigger is an AccuTrigger, so it rocks. The plunger (which they call the AccuRelease) in the trigger may seem off-putting to some novices who expect the trigger to be a simple curved piece of metal, but it is a great upgrade to the basic Axis rifle. The AccuTrigger blocks the sear, so it is the safest trigger around, and it’s adjustable. If you want a 1.5 pound pull, you can dial it down. Because the seer is blocked, fully blocked, until you pull back the AccuRelease, there’s no chance that a drop or jarring of the stock will cause the rifle to fire.
The safety on the Axis is easy to see and to use. It is right behind the bolt at the top of the tang. It has a large slider and a clear red F when it is ready to go. Just beyond that point, a simple lever allows for the bolt to be removed. And that’s basically it. There are typical sling attachment points on the stock. There’s a functional rubber pad at the butt end to help with recoil absorption. All told, it is a solid, working rifle that comes in at the bottom end of the price spectrum while providing a good entry-level functionality with reliable performance. It isn’t going to feel like the more expensive rifles in the Savage line, yet it can hold its own.
The AccuTrigger is the safest rifle trigger in production.
If this gun had been available when I was a teenager, I probably would have started hunting much earlier. That’s what this is. It is a rifle meant for the new shooter. It is a place to start for those on a budget. It is a complete package that works well for those who don’t want the hassle of matching a scope to a rifle.
MSRP on the gun is $489, but they’re selling for as little as $350. At that price, this is a formidable package. In the time it takes for you to fill out the documentation for Uncle Sam, you can be on the range or in the field with functional firepower. I have a feeling that this will be a starter rifle for many, kind of a gateway drug. And once you get a bit more serious, you’ll know your way around the Savage line.
[one_half]
The bolt has a long way to travel, but makes the trip smoothly.
[/one_half]
[one_half_last]
The stock offers a very nice grip. The polymer is textured and modestly adorned with the Savage Indian Head logo.
[/one_half_last]
[one_half]
An indicator on the back of the bolt will tell you if the gun is cocked.
[/one_half]
[one_half_last]
The safety is easy to access and very easy to see. And the button is large, which makes it useful for gloved shooters.
[/one_half_last]
[one_half]
Like most bolt guns, the Axis has no iron sights. But the scope and rings come mounted.
[/one_half]
[one_half_last]
The gun, with the scope, is under 7 pounds, which makes it very easy to carry.
[/one_half_last]
[one_half]
The recoil pad absorbs some of the thump of the .308, but the gun still has a solid kick.
[/one_half]
[one_half_last]
With Nossler’s .308, the groups tighten up to right at an inch.
[/one_half_last]
Ummm… what?
doug barnett January 7, 2017, 8:22 pm
If the 308 win axis 11 xp have a 24 inches bore, This one is unbeatable to accuracy at long range, take the ammo gm308m or a horn a-max 168 gr, groups .300 to .500 inches at 100 yards i,m sure but i have testing many times,if this arms have 24 inches bore,savage not furnishe to product this model.
I bought this gun in the .270 model. Out of the box it was giving me a 2″ grouping. A slight adjustment put me in the 1 1/2″ range. But after puting 20 rounds through the weapon, the scope rings stripped from the mounts and the scope fell off the rifle. I made sure to check for tightness before firing. The scope faired alright, but the mounts that came stock are now stopped off in the corners. Has anyone else run into his?
If the 308 win axis 11 xp have a 24 inches bore, This one is unbeatable to accuracy at long range, take the ammo gm308m or a horn a-max 168 gr, groups .300 to .500 inches at 100 yards i,m sure but i have testing many times,if this arms have 24 inches bore,savage not furnishe to product this model.
Ordered a Savage Axis II XP in 30-06. A first Must do, is add the Boyds stock & two 4 screw rings. This guarantees sub 1 M.O.A. @ 100 YDS. I also have the .308 which sold me. This is my bush-loaner rifle. Total cost for the 30-06 was 350.00+ Boyds stock 140.00, & rings 37.00, = $ 527.00. Very tough to beat SUB 1 M.O.A. @ 100 YDS all day w/30-06 for this money. Rifle CHANGES COMPLETELY, producing .700″ groups, weighing 9 lbs, 2.5 lb trigger, and a proper Boyds bed! That stock cut my groups in half. I’ll use the scope alone, as I have several other better ones just sitting. I really like a no battery scope, no frills rifle. Just feed it & shoot, a lot of satisfaction for 500.bucks
Do you know which Boyd stick is the best to buy?
I just got my axis two 30–06 out of the box this afternoon can\’t wait for Saturday Did someone say heavy rounds what are you having the best luck with as far as ammo and accuracy and distance FN
bought a axis .223 had some issues warrenty was awesome sent me a new rifle . New gun shoots sub 1″ groups at 100 yds w/63gr. Hand loads . Pronghorn should be very nervous along with the yodedogs…lol. Would recommend one to anybody
The scope on my axis II was loose, the cross hairs at first didnt adjust. I had to crank and crank then the cross hairs jumped. I replaced the scope with a nikon and still can’t get a decent group. I had the nikon on an AR 15 and it shot a 1in group. So I dont know if theres something wrong with the gun or whats going on. Any ideas out there
When I did have my Axis/edge I replaced the stock with a Boyds stock. That made a big difference in the consistency
My 9 year old son shot a buck and a doe over 100 yards with 7 mm o8. Very good shooting gun.
Great rifle! I bought it from Wally World for $189.00 plus got a $50 rebate from Savage.
Bought a SAVAGE AXIS II with a heavy barrel. Its my first bolt action Rifle, as im use to ARs. From what i read and comments from friends who own one its a great rifle. When i pick it up ill let you all know.
What was this gun factory bore sighted to?
The Savage Axis II with accutrigger is a fine beginner-intermediate rifle. In 30-06, it will take down any deer, moose, elk, black bear in North America. The stock is a hollow piece of plastic and can certainly be upgraded with a Boyds stock—however, the hollow areas in the stock forearm allowed me to add some pieces of sheet lead. This makes the rifle heavier and
helps to reduce the felt recoil. Shape and put the sheet lead in the hollows—do not melt the lead and pour it in. Add a few drops of super glue and there is no rattle or coming loose. Now the trigger. The Accu-trigger is not bad and can be adjusted
down to about 1 1/2 pounds. I did, however, take some 1500 grit wet dry sandpaper and LIGHTLY polish the sear and bar.
LIGHTLY, I said. take too muck metal off and you will have an unsafe rifle. Just make it smooth and shiny. then add a little
bolt grease. I hand load and currently am shooting 150 Barnes TTX bullets in Hornady cases with 53 grains of IMR 4350. After barrel break-in, (shoot and clean after each shot for five separate times Then shot two consecutive shots and then clean this rifle, repeat 5 times. Now shoot three consecutive shoots and clean–repeat three times. For me, shooting with a rest, at
100 yards, this rifle, will shoot 5/8 MOA. I also shoot competitive rifle in other calibers, that cost alot more but this rifle will shoot quite well. If you have the time and money allows, a nice upgrade for anyone would be a better scope, such as a 4×16 with illuminated reticle in 50mm or 56mm—-but you will have to change the rings and possibly bases. I like the illuminated reticle when hunting in the early morning hours and the late evening—especially if you have doe tags, and just want to harvest some venison. Also I like Talley rings and bases (a little pricey) and there are many more excellent bases and rings. I just personally have never had any problems or issues with Talley. Absolutely no shimming or lapping. They fit right the first time. That being said, I have also had no problems with Leopold bases, rings, and scopes on a 7mm Remington Magnum.
I recently bought my son his first rifle. It’s a savage axis II. After shooting 20 shells and hunting for one day, no shots fired. We purchased a trap so it was easier to carry and he put it on. He put the rifle over his shoulder, walk to the blind, took it off his shoulder, leaned it against the wall and stock broke off right behind the trigger. He’s had this rifle less than 3 weeks I’m not impressed.
We had the EXACT SAME THING happen to us!! Ours was less than a month old and my husband layed it on top of our hog trap and it literally fell off… A 3 ft drop to knee-high grass and weeds. The stock snapped clean in half right behind the trigger. I still love the gun… But the way it broke, i honest to god believe we just got a defective stock. As easily as it broke… If this was a common occurrence, they would be out of business!
Where are you seeing them sell for $350
Cabela’s has them for 329 right now. 100 off Nov 13-26
This is a great Rifle for the cost I have a 111 Hunter xp which cost about the same I changed out the stock for a Boyds and it does everything I ever ask for but there is one thing I don’t like at all this Axis is a 100% copy of the Ruger American Rifle but now Ruger has the American Predator model that comes with a heavy threaded barrel and very nice scope rail ( it actually is a Ruger American Rifle with a Ruger Scout Barrel and Rail) this gun will shoot groups as well as a Remington 700 CDL with a heavy fluted barrel all day long and being able to add a muzzle break is even better the cost of the Predator is only $60.00 more than the regular American model everyone has there own opinion but mine is the Predator is by far the best Rifle on the market for the cost.
What’s funny is the Ruger American was a complete copy of the Savage Axis. The savage came out first though, so…..there’s no real reason to dislike the savage.
Ruger American does not have a floated barrel. Despite Savage’s rifle as being on the market first, not sure how its a copy at all.
Yes the ruger American does have a fluted barrel
not a copy, get 1 of each and take them apart, there are only so many ways to put a rifle together so they may look similar at first glance.
No iron sights. I just don’t care for rifles that depend completely on optics. If you damage your scope out in the field the gun isn’t completely useless, but darn near.
I am pushing 60 years old. I have never damaged my scope put in the field. I would rather have another gun back at camp than try to shoot a damaged gun that I had broken the scope off of.
I agree with Gary. That’s something over never worried about, but I could see that being a problem if I was on a once in a lifetime out in the middle of nowhere hunt I.e Alaska,Africa. On those type hunts I would bring a backup scope for sure. I can zero a scope easily in the field.
If someone made a 10 shot magazine, I’d already own two of these Savage rifles.
They are outthere, at least in 308
Snyder Magazines makes both .223 and .308 higher capacity variants
Best are Darkeagle Custom Inc. Short action for Axis ll in 308.
SEAR is misspelled TINK NATHAN
Since when is attached and maybe bore sighted “sighted in?” Also since when is a 1/10 twist rate slow for a .308 when many, if not most, come with a 1/12 twist? It’s a good commercial ad for Savage, though.
Since when is attached and maybe bore sighted “sighted in?” Also since when is a 1/10 twist rate slow for a .308 when many, if not most, come with a 1/12 twist? It’s a good commercial ad for Savage, though.
Since they shoot those groups in the photos above. The rifle out of the box is more accurate than most hunters and is as accurate as needed to shoot deer at 100 yards. Who are you trying to impress? Why do you a 2 inch group is not good enough for the majority of hunters?
In the article you listed 23-06, I am pretty sure that’s supposed to be 25-06? This sounds like my next rifle though. I could wish it was available in my favorite caliber, 257 Roberts, which is a very nice compromise between the 25-06 and 6mm. Less kick and more punch respectively if loaded to maximize it’s capabilities. I suppose I’ll go with a 25-06 and just put my old Arisaka out to pasture. Unlike that other rifle tested this one is in my budget and actually looks like a good rifle should to me (function is important, more than form but form is nice to have). I could buy 5 of these for the price of that Beretta and have lots of different calibers available. Cool stuff!
i have 2 of the axis rifles, a 243 and 308, these rifles are unbeatable, especially for the cost; in my opinion. i have been at the shooting range shooting against 2000/2500 dollar rifle/scope guns and when all is over i walk away with a smile knowing i shot as well as any body butt have less less than 1/3 invested in both rifles then most these guys have in their one rifle.
I agree with David! I wouldn’t trade mine! It is a great value for anyone, but especially the beginner on a tight budget.
dad had a model 99, I loved and wanted that gun but don’t know what happened to it,,I became a dedicated bowhunter for a long time . but got back into firearms again . but being a cheap New englander, I wasn’t going to spend a 1000.00 on a new rifle, figuring there wasn’t much in my price range, i googled best rifles under 500.00. Imagine my delightful surprise when ,in every top 5 , the was a Savage. remember Whalen Thompsons quote , 30-06 is never a bad choice. and my quote , SAVAGE AXIS RULES
They make a 6.5 creedmoor in a hardwood stock and a 25.06.
Can you show a picture of the MOA group you described? Being a new out of the box rifle, I don’t believe you gave it a fair review until after break in. Looks as though it has potential as a hunter for sure.
if they start upgrading the axis they’ll just be competing with their 110s and 111s
I do like the Axis line, but the upgrade I see them most needing is to the stock rather than the trigger. The “Axis I” trigger is soft and heavy, but a few bucks’ worth of hardware can remedy that, leaving behind a most satisfying trigger finger experience. Reinforcing the stock, however, is a messy, ugly affair that still leaves the user wanting.
I am excited by the prospect of the Axis heavy barrel (“Axis I.a”?), which might end up being a real value-added factory enhancement.