Savage Arms AXIS II Rifles

Savage built an inexpensive, entry-level bolt-action rifle in the AXIS II and made it in a wide variety of calibers from the .223 to the .30-06 with over a dozen calibers in between. This is an introductory rifle at an inexpensive price that offers excellent accuracy and good durability, providing something for even the most experienced shooter or hunter to enjoy.

The original Savage Axis was introduced in 2010, the AXIS II came out just last year in 2024 as an improved design on the original platform. The attraction to this rifle is the low cost and the wide range of calibers. It is an inexpensive gun, not a cheaply made one. Perhaps the best feature is the one that attracts many hunters and shooters to Savage and Marlin rifles initially, the Savage AccuTrigger. The AccuTrigger offers a light, clean pull that won’t fire if the rifle is dropped or jostled.

The variety of stock styles and finishes is as expansive as the choice in calibers. This is a platform that can adjust to the needs of any hunter.

A discount bolt-action with the features of a much more expensive model. Savage filled the market for low-cost rifles with the original AXXIS and improved on that platform after 14 years in production.

A vertical pistol grip with thumb rests, competition style, is offered, similar to long-range competition rifles. A bolt handle shaved to handle larger scopes and a reinforced fore end give greater stability and rigidity, a nice addition if you’re shooting from a bipod or tripod. A two-lug floating bolt head, claimed by many to improve accuracy, rounds out the new additions.

A few models arrive with a bore-sighted scope, but this is considered both a positive and negative depending on your viewpoint since the scope is not a top-of-the-line optic. Overall, the rifle is reliable, accurate, and easy to operate with lots of options for calibers, stocks, and recoil pads. The low price and the AccuTrigger are always selling points.

AXIS II – The base model Savage patterned the other two models after. The II features a 22-inch barrel and a four-round chamber. This is a lightweight rifle at just 6.38 pounds. It makes it easier to carry on long “walk and stalk” hunts but comes with more recoil in heavier calibers.

AXIS Precision – Savage’s answer to the long-range shooting craze is the Precision. It's priced about twice as much as the base model, it has the same 22-inch barrel and Accutrigger but in a heavier package, just a few ounces less than 10-pounds. The adjustable, competition-style stock and heavier barrel provide more stability for long-range enthusiasts.

AXIS XP – Heavier at 7.38 pounds, with the same mechanical features, the biggest difference is in the stock options. Savage doesn’t spend a lot of time on intricate designs or high-end finishes, they just deliver a durable, reliable, accurate rifle at an affordable price