Guide to the Savage Axis Series Rifles
Posted by Monstrum on Dec 9th 2025
These days, bolt-action rifles capable of 1000-yard accuracy don’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. An accurate and reliable rifle can be had for far less than what shooters from just a decade ago would’ve had to pay for the same level of performance, and one of the best options available today for a budget hunting rifle is the Savage Axis.
History of the Savage Axis Line
The Savage Axis line was originally launched in 2010. The first generation of Axis rifles was inspired by a base model of the Savage 110 which was bare bones with a synthetic stock and an internal box magazine. Like the version of the 110 it was inspired by, the Axis was designed from the ground up to target a budget price point. When it launched, MSRP on the first generation of Savage Axis Rifles was $329. The rifle was favored by shooters both for its out-of-the-box accuracy and superb value given its price point.
In 2014, Savage launched the Axis 2 XP, a new and improved version of the original Axis rifles that now included the Savage AccuTrigger, a proprietary adjustable trigger that is known for having a spring-loaded blade protruding from its center designed to help shooters direct pressure in a straight line.
After the addition of the AccuTrigger, the Savage Axis 2 was widely regarded as a more accurate version of its predecessor that stuck to an affordable price point while adding new features. Today, the Axis 2 Rifles are hugely popular among hunters and long-range precision shooters for two reasons: first, they have great out-of-the-box accuracy while being some of the most affordable bolt-action centerfire rifles on the market, and second, they have a lot of aftermarket support with plenty of options for stocks, optics rails, and accessories to choose from.
Savage Axis Models
Axis Base Model
The original Savage Axis is still in production alongside its newer updated models. The original model ships with the first generation black synthetic stock which has a more traditional profile and without the AccuTrigger. The full size 22” barrel version is available in most centerfire rifle cartridges from .223 Remington up to .400 Legend and a smaller 20” barrel compact version is available in a more limited caliber assortment.
Axis 2 Base Model
The base model Savage Axis 2 ships with the AccuTrigger and updated bolt handle and is available in just about every centerfire hunting caliber from .223 Remington up to .400 Legend, though some of the more popular calibers for the Axis 2 are .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor. They come in three colors of synthetic stocks: Gray, Flat Dark Earth, and OD Green, and with barrel lengths from 16.1” to 20” for the compact versions up to 22” for the full size versions. All versions of the Savage Axis 2 including the base model have a 4-round capacity and are available in left handed versions.
Axis 2 XP
The Axis 2 XP is identical to the base model Axis 2 except that it ships from the factory with a pre-installed 3-9x40mm scope that comes already mounted boresighted. This is a great option for shooters who want a turn-key hunting rifle right out of the box, though if you want a more capable optic or optic rail, you’re better off buying the base model and buying accessories like the ones we sell piecemeal.
Axis 2 Pro
The Axis 2 Pro shares the same layout and AccuTrigger from the base model, but also features a redesigned stock for better ergonomics, ships with a one-piece Picatinny rail, has a threaded barrel, and is treated with a Gun Metal Bronze Cerakote finish on the action. In addition to being able to accept a suppressor or muzzle brake, the Axis 2 Pro’s finish means it can better withstand adverse conditions, and its stock ships from the factory with one of three camo patterns. At the time of writing, camo options available in the US include Savage Woodland, Forest SP Camo, and Savage Western. The Axis 2 Pro is available in a similar assortment of calibers and barrel lengths as the base model.
Axis 2 XP Hardwood
Finally, for the traditionalists, Savage offers the Axis 2 XP in a hardwood stock variant. The Axis 2 XP Hardwood is identical to the Axis 2 XP, but with a classic walnut stock instead of the synthetic stock the standard XP ships with. While the hardwood stock on this model is made to the same basic shape and profile of the XP, it features laser cut stippling on the pistol grip and forend for a better grip albeit at the cost of some extra weight.
Conclusion
The Savage Axis is perhaps the best value from a price to performance perspective for an accurate hunting rifle right out of the box. In addition to it having a wide range of aftermarket support for stocks, optics mounts, and accessories, it also comes in a wide variety of calibers, sizes, and with options for most extra features a rifle shooter could want like a threaded barrel or one-piece optic rail.
Given the Axis’ popularity, we make optics mounts and other accessories specifically designed for the Savage Axis and Axis 2 rifles. Check out our full line of optics rails and scope mounts for the Axis Series and find the perfect match for your rifle.