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Savage introduced the original Axis bolt-action rifle in 2010, with an MSRP of just $329. It was meant to be a rifle that just about anyone could afford yet also offered some of the features and especially the accuracy that modern hunters demand. It was a big success. Now, Savage is offering several variations of the new Axis 2 rifle. The Pro version of the Axis 2 incorporates a variety of features that are trending in the rifle market and that hunters will appreciate in the field. Though still considered an entry-level rifle, the Axis 2 Pro performs well beyond its price. I recently put on through its paces at my home range. Here's my full review.
Savage Axis 2 Pro Specs
Length: 38.5 to 40.5 (depending on barrel length)
Weight: 6.9 pounds
Barrel: 20 inches (350 Legend – 18 inches)
Action: Savage Axis 2 bolt action
Trigger: Savage AccuTrigger
Capacity: 4+1 detachable magazine
Finish: Cerakote
Stock: Polymer with Woodland/Western camo pattern, in right, left, and compact versions
Available Chamberings: 223 Remington, 22-250 Remington, 243 Winchester, 25-06 Remington, 6.5 Creedmoor (tested), 270 Winchester, 7mm-08 Remington, 308 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield, 350 Legend, 400 Legend
Price: $599 - $639
Related: The Best Rifles According to Our Latest Testing
Savage Axis 2 Pro Overview
Savage builds the Axis 2 Pro around a cylindrical action that Savage machines from raw bar stock. Out of the box, the rifle comes with a one-piece, 0-MOA scope rail already installed. The bolt release is located on the right side of the action, just behind the ejection port, and Savage uses their renowned, thread-in headspacing system to attach the Axis 2 Pro’s 20-inch barrel. (Note that the 350 Legend version of the Axis 2 Pro comes with an 18-inch barrel). This short barrel with its threaded muzzle is the current trendy configuration of centerfire hunting rifles because it makes them more suppressor-friendly.
When compared to the original Savage Axis, noteworthy enhancements of the Axis 2 include the trigger and the stock. All new Axis 2 rifles, including the Pro, come with Savage’s popular and well-liked AccuTrigger. This is a user adjustable trigger that has a passive safety lever positioned in the center of the trigger show. On the test rifle, the trigger broke clean and crisp at 2.75 pounds. The new stock on the Axis 2 Pro looks like a hybrid crossover, something between a precision rifle stock and a more traditional hunting stock. It has a high come with negative drop, which means the comb is low at the front and rises toward the butt. This does two things. It helps with perceived recoil on the cheek because the stock sort of slips by as opposed to pounding the face. It also helps to better position the eye in line with the scope while maintaining a good cheek weld. Other features include a near-vertical grip and a pebbling texture at the grip and along the forend.
The Axis 2 Pro come with an attractive Woodland, Western, or Forest SP camo pattern, and they all seem to mate very well with the matte Gun Metal Bronze Cerakote finish on the metal surfaces. The rifle feeds from a detachable, flush-fitting, four-round magazine with a push-button release at the very front of the magazine well. For the Axis 2 Pro, Savage also fashioned an elongated, hexagonal bolt handle with smooth edges that’s slightly oversized and very comfortable to operate. What might be most appealing about the Axis 2 Pro is how many different configurations (more than 50) Savage is offering. It’s available in left or right hand, and in 11 different chamberings that include compact models.
Savage Axis 2 Pro Test Results
In my testing, the Axis 2 Pro fed and functioned with every load I tested, but the feeding was a bit hitchy with a few. It seemed like the geometry of the magazine, feed rails, or follower was slightly off for the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge. It was not enough to cause a stoppage, but the bolt just seemed to hang up a bit when chambering a cartridge. This was most noticeable when shooting relaxed from the bench, but I could still feel an occasional hitch when running the action fast and hard off hand. Also, bolt lift was a bit stiff. With use this might wear in a bit and improve. However, this did not impact the rifle’s precision. The first five-shot group fired with Federal’s 140-grain Fusion load measured 0.65-inch.
In Savage fashion, the Axis 2 Pro shot very well; two of the test loads averaged less than an inch. But also in Savage fashion, there were loads the rifle did not particularly care for. I don’t consider this a con; it’s generally a fact of life when dealing with any hunting rifle as affordable as the Axis 2 Pro. The chart below shows how all four of the loads I tested performed from the bench.
I also thought the rifle balanced very well with the Swarovski Z8i scope attached. However, with its short, threaded barrel, the Axis 2 Pro was clearly designed for suppressor use, and when one was added, the rifle became noticeably muzzle heavy. This too is also a common fact, and something rifle manufactures must struggle with—whether they should build a rifle that balances well with or without a suppressor?
My favorite feature of the Axis 2 Pro was the hexagonal bolt handle. I thought it was perfectly sized and well-designed to provide a comfortable handle when operating the action. I think this is important because next to a rifle’s stock and trigger, the bolt is the thing you must interface with most often, and it is what you use to operate the rifle.
Related: Browning X-Bolt Speed 2 Rifle Review
Final Toughts on the New Axis 2 Pro
Pros
Lots of variations
Suppressor friendly
Good trigger
Excellent Accuracy
Cons
Stiff bolt operation
Choosing a new hunting rifle is often and exercise in compromise. There are a host of features that you must consider and choose between. And quite often, one of the most important considerations is price. With a list price of $599, the Savage Axis 2 Pro falls into the affordable category. However, several on-line firearms dealers are already listing them discounted by as much as 25%, and that puts the Savage Axis 2 Pro in the very affordable category.
This affordability, combined with excellent accuracy (one you find the right load), a suppressor-friendly configuration, a hybrid stock, and the option to choose between 11 popular calibers makes the Savage Axis 2 Pro a rifle anyone on a budget should give a serious look at. Is the Savage Axis 2 Pro, perfect? No. You don’t find perfect for less than 500 bucks. But with the Axis 2 Pro, you'll get a rifle you can trust at a hard-to-beat price.
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