Savage Axis II Review: The Best Budget Gun?

Initially released in 2011, the Savage Axis II is intended to be a budget-friendly rifle for hunters and any others who have a use for a bolt-action rifle. One of their selling points is the Accu-Trigger, which is completely user-adjustable for a custom pull without sacrificing safety. The Accu-Trigger system is incredibly reliable and highly regarded as one of the best factory-standard trigger systems. I have this trigger on my Savage MK II FV-SR in .22 LR, and it is a stellar trigger that is adjustable with an extremely crisp break. The trigger on the Axis II that I tried was extremely crisp and light, and I had no inclination to adjust it; it was just about perfect from the factory.

Aside from an adjustable trigger, the Axis II stands out in a sea of other entry-level bolt guns because, for a base model gun, it’s packed with features that meet the needs of shooters of all disciplines. Let’s take a look at some of those features and selling points, starting with its versatility in various chamberings.

Caliber Offerings

Savage’s Axis II can be had in a wide range of calibers: .22-250 Remington, .223 Remington, .243 Winchester, .25-06 Remington, .270 Winchester, .280 Ackley Improved, .30-06 Springfield, .308 Winchester, .350 Legend, .400 Legend, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6mm ARC, and 7mm-08.

This gamut of calibers covers quite a few bases, from varmints to big game. I was pleasantly surprised to see the 7mm-08 round present, as it’s a great caliber that’s pleasant to shoot and can harvest medium game effectively.

Headspace

Savage uses a unique method for setting the headspace of their rifles. After the barrel is chambered, a headspace gauge is inserted, and the barrel is threaded into the action. Upon achieving proper headspace, a lock nut is screwed onto the barrel where it meets the action, and the two components are then locked into place. Savage has a very good reputation for superior accuracy, and this method seems to contribute to that.

The Stock

I wanted to take a moment to address the stock specifically. Yes, it’s synthetic and aimed at the economy price point. No, it doesn’t have the warm, conventional feel of a walnut stock from a higher-end rifle. With that said, it feels good enough to do the job.

However, I’ve seen people reacting to it much as we’d expect a vampire to react to garlic: with hissing, squinted eyes, and bared teeth. Much wailing and gnashing of teeth has been directed toward this stock. And really, it seems that any budget-minded synthetic stock introduced by any manufacturer gets this type of reaction these days.

The stock is injection molded, utilizing steel pillars for bedding, which undoubtedly contributes to good accuracy. There are relief cuts along the fore-end of the stock.

Granted, it’s not a work of art, but it seems to be adequate, especially for a budget rifle. There are plenty of other rifles that feature synthetic stocks that aren’t too bad, including Ruger’s American series and Savage’s very own MK II rifle series, both of which have drawn their fair share of hatred from internet “chairborne” warriors. But in each case, these synthetic stocks seem to do their job at least well enough and with aplomb. Overall, the rifle balances well and feels right when shouldered.

For those who want a little bit more, there are Axis models available with walnut stocks and stainless steel (naturally, you’ll pay more for the additional features, but that’s what it is).

At the butt of the rifle, there is a rubber, one-inch thick recoil pad. Sling swivel studs are also standard.

Accuracy

Typical accuracy with the Axis II rifles is generally around one MOA or slightly over, although I’ve spoken to several people who report sub-MOA groups. For a hunting rifle at this price point, this is outstanding accuracy that no one can complain about.

Another appealing aspect is that Savage has put together some packages in which a rifle scope comes already mounted and bore-sighted to the rifle, so all the new owner has to do is head to the range for a final zeroing in of the scope/rifle. Some people will choose to go scopeless from the factory to mount a higher-quality scope on their rifle, though, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that.

Further Thoughts

Because it’s not as popular as other bolt actions, such as Remington’s model 700, Savage’s Axis II does not enjoy the cottage industry of aftermarket accessories that the more popular rifles enjoy.

From a practical standpoint, Savage’s Axis II is meant as a no-nonsense tool for hunting and utility. You’re not very likely to run out and buy one because it’s a gorgeous work of art as a firearm. You’re buying it to get a job done and because the price point is very reasonable. Savage’s MSRP is $489, and this rifle can be found for far less than that at gun dealers.

If you’re after a rifle that you can take into the field and not worry about if it gets rained on, scratched, and marred, then this is the rifle for you.

Savage seems to have struck a good balance between shaving unnecessary expenses and avoiding corners that would make this rifle a piece of junk.

If I were ordering one, I’d likely go with the walnut stock simply because it looks nicer, and I’m an old geezer who just likes the old-world, classic look of wood. With that said, if I were going to drag a rifle out into the freezing rain that always seems to arrive just in time for the whitetail deer season here in Pennsylvania, I’d rather take the composite stock out into the elements.

The bottom line here is that Savage has a winning (if not pretty) rifle for a very reasonable price point that will put rounds on target with solid accuracy. For beginners, it’s a perfect rifle to learn on. And even for experienced shooters, it will work out well for trudging around rough country in inclement weather. Or perhaps they simply want an economically priced rifle to harvest game. Either way, it will be hard to go wrong with the Axis II.