Savage Axis 2 GEN II, .22-250 Rem, 22″ OD Green
About this product
What is the Savage Axis 2 GEN II in .22-250 Rem? It's a bolt-action varmint rifle engineered for out-of-the-box mechanical accuracy and reliable field use, distinguished by a 22-inch button-rifled barrel and Savage's adjustable AccuTrigger system in a 42.5-inch overall package. This rifle is built on Savage's updated Axis platform, which incorporates user-focused ergonomic improvements and a drilled-and-tapped receiver ready for optics. At 6.60 lbs unloaded, it strikes a balance between steadiness for precise shots and portability for hunting carry.
What is the Savage Axis 2 GEN II, .22-250 Rem used for?
This rifle is a dedicated varmint and small-game hunting platform for ranges from 100 to 300 yards. Its .22-250 Remington cartridge offers a flat trajectory and high velocity, making it effective for prairie dogs, coyotes, and groundhogs where wind drift and target size demand precision. The combination of the sporter-profile barrel and synthetic stock ensures stable shooting from improvised rests without the heft of a heavier bull barrel, which is ideal for walking long fence lines.
How does the Savage Axis 2 GEN II compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win?
The Savage Axis 2 GEN II chambered in .22-250 is superior for dedicated long-range varminting, while the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is better suited for medium-game hunting and offers more versatile terminal ballistics. The .22-250 produces less than half the recoil energy of a .308 Winchester, which translates to faster follow-up shots on small, fast-moving targets—a critical advantage when a coyote pack appears. However, the Stevens 334 platform, which you can review the here, offers a more robust cartridge selection for deer-sized game and typically features a shorter, 20-inch barrel better for brush hunting.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6.60 lbs (approximately 2.99 kg) without optics or ammunition, with an overall length of 42.50 inches and a 22-inch barrel. This gives it a balance point roughly 8 inches forward of the trigger guard, which aids in off-hand stability compared to a front-heavy bull barrel design. When paired with a standard 30mm scope and rings adding about 1.5 lbs, the total package remains under 8.5 lbs, which is manageable for a full day afield.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for hunters requiring a threaded muzzle for suppressor use or those engaging targets consistently beyond 400 yards. The non-threaded barrel means any muzzle device or suppressor requires a gunsmith's intervention, adding $150-$300 and an NFA tax stamp wait if suppressing. Furthermore, the .22-250 cartridge, while fast, experiences significant wind deflection and energy drop past 350 yards compared to 6mm or 6.5mm Creedmoor options, making it a poor choice for long-range precision rifle competitions.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle, one detachable 4-round steel magazine, and the necessary owner's manual with Savage's warranty information. The box does not include scope bases, rings, a sling, or a chamber flag, which are considered essential field accessories. The manual specifically details the AccuTrigger adjustment procedure, which allows pull weight modification from approximately 2.5 lbs to 6 lbs with a simple hex key in under 60 seconds—a notable factory feature.
Is the Savage Axis 2 GEN II worth it at $456.99?
At $456.99, this rifle represents strong value for a shooter seeking a dedicated, accurate out-of-the-box varmint rifle without custom gunsmithing. You are paying for the precision button-rifled barrel and adjustable trigger system, which in other brands often start at the $600-$800 price point for similar performance. If your needs are more general-purpose or you prioritize a smoother, more refined bolt action, you might consider investing in a higher-tier platform, but for pure varmint duty, this price-to-performance ratio is difficult to beat. For those interested in a different style of hunting tool, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge — our editorial take for wing shooting.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- AccuTrigger is user-adjustable from ~2.5 lbs to 6 lbs pull weight—a major upgrade over most factory triggers at this price.
- Weighs 6.60 lbs—over 1.5 lbs lighter than a typical varmint rifle with a bull barrel, improving carry comfort.
- 22-inch button-rifled barrel provides consistent 1-1.5 MOA accuracy with factory match ammunition right out of the box.
- Drilled-and-tapped receiver accepts standard Savage 110-pattern scope bases in under 10 minutes with basic tools.
Trade-offs
- Non-threaded muzzle prevents direct suppressor or brake attachment—requires a $150-$250 gunsmithing job plus NFA paperwork if suppressing.
- Bolt lift is a stiff 55-degree throw—requires more force than the smoother 90-degree throw on the Stevens 334 or a Tikka T3x.
- Synthetic stock lacks a rigid aluminum bedding block—long-range consistency may suffer compared to chassis systems after 500+ rounds.
- Fixed 4-round magazine capacity is limiting for prairie dog towns compared to AR-platform or bolt actions with 10-round detachable mags.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 011356320384 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 32038 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | .22-250 Remington |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| length | 49 |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. Detachable Box |
| package height | 8.5 |
| package width | 3.75 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 9.0 |
| sights | No Sights |
| magazine included | 1 x 4-Round |
| model | Axis 2 GEN II |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the receiver drilled and tapped for a scope mount?
- Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped with a standard Savage 110 pattern for scope bases. This accepts common aftermarket bases from brands like EGW, Weaver, or Warne without modification. The holes are 6-48 thread, which is standard for this action size.
- Does this rifle come with a thread protector or muzzle device?
- No, the muzzle is non-threaded, so no thread protector or muzzle device is included or needed. The barrel crown is recessed and protected. If you require a threaded muzzle for a brake or suppressor, plan for a gunsmith to thread it, which typically costs between $150 and $250 plus shipping.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Shipping to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically takes 3-7 business days after order processing is complete. All shipments require adult signature verification at the FFL. You must contact your FFL in advance to provide your order details and coordinate the transfer, which may involve an additional fee.
- Is the magazine compatible with other Savage Axis models?
- Yes, the detachable 4-round steel magazine is compatible with most Savage Axis and Axis II models chambered in centerfire cartridges of similar length. It is not compatible with the much older Savage 110 rotary magazines or the magazines for the Stevens 200 series. Spare magazines are available directly from Savage or retailers like MidwayUSA.