Savage AXIS 2 XP LH Bolt Rifle .22-250 Rem 22-inch w/ 3-9×40
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Savage AXIS 2 XP LH Bolt Rifle .22-250 Rem 22-inch w/ 3-9×40?
The Savage AXIS 2 XP LH is a left-hand bolt-action rifle chambered in .22-250 Remington, designed as an out-of-the-box varmint control and medium-range precision platform. It ships with a factory-mounted 3-9×40 scope, a user-adjustable AccuTrigger system, and a 22-inch sporter barrel in a synthetic stock configuration. At 7.7 pounds and 41.5 inches overall, it's a purpose-built tool for left-handed shooters who need immediate field readiness without gunsmithing.
What is the Savage AXIS 2 XP LH Bolt Rifle used for?
This rifle is engineered for ethical, long-range varmint control and target shooting out to approximately 400 yards. The .22-250 Remington cartridge, which this rifle is chambered for, delivers a flat trajectory and velocities around 3,800 fps with 50-grain factory loads, making it effective for coyotes, prairie dogs, and groundhogs. The left-hand bolt configuration, combined with the included 3-9×40 scope, allows southpaw shooters to maintain cheek weld and sight picture during rapid follow-up shots, a critical advantage over right-hand actions that force positional compromise.
How does the Savage AXIS 2 XP LH compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Savage AXIS 2 XP LH provides superior out-of-the-box readiness compared to the Stevens 334 Rifle, but at a higher price point. The key differentiator is the factory-included, boresighted 3-9×40 scope and mounts on the Savage—a $120-$180 value that the Stevens 334 lacks, requiring separate purchase and zeroing. However, the Stevens 334 uses a stiffer, pillar-bedded synthetic stock and a different action design, which some shooters report yields slightly better inherent accuracy potential for handloaders willing to invest in optics. For a left-handed shooter wanting a complete, functional package on day one at the range, the Savage AXIS 2 XP is the clear choice; for a right-handed shooter building a custom precision rig, the Stevens 334 is a better starting platform.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 7.7 pounds (3.49 kg) unloaded, with an overall length of 41.5 inches from buttpad to muzzle crown. The 22-inch barrel has a 1:10 twist rate, optimal for stabilizing varmint-weight .22-250 bullets up to about 65 grains. The internal magazine capacity is 4 rounds plus one in the chamber, and the synthetic stock features a length of pull of 13.75 inches—standard for adult shooters but potentially long for smaller-framed users who might prefer the shorter dimensions of something like the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for right-handed shooters, benchrest competitors seeking sub-MOA guarantees, or anyone needing a heavy-barrel chassis for extended strings of fire. The sporter-profile barrel will heat up noticeably after 10-12 rounds fired in quick succession, causing point-of-impact shift—a characteristic of all lightweight hunting barrels, not a defect. The synthetic stock, while durable, lacks the adjustability found in aftermarket chassis systems that precision shooters demand. If your primary use involves shooting five-shot groups from a bench with meticulous load development, invest in a heavier-barreled target model.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle with factory-installed scope and rings, one 4-round detachable polymer magazine, and a set of Allen wrenches for the AccuTrigger adjustment. The scope is a basic 3-9×40 with a standard duplex reticle, nitrogen-purged and fog-proof—adequate for daylight shooting to 300 yards. It is boresighted at Savage's facility, meaning it will typically print on paper at 100 yards, but you must still perform a proper zero with your chosen ammunition, a process that should take 15-20 rounds to finalize.
Is the Savage AXIS 2 XP LH worth it at $505.99?
At $505.99, this rifle represents strong value for a left-handed shooter needing a complete, functional varminting system. Breaking down the cost: a comparable left-hand bolt action without optics typically starts around $400, a basic 3-9×40 scope and rings cost at least $100, and professional mounting/boresighting adds another $40-$60. The Savage package delivers all three for a net sum, saving you time and initial gunsmithing fees. While the scope is entry-level, it is serviceable for most field applications, and the AccuTrigger is a genuinely tunable system that can be set from approximately 2.5 to 6 pounds of pull weight. For a lefty stepping into centerfire precision or varmint control, this is one of the most cost-effective ready-to-hunt packages available.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Left-hand bolt configuration eliminates right-hand ergonomic compromise for southpaw shooters
- Includes factory-mounted & boresighted 3-9×40 scope — saves $120-$180 and gunsmithing time
- AccuTrigger adjustable from ~2.5 to 6 pounds pull weight for personalized break
- Weighs 7.7 lbs — manageable for extended carry in varmint fields
- 22-inch barrel with 1:10 twist stabilizes common 50-55 grain .22-250 varmint loads
Trade-offs
- Sporter-weight barrel heats quickly — expect POI shift after 10-12 rounds in rapid succession
- Fixed synthetic stock lacks length-of-pull or comb height adjustability
- Included scope is basic fixed-parallax model — no side focus for precision target work
- 4-round magazine capacity is standard but lower than some aftermarket options
Key attributes
| upc | 011356322050 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 32205 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | .22-250 Remington |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 48.8000 |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. Detachable Box |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 8.4 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 10.15 |
| sights | No Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .22-250 Remington ammunition?
- Yes, it is compatible with all commercially available SAAMI-spec .22-250 Remington ammunition with bullet weights typically between 35 and 70 grains. The 1:10 barrel twist rate is optimized for bullets in the 50-55 grain range for varmint use. Always consult your firearm's manual and start with factory-loaded ammunition to establish a baseline.
- Does the included scope have adjustable objective or side focus?
- No, the factory-included 3-9×40 scope has a fixed objective and no side parallax adjustment. Parallax is factory-set for 100 yards, which is standard for hunting scopes in this price segment. For precise target shooting at varying distances, you may want to upgrade to a scope with an adjustable objective or side focus like those found on higher-end models.
- Can I mount a suppressor on the 22-inch barrel?
- Yes, the barrel is threaded with a standard 1/2-28 thread pattern, allowing direct attachment of .22-caliber suppressors rated for .22-250 pressures. You must possess a valid ATF Form 4 tax stamp for the suppressor and ensure proper alignment. Thread engagement is approximately 0.4 inches, so use a suppressor with a compatible muzzle device or direct-thread mount.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Standard processing and shipping to a licensed FFL dealer typically takes 3-5 business days from order verification. Once shipped, transit time depends on the carrier and destination, but ground shipments usually arrive within 2-7 additional business days. Your chosen FFL will contact you upon arrival to begin the 4473 background check process.
- Does the detachable magazine work with aftermarket options?
- The rifle uses Savage's proprietary 4-round polymer magazine. While some aftermarket manufacturers produce metal or higher-capacity versions, compatibility is not guaranteed. The magazine release is a push-button design located just forward of the trigger guard. For reliable feeding, I recommend using factory original magazines or those verified by Savage.