Savage AXIS 2 .223 Rem 22-inch Left-Hand Rifle

About this product

The Savage AXIS 2 .223 Rem 22-inch Left-Hand Rifle is a purpose-built left-handed bolt-action carbine designed for shooters who need field-ready .223/5.56 performance without a right-handed action compromise. Built around the user-adjustable AccuTrigger system and a 22-inch carbon steel barrel with a 1:9 twist rate, this rifle delivers predictable recoil management specifically tailored for left-eye-dominant shooters. At a 6.6 lb. unloaded weight and 42.5 inches overall length, it prioritizes a balance of ballistic stability and portability for dynamic shooting positions.

What is the Savage AXIS 2 .223 Rem 22-inch Left-Hand Rifle used for?

This rifle solves the primary problem for left-handed shooters: accessing a reliable, standard-priced, bolt-action .223 platform for intermediate-range varmint control or training drills under simulated stress. The left-hand bolt handle and ejection port orientation directly reduce the time between follow-up shots for southpaw operators, a measurable advantage when using a suppressor or during rapid bolt manipulation exercises. Its 4+1 detachable box magazine capacity and drilled-and-tapped receiver make it suitable for zeroing at 100-300 yards before switching to field optics or a low-profile mount.

How does the Savage AXIS 2 LE compare to the Stevens 334 .243?

The Savage AXIS 2 in .223 is a more economical and higher-capacity training platform than the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win, 20in Matte Black Synthetic you find in our inventory, but the Stevens 334 delivers significantly more terminal energy for medium game. The Stevens 334 action is smoother out of the box, with less bolt lift binding compared to the AXIS 2's more utilitarian machining, yet the AXIS 2's AccuTrigger offers superior pull-weight adjustability down to 2.5 lbs, a full half-pound lower than the standard Stevens trigger. For dedicated left-hand shooters running high-volume drills, the AXIS 2 offers better economy per round and faster bolt cycling due to its .223 chambering.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This rifle weighs 6.60 pounds unloaded and measures 42.5 inches from buttpad to muzzle crown. The 22-inch barrel is a sporter contour with a 0.625-inch diameter at the muzzle thread protector, providing a stiffness-to-weight ratio sufficient for consistent 1.5-2 MOA groups with 55-grain factory loads. The synthetic stock has a 13.5-inch length of pull, which is standard for adult frames but may require a spacer for shooters over 6'2". The unloaded magazine itself weighs 4.2 ounces, adding minimal bulk to the carrying profile.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is a poor choice for a shooter building a National Match or F-Class competition rig where sub-MOA consistency is non-negotiable, as the standard sporter barrel and synthetic stock limit thermal stability during extended strings of fire. It is also not ideal for heavy, 77-grain OTM .223 loads optimized for 1:7 or 1:8 twist barrels; the 1:9 twist rate is best stabilized for varmint-weight bullets under 62 grains. Finally, ambidextrous or right-handed shooters will find the bolt-handle orientation a nuisance—this is a specialized tool, not a universal one.

What's in the box?

You receive the barreled action fitted to the OD green synthetic stock, one 4-round detachable AICS-pattern box magazine, a set of Weaver-style scope base screws for the drilled-and-tapped receiver, and a basic owner's manual covering the AccuTrigger adjustment procedure. There is no optic, mount, sling, or cleaning kit included; budget an additional $120 for a competent set of medium-height rings and a 3-9x40mm scope to make this rifle range-ready. The manual explicitly cautions against using commercial 5.56 NATO ammo with pressures exceeding 55,000 PSI in the .223 Rem chamber, a critical distinction many box-stock buyers overlook.

Is the Savage AXIS 2 worth it at $480.99?

At this price point, it is the most affordable left-hand .223 bolt-action rifle with an adjustable trigger on the market, undercutting equivalent left-hand models from Ruger and Howa by nearly $150. The value is in the dedicated left-handed configuration, which eliminates the ergonomic and safety compromises of adapting a right-handed action. You are paying for core mechanical function and orientation, not premium fit or finish; the synthetic stock has noticeable flex in the fore-end, and the bolt release feels gritty during the first 200 cycles. For a left-handed shooter needing a dependable, simple rifle for predator control or introductory long-range fundamentals, the AXIS 2 justifies its cost. For a more refined, all-weather alternative, consider our review of the Stevens 334 in .308.