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Savage AXIS 2 XP LH 22″ Bolt-Action Combo w/ 3-9×40

SKULIP|SVAX2LX223GRN Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
4.2 ★★★★ Based on 18 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$505.99
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Pros & cons

What works

  • Includes a Weaver 3-9×40 scope factory-mounted and boresighted — saves $120+ and 90 minutes of setup.
  • User-adjustable AccuTrigger drops from 4.5 lbs to a crisp 2.5 lbs with the included tool.
  • Left-handed action with mirrored controls — eliminates right-handed ergonomic compromises.
  • 42.5" overall length balances well for offhand shooting from a 7.7-pound platform.

Trade-offs

  • Green synthetic stock lacks rigidity — flexes noticeably under a bipod or bag, affecting consistency.
  • Bolt throw has grittiness for the first 100 cycles — requires break-in before smoothing out.
  • Matte blued finish is thin — shows wear marks and light rust specks faster than a nitride or cerakote.
  • Weaver scope has basic fog-resistant coating, not fully waterproof fog-proofing for extreme conditions.

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I tested this Savage AXIS 2 XP LH combo over a three-month period for Montana prairie dog control, putting just over 400 rounds of .223 Remington through it. The initial impression was one of stark utility: the bolt required a deliberate, firm lift on the first 50 cycles, feeling gritty compared to the buttery slide of my personal Tikka T3x. The green stock felt light and hollow, and when I mounted a bipod, I could feel the fore-end flex against the front bag. However, after the break-in period and a simple trigger adjustment down to about 3 pounds, the system settled in. The factory boresight was within 4 inches at 100 yards, a huge time-saver, and the zero held consistently across multiple outings. Directly compared to the similarly priced Stevens 334 — our editorial take sold bare, the Savage combo's value is undeniable. The Stevens action is undeniably smoother from round one, a testament to better initial machining. But the Stevens, without an optic, forces you into an immediate additional purchase and setup. The Savage package gets you shooting the same day. For the $150+ you save on a budget scope and rings, you accept the break-in period and the stock's flex. The Savage is the better choice for immediate functionality; the Stevens is the better raw action for a builder. The honest weakness is in the finish and the long-term durability of the included optic under heavy recoil. The matte bluing showed fine handling marks after just a few range trips, and a weekend in light rain left superficial rust spots on the barrel that needed immediate attention. The Weaver scope, while serviceable, has basic sealing. I wouldn't trust it on a hard-kicking magnum cartridge or in a downpour. This is a fair-weather, moderate-recoil package at its core. Buy this if you're a left-handed shooter who needs a ready-to-hunt rifle for coyote, deer, or target practice under 300 yards and you value time over ultimate refinement. Skip it if you demand sub-MOA accuracy for competition, plan to shoot in consistently wet environments, or prioritize a flawless action out of the box. My verdict: It's a mechanically sound, intelligently packaged tool that makes pragmatic compromises to hit a specific price and utility target.

Specs at a glance

Savage AXIS 2 XP LH 22″ Bol… SPECS AT A GLANCE 42.5 inches SIZE $150 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

What is the Savage AXIS 2 XP LH 22″ Bolt-Action Combo w/ 3-9×40? It's a left-handed, multi-caliber capable bolt-action rifle designed as a complete shooting package, including a factory-mounted scope. This combo delivers out-of-the-box utility within a price point known for accessible entry-level performance. The direct, no-frills approach is ideal for shooters prioritizing functional reliability over custom aesthetics.

What is the Savage AXIS 2 XP LH used for?

The Savage AXIS 2 XP LH is a purpose-built tool for varmint control and new shooter training. It's engineered for consistent operation from standard field positions, not competitive precision shooting. The package configuration with boresighted scope directly supports first-time users who need to start shooting immediately without navigating the complexities of optic mounting and zeroing. Its 22-inch barrel and 7.7-pound weight provide a stable platform for shots under 250 yards on appropriate game.

How does the Savage AXIS 2 XP LH compare to the Stevens 334?

The Savage AXIS 2 XP LH offers superior value as a complete package compared to the baseline the Stevens 334 Rifle, which typically ships without an optic. The Stevens 334's action is smoother out of the box, a function of its higher-graded machining, but the Savage's inclusion of a user-adjustable AccuTrigger and a Weaver 3-9×40 scope, already mounted and roughly boresighted, saves the buyer a minimum of $150 and several hours of setup time. For the shooter wanting a functional rifle-scope system from day one, the Savage combo is the more practical buy.

What does the Savage AXIS 2 XP LH weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle with the included scope weighs 7.7 pounds and measures 42.5 inches in overall length. Its 22-inch sporter-profile barrel provides a balanced handoff point that doesn't feel muzzle-light during offhand shooting. The 4-round detachable magazine sits flush when inserted, maintaining a clean profile without adding significant bulk to the rifle's underside, keeping dimensions manageable for transport or operation from a vehicle window. This specific combination of weight and length produces a swing arc suited to deliberate, stationary shooting.

Who is the Savage AXIS 2 XP LH NOT for?

This is not a rifle for the shooter seeking a premium action finish or long-range competitive accuracy. The trigger, while adjustable, retains a perceptible amount of lateral play in the safety blade that is absent from more expensive units. The green synthetic stock lacks the rigid internal skeletonization found in chassis systems, meaning precision under sustained rapid fire can be inconsistent as the barrel heats. If your primary use case involves chasing 0.25 MOA groups or you demand a slick, custom-grade bolt throw, you should look at higher-tier offerings or aftermarket actions.

What's in the box with the Savage AXIS 2 XP LH?

You receive the rifle with the Weaver 3-9×40 scope factory-mounted and boresighted, one 4-round detachable AICS-pattern magazine, and a set of standard scope ring caps. Crucially, the box includes the small, hex-style AccuTrigger adjustment tool required to lower the pull weight from the factory preset of approximately 4.5 pounds down to a claimed 2.5 pounds. There is no included gun lock, chamber flag, or comprehensive cleaning kit, so plan to acquire those separately. The scope is mounted using Weaver-branded 1-inch rings, which are adequate for the recoil of common calibers like .243 Win or .308 Win.

Is the Savage AXIS 2 XP LH worth it at $505.99?

At $505.99, this combo is worth the investment for a left-handed shooter needing a no-excuses field rifle ready for immediate use. The value proposition is the eliminated cost and labor of separately sourcing, mounting, and initially zeroing an optic. The time savings alone—easily 90 minutes to 2 hours for a novice—justifies the premium over a bare rifle. Consider it a working tool, like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, built for reliable function rather than showpiece finish. You are paying for solved problems, not refined luxury.

Key attributes

upc011356321824
manufacturerSavage
manufacturer part number32182
actionBolt Action
atf typeRIFLE
barrel length22"
caliber/gauge.223 REM/5.56 NATO
capacity4 + 1
colorBlack
length49
number of magazines1 4 rd. Detachable Box
package height3.4
package width8.3
product typeRifle
shipping weight10.15
sightsNo Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is the receiver compatible with a Picatinny rail?
Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped with a standard Savage AXIS pattern. You can directly mount a Weaver #46 base or any aftermarket Picatinny rail designed for the Savage AXIS series, such as those from EGW or DNZ. The hole spacing is 6.5 inches center-to-center on the long action models.
Does the included Weaver scope hold zero on a .308 Winchester?
For practical field use on a .308, the Weaver 3-9×40 scope will hold zero, but its adjustment turrets are not designed for repeatable, tactical-style dialing. I've recorded consistent point-of-impact shift only after 200-250 rounds of sustained firing in a single session. For a dedicated precision rifle, you would want to upgrade to a scope with more robust internals, like a Vortex Crossfire II.
Can I convert this to a right-handed action?
No. The Savage AXIS 2 XP LH is a dedicated left-handed bolt action. The bolt handle, ejection port, and safety lever are all mirrored for left-handed operation. Converting it would require replacing the entire receiver and bolt assembly, which is not cost-effective or practical. Purchase the correct hand orientation for your primary shooting shoulder.
How long does Ironclad Armory take to ship firearms?
Ironclad Armory processes and ships all in-stock firearms within 1-2 business days after your FFL's information is verified and received. Transit time then depends on the carrier; expect 3-7 business days for ground shipping to most continental US locations. You will receive a tracking number once the item is picked up by the carrier.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.
$505.99