Savage Axis 2 XP LH .223 Rem 22″ 4-Round Combo
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Savage Axis 2 XP LH .223 Rem 22″ 4-Round Combo? It is a left-hand, bolt-action sporting rifle chambered in .223 Remington, featuring a 22-inch sporter barrel, synthetic stock, Savage's adjustable AccuTrigger system, and a factory-mounted 3-9x40 scope that arrives boresighted. This 7.7-pound package represents Savage's entry-level hunting and target platform, delivering an outfitted, ready-to-fire system for under $600—a practical choice for budget-conscious but mechanically-minded shooters.
What is the Savage Axis 2 XP LH .223 Rem used for?
This rifle is primarily used for varmint control, target shooting out to 300 yards, and introductory deer hunting in jurisdictions where .223 Rem is legal for whitetail. The 22-inch barrel provides the velocity needed for consistent terminal ballistics on small to medium game with appropriate ammunition, while the composite stock stands up to field conditions better than traditional wood. The factory-mounted scope eliminates the need for a separate optic purchase and initial mounting service, saving roughly $150-200 for a new shooter.
How does the Savage Axis 2 XP compare to the Stevens 334?
Against the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win, the Axis 2 XP is better for budget-conscious left-handed shooters who need a complete, scoped package. The Stevens 334 is a more traditional three-lug bolt action without an included optic, but it's slightly more robust—its 20-inch, threaded barrel on the .308 model offers suppressor compatibility, which the Axis 2's sporter profile lacks. The Axis 2 XP's AccuTrigger is also more refined and adjustable than the Stevens 334's basic trigger, providing a cleaner break out of the box.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The unloaded rifle weighs 7.7 pounds (123.2 ounces), with an overall length of 42.5 inches from buttplate to muzzle crown. The 22-inch barrel contributes to this length but provides a full sight radius and proper powder burn for .223 Rem—critical for achieving the cartridge's advertised 3,200+ feet-per-second muzzle velocity with 55-grain rounds. At this weight and length, it balances well for offhand shots but can feel slightly front-heavy when shooting from a bench compared to a 20-inch barrel.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for precision long-range competitors, suppressor users, or those seeking a modern tactical platform. The .223 Rem cartridge has inherent ballistic limitations beyond 400 yards, and the sporter barrel lacks threading for muzzle devices, ruling out the 25-35 decibel reduction of a quality suppressor without expensive gunsmithing. The synthetic stock is serviceable but lacks the rigidity and adjustment points of a chassis system like those from MDT or KRG, which are essential for consistent positional shooting.
What's in the box?
You receive the Savage Axis 2 XP rifle, a 4-round detachable polymer box magazine, a Weaver-based 3-9x40mm riflescope mounted and boresighted at the factory, and standard mounting rings. The boresight provides an initial zero usually within 3-4 inches at 25 yards, requiring final adjustment at the range but saving 15-20 minutes of initial setup time. Unlike some higher-end packages from Vortex or Leupold, the scope is a basic, non-illuminated model—adequate for daylight hunting but not for low-light conditions.
Is the Savage Axis 2 XP LH combo worth it at $505.99?
At $505.99, this combo is absolutely worth it for a left-handed shooter needing a turnkey hunting or training rifle. It undercuts a comparable scoped setup from Ruger or Mossberg by approximately $100-150, primarily because the synthetic stock and basic optic are cost-cutting measures. If you planned to immediately replace the stock and optic, buying a barreled action separately might save money, but as a complete, zeroed package, it delivers functional performance for its price point with no compatibility headaches, much like the ready-to-shoot Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun does for clay sports.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Left-hand bolt accommodates southpaw shooters without modification—a rarity under $600.
- AccuTrigger adjusts from 2.5 to 6 pounds—500% adjustability range for shooter preference.
- Factory boresighted 3-9x40 scope saves 20+ minutes of initial zeroing time at the range.
- 22-inch barrel optimizes .223 Rem velocity—delivers full 3,200+ fps with 55-grain loads.
- Composite stock withstands temperature swings from -20°F to 120°F without warping.
Trade-offs
- Barrel is not threaded—no suppressor or compensator attachment without $150+ gunsmithing.
- 4-round magazine capacity is limiting for extended training sessions compared to 10-round aftermarket options.
- Basic 3-9x40 scope lacks illumination and has limited eye relief (3 inches)—poor for low-light or dynamic shooting.
- Synthetic stock has minimal bedding contact—can shift point of impact after 200-300 rounds until settled.
Key attributes
| upc | 011356322043 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 32204 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | .223 REM/5.56 NATO |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 49 |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. Detachable Box |
| package height | 3.2 |
| package width | 8.2 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 10.15 |
| sights | No Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with AR-15 magazines?
- No, the Savage Axis 2 uses a proprietary 4-round detachable polymer magazine (Savage part #109750) and is not compatible with AR-15 PMAGs or any STANAG-pattern magazines. You can purchase additional factory mags from Savage or third-party vendors like MidwayUSA for approximately $25-30 each.
- Does the scope base fit standard Weaver rings?
- Yes, the factory-mounted scope uses a standard Weaver #63 base that accepts any Weaver or Picatinny-spec rings with a 1-inch tube diameter. I recommend checking ring torque to 18-20 inch-pounds upon receipt, as factory installations can sometimes be under-torqued for transport.
- Can the AccuTrigger be adjusted below 3 pounds?
- Savage's factory specification states the AccuTrigger in the Axis 2 is adjustable from approximately 2.5 pounds to 6 pounds, but most units leave the factory set at 3.5-4 pounds. Using the provided adjustment tool, a competent user can safely achieve a 2.75-pound pull, but going lower risks compromising sear engagement and safety—consult a qualified gunsmith for adjustments below 3 pounds.
- Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
- No, this specific sporter-profile barrel is not threaded at the muzzle. The Savage Axis II XP Precision model offers a threaded barrel, but this hunting-combo variant would require a professional threading job costing $150-$200, plus any necessary tax stamp and wait time for suppressor ownership under ATF Form 4 regulations.
- What is the shipping time to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes and ships in-stock firearms within 2 business days via UPS or FedEx 2Day Air to your selected licensed dealer. Total transit time is typically 3-5 business days from order confirmation, but your FFL's processing and background check (NICS) can add 1-3 additional days before pickup.