Savage Axis 2 XP Hardwood LH .223 Rem 22 in w/ 3-9×40
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Savage Axis 2 XP Hardwood LH .223 Rem 22 in w/ 3-9×40? It is a complete, left-handed hunting rifle package chambered for .223 Remington/5.56 NATO that ships from Savage with a mounted and bore-sighted 3-9x40mm scope. This package eliminates the most common first-time buyer hurdles—optic selection and mounting—while providing a purpose-built, ergonomic platform for southpaw shooters. The 22-inch sporter-profile barrel and 1:9-inch twist rate define its ballistic envelope, optimized for common hunting and target rounds weighing between 55 and 69 grains.
What is the Savage Axis 2 XP used for?
The Axis 2 XP is used for ethical whitetail and varmint hunting where .223 Remington is legal and appropriate, and for general-purpose range practice. Its 22-inch barrel provides a 40-50 fps velocity advantage over 16-inch AR-15 carbines with the same load, improving terminal performance modestly. Out of the box with its bore-sighted 3-9x40 scope, the rifle is capable of consistent 1.5–2 MOA groups with quality ammunition at distances from 50 to 250 yards, which is the effective practical hunting range for this cartridge.
How does the Savage Axis 2 XP compare to the Stevens 334?
The Savage Axis 2 XP is a more complete, left-handed-specific package, while the Stevens 334 is a more basic, right-handed-only rifle that requires separate optic purchase and mounting. Where the Axis 2 XP provides a mounted scope and the user-adjustable AccuTrigger (setable from 2.5 lbs to 6 lbs), the Stevens 334 uses a non-adjustable trigger and an empty drilled-and-tapped receiver. The Stevens 334 is a better platform for custom builds where you intend to immediately replace parts, while the Axis 2 XP is better for immediate, functional use. The Stevens 334 is typically $80-$120 cheaper before you budget $150-$300 for a scope and mount.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 7.8 lbs unloaded, with an overall length of 42.5 inches, measured from buttstock to muzzle. The 22-inch barrel has a sporter profile with a muzzle diameter of 0.550 inches, while the rifle's length of pull—critical for fit—measures 13.75 inches. When loaded with its detachable 4-round magazine and the included scope, the total ready-to-fire weight is approximately 8.2 lbs, which is manageable for most shooters but a full 1.1 lbs heavier than some synthetic-stock equivalents.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for shooters who demand sub-MOA precision for competition or for users who plan to suppress it or convert it to a short-barreled rifle (SBR). The 22-inch barrel adds considerable length that makes it unwieldy with a 6-inch suppressor attached, and the 1:9-inch twist struggles to stabilize heavy-for-caliber bullets (like 77-grain match loads) that a 1:7 or 1:8 barrel excels with. It's also a poor choice for tactical training or home defense compared to a semiautomatic like an AR-15.
What's in the box?
In the shipping carton you will find the rifle with its factory-mounted and bore-sighted 3-9x40mm scope, one detachable 4-round polymer box magazine, a set of scope rings, and one Allen key for the scope caps. Savage does not include thread protectors, a lock, or any additional magazines with this model. The hardwood stock is finished, and the receiver is drilled and tapped with a #8-40 thread pattern, compatible with most standard scope base screws.
Is the Savage Axis 2 XP worth it at $669.99?
At $669.99, the Savage Axis 2 XP Hardwood LH is a fair-value proposition for left-handed hunters who need a turnkey rifle. The real cost savings is the $150-$250 you avoid spending on a separate optic, rings, and gunsmithing for mounting and bore-sighting. Compared to building a similar left-handed rig from components, this package saves you 2-3 hours of assembly and zeroing time. For the left-handed shooter who wants a functional hunting rifle on the first range trip without chasing parts, it's a logical purchase.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Complete, bore-sighted package for immediate use — saves $150-$250 in separate optic and gunsmithing costs.
- Left-handed ergonomics with updated bolt handle and textured grip — provides proper control for southpaws.
- User-adjustable AccuTrigger with pull weight from 2.5 lbs to 6 lbs — allows fine-tuning without a gunsmith.
- Hardwood stock and 22-inch barrel provide a stable 7.8 lb platform for offhand shooting.
Trade-offs
- 1:9-inch twist rate limits optimal bullet weight to ~69 grains — struggles with heavier match or barrier-blind projectiles.
- Proprietary 4-round magazine — replacements cost $35-45 each and are not as common as AR-pattern magazines.
- Non-fluted bolt body — the bolt lift feels heavier than on more premium models like the Savage 110.
Key attributes
| upc | 011356322685 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 32268 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | .223 REM/5.56 NATO |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 48.6500 |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. Detachable Box |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 8.3 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 10.6 |
| sights | No |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 5.56 NATO ammunition?
- Yes, this rifle's .223 Remington chamber is fully compatible with 5.56 NATO ammunition. The barrel is rated for the higher pressure of 5.56 NATO, so you can safely fire both cartridges. Be aware that while 5.56 NATO will function, the 1:9-inch twist rate is optimized for .223 Remington loads between 55 and 69 grains.
- Does this work with AR-15 magazines?
- No, it does not use AR-15 (STANAG) pattern magazines. The Savage Axis 2 XP uses Savage's proprietary detachable box magazine, which holds 4 rounds. The magazine release is located directly in front of the trigger guard. You can purchase additional 4- or 10-round magazines from Savage directly or through retailers like MidwayUSA.
- Does the included scope come with a warranty?
- Yes, the factory-mounted 3-9x40 scope is covered by Weaver's limited lifetime warranty under Savage's ownership. Registration is not required. If the scope fails under normal use, Savage will repair or replace it per their procedure, but this process typically takes 4-6 weeks for evaluation and turnaround.
- Can this rifle be scoped with a Picatinny rail?
- Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped for a standard #8-40 scope base screw pattern. You can remove the factory rings and mount a one-piece Picatinny rail (0 MOA or 20 MOA) from manufacturers like EGW or Weaver. The distance between the front and rear receiver holes is 6.25 inches center-to-center.
- What is the shipping and transfer process?
- We ship via UPS or FedEx with signature-required adult delivery to your selected FFL dealer. Once the rifle arrives at their shop, you will complete a Form 4473 background check. Most orders are processed and shipped within 2-3 business days after FFL verification is received and payment clears.