Savage Axis 2 .243 Win 22in OD Green 4rd
Pros & cons
What works
- AccuTrigger is user-adjustable from 2.5 to 6 lbs — a rare feature under $500
- Weighs 6.6 lbs (105.6 oz) — manageable for all-day spot-and-stalk hunts
- Thread-in barrel headspacing ensures consistent mechanical alignment from the factory
- Drilled and tapped receiver saves $75-$100 in gunsmithing fees
Trade-offs
- Barrel is not threaded — adding suppressor capability costs $125-200
- Synthetic stock is flexible — can induce point-of-impact shift with bipod or sling pressure
- Includes only one 4-round magazine — extra mags retail for $35-$45 each
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Savage Axis 2 .243 Win 22in OD Green 4rd is a bolt-action hunting rifle featuring a 22-inch barrel and a user-adjustable AccuTrigger, designed for shooters seeking reliable, out-of-the-box accuracy without a custom shop price tag. This rifle balances a 6.6-pound field weight with Savage's thread-in barrel headspacing system, delivering consistent mechanical alignment. It ships ready for a scope with a drilled and tapped receiver and includes one 4-round detachable magazine.
What is the Savage Axis 2 rifle used for?
The Savage Axis 2 is primarily a whitetail and varmint hunting rifle. Its .243 Winchester cartridge is ballistic goldilocks for medium game, offering sufficient energy for clean deer kills out to 250 yards while maintaining flat trajectories for prairie dogs and coyotes. The 4-round detachable magazine facilitates quick reloads in the field, and the synthetic stock stands up to moisture without the weight penalty of laminate or walnut.
How does the Savage Axis 2 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Axis 2 provides superior trigger adjustability for precision work compared to the Stevens 334. Where the Axis 2 features a user-adjustable AccuTrigger with a 2.5 to 6-pound pull weight range, the Stevens 334 uses a fixed, heavier traditional trigger. For a shooter focused on consistent, light trigger breaks—a critical factor for long-range shot placement—the Axis 2 is the objectively better mechanical choice, though the Stevens 334 remains a capable budget option like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, this rifle weighs 6.6 pounds (105.6 ounces). With its 22-inch barrel and standard length of pull, its overall length is 43.75 inches. This makes it approximately 7.5 inches longer than the compact 20-inch barrel variant of the Stevens 334 in .243 Win. The 1:9.25-inch twist rate stabilizes bullet weights from 55 to 100 grains reliably.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for the precision long-range competitor or the suppressor enthusiast seeking a ready-to-thread host. The barrel lacks a threaded muzzle, requiring a gunsmith's intervention for a brake or silencer mount. Furthermore, its synthetic stock, while durable, lacks the rigidity of a chassis system, limiting its ultimate bedding stability for sub-MOA accuracy demands beyond standard hunting applications.
What's in the box?
You receive the Savage Axis 2 rifle, one 4-round detachable steel magazine, and the manual. The receiver comes pre-drilled and tapped for a scope base, but the base, rings, and optics are not included. Plan for an additional $50-$150 for a quality one-piece Picatinny rail or two-piece base setup before you can mount a scope and zero.
Is the Savage Axis 2 worth it at $456.99?
At $456.99, the Axis 2 represents a high-value entry point into a feature-set typically found on rifles costing $150 more. The inclusion of the adjustable AccuTrigger alone justifies the price delta over competitors with fixed, lawyer-friendly pulls. For a hunter needing a reliable, no-fuss rifle that will shoot straight out of the box for years, this is a solid investment that leaves budget for quality optics and ammunition.
Key attributes
| upc | 011356320391 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 32039 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | .243 Winchester |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| length | 49 |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. Detachable Box |
| package height | 3.3 |
| package width | 8.3 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 8.9 |
| sights | No Sights |
| magazine included | 1 x 4-Round |
| model | Axis 2 GEN II |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this rifle have a threaded barrel?
- No. The Savage Axis 2 in this configuration features a standard sporter barrel crown. The muzzle is not threaded for muzzle devices or suppressors. Adding threads requires a competent gunsmith and typically costs between $125 and $200, depending on local shop rates.
- Is the receiver ready for a scope mount?
- Yes. The receiver is drilled and tapped for #6-48 scope base screws. You will need to purchase a separate one-piece or two-piece scope base compatible with Savage short actions. Popular brands include EGW, Weaver, and Warne.
- What scope bases fit this rifle?
- This rifle uses a standard Savage short action scope base pattern. A one-piece Picatinny rail from EGW (Part #71403) or a two-piece Weaver-style base set from Warne (Model 2M) are direct fits. Ensure you use the correct screw size—#6-48—when installing.
- Can I use aftermarket magazines?
- Yes, but compatibility is specific. This model uses Savage's proprietary detachable magazine system for the Axis/110 series. Magazines from Savage or third-party manufacturers like Magpul (Hunter 700 short action model) that are designed for this footprint will function, but generic AICS-pattern mags will not fit without modification.