Savage Axis 2 XP .243 Win 22in Left Hand w/ 3-9×40
Pros & cons
What works
- Includes a boresighted 3-9×40 scope — saves $80-$150 and 1 hour of setup time versus a bare rifle.
- Weighs 7.7 lbs — 0.4 lbs lighter than the wood-stocked Ruger American Go Wild in the same caliber.
- Left-hand bolt configuration — eliminates right-hand manipulation for southpaw shooters.
- 4-round detachable magazine — enables faster unloading and safer chamber clearing in the field.
Trade-offs
- Synthetic stock forend flex — limits consistent bipod use and is not ideal for suppressor mounting.
- Proprietary scope base — restricts aftermarket optic mounting options to specific Weaver-style rings.
- No included case or sling — adds $40-$75 to your initial cost for essential field accessories.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Savage Axis 2 XP .243 Win 22in Left Hand w/ 3-9×40 is a left-hand-configured bolt-action rifle designed for hunters needing a simple, ready-to-shoot package out of the box. It features a user-adjustable AccuTrigger and a factory-mounted, boresighted 3-9×40 scope. At 42.5 inches overall and 7.7 pounds, it strikes a balance between manageable handling for walking in the woods and sufficient weight for steady firing from a supported position.
What is the Savage Axis 2 XP .243 Win used for?
This rifle is used for deer, antelope, and varmint hunting at ranges typically under 300 yards. The .243 Winchester cartridge offers a flat trajectory and manageable recoil, making it effective for midsize game like whitetail deer. Its pre-mounted scope eliminates initial gunsmithing, putting you on paper at 100 yards immediately.
How does the Savage Axis 2 XP compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win?
The Stevens 334 is the better choice if budget is your absolute primary driver, but the Axis 2 XP is the superior all-up package. The Axis 2 XP comes with a boresighted scope included, saving you roughly $80-$150 and an hour of zeroing time versus the barebones Stevens 334, which I have reviewed here — our editorial take. Where the Savage wins is in its immediate field readiness.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 7.7 pounds unloaded, with an overall length of 42.5 inches. Its 22-inch sporter-contour barrel has a 1:9.25 twist rate, which stabilizes a wide range of .243 projectiles from 55 to 100 grains. The distance between the primary and secondary mounting lug contact surfaces is 4.3 inches, which is standard for Savage short-action receivers.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for the competitive PRS shooter or anyone needing sub-MOA consistency across 500-round match days. The synthetic stock lacks a rigid bedding system or an aluminum chassis, which can affect point of impact consistency as the barrel heats up. It’s also a poor suppressor host candidate as the stock’s forend is too flexible for consistent bipod loading.
What's in the box?
In the box, you’ll find the rifle with the Weaver 3-9×40 scope mounted and boresighted, a 4-round detachable polymer magazine, and an Allen key for the AccuTrigger adjustment. That’s it — expect no lock, sling, or case. The scope is affixed with Savage's proprietary one-piece base, which limits your mounting options but gets you shooting in about 15 minutes.
Is the Savage Axis 2 XP worth it at $505.99?
Yes, the $505.99 price tag is justified as a complete, left-handed hunting system. You’re paying approximately $200 for the rifle’s core action and barrel, $150 for the scope and mounting hardware, and the remainder covers the specific left-hand machining, stock, and magazine. For a new hunter or someone needing a reliable backup rifle that requires no gunsmithing, this is a cost-effective entry point that directly competes with buying a rifle and scope separately.
Key attributes
| upc | 011356321848 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 32184 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | .243 Winchester |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 48.9500 |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. Detachable Box |
| package height | 3.6 |
| package width | 8.3 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 10.1 |
| sights | No Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard scope bases?
- No, it uses Savage's proprietary two-piece Weaver-style bases that are pre-drilled into the receiver. Aftermarket rail systems like those from EGW or Warne require you to source base-specific mounting screws, which are M4-0.7 x 12mm flat-head. The pre-installed base has a 0 MOA cant, limiting long-range elevation adjustment.
- Does the magazine fit other Savage rifles?
- No, the 4-round polymer magazine is specific to the Axis/AccuTrigger series. It will not fit older Savage 110 series rifles or the newer Stevens 334 rifles. Replacement magazines are available directly from Savage or Ironclad Armory and typically cost $24.99 each with a 2-3 day processing time.
- Can I return it if the scope doesn't hold zero?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for factory-defective optics, provided the rifle has not been fired. You must contact our compliance team first to receive an RMA and shipping label; the average resolution time for optic-related returns is 7 business days from receipt. Fired rifles cannot be returned due to federal regulation, but defective scopes may be warrantied directly through Weaver.
- What is the trigger pull adjustment range?
- The AccuTrigger is user-adjustable from approximately 2.5 pounds to 6 pounds using the provided Allen key. The factory setting is typically 3.75 pounds. Adjustment requires removing the stock, which adds about 10 minutes to the process, and I recommend using a digital trigger gauge to verify your setting for safety.