Savage Axis 2 XP 308 Win 22in Left-Hand, 3-9×40 Scope
Pros & cons
What works
- Left-hand bolt operation — eliminates right-hand ergonomic compromises for southpaw shooters.
- Factory-mounted 3-9×40 scope — provides immediate, functional capability out of the box for $532.99.
- Adjustable AccuTrigger — allows pull weight to be tuned from approximately 2.5 lbs to 6 lbs for safety and preference.
- Drilled and tapped receiver — provides a solid base for remounting the included scope or upgrading optics later.
Trade-offs
- Proprietary 4-round magazine — limits high-capacity aftermarket options and costs $35-$45 per replacement.
- Flexible synthetic stock — lacks an aluminum bedding block, inducing point-of-impact shift with sling pressure or bipod use.
- Non-threaded muzzle — cannot accept a muzzle brake or suppressor without a $150+ gunsmithing job.
- Left-hand configuration only — a hard stop for 90% of shooters; no ambidextrous option.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Savage Axis 2 XP .308 Win 22in Left-Hand with 3-9×40 Scope is a left-hand, bolt-action hunting rifle built for practical field reliability that ships ready to zero with a factory-mounted scope. It pairs Savage's reliable mechanical components—a user-adjustable AccuTrigger and a button-rifled barrel—with a straightforward synthetic stock designed to handle weather. This configuration delivers a value-oriented, purpose-built tool for a specific shooter, not a collector's item. The combination of NATO-spec chambering and left-handed bolt manipulation makes it a utilitarian choice, not a platform for heavy customization.
What is the Savage Axis 2 XP .308 Win used for?
The Savage Axis 2 XP is used for ethically harvesting medium to large game at typical North American hunting distances. Its .308 Winchester chambering provides ample power for whitetail, mule deer, and black bear, while the 22-inch barrel balances velocity and maneuverability in mixed terrain. The factory scope and synthetic stock underscore its role as a foul-weather tool; it's designed to be taken from the box, sighted in at 100 yards within 25 rounds, and put into service.
How does the Savage Axis 2 XP compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Savage Axis 2 XP is a better choice than the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win when an out-of-the-box, scoped rifle for left-handed shooters is the primary requirement. The Axis 2 XP includes a mounted 3-9×40 scope, saving the buyer an immediate $100+ accessory purchase, while the Stevens 334 is an optic-ready rifle intended for the shooter who already has a preferred optic. The Stevens 334 possesses a more refined action and better stock bedding, but for the left-handed hunter needing a complete, functioning rifle, the Axis 2 XP package is the more practical initial purchase. The Savage is 0.8 pounds heavier fully scoped than the bare Stevens 334, but the Stevens requires that additional investment to be field-ready.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle has an unloaded weight of 7.7 pounds (123.2 oz) and an overall length of exactly 42.5 inches with the 22-inch barrel. The detachable magazine holds 4 rounds of .308 Winchester, contributing negligibly to the overall heft. When the included 3-9×40 scope is mounted, the total package weight for a left-handed shooter to carry approaches 8.5 pounds, which is noticeable over a full day's stalk but manageable.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for competitive precision shooters, right-handed individuals, or those seeking a modern tactical platform. The 1:10-inch twist barrel is optimized for common 150-180 grain hunting ammunition, not heavy, sub-MOA match bullets. The synthetic stock lacks an aluminum bedding block and has significant flex in the forend, limiting mechanical accuracy potential beyond 300 yards. If you are a right-handed shooter, operating the left-handed bolt will be awkward and slow; consider a standard model or the Stevens 334 in .243 Win for a right-hand bolt.
What's in the box?
In the box, you receive the Savage Axis 2 XP rifle with the 3-9×40mm scope factory-mounted and pre-boresighted, one 4-round steel detachable magazine, and the owner's manual with AccuTrigger adjustment instructions. The rifle is shipped in a single-piece cardboard box with basic foam padding—not a hard case. You will need to purchase your own ammunition, a set of 1-inch scope rings if you plan to remount the optic, and a suitable torque wrench to properly secure the base screws to the drilled and tapped receiver.
Is the Savage Axis 2 XP worth it at $532.99?
At $532.99, the Savage Axis 2 XP is worth it as a specific-purpose tool for a left-handed hunter who needs a functional, scoped rifle for one season without a significant upfront investment in optics. The package price represents a roughly 25% savings versus purchasing the rifle and a comparable scope separately. Its worth diminishes if you are a shooter who plans to immediately replace the synthetic stock or the included scope; in that case, your money is better spent on a bare rifle with better foundational components. For its intended role—taking game within 250 yards—it delivers more than sufficient capability for the price.
Key attributes
| upc | 011356321879 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 32187 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | .308 / 7.62 NATO |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 48.7500 |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. Detachable Box |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 8.3 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 9.95 |
| sights | No |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard AR-10 magazines?
- No, the Savage Axis 2 XP is not compatible with standard AR-10 or SR-25 pattern magazines. It uses a proprietary, single-stack 4-round steel detachable magazine (Savage Part #10756). You must source spare magazines directly from Savage or authorized parts distributors.
- Does it fit in a standard 42-inch rifle case?
- Just barely. With an overall length of 42.5 inches, this rifle will not fit in a hard case advertised for 42-inch rifles. You will need a case rated for at least 44 inches interior length to accommodate it safely, especially with the scope mounted. I recommend the Plano All-Weather 44-inch case for transport.
- Can I thread the barrel for a suppressor?
- No, the factory 22-inch sporter profile barrel on this model is not threaded. Savage does not offer a factory-threaded version of the Axis II XP in left-hand .308. Adding threads would require a competent gunsmith to cut, thread, and re-crown the barrel, adding approximately $150-$200 and potentially voiding the warranty.
- How long does shipping take from Ironclad Armory?
- All firearms ship via overnight air to your chosen Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder once your background check is approved and the FFL's paperwork is on file. From the time you complete your purchase to delivery at your FFL typically takes 3 to 5 business days, not including state-mandated waiting periods.