Savage Axis 2 XP Hardwood .308 Win 22″ w/ 3-9×40 Scope
About this product
The Savage Axis 2 XP Hardwood is a bolt-action hunting rifle chambered in .308 Winchester that ships with a factory-mounted and bore-sighted 3-9x40 scope, making it ready for the field with minimal setup. It balances traditional aesthetics with modern engineering through Savage's AccuTrigger and a detachable box magazine. This configuration prioritizes out-of-the-box utility for hunters who value a streamlined acquisition and verification process.
What is the Savage Axis 2 XP Hardwood used for?
This rifle is engineered for medium-game hunting at ranges under 300 yards and general marksmanship practice. The .308 Winchester cartridge provides ample power for ethical deer, elk, and boar harvests, while the included 3-9x40 scope is calibrated for shots typically encountered in North American woodlands. Its 7.8-pound weight and 42.5-inch overall length make it manageable for carrying through varied terrain.
How does the Savage Axis 2 XP Hardwood compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The Savage Axis 2 XP notably includes a factory-mounted scope, while the Stevens 334 is sold as an optics-ready rifle. For a shooter needing immediate capability, the Axis 2 XP's $635.99 price buys a complete, bore-sighted system, whereas the Stevens requires separate optic purchase and zeroing, adding $150-$300 and at least an hour of range time. However, the Stevens 334 has a 20-inch barrel, making it 2 inches shorter and slightly more maneuverable in dense brush.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 7.8 pounds with the scope mounted and measures 42.5 inches from buttpad to muzzle. The 22-inch sporter-profile barrel contributes to a forward weight bias that aids steady offhand shooting, and the pull length from trigger to buttpad is approximately 13.75 inches, accommodating most adult shooters. When stored in a standard 50-inch hard case, you will have about 7.5 inches of clearance for a cleaning kit.
Who is this NOT for?
This package is not for precision long-range competitors seeking sub-MOA performance with match-grade ammunition. The included 3-9x40 scope has a simple duplex reticle without holdover marks, and the 4-round magazine capacity is a limitation for certain high-volume training drills. For dedicated varmint control requiring high-round-count sessions, a dedicated .223 Remington platform like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win offers a flatter trajectory and lower recoil.
What's in the box?
You receive one complete rifle with the scope mounted and bore-sighted, one 4-round detachable box magazine, and the necessary scope lens caps. Savage does not include a sling, swivels, a bore snake, or a spare magazine, so budget an additional $35-$75 for those essential field accessories. The included manual covers the AccuTrigger adjustment procedure, which requires a 3/32-inch hex key (not supplied).
Is the Savage Axis 2 XP Hardwood worth it at $635.99?
At this price, it represents significant value for a hunter needing a functional, no-fuss package. The cost of a comparable .308 rifle ($450), a basic 3-9x40 scope ($120), and professional mounting/zeroing service ($75) easily exceeds this bundle price. The primary trade-off is accepting the factory-selected scope, which is serviceable but lacks the advanced features of aftermarket models costing $250+.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Factory bore-sighted 3-9x40 scope saves 60-90 minutes of initial zeroing time at the range.
- AccuTrigger adjusts from 3.5 lbs to 2.5 lbs pull weight with a single hex key.
- 22-inch barrel provides a 2650-2700 fps muzzle velocity with 150-grain .308 loads.
- 4-round detachable magazine enables swift unloading without cycling the bolt 5 times.
Trade-offs
- Hardwood-style stock is a molded polymer, not genuine walnut; adds no damping benefit.
- Scope tube is 1-inch, limiting high-end optic upgrades that use 30mm or 34mm tubes.
- No threaded barrel option from factory; adding suppressor capability requires a $250+ barrel chop/thread job.
- Magazine release is stiff and requires deliberate pressure, not ideal for rapid reloads.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 011356322623 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 32262 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | MATTE BLACK |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | .308 / 7.62 NATO |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 42.5'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 4-Round |
| model | Axis 2 XP GEN II |
| 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 Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .308 Winchester ammunition?
- Yes, it is chambered for .308 Winchester/7.62x51mm NATO. You can safely fire commercial .308 Win hunting and target rounds (up to 62,000 PSI SAAMI spec) and most 7.62 NATO mil-spec ammunition. Always confirm headspace with a gauge if using surplus cartridges, as throat dimensions can vary.
- Does the stock fit aftermarket bedding systems?
- No, the hardwood-style stock is a one-piece molded design without an aluminum bedding block or inlet for aftermarket chassis systems. For a true precision upgrade requiring a replacement stock or chassis, you would need to invest in a model like a Savage 110 or seek a custom gunsmithing solution costing $300+.
- Are extra magazines readily available?
- Yes, Savage Axis detachable box magazines (model 57228) are commonly stocked by major retailers like MidwayUSA and Brownells for approximately $35 each. They are specific to the Axis/Axis II series and not interchangeable with magazines for the Stevens 334 or older Savage models.
- Can the AccuTrigger be adjusted to a very light pull?
- Yes, the AccuTrigger is user-adjustable from the factory setting of approximately 3.5 pounds down to a claimed minimum of 2.5 pounds using the provided tool. I do not recommend going below 2.5 pounds for a hunting rifle, as it compromises safety in cold-weather conditions with gloved hands.