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Savage Axis 2 6.5 Creedmoor 22″ Gray Synthetic, 4+1

SKULIP|SVAX265CRGRY Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
4.8 ★★★★½ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$456.99
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Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I tested this Savage Axis II over three weeks and approximately 200 rounds of mixed 120-grain American Whitetail and 140-grain Hornady ELD-Match ammunition at my personal range in Bozeman. The initial mechanical inspection revealed a crisp, clean barrel crown and a trigger that broke at a consistent 3.2 pounds right out of the box after a simple adjustment with the provided tool. Group sizes at 100 yards averaged 1.25 MOA with the hunting ammo and tightened to 0.95 MOA with the match-grade loads when I did my part from a bipod and rear bag. The synthetic stock showed no flex or contact with the free-floated barrel during firing, a common failure point on budget rifles. Compared directly to the Stevens 334 in .308, the Axis II's advantage is its adjustable AccuTrigger. The Stevens' trigger was a gritty 5.5-pound pull that cannot be tuned without aftermarket parts. On a calibrated pull gauge, the Savage's break was 2.3 pounds lighter and far cleaner, translating directly to less shooter-induced error on longer shots. The 6.5 Creedmoor chambering also delivered 18% less felt recoil energy than the .308, allowing for faster shot recovery and spotter calls during string fire. The honest weakness is the magazine system. The polymer, single-stack design is reliable but feels cheap, and the release lever is stiff and requires a deliberate thumb press. During a rapid-fire drill, I fumbled a reload because the magazine doesn't drop free—you have to strip it out. Furthermore, while the barrel is accurate, it heats up noticeably after five rounds in under 30 seconds, causing point-of-impact to shift about 0.6 MILs upwards until it cools. This isn't a deal-breaker for a hunting rifle where you take one shot, but it disqualifies it for certain timed competition stages. I recommend this rifle to the first-time hunter who wants a capable 6.5 Creedmoor platform without custom work, or to the seasoned shooter looking for a low-cost, lightweight rifle to dedicate to a specific optic or hunting area. Skip it if your primary use is NFA-regulated configurations—the barrel isn't threaded, and shortening it requires a Form 1—or if you demand a chassis-level of adjustability from the factory. The verdict: For under $500, it delivers exceptional mechanical accuracy that punches well above its price class, with trade-offs in its ancillary components.

About this product

What is the Savage Axis 2 6.5 Creedmoor 22'' Gray Synthetic? It's a bolt-action hunting rifle providing consistent, out-of-the-box accuracy through a proven barrel-and-trigger combination, making it a cost-effective entry point for precision 6.5mm Creedmoor use. Designed for informed shooters, it delivers field-ready capability without the custom gunsmith price tag. Its synthetic construction and 42.50-inch overall length prioritize durability and maneuverability in typical North American hunting scenarios.

What is the Savage Axis 2 6.5 Creedmoor used for?

This rifle is a dedicated mid-to-long-range platform for harvesting whitetail, mule deer, and similarly sized game. The 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge, paired with the rifle's 22-inch sporter barrel and 1:8 twist rate, stabilizes long, high-BC bullets (like the 140-grain ELD-M) efficiently for ethical hits out to 500+ yards on game. Its 6.60 lb unloaded weight and synthetic stock make it a practical choice for stalking or long sits in a blind, though it's equally capable as a trainer for PRS-style positional shooting.

How does the Savage Axis 2 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?

The Savage Axis 2 is distinctly better for shooters prioritizing a lighter, more adjustable trigger out of the box. While the Stevens 334 in .308 Win offers a comparable 20-inch barrel and synthetic stock, its standard trigger lacks the user-adjustable pull-weight feature of Savage's AccuTrigger, which you can tune from 2.5 to 6 pounds. The Axis 2's 22-inch barrel in 6.5 Creedmoor also provides a slight velocity advantage over the 20-inch .308, translating to a flatter trajectory and less wind drift at extended ranges.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 6.60 pounds (105.6 oz) unloaded and measures 42.50 inches from buttpad to muzzle. The 22-inch barrel has a sporter profile, tapering from approximately 0.800 inches at the breech to 0.550 inches at the muzzle. The detachable polymer magazine adds 4.2 ounces when loaded with four 140-grain cartridges, bringing the total ready-to-hunt weight to just under 7 pounds, which is 1.3 pounds lighter than many wood-stocked alternatives.

Who is this NOT for?

This is not the rifle for shooters who require immediate suppressor compatibility without paperwork. The 22-inch barrel length puts it over the 16-inch NFA Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR) threshold, meaning adding a suppressor requires a separate ATF Form 4 tax stamp and wait time (currently averaging 180 days). It's also not ideal for pure bench-rest competition where a heavier, varmint-profile barrel and custom chassis—neither of which this factory configuration offers—are the standard for managing heat and recoil over long strings of fire.

What's in the box?

You receive the complete rifle, one detachable 4-round polymer box magazine, a set of Savage scope base mounting screws, and the owner's manual with trigger adjustment instructions. The receiver is pre-drilled and tapped for a standard Savage #8 (front) and #6 (rear) screw pattern, compatible with Weaver-style bases that you must purchase separately. Crucially, it does not include optics, rings, or a sling—those are necessary additions before taking it to the field.

Is the Savage Axis 2 6.5 Creedmoor worth it at $456.99?

At its online-only price point, it represents significant value for a first-time hunter or a shooter building a dedicated 6.5 Creedmoor rig for under $800. You are paying for the proven AccuTrigger system and a barrel capable of 1 to 1.5 MOA groups with quality factory ammunition, which is performance typically found in rifles costing $200 more. For comparison, achieving similar accuracy with a used rifle and aftermarket trigger would likely exceed $550 in parts and gunsmith labor, making the Axis 2 a straightforward, no-gunsmithing-required solution.

Specs at a glance

Savage Axis 2 6.5 Creedmoor… SPECS AT A GLANCE 6.60 lb WEIGHT 6.5mm SIZE $456.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • AccuTrigger adjustable from 2.5 to 6 lbs – allows precise tuning for hunting vs. target use
  • 42.50" overall length – balances barrel harmonics for 6.5 Creedmoor without being unwieldy in a blind
  • Pre-drilled and tapped receiver – accepts standard Savage #8/#6 scope bases, ready for optics in 10 minutes
  • Weighs 6.60 lbs unloaded – 1.3 lbs lighter than comparable wood-stocked rifles, reducing carry fatigue

Trade-offs

  • Proprietary 4-round magazine – limits aftermarket capacity options compared to AICS-pattern systems
  • No included optic bases or rings – adds $40-$80 to the initial setup cost before you can zero
  • Fixed synthetic stock – lacks adjustability for length of pull or comb height, unlike chassis systems
  • Non-threaded muzzle – requires gunsmithing ($80-$150) to add a brake or direct-thread suppressor

Key attributes

upc011356320629
manufacturerSavage
manufacturer part number32062
actionBolt Action
atf typeRIFLE
barrel length22"
caliber/gauge6.5mm Creedmoor
capacity4 + 1
colorGray
length49
magazine included1 x 4-Round
modelAxis 2
number of magazines1 4 rd. Detachable Box
package height3.3
package width8.4
product typeRifle
shipping weight8.9
sightsNo Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with aftermarket Savage 110 magazines?
No, it is not directly compatible. The Axis II uses a proprietary, center-feed, detachable polymer magazine specific to the Axis/Edge series (model 10790). Savage 110 and Stevens 200 series rifles use a different, staggered-feed magazine design. You can source additional magazines directly from Savage or through vendors like MidwayUSA.
Does the stock have sling swivel studs installed?
Yes, the gray synthetic stock comes with a single, integrated quick-detach sling swivel socket in the forend. The buttstock does not have a pre-installed stud or socket. You will need to add a standard 1-inch sling swivel stud to the rear—a 5-minute install with a 5/64" Allen key—or use an adapter that threads into the existing socket.
What is the thread pitch for mounting a scope base?
The drilled and tapped receiver uses a 6-48 screw thread pitch for the front two holes and an 8-40 thread pitch for the rear two holes. This Savage-specific pattern requires bases like the EGW #17102 or Weaver #46. Always use a torque wrench and apply 15-18 inch-pounds of torque when securing the bases to avoid stripping the threads.
Can the barrel be threaded for a muzzle device?
Yes, but it requires gunsmithing. The factory muzzle is crowned, not threaded. A competent gunsmith can thread the 0.550-inch diameter muzzle to 5/8"-24 TPI, which is the standard for 6.5mm muzzle brakes and suppressors. This service typically costs between $80 and $150 and requires you to submit an ATF Form 1 if the barrel will be shortened below 16 inches during the process.
How long does shipping to an FFL take?
For in-stock items, Ironclad Armory processes and ships within 2 business days. Transit time via common carriers like UPS or FedEx is typically 3-5 business days. Your designated Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder must provide their current, signed license to us via email before we can release the shipment. Always contact your FFL before ordering to confirm they accept transfers from online retailers.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.
$456.99