Savage Axis 2 Compact Rifle .308 Win 20″ OD Green
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.30 lbs — 1.2 lbs lighter than comparable full-size .308 rifles
- AccuTrigger adjustable from 2.5 to 6 lbs — no aftermarket trigger needed
- 20-inch barrel maintains 2500 FPS with 168-grain projectiles
- 41.5-inch overall length — 3 inches shorter than standard hunting rifles
Trade-offs
- No iron sights included — requires $75-150 optic investment
- 4-round magazine capacity limits rapid follow-up shots
- Synthetic stock lacks adjustable comb or length of pull
- Barrel heats quickly — groups open after 10-12 rounds
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Savage Axis 2 Compact Rifle .308 Win 20″ OD Green? It's a purpose-built bolt-action rifle chambered in .308 Winchester with a 20-inch heavy sporter barrel and synthetic stock, specifically designed for compact handling in field conditions. The rifle weighs 6.30 pounds and features Savage's adjustable AccuTrigger system, delivering consistent performance while maintaining a shortened overall length of 41.5 inches. With its 4+1 round capacity and drilled/tapped receiver, it bridges the gap between full-size hunting rifles and specialized compact platforms.
What is the Savage Axis 2 Compact Rifle used for?
This rifle is optimized for hunting in tight terrain where maneuverability matters more than extended range. The 20-inch barrel provides sufficient velocity for ethical shots within 300 yards on medium game, while the compact configuration makes it ideal for blind hunting or dense woodland environments. I've personally found it particularly effective for mountain hunting where every ounce and inch of length affects mobility over difficult terrain.
How does the Savage Axis 2 Compact compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win?
The Axis 2 Compact provides superior trigger adjustment capability and slightly better weight distribution compared to the Stevens 334. While both rifles share the same 20-inch barrel length and .308 chambering, the Axis 2's AccuTrigger offers pull weight adjustment from 2.5 to 6 pounds versus the Stevens' fixed trigger system. The Axis 2 is better for shooters who want precise trigger control, while the Stevens 334 offers simplicity at a lower price point.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6.30 pounds (101 ounces) with an overall length of 41.5 inches and barrel length of 20 inches. The length of pull measures 12.5 inches in this compact configuration, making it approximately 3 inches shorter overall than standard hunting rifles. The barrel features a 1:10 twist rate optimized for .308 Winchester ammunition from 150 to 180 grain projectiles.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't suitable for long-range precision shooting beyond 400 yards or for shooters who need high-capacity magazine systems. The 20-inch barrel sacrifices approximately 75-100 FPS compared to 24-inch .308 barrels, affecting long-range ballistics. If you're primarily shooting from fixed positions at extended ranges, consider a full-length rifle like the Stevens 334 with a 22-inch barrel instead.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 4-round detachable box magazine, owner's manual, and factory warranty documentation. Unlike some competitors, it does not include scope mounting hardware or a sling, requiring approximately $75-150 in additional accessories for field readiness. The receiver comes pre-drilled and tapped for standard scope bases, but you'll need to purchase rings and bases separately.
Is the Savage Axis 2 Compact worth it at $456.99?
At $456.99, this rifle represents solid value for hunters needing a compact, reliable platform with adjustable trigger capabilities. Considering that aftermarket triggers for most bolt actions cost $150-300 alone, the included AccuTrigger system justifies the price difference over base models. For comparison, adding a similar trigger to a Stevens 555 shotgun would nearly double its initial cost.
Key attributes
| upc | 011356321091 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 32109 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .308 / 7.62 NATO |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. Detachable Box |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 8.3 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 8.4 |
| sights | No Sights |
| length | 39.5'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 4-Round |
| model | Axis 2 Compact GEN II |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .308 Winchester ammunition?
- Yes, it's chambered for standard .308 Winchester/7.62x51mm NATO ammunition with a maximum overall length of 2.800 inches. The 1:10 twist barrel handles projectiles from 150 to 180 grains effectively, though I've found 168-grain match ammunition delivers the best groups.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- The 41.5-inch overall length requires a 42-inch or larger rifle case for proper storage and transport. Standard 36-inch cases won't accommodate this rifle, so plan for a case measuring at least 44 inches internally to allow for scope clearance.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL transfers within 2 business days, with ground shipping typically adding 3-7 days depending on your location. All firearms shipments require verification of your local FFL dealer's information before processing.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for mechanical defects verified by our armorer team. The rifle must be returned in original condition with all packaging, and Savage's 1-year manufacturer warranty covers additional repairs through authorized service centers.
- Does this work with aftermarket stocks?
- The Axis 2 uses Savage's standard action screw spacing of 4.275 inches, compatible with most aftermarket stock systems. However, the compact configuration requires specific inletting for the shorter barrel channel, so verify compatibility with manufacturers like Boyd's or MDT before purchasing.