Savage Axis XP Rifle 7mm-08 Rem 22-inch w/ 3-9×40 Scope
Pros & cons
What works
- Includes bore-sighted Weaver 3-9×40 scope — saves $100+ and installation time
- AccuTrigger adjusts from 2.5 to 6 lbs — a 3.5 lb lighter factory pull than a standard Stevens 334 trigger
- 22-inch button-rifled barrel — provides 80-120 fps more velocity than a 20-inch .308 Win barrel with similar-weight bullets
- 4-round detachable magazine — reloads 2 seconds faster than a fixed internal magazine
Trade-offs
- Synthetic stock lacks an aluminum bedding block — impacts consistent accuracy beyond 200 yards compared to a chassis system
- 1:9.5" twist rate — marginal for stabilizing 175+ grain match bullets, limiting long-range hand-load flexibility
- Barrel is not threaded — requires gunsmith work and potential NFA registration to add a muzzle brake or suppressor
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Savage Axis XP Rifle 7mm-08 Rem 22-inch w/ 3-9×40 Scope? It is a complete, bore-sighted bolt-action hunting package engineered for straightforward deployment on North American game.
The 7mm-08 Remington chambering in a 22-inch button-rifled barrel gives it a ballistic edge in moderate timber and open country, while the included Weaver 3-9×40 scope and adjustable AccuTrigger make it a viable choice for the rifleman who prioritizes a calibrated, field-ready tool over custom assembly and fitting.
What is the Savage Axis XP Rifle used for?
This rifle is engineered for deer, pronghorn, and similar-sized game at practical hunting ranges of 50 to 250 yards. The 7mm-08 Remington is a highly efficient cartridge with manageable recoil, the 22-inch barrel optimizes velocity for this case capacity, and the pre-mounted scope lets you verify zero and go afield, eliminating the primary hurdle for new hunters.
How does the Savage Axis XP compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Savage Axis XP provides a superior out-of-the-box readiness package at a slightly higher weight. While the Stevens 334 in .308 Win offers a stiffer, more rigid synthetic stock and a crisper two-position safety, the Axis XP ships with a bore-sighted scope and possesses a significantly better factory trigger via the adjustable AccuTrigger, which can be set from 2.5 to 6 pounds of pull with a simple tool.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the rifle weighs 7.6 pounds, or roughly 3.45 kilograms, contributing to a total package weight of approximately 9.2 pounds when you include the scope and rings. Its overall length with the 22-inch barrel is 42.5 inches, and the receiver is 6.8 inches long, drilled and tapped with a standard 6-48 thread pattern for aftermarket optic mounts.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not a rifle for the precision long-range competitor or the suppressor enthusiast. The 1:9.5 twist rate is adequate for common 140-150 grain hunting bullets but stabilizes heavier, high-BC projectiles less reliably for distances beyond 400 yards. More critically, threading the 22-inch barrel for a muzzle device would require cutting it down, potentially impacting velocity and bringing the overall barrel length below 16 inches—a Title II NFA item requiring a tax stamp.
What's in the box?
You get the complete rifle with the factory-mounted and bore-sighted Weaver 3-9×40 optic, one 4-round detachable polymer box magazine, and a manual. Ironclad Armory ships the rifle in a hard plastic case with foam inserts, with a total shipping weight of 12 pounds. No tools for the AccuTrigger or a lens cloth for the scope are included.
Is the Savage Axis XP worth it at $443.99?
At this price, it represents competent value for a hunter needing a single, reliable rifle with an optic. The functional scope-and-rifle combination saves $150-$200 versus buying a comparable Stevens 334 rifle and a low-tier optic separately. Your first investment should be in quality 30mm rings and a $20 trigger adjustment tool to dial the AccuTrigger down for a cleaner break.
Key attributes
| upc | 011356320056 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 32005 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | 7mm-08 REMINGTON |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 48.6000 |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. Detachable Box |
| package height | 3.3 |
| package width | 8.4 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 10.1 |
| sights | No |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 3-9×40 scope compatible with aftermarket rings?
- Yes. The Weaver 3-9×40 scope uses a standard 1-inch tube diameter and is mounted in Savage's supplied one-piece base. For a more secure mount, you can replace the factory base with a Picatinny rail from EGW or Warne, which uses the same 6-48 receiver threads. The eye relief is a fixed 3.5 inches.
- Does this rifle fit in a standard 42-inch rifle case?
- No. With an overall length of 42.5 inches, this rifle will not fit in a 42-inch case. You require a hard case with an internal length of at least 44 inches, such as a Plano All Weather 44-inch model, to accommodate it with the scope attached.
- Can I swap the barrel for a different caliber?
- No. The Savage Axis barrel is not a user-swappable, barrel-nut system like the higher-end Savage 110 series. Changing caliber requires a certified gunsmith to re-barrel the action, a process costing $300-$500 and negating the value proposition of this package rifle.
- Does the detachable magazine work with aftermarket options?
- Yes, but within limits. This rifle uses the proprietary Savage Axis/Model 11 detachable magazine. Aftermarket metal magazines from companies like MDT increase durability but add $40-$60 per magazine. The factory polymer magazine has a 4-round capacity and weighs 3.2 ounces empty.
- Is the trigger adjustable without a gunsmith?
- Yes. The AccuTrigger is user-adjustable from approximately 2.5 to 6 pounds of pull weight using a provided hex key (or a 3/32" Allen wrench). The adjustment screw is accessed through a port in the trigger shoe. I recommend starting at the factory-set 4.5 pounds and reducing it in half-pound increments while checking for sear stability.