Savage Axis Vs Axis II [Which One Is Better?]

The Savage Axis and the Savage Axis II are two popular bolt-action rifles from the same manufacturer. Both are great options for hunters and target shooters alike. Still, some key differences between them are considered when purchasing.

The Savage Axis is a budget-friendly rifle known for its accuracy and reliability. At the same time, the Savage Axis II is a slightly more advanced model that offers enhanced features such as a threaded barrel and adjustable trigger. Both rifles are great options, but one may be more suitable depending on your needs and appropriation.

This article will compare the Savage Axis and the Savage Axis II regarding features, performance, and price.

Savage Axis

The Savage Axis is a rifle manufactured by Savage Arms. It is a budget-friendly rifle designed for hunting and target shooting. It is available in various calibers and configurations, including a left-handed model. The Axis features a detachable box magazine, a matte black synthetic stock, and a button-rifled barrel.

It is an affordable and reliable rifle for the budget-minded shooter.

Savage Axis II

The Savage Axis II is a rifle manufactured by Savage Arms. It is a budget-friendly rifle designed for hunting and target shooting. It features a matte black synthetic stock, a carbon steel barrel, and a detachable box magazine. The Axis II is available in various calibers, including .223 Remington, .243 Winchester, and .308 Winchester.

Savage Axis And Axis II – Key Differences

Barrel And Receiver

Barrel: The Savage Axis and Axis II rifles feature a 22-inch carbon steel barrel with a matte black finish. The barrel is button-rifled with a 1:10 twist rate, making it suitable for most bullet weights. The barrel is free-floated and has a recessed target crown.

Receiver: The Savage Axis and Axis II rifles feature a matte black finish on the receiver. The receiver is drilled, tapped for scope mounting, and compatible with Savage’s AccuTrigger system. The receiver is also drilled and tapped for a detachable box magazine. The magazine holds four rounds of ammunition.

Stock And Forend

The Savage Axis features a synthetic stock and forend that are both lightweight and durable. The store is designed with a Monte Carlo cheek piece and a textured grip to ensure a secure hold. The forend is contoured to provide a stable shooting platform. It also features a detachable box magazine that holds up to four rounds.

The Savage Axis II also features a synthetic stock and forend. The forend has a more contoured design for improved accuracy. It also features a detachable box magazine that holds up to five rounds.

Trigger

The Savage Axis features a standard, non-adjustable trigger called the “Savage AccuTrigger.” This trigger system is designed to provide a crisp and clean break. While it is not user-adjustable like some of Savage’s higher-end models, it typically has a pull weight ranging from around 3 to 6 pounds, which is acceptable for many shooters.

The Savage Axis II typically comes with the “AccuTrigger” as well, but it has an advantage over the standard Axis in that it is user-adjustable. This means you can adjust the trigger pull weight to suit your preference within a specific range, typically between 2.5 and 6 pounds. The user-adjustable AccuTrigger is a notable improvement for shooters who want more control over their triggers.

Safety

The safety on the Savage Axis is a two-position safety located on the right side of the receiver, near the bolt handle. It has two positions: “Safe” and “Fire.” To engage the safety, you push it forward into the “Safe” position, blocking the trigger from being pulled. You pull the safety back into the “Fire” position to disengage it and make the rifle ready to fire.

Like the Savage Axis, the Axis II also features a two-position security on the receiver’s right side. It functions similarly, with “Safe” and “Fire” positions. The safety of the Axis II is simple and effective.

Sights And Optics

Savage Axis: Savage Axis rifles provide two sighting options: essential iron sights for close to moderate-range shooting, favored by hunters who prefer a non-optical approach, and a drilled and tapped receiver for easy mounting of optics like scopes and red dot sights. Scopes offer precision for longer distances, while red dot sights excel in quick target acquisition at shorter ranges. Be sure to choose rings and bases that match your optic’s tube diameter and the Savage Axis receiver for secure attachment.

Savage Axis II: The Savage Axis II typically follows the same pattern as the original Savage Axis in terms of sights and optics options. It may come with primary iron sights, a drilled and tapped receiver, or both. The main difference between the Axis and Axis II lies in the trigger system, as the Axis II often comes with the user-adjustable AccuTrigger.

Accessories And Upgrades

Both rifles are designed for hunting and have various accessories and upgrades to improve accuracy and performance. For the Savage Axis, some of the most popular supplements and upgrades include a muzzle brake, a trigger upgrade, a scope, a bipod, and a sling. A muzzle brake is created to reduce felt recoil and muzzle rise, making it more comfortable to stay on the mark.

A trigger upgrade can improve accuracy by providing a lighter, smoother trigger pull. A scope can improve accuracy and target acquisition, and a bipod can provide stability while shooting from a prone position. A sling can carry the rifle and free up the shooter’s hands.

For the Savage Axis II, some of the most popular accessories and upgrades include a muzzle brake, a trigger upgrade, a scope, a bipod, and a muzzle adapter. A muzzle adapter lets the shooter attach a suppressor or other muzzle device to the rifle. A trigger upgrade can improve accuracy by providing a lighter, smoother trigger pull.

A scope can improve accuracy and target acquisition, and a bipod can provide stability while shooting from a prone position. A muzzle brake is designed to decrease felt recoil and muzzle rise, making it more comfortable to stay on target.

Chambering

Ensure the replacement barrel is chambered for your specific rifle’s cartridge. The Savage Axis and Axis II are available in various chamberings, such as .223 Remington, .243 Winchester, .308 Winchester, etc. The replacement barrel must match the cartridge you intend to use.

Thread Pattern

The Savage Axis and Savage Axis II rifles typically come with a threaded barrel, but the specific thread pattern may vary depending on the model and caliber. These rifles’ most common thread pattern is 5/8″-24, a standard thread size for attaching muzzle devices such as muzzle brakes or suppressors. This thread pattern allows a wide range of aftermarket accessories to connect easily to the rifle’s barrel.

Savage Axis And Axis II – Similarities

There are many similarities between these rifles. They both feature a matte black synthetic stock and a black carbon steel barrel. The Savage Axis has a detachable box magazine, while the Savage Axis II has a detachable rotary magazine.

The Savage Axis is chambered in .223 Remington, .22-250 Remington, and .243 Winchester. In contrast, the Savage Axis II is chambered in .223 Remington, .243 Winchester, 7mm-08 Remington, and .308 Winchester.

Both rifles feature Savage’s AccuTrigger, which is a user-adjustable trigger system. Both rifles also feature a 3-9x40mm scope.

Overall, there are many similarities between the Savage Axis and Savage Axis II. The stocks, barrels, and triggers are all the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type Of Scope Is Best Suited For A Savage Axis Rifle?

The best type of scope for a Savage Axis rifle is a variable power scope. This type of scope allows you to adjust the magnification of the area, allowing you to shoot at different distances.

A variable power scope is ideal for a Savage Axis rifle because it will enable you to adjust the magnification to match the length of your target. Additionally, a variable power scope is more versatile than a fixed power scope, allowing you to adjust the magnification depending on the situation.

Does The Savage Axis Come With A Threaded Barrel For Attaching A Suppressor?

No, the Savage Axis does not have a threaded barrel for attaching a suppressor.
However, the Savage Axis II does come with a threaded barrel for attaching a suppressor.

Closing Thoughts

One thing is clear from the above comparison and contrast: two rifles are better, and one is an updated version of the other with some changes.

Both come with excellent accuracy and performance at an affordable price and reliability, making them ideal for hunting and target shooting. The Savage Axis II is the more advanced version of the original Savage Axis, featuring a more ergonomic design, improved accuracy, and a more durable stock. Both models are great options for shooters of all skill levels and budgets.