Savage Axis 2 Pro —Affordable Hunting Out Of The Box

A well-made factory hunting rifle can give you so much gun for such a reasonable price. It’s amazing to see how much price can vary from rifle to rifle, and between the different brands.

Here’s the million-dollar question: how much “rifle” does one need aside from the chambering that they choose?

After receiving the Savage Axis 2 Pro, I contemplated that very question.

I typically go on two hunts per year. I have an annual speed goat hunt in Wyoming. That hunt is always a great time. My other hunt tends to be more varied. For example, my latest was a cow elk harvest that I went on less than two weeks ago as I write these words. I used a personalized rifle chambered in 6.5 PRC for that hunt. I say “personalized” because this rifle consists of a barreled action mated to a stock that I assembled myself. This also included some of the smithing involved, like swapping out the 6.5 Creedmoor barrel and bolt for 6.5 PRC components. Looking back, I realize I could have likely gotten by with a 6.5 Creedmoor for that hunt. Frankly, I think the Savage Axis Pro, coupled with the right cartridge, would have done just fine.

Savage Axis 2 Pro Overview

The Axis 2 Pro looks pretty solid “on paper” and feels as solid in the hands. The first thing I do after receiving a rifle for review is to go over it with a fine-tooth comb and conduct and initial quality test. The Savage Axis 2 Pro looks good. It was free of slop and unwanted noises that could be a detriment in the field. This even applied to its detachable magazine.

The Savage Axis 2 Pro’s composite stock has a dense and robust feel along with good texturing to help maintain a grip–whether hands are gloved or not. Helpful contouring of the forend provides additional security and peace of mind. A rifle’s “feel” ranks high on my list of “musts,” especially for a hard-use rifle that will be constantly moved in/out/around vehicles, varying weather conditions and carried everywhere. The Axis 2 Pro comes with an upgraded grip, an area far too overlooked on many stocks. As a serious rifle shooter, I appreciate this upgrade because it aids in rifle retention and consistency behind the trigger. This rifle’s non-adjustable stock is rounded out with nice thumb shelves, ambidextrous palm swells and cheekpiece.

The action on the Axis 2 Pro is smoother than I anticipated, thanks to its polished bolt. Bolt lock-up is tight and bolt-lift is a bit heavy. Axis 2 Pro bolt get an upgraded bolt handle design that is both ergonomic and stylish. The bolt itself features the Savage-style floating bolt head for improved accuracy. Axis 2 Pro receivers, which are finished with a Gun Metal Bronze Cerakote (along with the barrel), have a one-piece Picatinny scope base attached. It’s a standard 0-MOA, which means it’s perfectly level and does not add additional elevation. The Axis 2 Pro has Savage’s AccuTrigger for enhanced safety, a very welcome feature on a hard-use field rifle. The AccuTrigger’s ull weight is adjustable; its lightest setting is 2.5 lb.

Scoping The Savage Axis 2 Pro

Tract Optics sent a 2.5-15×44 Toric Ultra HD riflescope, which I mounted on my Axis 2 Pro. The Toric Ultra HD isn’t the lightest optic you’d put on a hunting rifle, but I mounted it for several reasons. First, the Toric Ultra HD delivers solid low-light performance. My first Toric HD riflescope from 2017 allowed me to literally “see in the dark.” To this day, I still recall that experience. Second, I like an MRAD reticle and MRAD turrets along with first-focal plane functionality. It’s a continuation of how I train so it keeps things simpler. Third, from a value perspective the Tract optics are hard to beat. Overall build, aesthetics, and performance never leave me in doubt. The Toric Ultra HD represents “a lot” of optic for under $1,000 and could even pull double duty for both target shooting and hunting.

Accuracy Expectations

No matter what kind of Savage rifle I shoot, I’m used to expecting solid precision and performance from it. With my Axis 2 Pro being chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, I had no reason to expect anything different. Its carbon steel barrel is 20 inches long which keeps the rifle compact. While 6.5 Creedmoor velocities could be a challenge from a 20 inch barrel, it’s worth being mindful of the type of game you plan on pursuing with a 20 inch 6.5 Creedmoor. For my goals, I know antelope makes that list.

Range Time with the Savage Axis 2 Pro

I used an assortment of factory loaded 6.5 Creedmoor cartridges with a few different projectile weights. I have to be honest—the Axis 2 Pro did not perform as well as I expected. Maybe I still haven’t uncovered a factory load the rifle likes. But after six different solid cartridge offerings, I think I should have more confidence in the precision portion, considering this is a hunting rifle, after all.

I did manage to coax a .83-inch three-shot group with the Winchester’s Expedition Big Game Long Range Accubond cartridge. It pushes a 142-grain bullet at 2680 fps out of the Axis 2 Pro. A follow-up group later in the shooting session printed 1.25 inches with the same Winchester load. Since the Axis 2 Pro has a thin barrel that heats up rather quickly, perhaps this could be the culprit. I double-checked to ensure the scope was secure and that the barrel was not touching the stock. As far as I could tell, there were no issues in either department. I also did manage to shoot a 1.5 inch group with Sako’s Powerhead Blade 136-grain load. It screamed out of this rifle at 2909 fps.

Wrap Up

The Savage Axis 2 Pro represents a value option in hunting rifles, and I take that into serious consideration. I don’t expect sub ½ MOA out of the typical factory hunting rifle, but I’d prefer seeing 1-MOA or near 1-MOA consistent performance. More so when I’m shooting reputable ammunition brands. Again, it could be a matter of not having found the factory “secret sauce” at the moment. For all I know, it could be a case of the barrel needing a couple hundred rounds to season itself.

The Savage Axis 2 Pro with the Toric Ultra HD and a Harris bipod weighs 10 pounds even. That’s light enough–assuming you’re not backcountry trekking at elevation. This rifle could size up to be a capable hunting rig assuming you find the right cartridge for it. That could even mean handloading them yourself. At any rate, consider all these points if you plan to add the Axis Pro 2 to your collection.