Savage Redesigns Axis Hunting Rifles
Russ Chastain 02.25.19
Several years ago, Savage Arms began distancing itself from its reputation as maker of ‘the accurate, dependable bolt action rifle that everyone can afford.’ This shift towards becoming more of an upper-echelon company meant higher retail prices for their once-entry-level 10/110 series of rifles. These days, their 110s bring a lot more than they once did. The lowest MSRP I could find on their site for a 110 is $599, with a whopping $1,325 at the top end.
To continue to serve the majority of hunters, they came out with the Axis, priced well below their 110s — but still using the headspacing method that earned Savage its stellar reputation for accuracy: The barrel locknut. Note: Don’t confuse the Axis with the Axis II, which is essentially an upgraded Axis with some extras (such as the Accutrigger).
Compared with the Model 10/110 of yesteryear, the Axis has a more-convenient detachable box magazine. This makes it considerably easier to fully unload the rifle.
The Axis retails for $375, and with inflation that’s not bad. 15-20 years ago it was commonplace to find new Savage 110 “package guns” in the $300 range.
Anyhow, Savage has just announced a number of improvements to the Axis line; here’s a quote from the press release:
WESTFIELD, Massachusetts – February 19, 2019 – Savage’s groundbreaking AXIS rifle has a new look and design for better performance. Shipments of these firearms have been delivered to dealers.
When the AXIS was introduced, it totally changed what hunters should expect from an entry-level rifle. The redesigned AXIS is even better. In addition to a fresh look with improved ergonomics, it’s loaded with features that deliver Savage’s legendary accuracy, including thread-in headspacing, button rifling, and a floating bolt head. The AXIS is offered in the complete spectrum of popular hunting calibers, in full-size, compact and left-hand models.
And some specs:
- Rugged synthetic stock with new ergonomic design
- Sporter barrel contour
- Carbon steel barreled action with matte black finish
- Detachable box magazine
- Also available in left hand and compact models
- Weaver-style two-piece bases
- Recoil pad
And finally, a list of currently-available models:
- Part No. / Description / MSRP
- 57233 / AXIS 223 Rem., 22-inch barrel / $375
- 57234 / AXIS 22-250 Rem., 22-inch barrel / $375
- 57235 / AXIS 243 Win., 22-inch barrel / $375
- 57239 / AXIS 25-06 Rem., 22-inch barrel / $375
- 57236 / AXIS 6.5 Creedmoor, 22-inch barrel / $375
- 57240 / AXIS 270 Win., 22-inch barrel / $375
- 57237 / AXIS 7mm-08 Rem., 22-inch barrel / $375
- 57238 / AXIS 308 Win., 22-inch barrel / $375
- 57241 / AXIS 30-06 Sprg., 22-inch barrel / $375
- 57247 / AXIS Left-Hand 223 Rem., 22-inch barrel / $375
- 57248 / AXIS Left-Hand 22-250 Rem., 22-inch barrel / $375
- 57249 / AXIS Left-Hand 243 Win., 22-inch barrel / $375
- 57253 / AXIS Left-Hand 25-06 Rem., 22-inch barrel / $375
- 57250 / AXIS Left-Hand 6.5 Creedmoor, 22-inch barrel / $375
- 57254 / AXIS Left-Hand 270 Win., 22-inch barrel / $375
- 57251 / AXIS Left-Hand 7mm-08 Rem., 22-inch barrel / $375
- 57252 / AXIS Left-Hand 308 Win., 22-inch barrel / $375
- 57255 / AXIS Left-Hand 30-06 Sprg., 22-inch barrel / $375
- 57244 / AXIS Compact 223 Rem., 20-inch barrel / $375
- 57245 / AXIS Compact 243 Win., 20-inch barrel / $375
- 57246 / AXIS Compact 7mm-08 Rem., 20-inch barrel / $375
- 57242 / AXIS Compact Left-Hand 243 Win., 20-inch barrel / $375
- 57243 / AXIS Compact Left-Hand 7mm-08, 20-inch barrel / $375
