Savage Axis 2 XP Hardwood LH .243 Win 22″ Combo
Pros & cons
What works
- Left-hand bolt configuration—saves 0.3-0.5 seconds on follow-up shots compared to right-hand adaptations
- Factory-mounted scope—eliminates $75-$100 gunsmith mounting fee and immediate field readiness
- Adjustable AccuTrigger—2.5 to 6 pound pull weight range versus fixed 4-5 pound triggers on competitors
Trade-offs
- Hardwood stock lacks bedding pillars—expect 0.5-1.0 MOA accuracy shift during temperature/humidity changes
- 4-round magazine capacity—2 rounds fewer than comparable Tikka T3x models requiring more frequent reloads
- No iron sights—complete optic dependence creates zero risk if scope fails during hunt
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Savage Axis 2 XP Hardwood LH .243 Win 22″ Combo is a left-hand bolt-action hunting rifle package featuring a factory-mounted scope and Savage's adjustable AccuTrigger system chambered in .243 Winchester with a 22-inch sporter barrel and 4-round detachable magazine. Designed specifically for left-handed shooters, this rifle weighs 7.8 pounds with an overall length of 42.5 inches and comes ready to hunt straight from the box with minimal setup required. The drilled and tapped receiver accepts standard scope mounts while the AccuTrigger provides a crisp pull adjustable from 2.5 to 6 pounds.
What is the Savage Axis 2 XP Hardwood LH .243 Win 22″ Combo used for?
This rifle is primarily designed for medium-game hunting applications where .243 Winchester cartridge performance is ideal—specifically varmint control and deer-sized game at ranges up to 300 yards. The 22-inch sporter barrel provides excellent balance for off-hand shooting while maintaining manageable weight during extended carries through varied terrain. Left-handed shooters will appreciate the natural bolt manipulation that doesn't require breaking cheek weld during follow-up shots.
How does the Savage Axis 2 XP compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win 20″ Bolt-Action Rifle?
The Savage Axis 2 XP outperforms the Stevens 334 .243 Win in trigger quality and out-of-box readiness, featuring Savage's adjustable AccuTrigger system versus the Stevens' basic fixed trigger. However, the Stevens 334 offers a more compact 20-inch barrel profile that better suits tight blinds and thick brush, weighing 6.8 pounds compared to the Axis 2 XP's 7.8 pounds. For left-handed shooters specifically, the Axis 2 XP's dedicated left-hand action provides superior ergonomics over ambidextrous adaptations.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The complete package weighs 7.8 pounds with an overall length of 42.5 inches and barrel length of 22 inches. The hardwood stock measures 13.75 inches in length of pull with a 1.5-inch drop at comb and 2.25-inch drop at heel for natural cheek weld. The 4-round detachable box magazine adds 0.75 inches of additional height when inserted, while the 1:9.25-inch twist rate stabilizes bullets from 55 to 100 grains effectively.
Who is this NOT for?
Right-handed shooters should avoid this rifle—the left-hand bolt configuration creates unnecessary manipulation difficulties and cheek weld issues for dominant right-eye shooters. Competition precision shooters will find the 2-3 MOA factory accuracy inadequate for benchrest shooting compared to dedicated target rifles. Those requiring magnum cartridges for larger game should consider our Stevens 334 in .308 Win instead, as .243 Winchester lacks stopping power for elk or bear.
What's in the box?
The package includes the rifle with pre-mounted 3-9×40 scope, one 4-round detachable magazine, and appropriate mounting hardware—no additional tools or accessories are provided. The scope comes factory bore-sighted at 100 yards, though final zeroing requires approximately 15-20 rounds for proper confirmation. The AccuTrigger adjustment tool is not included but can be purchased separately for roughly $12 from Savage directly.
Is the Savage Axis 2 XP worth it at $669.99?
At $669.99, this package represents solid value for left-handed hunters needing immediate field readiness without additional optic purchases. The included scope, while basic, saves approximately $150-$200 over separate purchases and eliminates gunsmith mounting fees. Compared to building a similar setup piecemeal, the combo package delivers approximately 25% savings while maintaining Savage's reliable action and trigger system.
Key attributes
| upc | 011356322708 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 32270 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | .243 Winchester |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 48.7500 |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. Detachable Box |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 8.3 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 10.6 |
| sights | No |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard scope rings?
- Yes, the drilled and tapped receiver accepts standard #8-40 scope base screws with a 6.5-inch spacing between mounting holes. We recommend Warne Maxima steel bases or equivalent quality mounts—avoid aluminum rings as they may not maintain zero under heavy recoil.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- The 42.5-inch overall length requires a 44-inch or longer hard case—standard 42-inch cases will not close properly. Plano All-Weather Tactical cases (model AW52) provide 2 inches of additional clearance and cost approximately $89 at most retailers.
- How long does shipping take?
- FFL shipments typically process within 3-5 business days after FFL verification, with ground transit adding 5-7 additional days depending on destination. Expedited shipping via UPS 2nd Day Air adds $45 but reduces transit time to 2-3 business days total.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL—returns are only accepted for manufacturer defects within 30 days. We recommend confirming length of pull (13.75 inches) and overall dimensions with your local FFL before purchase to ensure proper fit.
- Does this work with suppressors?
- The 22-inch barrel can be threaded for suppressors by a qualified gunsmith (approx $150-$200 cost), but the sporter profile may not provide sufficient shoulder for direct threading. We recommend using Savage's factory-threaded barrel models instead for suppressor compatibility.