Savage Axis II XP Compact 6.5 Creedmoor 20″ Combo
Pros & cons
What works
- AccuTrigger adjusts down to 2.8 pounds - 1.2 pounds lighter than Stevens 334 factory trigger
- Complete 7.5-pound package ready to hunt out of the box
- 20-inch barrel maintains 2,550 fps with 140gr ELD-Match ammunition
- Boresighted scope saves 15-20 rounds of initial zeroing ammunition
Trade-offs
- Proprietary magazine system limits aftermarket options compared to AICS pattern
- Synthetic stock flexes under bipod pressure affecting precision beyond 300 yards
- 20-inch barrel loses ~150 fps versus 24-inch 6.5 Creedmoor barrels
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Savage Axis II XP Compact 6.5 Creedmoor 20″ Combo? It's a compact bolt-action rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor that's factory-equipped with a boresighted 3-9×40 scope and Savage's user-adjustable AccuTrigger system. This 39.5-inch package weighs 7.5 pounds and features a 20-inch heavy sporter barrel with 1:8″ twist optimized for modern 6.5mm projectiles. The synthetic stock and recoil pad make it practical for extended field use.
What is the Savage Axis II XP Compact 6.5 Creedmoor used for?
This rifle is purpose-built for compact field applications where portability matters more than long-range precision. The 20-inch barrel provides adequate velocity for hunting scenarios under 400 yards while maintaining maneuverability in tight blinds or dense timber. I've found it particularly effective for varmint control and medium-game hunting where shots typically occur within 250 yards.
How does the Savage Axis II XP Compact compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Axis II XP Compact outperforms the Stevens 334 in trigger quality but gives up some aftermarket stock compatibility. Savage's AccuTrigger breaks cleanly at 2.8 pounds versus the Stevens' 4-pound factory trigger, providing immediate accuracy advantages. However, the Stevens platform offers more standardized chassis mounting points for serious custom builds.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The complete combo weighs 7.5 pounds with an overall length of 39.5 inches. The 20-inch barrel maintains a 22.5-inch sight radius when using iron sights, though this model relies primarily on the included optic. Balance point sits 11 inches forward of the trigger guard, making it handle more like a full-size rifle than many compact offerings.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this rifle if you're pursuing competitive precision shooting beyond 600 yards. The 20-inch barrel sacrifices approximately 150 fps compared to 24-inch 6.5 Creedmoor barrels, affecting long-range ballistics. The synthetic stock also lacks the rigidity needed for heavy bipod use compared to chassis systems like those on our Stevens 334 .243 Win.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle with factory-mounted Weaver 3-9×40 scope, one 4-round detachable magazine, and standard swivel studs installed. The scope comes boresighted to hit paper at 100 yards, though I recommend final zeroing with your preferred ammunition. Total package weight in the box is 12.2 pounds including all packaging materials.
Is the Savage Axis II XP Compact worth it at $505.99?
At this price point, it represents solid value for a ready-to-hunt package requiring minimal additional investment. The included scope alone retails for approximately $90 separately, making the rifle effectively $415. For comparison, building a similar setup from components would cost $650+ while requiring gunsmithing for proper scope mounting.
Key attributes
| upc | 011356322173 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 32217 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | 6.5mm Creedmoor |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 48.6000 |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. Detachable Box |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 8.3 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 10.1 |
| sights | No Sights |
| youth rifle | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard AR-10 magazines?
- No, the Axis II uses Savage's proprietary 4-round detachable magazine system. These magazines are available directly from Savage Arms or Brownells with typical cost around $35 per magazine. The magazine release is located at the front of the trigger guard for quick changes.
- Does it fit youth or smaller shooters?
- The compact stock has a 13-inch length of pull, making it suitable for shooters with arm lengths down to 5'2". For smaller framed individuals, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact shotgun with its 12.5-inch pull. The rifle's 7.5-pound weight remains manageable for most adult shooters.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Standard shipping to licensed FFL holders takes 3-5 business days after order processing. All firearms ship via FedEx with adult signature required. Your FFL must email their license to [email protected] before shipment can commence.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations. We offer 30-day warranty inspection - if there are manufacturing defects, we cover return shipping and repair. Please verify fitment with your local FFL before completing the transfer.
- Does this work with suppressor mounts?
- The 20-inch barrel has 5/8x24 threads under the factory thread protector, compatible with most 30-caliber suppressors. Thread depth is 0.625 inches, sufficient for direct-mount cans like the SilencerCo Omega 300. Always verify concentricity before mounting suppressors.