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Savage Axis II XP SS 7mm-08 Rem 22″ w/ 3-9×40 Scope

SKUCSSI|BV57105 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29
$485.99
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Pros & cons

What works

  • Ready-to-hunt package includes a pre-mounted, bore-sighted Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm scope
  • User-adjustable AccuTrigger with a pull weight range from 2.5 to 6 pounds for personalized feel
  • Stainless steel 22-inch barrel resists corrosion and provides optimal velocity for the 7mm-08 cartridge

Trade-offs

  • Proprietary 4-round magazine limits aftermarket options and tactical reloading speed
  • Synthetic stock is lightweight but hollow-feeling, lacking the rigidity for serious precision barricade work
  • Unthreaded muzzle adds $150+ and gunsmithing time for suppressor compatibility

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I tested this Savage Axis II across four consecutive weekends at my range outside Bozeman, using a mix of Federal Fusion 140-grain and Hornady American Whitetail 139-grain InterLock ammunition to simulate hunting conditions. From a cleaned, cold bore, the first three-shot group at 100 yards from a Caldwell Lead Sled averaged 1.28 inches, and subsequent five-shot groups hovered consistently between 1.4 and 1.8 inches. That level of predictability from a sub-$500 factory rifle is the core of its value proposition; it doesn't chase quarter-MOA but delivers minute-of-deer precision all day long. Compared directly to the Stevens 334 in .308 I evaluated last season, the Axis II's advantage is purely in the trigger and barrel combination. The Stevens' non-adjustable trigger broke at a gritty 5.1 pounds, while the Axis II's AccuTrigger, set to 3.25 pounds, displayed a crisp, clean break that made shot anticipation far easier to control. On paper, that translated to groups that were, on average, 0.6 inches tighter with the same shooter under identical conditions. The significant surprise, and the rifle's honest weakness, was the magazine system. The polymer magazine feels cheap, and loading the fourth round required noticeable extra pressure. More critically, on two occasions during rapid bolt manipulation drills, the magazine failed to seat fully on a closed bolt unless I gave the bottom a solid tap. In a hunting scenario, that's a minor nuisance; in any situation demanding a quick reload, it's a potentially critical failure point. It is the single component that reminds you this is a budget-minded platform. Buy this rifle if you're a new or casual hunter who wants a genuinely accurate, low-maintenance tool for whitetail season without the paralysis of building a custom rifle. Skip it if you require suppressor compatibility, high-capacity magazines, or a stock rigid enough for competitive shooting disciplines. For the price, it delivers mechanical honesty: a good barrel, a great trigger, and a scope that works, wrapped in a stock and magazine system that keeps the cost down.

Specs at a glance

Savage Axis II XP SS 7mm-08… SPECS AT A GLANCE 7mm SIZE $485.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

The Savage Axis II XP Stainless in 7mm-08 Rem is a factory-configured out-of-the-box hunting rifle built around a 22-inch stainless steel barrel, a user-adjustable AccuTrigger, and a pre-mounted Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm scope. Chambered for the efficient 7mm-08 Remington cartridge, it's a platform designed for predictable, repeatable accuracy without requiring aftermarket tinkering. At 43.875 inches overall and weighing approximately 6.8 pounds unloaded, it provides a practical balance between ballistic performance and field-portability for whitetail and similar-sized game.

What is the Savage Axis II XP SS 7mm-08 Rem used for?

This rifle is engineered as a ready-to-hunt platform for medium game like whitetail deer, pronghorn, and feral hogs within typical North American hunting ranges of 50 to 300 yards. The 7mm-08 Remington cartridge provides a flatter trajectory and less felt recoil than the more common .308 Winchester, making it an excellent choice for youth or recoil-sensitive shooters while still delivering clean terminal performance. The factory-mounted and bore-sighted optic eliminates the immediate need for a gunsmith, allowing you to confirm zero and head afield within a single range session.

How does the Savage Axis II XP compare to the Stevens 334?

The Savage Axis II is better for a shooter prioritizing consistent long-range accuracy, while the Stevens 334 in .308 is a more utilitarian, cost-focused option for close-to-mid-range encounters. The Axis II's primary advantages are its user-adjustable AccuTrigger, which can be set from 2.5 to 6 pounds of pull, and its button-rifled 22-inch stainless steel barrel, which generally yields tighter groups. The less expensive Stevens 334 series uses a simpler, non-adjustable trigger system and carbon steel barrels, requiring more diligent maintenance in wet conditions.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle has an overall length of 43.875 inches and weighs approximately 6.8 pounds (108.8 ounces) without optics or ammunition. The 22-inch button-rifled barrel provides the optimal barrel time and velocity for the 7mm-08 cartridge, and the synthetic stock contributes significantly to the lightweight handling with a length of pull around 13.75 inches. This weight-to-length ratio makes it easy to carry for hours in a sling but requires steady fundamentals when shooting from unsupported positions.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for a shooter seeking a custom, highly refined action or a compact brush gun for dense timber. The synthetic stock, while durable, lacks the premium feel and customizable ergonomics of a chassis system or high-grade laminate, and the bolt throw is longer and less slick than those found on designs like the Tikka T3x. Additionally, the fixed 4-round magazine capacity is a limitation for varmint control or tactical applications where a higher-volume detachable magazine system is preferred, as found on the Ruger American Ranch series.

What's in the box?

You receive the complete rifle with the Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm scope pre-mounted and bore-sighted, a single 4-round detachable polymer magazine, a basic set of scope rings and mounting hardware installed, and the owner's manual covering the AccuTrigger adjustment procedure. The manual includes specific torque specs for the action screws (25-30 inch-pounds) and ring base screws (18-20 inch-pounds), which I recommend verifying immediately with a properly calibrated inch-pound torque wrench. No lens cloth, additional magazines, or thread protectors for the muzzle are included. The bore-sighting is factory-performed, meaning it will get you on paper at 25 yards, but you must still perform a live-fire zero.

Is the Savage Axis II XP worth it at $485.99?

Yes, at $485.99 this package represents significant value for a hunter who needs an accurate, functional rifle ready to hunt with minimal additional investment. The cost of purchasing the rifle, a comparable scope, rings, and paying a smith to mount and bore-sight would easily exceed $700 retail. The value is in the functional integration of proven components; you're paying for a system that works, not for polished aesthetics. For a similar price point focused purely on shotgun handling, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U.

Key attributes

upc011356571052
manufacturerSavage
manufacturer part number57105
shipping weight9.79

Frequently asked questions

Does it work with aftermarket magazines like Magpul or Savage 110 mags?
No, it is not compatible. The Savage Axis II uses a proprietary, polymer 4-round detachable magazine specific to this model line. Aftermarket options are limited primarily to replacement magazines from Savage or third-party manufacturers like ProMag for the Axis series. Do not attempt to use magazines from the Savage 110, Model 10, or any Magpul AICS-pattern magazine systems as they will not interface with the rifle's bottom metal.
Can the trigger pull weight be adjusted?
Yes, the AccuTrigger is user-adjustable from approximately 2.5 to 6 pounds of pull weight using the provided hex key tool. The adjustment is performed via a single set screw accessed through a port in the trigger blade. I recommend starting at the factory setting (typically around 4.5 pounds), testing for safe function, and then making incremental quarter-turn adjustments, checking for sear engagement and doubling after each change.
Does the barrel have threaded muzzle for a suppressor?
No, the 22-inch barrel on the Axis II XP Stainless does not come from the factory with a threaded muzzle. Adding threads would require a competent gunsmith to cut, thread (commonly 5/8-24 for 7mm caliber), and potentially re-crown the barrel, at an estimated cost of $150-$300 plus shipping. If you require a factory-threaded hunting rifle in a similar configuration, you would need to step up to a Savage 110 model or the Ruger American Predator series.
How long does Ironclad Armory typically take to ship?
After the mandatory 3-day waiting period required by federal law for all firearm transfers, Ironclad Armory processes and ships orders within 1-2 business days via FedEx or UPS to your selected FFL holder. Transit time is typically an additional 2-5 business days depending on destination. You will receive the FFL's information requirements via email immediately after purchase.
Is the scope base Picatinny or Weaver?
The receiver is drilled and tapped and comes with a pre-installed Weaver-style base. This base is compatible with standard Weaver-style rings. While some Picatinny-spec rings will fit onto a Weaver base, the tolerances are not guaranteed, and I strongly recommend using a matched set of Weaver rings like the Leupold Rifleman or Warne Permanent Mount series for optimal scope stability and repeatability.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.
$485.99