Estimated studying time: 11 minutes
The all-new Savage AXIS 2 Professional brings enhanced ergonomics and a recent design to the AXIS lineup whereas sustaining a budget-friendly value. The AXIS 2 PRO presents options just like the user-adjustable AccuTrigger and exact thread-in headspacing for pinpoint accuracy. Accessible in full-size, left-hand, and compact fashions throughout fashionable calibers, these rifles additionally showcase Savage’s Woodland and Western camo patterns with sturdy Cerakote finishes. Full with a threaded barrel, one-piece rail, and an upgraded bolt deal with for improved management and luxury, the AXIS 2 PRO is prepared for the sector.
Savage AXIS 2 Professional Specs
Caliber: 6.5 CM Barrel: 1:8″ Twist, 20″ lengthy Thread Pitch: 5/8 x 24 (Commonplace) Set off: 2.5-6.0lb Adjustable AccuTrigger Optic Compatibility: 0-MOA Picatinny Rail Journal: Savage 4-round magazine Weight: 6.8lbs
New AXIS 2 Overview
Since its debut in 2010, Savage has repeatedly refined the AXIS lineup, resulting in the launch of “The Subsequent Technology” this month. This revamped collection introduces a brand new chassis, hex bolt deal with, up to date camo patterns, and, within the Professional mannequin, a threaded and Cerakoted barrel. The lineup contains the AXIS 2, AXIS XP, AXIS 2 XP, AXIS 2 XP HARDWOOD, and AXIS 2 PRO, providing a spread of calibers, barrel lengths, and choices for each left- and right-handed shooters.
Constructing the Rifle
In a departure from my common firearm evaluations, the place corporations ship out manufacturing fashions for testing, Savage supplied a singular expertise: the chance to see firsthand how their American-made rifles are created and even construct one myself. We toured their spectacular manufacturing facility in Westfield, Massachusetts on the primary day. As a full-time Mechanical Engineer, I used to be notably struck by their in-house capabilities and the effectivity of their manufacturing strains.
From turning uncooked bar inventory into barrels on precision lathes to machining receivers and bolts, it was clear that Savage is deeply educated about their craft. I used to be additionally impressed that their extra reasonably priced AXIS line is produced utilizing the identical tools as their premium Mannequin 110. The AXIS’s lower cost level stems from its simplified design, 59% sooner to machine, with out compromising on high quality—financial savings handed on to the patron.
After observing the manufacturing course of, I had the prospect to assemble the rifle I’d be utilizing for this assessment. Underneath the steerage of Savage’s expert staff, our group moved by means of varied meeting stations, piecing collectively, torquing, and totally assembling the rifles. As soon as full, we carried out a take a look at fireplace as a part of the operate test, which each and every firearm undergoes earlier than leaving the manufacturing unit. I’m happy to report that my rifle got here collectively completely, and after the manufacturing unit checks, we headed to the vary. Now, let’s dive into the small print of the rifle I constructed and examined for this assessment.
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Savage AXIS 2 Out of the Field
For this assessment, I examined the brand new AXIS 2 Professional mannequin chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. When bought, this rifle comes with one 4-round journal, a high Picatinny rail, ear plugs, an proprietor’s guide, and a gun lock.
Inventory
Essentially the most noticeable improve within the AXIS 2 lineup is the brand new inventory, which options an improved grip angle with a molded thumb relaxation. This design feels extra pure, notably when taking pictures susceptible. The grip is snug, with a gentle checkering sample. Whereas I might have most popular a barely extra aggressive texture, it nonetheless offers satisfactory traction.
The general really feel of the inventory is stable, due to its thicker sidewalls, which contribute to a extra inflexible platform. The inventory is well-designed, and the rubber butt pad successfully absorbs recoil. Though an adjustable cheek riser would have been a welcome addition, utilizing low-profile scope rings permits for an excellent cheek weld. I discovered that one-piece scope mounts sat a bit too excessive for sustaining a stable cheek weld.
Handguard
Constructing on the gentle checkering sample, the handguard additionally contains slanted ridges that present a safe, non-slip grip. For a comparatively skinny handguard on a looking rifle, these ridges work exceptionally nicely. It additionally contains a recessed sling swivel with the choice so as to add a second one if wanted. Whereas this setup is good for mounting slings and maintaining them out of the way in which, these trying to connect a bipod might want to take away the chassis to put in the second swivel, which extends from the underside of the handguard. I made this modification to run the MDT ORYX Bipod, and it carried out flawlessly.
Motion
The AXIS 2’s motion contains a two-lug bolt system, complemented by a hexagonally formed bolt deal with that gives a particular feel and look. One of many standout features is the tight tolerances between the bolt and the motion, that are spectacular for a rifle on this value vary. Whereas I did expertise occasional binding with the bolt about an inch earlier than it locked into battery, this difficulty diminished over time and appeared to happen primarily once I utilized upward strain on the bolt deal with as an alternative of pushing it straight ahead. The ejector may gain advantage from some enchancment, because it felt considerably underpowered. I skilled a number of cases the place the brass failed to totally eject from the chamber.
Set off
The Savage AXIS 2 Professional comes geared up with the AccuTrigger, offering a stable consumer expertise straight from the manufacturing unit. Adjustable between 2.5 and 6.0 lbs, my rifle’s set off was set at a crisp 3.5 lbs. The set off operates easily with no noticeable creep—I merely depress the protection bar after which steadily pull till the set off breaks cleanly. It’s value mentioning that whereas all AXIS 2 rifles ship with the AccuTrigger, the one pictured right here contains a distinctive gold-colored security bar, a particular version element Savage included for me throughout my manufacturing unit tour which isn’t obtainable to most of the people.
Magazines
The AXIS 2 Professional continues to make the most of proprietary Savage magazines. The rifle ships with one journal, however further ones could be bought for round $40 every. All through my testing, these magazines carried out flawlessly, feeding reliably and locking up securely.
Barrel
A standout function of the AXIS 2 Professional is its heavier-contour, Cerakoted, and threaded barrel. The 6.5 Creedmoor mannequin options 5/8×24 threads, making it a perfect host for a suppressor. I alternated between taking pictures suppressed and utilizing a muzzle brake, with each setups performing nicely. The Cerakote end not solely offers wonderful corrosion resistance but additionally enhances the rifle’s camo scheme with a particular brownish hue.
Precision
To judge the precision of the Savage AXIS 2 Professional, I examined it with varied Hornady ammunition, taking pictures 3-round teams at 100 yards. The rifle delivered many sub-MOA teams, with most photographs clustering close to the 1-MOA mark. For an reasonably priced looking rifle, its precision is spectacular. Under, you’ll discover a desk and pictures detailing my outcomes:
Searching
For this assessment, I had the prospect to take the AXIS 2 Professional out on a hunt, geared up with a Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XP50 Professional thermal scope. This mixture proved to be extremely efficient for focusing on pigs and coyotes, and my associates at Black Sheep Outdoor and I have been in a position to put it to good use. As I hiked by means of the terrain, I developed an appreciation for the rifle’s light-weight design, particularly in comparison with the heavier chassis and semi-auto rifles I often hunt with. It made lengthy stalks easy and delivered correct photographs when it counted.
AXIS 2 Efficiency
A lot of the ammunition used throughout this assessment was generously offered by Ammunitiontogo.com, the official ammo sponsor for this rifle assessment. They provide an enormous number of competitively priced ammunition, with fast delivery and a user-friendly web site—undoubtedly value trying out!
READ MORE: New Smith & Wesson M2.0 Carry Comp Pistol Overview!
The AXIS 2 Professional carried out nicely, particularly contemplating its value level. I achieved quite a few sub-MOA teams with match-grade ammo and even maintained sub-2-MOA accuracy with extra reasonably priced ball ammo. The Cerakoted barrel not solely enhances the rifle’s camo scheme but additionally enhances its sturdiness. The flexibility to connect a suppressor provides to its attraction as a contemporary looking rifle. Out within the discipline, it proved to be efficient, light-weight at 6.8 lbs, and comfy to deal with.
The one minor difficulty I encountered was the occasional binding of the bolt when biking the motion, however this drawback diminished over time and was not a constant concern.
Abstract of the AXIS 2 Professional
The Savage AXIS 2 Professional proved to be a robust contender all through my testing. With an MSRP of $599, it presents important worth and may probably be discovered for much less right here at GunsAmerica. That includes an upgraded inventory, threaded barrel, removable journal, and a high-quality set off, this American-made rifle exceeded my expectations. It’s a stable selection for hunters searching for efficiency with out breaking the financial institution.
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