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With our Bolt Gun series well under way, it's time for a deep dive into each of the rifles featured on the screen. The Savage Axis II XP chambered in .308 Win was our choice for an entry-level bolt action build and in this blog, we'll break down how it performed and tell you whether you should own one.
The Axis II XP from Savage Arms is a value-tier bolt action rifle with several compelling features that make it stand out above other budget-friendly options. It is available in a variety of calibers (ours is chambered in .308 Win for consistency) and several models ship with a scope mounted from the factory. Here's what you can expect out of the box.
As a package deal, the Axis II XP is ready for action the moment it ships. Shooters need only load up and hit the field to enjoy a fun day of shooting.
For our budget build, we attempted to replicate the same configuration as the higher-end rifles but with cost-effective accessories. This ensured the Axis II XP still operated like an entry-level gun without putting it at an unfair disadvantage.
We opted to keep the stock scope that was included with the rifle. Although most Axis II XP rifles ship with a Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm scope, ours was outfitted with a Bushnell Banner SFP 4-12x40mm magnified optic with a Multi-X reticle that functioned well for the price. As a nice bonus, it was properly zeroed from the factory.
Note: For the night shoot, we attached a Weaver full length Savage Axis scope mount to attach the Neith NV Scope.
Next, we added the Allen Bozeman Bipod. It features a sling swivel stud attachment and has sturdy rubber feet for added stability when firing. It may not be the fanciest bipod on the market, but it certainly gets the job done and then some.
Our first shots with the Savage Axis II XP were dead on the money. As Matt explained in Episode 2 of our Bolt Gun series, follow-up shots were slightly more challenging because the lightweight build of the rifle translated into increased movement throughout the process of pulling the trigger, running the bolt, and re-acquiring the target.
As a left-handed shooter, Matt also appreciated the placement of the safety beneath the trigger guard where it is accessible from either side. The rifle was easy to load and operate, and was more accurate than we expected.
Overall, we were impressed with the Axis II XP's accuracy and lightweight build. It was easy to deploy and handled well for an entry-level rifle. It is a solid option for range use or hunting. Be sure to check out our Bolt Gun series playlist to see how this rifle stacks up against our other builds!
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