I can’t imagine that there are very many Americans that haven’t witnessed the term “what’s old is new” come to life. We see it every day with movie remakes, fashion styles from decades past becoming popular again, and even styling in the automotive industry taking a que from the heyday of American muscle. Nostalgia is something that we all chase in an attempt to try and reclaim a slice of our childhood or relive a time in our past that we have fond memories of. The firearm industry is not insulated from this, especially with the trend of manufacturers making rifles that are lighter, stronger, and longer lasting. When a rifle is built for a specific purpose it can often miss the mark in the design category.
In my opinion, one of the biggest voids in the market today is a class of rifles that links hunting heritage with modern technology. Well, our good friends at Savage Arms have brought a beautifully designed variant of their Savage Axis II rifle to the market that I think is sure to have something for everyone. The Axis 2 XP Hardwood is a blend of classic design that utilizes a hardwood stock with a really appealing stain color paired with the greatest innovations that Savage Arms has to offer. The result is a great shooting, great looking, and incredibly affordable rifle for any hunter in your household.
I love putting a new rifle to work at the range, especially now that I have begun loading my own ammunition with my new RCBS reloading equipment. Ultimately, the range only tells a part of the story and I really don’t feel like I have a complete picture of what a rifle can do and how I feel about it until I’ve had it in the field and actually put it to use on a hunt. I had the perfect opportunity to get the Axis 2 XP Hardwood in to an environment that not only let me get on some animals but also delivered some extreme heat and humidity to throw a few more curveballs my way.
The Axis 2 XP Hardwood is built on Savage’s well-established Axis action, which uses a push-feed bolt and a floating bolt head. That floating head isn’t just marketing—it helps ensure solid lockup with the lugs engaging evenly, which plays a big part in the rifle’s overall accuracy. It’s a reliable setup, and it’s one that Savage has had dialed in for years.
Barrel-wise, you’re looking at a 22-inch sporter contour made from carbon steel. It’s button-rifled and finished in matte black, which helps reduce glare and stands up to field abuse better than most high-gloss finishes. The profile keeps the weight down while still offering decent rigidity for consistent shot placement. Total overall length is just shy of 44 inches, which puts it in a very manageable size category for stand hunting, stalking, or packing into a blind.
The hardwood stock is what really sets this variant apart from the standard Axis 2 lineup. It’s got a nice satin stain that shows off the grain without being overly flashy, and the cut checkering on the grip and fore-end adds a bit of texture without being aggressive. This stock is very functional but still manages to look sharp—especially for a rifle in this price range.
The rifle weighs in at about 7.38 pounds bare. Once you add in the included optic and mount up a sling, you’re in the 8.5 to 9-pound range depending on accessories. That’s still light enough to carry comfortably all day, and the added weight helps with stability and recoil management when it’s time to shoot.
It comes topped with a factory-mounted and bore-sighted Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm scope. Is it a high-end optic? No. But it is highly functional, and for new shooters or anyone looking for a ready-to-go setup out of the box, it’s a solid inclusion. The glass is clear enough for most hunting scenarios, and it tracks well enough for 100- to 300-yard work without issue.
A big part of the Axis 2’s appeal is the AccuTrigger. It’s user-adjustable from 2.5 to 6 pounds, and more importantly, it breaks cleanly with minimal creep. That’s a rare feature at this price point and one of the reasons why Savage continues to punch above its weight in the accuracy department. Out of the box, mine broke right around 3 pounds, and I didn’t feel the need to mess with it.
The rifle uses a detachable box magazine that holds four rounds. It’s a polymer mag that inserts and locks in place with a clean click—nothing overly fancy, but it works and feeds reliably. The mag release tab is located at the front, and while it’s not lightning fast to operate, it’s secure and easy enough to use with gloved hands.
As far as accuracy goes, the Axis 2 XP Hardwood is a strong performer. With factory ammunition, groups tend to fall in the 1 to 1.5 MOA range, and with handloads or premium ammo, sub-MOA is easily within reach. The barrel seems to like lighter hunting bullets in the 150- to 165-grain range, especially with consistent velocities and minimal spread. This makes it a legitimate option for everything from whitetail to elk with the right load and shot placement.
Final touches include recessed sling swivel studs, a soft rubber recoil pad, and a drilled-and-tapped receiver in case you want to swap optics down the line. It’s not a flashy rifle, it’s a well designed and perfect example of old style meeting modern technology.
The Savage Axis 2 XP Hardwood delivers a mix of old-school styling and modern performance in a package that’s ready to hunt right out of the box. If you’re looking for an affordable bolt-action rifle with real-world accuracy and some visual appeal, this one’s worth a serious look.
Trending Products
