The Savage Axis is one of our hottest centerfire rifle line-ups in dozens of different configurations. But did you know that we have two distinct lines of Axis? The Axis… and Axis II. They share a lot of similarities like button-rifled carbon steel barrels, thread-in headspacing, floating bolt heads, rugged synthetic stocks, and detachable magazines – but there are two major differences that are worth noting when you’re deciding which model is the right one for you. 

Axis vs. Axis II

Here are the differences between the two:

Axis

• No AccuTrigger
• XP models come with a factory-mounted and boresighted 3-9x40mm Weaver Scope

Axis XP Stainless

Axis II

• AccuTrigger
• XP models come with a factory-mounted and boresighted 3-9x40mm Bushnell Banner scope

Axis II XP Stainless

Are you standing at the gun counter trying to figure out if the Savage you’re holding is an Axis II or not? Let’s guide you through a few ways to determine which model you’re looking at. 

Method 1: Does it have an AccuTrigger? 

If you’re standing at the gun counter, odds are that a trigger lock has been placed onto the gun and you can’t look for the tell-tale AccuTrigger blade. 

If you can’t see the actual trigger, check the stock for stickers that indicate this model has an AccuTrigger. 

• No AccuTrigger = Axis
• AccuTrigger = Axis II

Method 2: What scope is mounted? 

If the model you’re looking at is an XP model, this means that it comes packaged with a factory-mounted and boresighted scope. Cool! We also offer configurations without a scope, so this method only applies to the XP models. 

If it is an XP model, check out the brand name of the mounted scope. It will either be a 3-9x40mm Weaver scope or a 3-9x40mm Bushnell Banner scope. 

• Weaver scope = Axis
• Bushnell scope = Axis II

Method 3: Stop and ask for directions

If you can’t tell by checking for an AccuTrigger and the rifle doesn’t have a mounted scope, it’s best to just ask the folks behind the gun counter. Look for a tag on the rifle that indicates whether it’s an Axis II or the label affixed to the original box. You can also ask the gun counter associates to look up the part number or SKU. 

For more information on the AccuTrigger, check out these articles!

Read: How to Adjust the AccuTrigger

Read: AccuTrigger | Performance Innovation

Read: Why Trigger Pull Weight Matters