The Savage Axis XP II in .223 Remington is a popular choice among budget-conscious hunters and target shooters. This rifle offers surprising accuracy and features for its price point, making it a strong contender in the entry-level market. This review will delve into the details, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and overall suitability for various applications.
What Makes the Savage Axis XP II .223 Stand Out?
The Savage Axis XP II .223's appeal lies in its blend of affordability and performance. Several key features contribute to its popularity:
Accuracy and Barrel Quality:
The rifle's accuracy is frequently praised by owners. This is largely attributed to Savage's AccuTrigger system and the generally well-made barrel. The AccuTrigger allows for a crisp, lighter trigger pull compared to many rifles in its price range, improving shot consistency. While not a match-grade barrel, it's capable of producing acceptable accuracy for hunting and recreational shooting. Many users report sub-MOA accuracy with quality ammunition.
AccuTrigger System:
This adjustable trigger is a significant advantage. It provides a customizable pull weight, allowing shooters to find a comfortable and consistent trigger feel. This feature alone elevates the Axis XP II above many competing rifles in its class. The ability to adjust the trigger weight improves both safety and accuracy.
User-Friendly Design:
The Axis XP II is known for its simple, straightforward design. It's easy to handle, clean, and maintain, making it ideal for beginners and experienced shooters alike. The synthetic stock is durable and weather-resistant, suitable for various shooting conditions.
Affordability:
The most significant draw for many buyers is its price. The Savage Axis XP II .223 offers a high level of performance at a price point that makes it accessible to a wider range of shooters. This makes it an excellent entry-level rifle or a great backup gun.
Areas for Potential Improvement:
While the Savage Axis XP II .223 offers a lot for its price, there are a few areas where improvements could be made:
Stock Quality:
While durable, the synthetic stock isn't necessarily the most comfortable or feature-rich. Some users may find it somewhat basic and lacking in ergonomic features compared to higher-end rifles.
Magazine Capacity:
The standard magazine capacity may be limiting for some shooters, especially those engaging in larger shooting events or hunting scenarios where rapid follow-up shots are critical. Larger capacity magazines are available, but they often come at an extra cost.
Sight Options:
The rifle often comes with iron sights, which are functional but may not be the preferred sighting system for all users. The addition of a scope or red dot sight is generally recommended to fully realize the rifle's accuracy potential.
Who is the Savage Axis XP II .223 For?
The Savage Axis XP II .223 is a versatile rifle well-suited for several purposes:
- Beginner Shooters: Its ease of use, adjustable trigger, and affordable price make it an excellent choice for those new to shooting.
- Varmints and Predator Hunting: Its accuracy and .223 caliber are ideal for hunting smaller game like coyotes, foxes, and groundhogs.
- Target Shooting: The AccuTrigger and generally accurate barrel allow for satisfactory target practice at reasonable ranges.
- Budget-Conscious Hunters: It provides a great balance of performance and cost for hunters on a budget.
Conclusion:
The Savage Axis XP II .223 is a solid performer that punches above its weight class. Its accuracy, adjustable AccuTrigger, and affordability make it a highly competitive rifle in the entry-level market. While it might have some minor drawbacks in terms of stock quality and magazine capacity, these are often outweighed by its strengths. For those seeking a reliable, accurate, and affordable rifle, the Savage Axis XP II .223 is definitely worth considering.
