• Savage Axis Bolt Dissembly and Assembly Instructions

    This article explains how to remove, disassemble, reassemble and replace the bolt on a Savage Axis (or Edge) rifle.

    Reference: Here is the exploded diagram from Savage Arms website:


    Part number and Savage part description
    12S Bolt Assembly Screw (BAS)
    12C Bolt Handle
    11D Mainspring (.055 Rocket Wire)
    12A Cocking Piece Pin
    11G Firing Pin
    12G Bolt Body
    12M Bolt Head Retaining Pin
    12I Front Baffle Washer
    12J Front Baffle
    12K Bolt head assembly

    Step one: Remove the bolt from the rifle

    Make sure rifle is unloaded and there is not a live round in the chamber.
    Lift the bolt handle and pull fully rearward
    When the bolt is opened, look and feel to be sure there are no cartridges in either the chamber or magazine.
    Pull back on the trigger while pressing down on the cocking indicator
    Slide the bolt out of the rear of the receiver
    Care should be taken not to hit the stock with the bolt




    Step two: Bolt disassembly.

    The first time the bolt is disassembled, it will likely be very difficult to remove the BAS. Here's how to do it.

    Push the cocking piece pin in the direction of the arrow until it snaps down to the fired position.



    Insert a ¼” allen wrench as shown into the rear of the BAS. The handle of the allen wrench must be farther clockwise than the bolt handle when viewed from the rear of the bolt.



    Technique: Place bolt, (important: with the allen wrench against the floor and the bolt handle angled up) on a carpeted floor or on several layers of rags on a concrete floor. (Do not use a wood floor, as what you are about to do may damage or dent the floor, even through several layers of rags.) Then, gently step on bolt handle as shown, gradually applying more pressure until BAS releases and starts to turn. (Instead of body weight, a deadblow hammer might also work.)



    Unscrew BAS from bolt body.



    Comments 17 Comments
    1. fsr402's Avatar
      fsr402 -
      That is a great write up. I actually think I could do this without any issues.
    1. fla9-40's Avatar
      fla9-40 -
      Good job, very detailed... Thanks!
    1. thomae's Avatar
      thomae -
      You are quite welcome. I'm simply trying to be helpful.
    1. fsr402's Avatar
      fsr402 -
      Question, there is no mention of lubricating the bolt. What is the best lube to use and what needs to be lubed? Also a little OT but how did to get an acutriger in the axis?
    1. thomae's Avatar
      thomae -
      There are as many opinions about lubing bolts as there are about politics. So I didn't get into that.
      Any time you have metal to metal sliding contact, I would use some sort of lubricant.
      You don't want to put so much on that it gets into the chamber, or so that it gunks up the works.
      Lubrication traps dirt and crud, eventually resulting in a sort of abrasive sludge.
      Personally, I use oil and a thin coating of green grease (cocking ramp and cocking piece pin, mainspring). But, I also disassemble and clean my bolt probably more often than necessary so I don't worry too much about grit buildup.

      I am sure that others will chime in with differing opinions...but the bottom line is that it should be kept clean and lubricated.

      The accutrigger? I was wondering when someone would notice. I retrofitted that myself. I'll probably do an article one of these days (I think I took photos).
      If you have an accutrigger and want to do the retrofit right away, PM me and we can talk. It's not too difficult.
    1. fsr402's Avatar
      fsr402 -
      Thanks for this help. My axis is misfiring so this write up has come when I need it.
    1. thomae's Avatar
      thomae -
      You're welcome...just saw your other post. I won't respond to it, since I answered here...but maybe you will get some other opinions...and likely they will be just as good or better than my opinion, no doubt.
    1. devildogandboy's Avatar
      devildogandboy -
      i thought this to be an excellent article, well written!
      thanks thomae!!
    1. Urbanistic's Avatar
      Urbanistic -
      Fantastic :)
    1. jheger's Avatar
      jheger -
      is the savage axis bolt different from the savage model 10 bolt? Thanks
    1. thomae's Avatar
      thomae -
      Quote Originally Posted by jheger View Post
      is the savage axis bolt different from the savage model 10 bolt? Thanks
      Yes very much so. Look through the articles and I believe there is one or more about the Savage model 10/110 bolt. I know there is at least on about adjusting firing pin protrusion (which you can not do easily on an Axis)
      If you need help, PM or better yet, start a new thread. (in the appropriate section, of course. )
    1. Ravenhurst's Avatar
      Ravenhurst -
      Thank you for this post. I just picked up a Model 11 Trophy Hunter XP, and was baffled as to how to take the bolt handle off. Glad I stumbled on this. Membership earned!
    1. 62chevy's Avatar
      62chevy -
      Awesome as I needed this howto.
    1. boodfrt's Avatar
      boodfrt -
      Does the front baffle go on one way or don’t matter
    1. wbm's Avatar
      wbm -
      Anybody know what became of Thomae?
    1. J.Baker's Avatar
      J.Baker -
      If I recall correctly he was spending a lot of time helping take care of a family member in poor health, but that's been a couple years ago now.
    1. sledvet77's Avatar
      sledvet77 -
      STEP 3...are you recommending to put the front baffle washer in between the front baffle and the bolt head or in a different location....and does it matter which way its facing as it is concave?