I'm new to the Savage forum and apologize if this topic has been previously covered.

New and older Savage Axis owners may learn the hard way if pursuing scope rail change.
According to EGW site:

Savage Axis Rifles with serial numbers higher than N936371 are drilled and tapped for #8-40 screws.

source:https://www.egwguns.com/savage-edge-axis-axis-ii-axis-xp-picatinny-rail-0-moa

Unsure what date this change was made, but serial number is best way to know what you have. I bought a Savage Axis back in Feb,2021 timeframe, and have an N898xxx serial number.