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Q: What are the differences between the Savage Edge, Axis and Axis II?
A: This rifle was originally named the Edge, but was renamed late in its first year of production presumably due to registered tradename/trademark issues. There was no change to the rifle other than the name. The Axis II is the same as the original Axis but it includes the AccuTrigger. If you are planning on replacing the trigger with an aftermarket version, than you may want to find a less expensive Edge or original Axis.
Q: What advantage does the model 110 offer over the Axis?
A: The tried and true Savage Model 110 series are more common having been in production since 1958 and thus have more aftermarket parts available for them. Both the 110 and Axis rifles use the same small shank barrels and are equally accurate, though some 110's utilize a large shank barrel when chambered for magnum cartridges. With the addition of the Axis II, you can now even get an Axis with the same AccuTrigger that is offered with the 110 series of rifles. Many of the package 110 series come equipped with the Axis style of magazine as a cost saving measure.
There are three main differences between the Axis and the 110 series actions:
- The Axis uses a two position safety while the 110 series has a three position safety.
- The Axis uses a recoil lug that is embedded into the stock and fits into a slot cut into the bottom of the face of the receiver, while a 110 series uses a traditional ring or loop style of recoil lug that goes over the barrel and is sandwiched between the barrel nut and the receiver.
- All Axis actions are the same length, use the same barrel shank size (small) and the same bolt head style (short-action 110 bolt heads). The 110 series of rifles have specific short and long action receivers and short and long-action bolt heads.
Q: Why are there two style of magazines for the Axis?
A: Originally the Edge/Axis used a detachable magazine with the release lever molded as a loop and was part of the plastic bottom plate. In late 2018 Savage updated the design of the plastic bottom plate to include a newly redesigned release lever that was spring loaded. Both styles work with the Edge/Axis and the 110 series of rifles that use the "Axis" style of magazine.
Original design on the left, newer design on the right
Q: Will a bolt handle from a Savage 110 work on my Axis?
A: No, the ramp for the primary extraction is built into the Axis bolt handle whereas it's built into the rear baffle on the 110. Mounting a 110 bolt handle on an Axis will result in zero primary extraction and will make removing a fired case from the chamber very difficult.
Q: Who makes aftermarket bolt handles for the Axis?
A: Glades Armory offers both right and left hand bolt handles for the Axis that are indexed to provide more scope clearance. They also offer fluted bolt sleeves for the Axis.
Q: Is the Axis action compatible with any of the 110 stocks?
A: No, the screw spacing, magazine and trigger arrangement are totally unique to the Axis and are not compatible with any of the various 110 action configurations.
Q: Will barrels from a 110 fit my Axis?
A: Yes, so long as they are small shank barrels as all Axis rifles built to date have been small shank.
Q: Does the Axis use the same bolt heads as the 110's?
A: Yes - All Axis rifles use short-action 110 bolt heads.
Q: What is the action screw spacing on the Savage Axis?
A: All Axis models have the same overall action length and have a screw spacing of 4.800". Those chambered for S/A cartridges use a S/A length magazine and trigger guard piece while those chambered for L/A cartridges use a L/A length magazine and trigger guard piece.
Q: Who makes stocks for the Axis?
A: As of June 2019, laminate stocks can be purchased from Boyd's Gunstocks, Sharp Shooter Supply, and Stockys Stocks. Boyd's also offers their patters in a walnut option for those who favor a more traditional look. Aluminum chassis stocks for the Axis are available from MDT.
Note: For those who purchase a Boyds stock, V3 Precision offers a metal magazine retention clip/escutcheon to replace the plastic one Boyds uses. The laminate stocks from Sharp Shooter Supply for the Axis already come fitted with a metal magazine retention clip.
Q: Has anyone had the plastic retaining latch on the original magazines break on them?
A: As of this update (June 2019) and with the Axis having been in the field for over nine years now, I have only heard of a few scattered reports of the latch tab breaking on the Axis magazine. Anything can be broken if you try hard enough and/or abuse it. I've have four Axis magazines of my own that I've had for 3-4 years now and have yet to have one break.
Q: Who makes a better trigger for the Axis?
A: Currently Rifle Basix and Timney Triggers both offer an adjustable replacement trigger for the Axis. MCarbo also offers a spring, shim and "pro" kit for the Axis.
Q: Does anyone make an extended or hi-capacity magazine for the Axis?
A: At present, no. The retaining latch being part of the plastic bottom plate on the Axis magazine prevents one from being able to use the magazine extensions designed for 110 DBM magazines with the metal bottom surround. CDi Precision offers new bottom metal for select short-action cartridges that accepts AI-style magazines but they require and aftermarket wood stock and the stock will have to be inlet by CDi to accept the new hardware.
Q: Who makes scope bases for the Axis?
A: At present there are four scope base options that I am aware of - Evolution Gun Works (EGW), DNZ Products, Redfield and Talley. The EGW mount is a 1-piece picatinny rail and is available in your choice of zero and 20 MOA taper. DNZ Products offers their GameReaper (1-piece) and Hunt Masters (2-piece) mount which feature a base with integral rings, are available in several heights, and can be had in a matte black or silver finish. the Redfield are a two-piece Weaver-style (#47510) similar (likely the same) to what Savage supplies with the Axis when new. The Talley mount is a 1-piece picatinney rail offered in zero and 20 MOA taper.
Other manufacturers such as Leupold, Warne or Weaver may currently have or may bring additional options to the table in the future, but those listed above were first to market and seem to be the go-to standards based on what we've seen on the forum over the past two years. Also, any two-piece bases for the 110 series will also work on the Axis as the spacing of the two mounting screws for each piece is the same.
Q: Does anyone offer a single-shot adapter for the Axis?
A: Sharp Shooter Supply offers their Poly Sled which fits in place of your standard detachable box magazine. Presently it is only offered in a short-action length.
Last updated: June 2019
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