Savage Axis I (Picatinny)

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Clip-On Adapters for Pulsar Krypton (M35x1.0)

The History of Savage Arms

Savage Arms was founded in 1894 by Arthur Savage in Utica, New York. Arthur Savage held two important patents at the time: a patent for a repeating rifle with a single-column magazine lever-action rifle, which he acquired in 1891, and a patent for a hammerless lever-action design. That paved the way for Savage’s quick rise to success.

The company’s first breakthrough came in 1895 when it introduced Model 1895 – the first hammerless lever-action rifle on the market. It was modeled after Model 1892, an earlier design that never saw production due to losing a bid for a US Army contract. Model 1895, however, won the contract for New York National Guard, but it was soon canceled due to getting caught in a contemporary political climate.

Savage continued investing efforts into the production of military-grade weapons. It was named one of the two finalists in the US Army trials for a .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and it lost only to the now-famous Colt M1911. Savage used the gained experience to produce high-quality pocket pistols, though, which resulted in the introduction of Model 1907, 1915, and 1917.

During World War I, Savage was merged with the Driggs-Seabury Ordnance company. The joint company focused all its efforts on the production of Lewis machine guns and heavy equipment for war purposes.

Between the two wars, Savage decided to expand its business inside the USA. In 1920 it bought Stevens Arms of Chicopee, followed by A.H. Fox Gun Co. of Philadelphia and Davis-Warner Arms and CrescentArms Co. of Norwich in 1930. Success followed and in 1939 Savage introduced the Model 24 combination gun which sold over a million copies.

When World War II commenced, though, Savage was once again ready to answer the call of duty. It focused all its resources on war efforts, producing a staggering number of weapons. It already signed a contract with Auto Ordinance Co. in 1938 to manufacture the famous .45 caliber Thompson submachine gun, and most of these submachine guns that were used in WWII were produced by none other than Savage. The company was also contracted by the US government in 1940 to produce .30 and .50 caliber Browning machine guns. On top of that, Savage manufactured one of the most mass-produced bolt-action rifles of WWII, the British No. 4 Lee–Enfield. A record of 1.2 million Lee-Enfield rifles was produced by Savage during the time of war.

Production dialed down after the war, though. In 1946, Savage closed its facilities in Utica and moved all its operations to the Stevens manufacturing premises. Even though the Model 110 was introduced in 1958, which remains one of the company’s most successful rifles to this date, Savage started to experience some issues. In 1960 all production was moved to the current location of Westfield, Massachusetts, and what followed was a series of different ownerships over the company. Savage gradually ran into serious financial problems and in 1988 the company declared bankruptcy.

The company had to cut back on its manufacturing costs to the point where it even stopped producing short-action configurations of its most successful model, the aforementioned Model 110. It wasn’t until 1995 when Savage returned to private ownership led by Ronald Coburn who sort of rejuvenated the whole company.

In 2002 Savage introduced and patented AccuTrigger – a safe and user-adjustable trigger that soon became a success. The following year, in 2003, the company was named Manufacturer of the Year by the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence, further reaffirming Savage’s distinction. Four years later, on May 15, 2007, Savage 93R17 BTVS has been named the best rifle in the Best of the Best presentation by Shooting Times, Sporting Gun, and Shooting Gazette magazines.

In 2013 Savage once again changed ownership. It was acquired by Orbital ATK for 315 million dollars, and it was later handed over to Vista Outdoor which later sold it for $170 million in 2019 to a group of private investors led by Savage’s management.

The company also had its logo changed in the middle of the 2010s when it decided to retire its old logo that presumably featured Chief Lame Deer, a native-American tribesman leader. The latter supposedly approached Arthur Savage in 1919 to purchase rifles for his tribe. In exchange for a discount, Lame Deer agreed to a deal. According to the deal, Savage was allowed to use Lame Deer’s face for promotional purposes. Many doubt the authenticity of this story, however, and Savage itself removed it from its official website as well.

Savage Axis I (Picatinny) Rifle Review

This page is dedicated to Savage Axis models that come with a factory-installed Picatinny Rail.

Savage Axis is a bolt-action rifle that was first introduced in 2010. Interestingly enough, it was first named “Savage Edge”, but the name changes already followed in 2011, only a year after its release. Presumably, it had to be renamed due to legal issues regarding its initial name.

Following the market crash in 2008 Savage tried to cater to the new wave of hunters, ones that were on the lookout for cheap yet quality replacements for the more expensive contemporaries which all of a sudden weren’t affordable anymore. Savage’s main objective when designing the Axis model was thus to produce a modernized but cheaper alternative to the established Savage Model 110. What followed was an accurate, dependable, and cheap rifle fit for beginners and more advanced hunters alike.

Savage Axis XP in .243 Win.

Figure 1: Savage Axis XP in .243 Win. (source: https://www.gagnonsports.com/savage-axis-243-youth-ladies-w-scope.html)

Savage Axis is built around a cost-effective action of the push-feed style and hosts a 2-lug bolt with an impressively smooth bolt operation. All Axis models have the same overall action length, and they are usually drilled and tapped for scope mounts. This page, however, is dedicated to every Savage Axis rifle with a Picatinny rail pre-installed or milled-on.

As opposed to the Savage Model 110 which has a 3-position safety catch, Savage Axis has a 2-position one. It features a small dimple that allows for ease of engagement. When the safety is pushed forward (away from the shooter), the rifle is in firing mode. This is indicated by a red dot that is otherwise covered when the safety is on and the trigger is locked.

The barrel of Savage Axis is usually 559mm (22-inch) long, but there are also some versions with a 508mm long barrel (20-inch). It is usually made of carbon steel, with the exception of the Savage Axis XP Stainless’s barrel, which is of stainless steel. We also think it’s important to add that (at least to our knowledge) every Axis comes with a small shank barrel that can be interchanged with Savage Model 110 variants that also have small shank barrels.

The stock of Savage Axis is synthetic and is, according to the Savage’s website, designed to fit smaller shooters, but we didn’t find any complaints regarding its size even from the hunters with a bit larger build. It (the stock) ends in a pleasantly designed recoil pad that is quite satisfying considering the price of the rifle.

Because Savage wanted to cut on the rifle’s cost as much as possible, Savage Axis comes without the established AccuTrigger^TM. This changed with the introduction of Savage Axis II (2nd Gen.) which includes the AccuTrigger – this is also the only difference between the two models (Axis and Axis II).

The design of Savage's patented AccuTrigger

Figure 2: The design of Savage's patented AccuTrigger (source: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BwSpbbhIIAE0hUO.jpg:large)

Savage Axis features a 4-round magazine with a metal body and plastic bottom. Savage originally utilized a detachable magazine with a release lever molded as a loop and affixed to the plastic bottom plate, but it changed this design in late 2018 to include a newly redesigned spring-loaded release mechanism. Both designs are compatible with rifles from the Edge/Axis and 110 series that use the so-called "Axis " magazine.

As mentioned above, all Axis models have the same overall action length, but those chambered for short-action cartridges use a short-action length magazine, while those chambered for long-action cartridges use a long-action length magazine.

Savage Axis I Calibers

Savage Axis can be chambered for:

.223 Rem.
.22-250 Rem.
6 mm ARC
.243 Win.
.25-06 Rem.
6.5 Creedmoor
.270 Win.
7mm–08 Rem.
280 Ackley IMP
300 AAC Blackout
.308 Win.
.30–06 Spring.
350 Legend

Savage Axis I Variants

There are several Savage Axis variants on the market today. Because this model was first named “Edge” and was only later renamed to Axis, we also included Edge variants on this list.

These are the Savage Axis variants:

Savage Edge
Savage Edge Camo
Savage Edge XP
Savage Axis Camo
Savage Axis Compact
Savage Axis Left Hand
Savage Axis Compact Left Hand
Savage Axis XP
Savage Axis XP Compact
Savage Axis XP Camo
Savage Axis XP Compact Camo
Savage Axis XP Compact Muddy Girl
Savage Axis XP Stainless
Savage Axis II Compact
Savage Axis II Left Hand
Savage Axis II 300 Blackout
Savage Axis II XP
Savage Axis II XP Stainless
Savage Axis II XP Hardwood
Savage Axis II XP Compact
Savage Axis II XP Compact Muddy Girl
Savage Axis II FDE
Savage Axis II VSX Camo
Savage Axis II SR FDE
Savage Axis II XP Gray Stainless Steel
Savage Axis II FDE Web
Savage Axis II XP FDE Web Compact
Savage Axis II XP Web Camo Gray
Savage Axis II XP Web Camo OD Green
Savage Axis II XP Green Web
Savage Axis II Bottomland Camo
Savage Axis II XP Terra Gila Camo
Savage Axis II XO Break Up Country
Savage Axis II HB XP Whitetail
Savage Axis II XP SR HB
Savage Axis II XP VSX Camo Compact
Savage Axis II XP Timber Camo
Savage Axis II Bottomlands Original
Savage Axis II XP Timber Camo HB
Savage Axis II Stainless Steel
Savage Axis II HB SR Wideland Compact
Savage Axis II XP

The receiver of Savage Axis/Edge with a visible mounting surface (Picatinny Rail)

Figure 3: The receiver of Savage Axis/Edge with a visible mounting surface (Picatinny Rail) (source: https://www.savageshooters.com/content.php?67-Evolution-Gun-Works-Axis-Edge-Tactical-Scope-Base-Review)

Scope Mounts Interchangeable with Savage Axis I (Picatinny)

Rifles That Have One-Piece Scope Mounts Interchangeable with Savage Axis I (Picatinny)

The necessary condition for rifles to have one-piece scope mounts interchangeable is that the mounting surfaces of these rifles match in every dimension.

Therefore, all rifles that come with a Picatinny rail will have one-piece scope mounts interchangeable with Savage Axis .

Rifles That Have Two-Piece Scope Mounts Interchangeable with Savage Axis I (Picatinny)

There’s a similar situation with two-piece scope mounts. Any rifle that has a Picatinny rail mounted on its mounting surface will have two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with Savage Axis, too.

Best Scope Mounts for Savage Axis I (Picatinny)

Fixed Scope Mounts for Savage Axis I (Picatinny)

We would recommend these 30 mm Rusan rings for your Savage Axis (Picatinny) if you’re looking for a quality fixed scope mounting solution. These rings ensure sturdiness and reliability, while they also come at a relatively affordable price. They are made of steel and come with a 10-year warranty.

Detachable Repeatable Scope Mounts for Savage Axis I (Picatinny)

These EAW’s Mod. 365 rings earned our top recommendation for a detachable repeatable scope mount for savage Axis. They are reliable and extremely versatile and are thus a great choice for your rifle. They are made of aluminum and come with a 30-year warranty.

Tactical Scope Mounts for Savage Axis I (Picatinny)

If you are looking for a sturdier, “bulkier” and more tactical-oriented Picatinny scope mount for your Savage Axis, then we recommend this 30 mm ERA-TAC one-piece mount.

It is manufactured in Germany, is made of aluminum, and has a 2-year warranty attached to it.

Help Us Build Our Riflescope Mounts Database

If you happen to own this or any other rifle, we would appreciate it if you could help us expand our database by sending us some photos of the rifle receiver (the bare mounting surface of the rifle without the mounts installed). For your help, our company offers a fair return in terms of practical rewards.

Please send us an email for more information. You can contact us here: info@optics-trade.eu

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Check out our article on Clip-on Adapters Mounting Standards

Nowadays, modern hunting requires modern equipment. It is believed that clear image while observing wildlife before making decisions or taking the shot, is crucial. If we want to be humane/ethical and make right decisions for wildlife, we have to observe properly and have a perfect view of the animal for two reasons: choosing the right animal and taking a clean shot. This is much harder to achieve in low light conditions or during the night, therefore there are some effective options on the market: night vision, digital night vision and thermal imaging attachments (so called clip-on devices). Night vision attachments are known for decades. They were invented for military purposes, but commercial market accepted them with excitement when it became possible to buy them. In recent times, thermal imaging clip-on are becoming more and more popular and there are many reasons for that.

Rusan Q-R one-piece adapter for Pulsar Krypton

Rusan Q-R one-piece adapter for Pulsar Krypton

Main advantages of thermal imaging over the night vision possibilities

Long detection range
Effective in wooden areas (seeing through bushes);
Good image in fog or heavy rain;
Not sensitive to daylight
Does not require an additional light source.

Night Vision Optics comparing to Thermal imaging

However, affordable night vision optics can be found on the market and they still have some advantages, comparing to thermal imaging:

Realistic image with good resolution;
Seeing details on animals (also at longer ranges);
Higher optical magnification.

When we are talking about night vision or thermal imaging, we can either talk about goggles and monoculars for observing or night / thermal scopes and clip-on systems, meant for installation on rifles. To be exact, clip on systems are meant for attaching to the riflescopes on rifles. The most convenient of all solutions on rifles are definitely clip on scopes (either night vision or thermal imaging – depends on the need). With this solutions, there is no need for switching scopes, you just have to attach clip on scope when needed. There is also no need for re-zeroing your riflescope when attaching or detaching clip on scope on it.

PARD NV007 Adapter

PARD NV007 Adapter

Adapters for Dedal clip-on attachments

Dedal is probably the most known name when talking night vision clip ons. It is so well known that most of the other producers of clip on mounts and night vision / thermal imaging products use their connection standard.

Dedal night vision devices (models 541, 552) directly fit to Swarovski 50mm scopes. Swarovski’s inner thread in front of objective lens is the same as on Dedal devices (M52/37). The length of thread is 10 mm and this is the most known connection standard (made by Dedal and used by all others). If you are using different Scope with different thread and diameter, adapters are needed.

Adapters for Pulsar Core clip-on attachments

Over the years, Pulsar became more and more successful with their thermal imaging products and today there are also very popular their mounting standards for clip on devices: Pulsar Core standard and Pulsar Forward standard.

Pulsar Core mounting standard was first introduced with their DFA75 model and later became known all on Core models. The original Pulsar adapter is produced in three different dimensions (42, 50 and 56 mm). If you have rifle scopes of different dimensions, Rusan and Smartclip, both provide adapters for Pulsar from 30 to 80 mm. Sadly, original Pulsar adapters are quite thick and if you want more elegant design, you can pick a Smartclip or Rusan adapter. All these Pulsar Core adapters use two pins (or clips) which is the main difference, compared to Pulsar Forward adapters that use four pins.

Rusan Q-R adapter for Dedal 540-552, Jahnke, Lahoux

Rusan Q-R adapter for Dedal 540-552, Jahnke, Lahoux

Adapters for Pulsar Forward clip-on attachments

Pulsar Forward standard was introduced for use on their F155 / F135 clip on models and stayed on the market for their newer F455 model. It is different from Core adapters, because it uses four pins. You could also use two pin Core adapter on F155 / F135 models, however it will not be as fix as with adapter that uses four pins. If you are Forward model owner, you can use different possibilies of adapters for your scope (similar to Core models, but for Forward models): original Pulsar adapter, Rusan adapter or Smartclip adapter. Smartclip is a one-piece adapter of elegant design, Rusan adapters are mostly made from two-pieces (56mm and 62mm are the only dimensions for which Rusan adapters are made from single piece) and also looks elegant and original Pulsar adapter that looks quite robust. For the original option you also need more space between the barrel and the objective bell (approximately 8 mm), while using aftermarket adapters need only 3-4 milimeters. Similar to Core adapters, dimensions are limited with original Pulsar adapter to 42, 50 and 56 mm, with Rusan adapters from 30 mm all the way up to 80 mm and with Smartclips in similar dimension span.

Original Pulsar adapters for Core and Forward models are quite affordable, although it is advised to leave them on the scope when you install them if you do not want to lose plastic inserts (which is quite a downside).

Above all, it is also important to know that all of these adapters can withstand recoils of more powerful calibers without problems.

Savage Axis I (Picatinny)

Sub Categories

The History of Savage Arms