NRA Gun of the Week: Savage Arms Axis II Overwatch

by
posted on June 5, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Savage Arms partnered with Mossy Oak for this line extension of the riflemaker’s second generation of Axis bolt-action rifles. The Savage Arms Axis II Overwatch, featured on this NRA Gun of the Week video, represents the engineering and manufacturing capabilities Savage has to create a hunting rifle rich in features and comprised of modern materials delivered at an affordable price.

Right-side view on white background with text on image calling the make and model of the Savage Arms Axis II Overwatch rifle.

The gun’s polymer stock displays Mossy Oak’s Overwatch, a computer-modeled environment with dramatic detail and colors that meld the rifle with real-world environments. We think it looks pretty cool, too. Not to mention, it is the official camouflage of your National Rifle Association. Aside from the stock’s looks, the design is efficient and effective. Gripping surfaces alongside the fore-end and at the wrist are purposefully sculpted, giving its operator great control. Savage furnishes a detachable box magazine with the rifle, with capacity for up to four rounds in our test sample’s 7 mm-08 Rem. chambering.

Quatering view of a camouflage rifle shown on a white background.

The stock’s interior provides pillars for the Axis II’s barreled action. Ample space surrounding the 20” stainless-steel barrel promotes repeatable accuracy and barrel cooling. A stainless-steel receiver is threaded to the barrel and locked via Savage’s external barrel nut. An Elite Smoke Cerakote finish is provided on the barreled action.

Up close of a Savage rifle receiver with text on image calling out the EGW one-piece optic rail.

Breaking the shot on this Axis II Overwatch is done by Savage’s famed Accu-Trigger. We found our factory sample to break crisply at just under 3 and a half pounds, but if you prefer a lighter, or heavier pull, the trigger can be adjusted from 2 and a half to 6 pounds. A two-lug bolt is utilized within the Axis II, and as such, requires 90 degrees to unlock the bolt from battery. A two-position safety is found at the bolt’s rear mounted on the receiver’s tang.

Man wearing a ballcap and protective shooting gear is shown shooting a camouflaged rifle.

Watch our NRA Gun of the Week video above for more on the Savage Axis II Overwatch.

Savage Arms Axis II Overwatch Specifications
Manufacturer: Savage Arms
Model: Axis II Overwatch
Action Type: bolt-action, center-fire rifle
Chambering: 7 mm-08 Rem.
Receiver: stainless steel
Barrel: 20” stainless steel
Stock: synthetic; Mossy Oak Overwatch camouflage
Trigger: Accu-trigger; adjustable
Sights: none; EGW optic rail
Finish: Elite Smoke Cerakote
Magazine: four-round detachable box
MSRP: $529
savagearms.com

Further Reading:
New For 2020: Savage Axis II Precision
Savage Special Order Shop
Bargain Hunting Rifles
Savage Model 111 Long Range Hunter Review

Extras:








Latest

Gotw Walther Pdp Prox Pmm Web
Gotw Walther Pdp Prox Pmm Web

Gun Of The Week: Walther Arms PDP Pro-X PMM Compact

Within Walther Arms' line of Performance Duty Pistols, the Pro-X PMM stands out, thanks to a number of features. We head to the range to see exactly how these upgrades and enhancements impact the design.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 31, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Review: CZ 600 Alpha

One of several models in the CZ 600 series of rifles, the CZ 600 Alpha is an affordable bolt-action design with a unique action that incorporates a lightweight receiver and a "hybrid controlled feed" system.

San Tan Tactical Launches Defender Program

San Tan Tactical has launched a Defender Program to provide increased support for the professional community of law enforcement officers, servicemen and women and veterans.

I Have This Old Gun: The Ortgies Pistol

One of the lesser-known, German-made handguns from the early 20th century, the Ortgies pistol has a fascinating history stretching from the end of World War I all the way to the conclusion of World War II.

New For 2025: Taurus GX4 Strike Bravo

In a collaboration with Strike Industries, Taurus USA has launched its GX4 Strike Bravo, which combines elements of its popular micro-compact handgun with a chassis-frame design capable of accepting a stabilizing brace.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.