Savage Arms 57247 Axis 223 Rem 4+1 Cap 22" Matte Black Rec/Barrel Matte Black Stock Left Hand (Full Size)

Mastering the Field: A Comprehensive Guide to the Savage Arms Axis Left-Handed Bolt-Action Rifle in .223 Remington

For the dedicated southpaw shooter, finding a rifle that offers true ergonomic comfort, unwavering reliability, and impressive accuracy without breaking the bank can often feel like a formidable challenge. Many firearms are designed with the right-handed majority in mind, leading to awkward manipulations and compromised shooting experiences for left-handed individuals. Enter the Savage Arms Axis Left Hand (Model 57247), a purpose-built bolt-action rifle chambered in the versatile .223 Remington. This rifle stands as a beacon for left-handed sportsmen and women, embodying Savage Arms' reputation for producing dependable and precise firearms that deliver exceptional value.

Why the Savage Axis Left Hand is the Smart Choice for Left-Handed Shooters

The Savage Axis has consistently earned accolades as a best-in-class entry-level rifle, and its left-handed variant specifically addresses the needs of a vital segment of the shooting community. It's more than just a rifle with a left-side bolt; it's a holistic design that prioritizes the left-handed shooter's natural movements and comfort.

• Dedicated Left-Handed Action: The most critical feature is its true left-hand bolt-action, ensuring that cycling the action, loading, and unloading are smooth, intuitive, and safe for southpaws. No more reaching over the receiver or contorting your body to operate a right-handed bolt. This directly translates to faster follow-up shots, improved focus on the target, and a significantly more enjoyable shooting experience.
• Optimal Ergonomics: From the placement of the bolt handle to the easy access to the safety mechanism, every aspect is designed for left-handed operation, reducing fatigue and enhancing control during extended sessions in the field or at the range.
• Safety and Confidence: A rifle that feels natural in your hands is a safer rifle. With all controls easily accessible and visible for a left-handed shooter, you can maintain better situational awareness and operate the firearm with greater confidence.

Unpacking the Versatility of the .223 Remington Caliber

The choice of the .223 Remington caliber for the Savage Axis Left Hand is a testament to its exceptional versatility and widespread popularity. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or a novice target shooter, the .223 Rem offers a compelling balance of performance, affordability, and manageable recoil.

• Ideal for Varmint and Predator Hunting: The .223 Remington truly shines in varmint and predator hunting scenarios. Its flat trajectory and high velocity make it devastatingly effective on coyotes, foxes, groundhogs, and other small-to-medium sized game at various ranges. Hunters seeking to control pest populations or pursue furbearers will find this rifle and caliber combination highly efficient.
• Suitable for Small to Medium Game: In many regions, the .223 Remington is a legal and effective cartridge for harvesting deer, especially when using heavier, purpose-built hunting bullets. Its precise nature allows for ethical shot placement on smaller deer species. Always check local hunting regulations.
• Economical Target Shooting and Plinking: The .223 Remington is one of the most widely available and affordable rifle cartridges on the market. This makes the Savage Axis Left Hand an excellent choice for regular practice at the shooting range, plinking, or introducing new shooters to the sport without the deterrent of high ammunition costs or heavy recoil.
• Manageable Recoil: Compared to larger calibers, the .223 Rem offers very light recoil, making it comfortable for extended shooting sessions, ideal for new shooters, and conducive to maintaining sight picture for faster follow-up shots.

Key Features and What They Mean for Your Shooting Experience

The Savage Arms Axis Left Hand is thoughtfully designed with features that enhance its performance, durability, and user-friendliness.

• Silky-Smooth Bolt Operation: The bolt on the Savage Axis is renowned for its smooth, effortless cycling. This allows for rapid and reliable reloading, crucial in hunting situations or competitive shooting where speed and consistency matter. The robust bolt design ensures dependable extraction and ejection of spent casings.
• Detachable Box Magazine: The rifle comes equipped with a detachable box magazine with a 4-round capacity (plus one in the chamber for a 4+1 total). This feature facilitates quick and easy loading and unloading, making it simple to swap out magazines or safely empty the rifle without having to cycle each round through the chamber.
• Matte Black Synthetic Stock: The robust synthetic stock is designed for all-weather performance. Unlike wood stocks, synthetic materials are impervious to changes in temperature and humidity, preventing warping or cracking. The matte black finish not only looks sleek but also reduces glare, which can be critical in hunting environments. It's lightweight, durable, and requires minimal maintenance, making it an ideal choice for a rifle meant to be carried in the field.
• 22-inch Matte Blued Carbon Steel Barrel with Sporter Profile: The 22-inch barrel length provides an excellent balance of ballistic performance and maneuverability. It allows the .223 Remington cartridge to achieve optimal velocities for flatter trajectories and greater energy transfer. The sporter profile keeps the rifle light and handy for carrying over long distances, while the matte blued finish protects the carbon steel from corrosion and reduces glare.
• 1:9" Twist Rate: The 1:9" twist rate of the barrel is an excellent all-around choice for the .223 Remington. It effectively stabilizes a wide range of bullet weights, typically from 50-grain varmint loads up to 69-grain, and sometimes even 77-grain, match-grade projectiles. This versatility ensures excellent accuracy whether you're shooting light, fast bullets for varmints or heavier bullets for longer-range precision or medium game.
• Receiver Drilled and Tapped for Scope Mounts: Out of the box, the Axis receiver is ready to accept your preferred optics. This pre-drilled and tapped feature simplifies the process of mounting a scope, allowing you to quickly get your rifle ready for action and maximize its inherent accuracy potential. For a hunting or target rifle, a quality scope is indispensable, and the Axis makes this integration seamless.
• Three-Position Safety: The rifle features a user-friendly three-position safety, providing an added layer of security and control.
  • Forward Position (Fire): Allows the rifle to fire.
  • Middle Position: Locks the trigger but allows the bolt to be cycled, enabling safe loading or unloading of the chamber without the risk of an accidental discharge.
  • Rear Position: Locks both the trigger and the bolt, providing maximum safety during transport or when handling the rifle.
• Lightweight Design: Weighing in at a mere 6.30 lbs, the Savage Axis Left Hand is remarkably lightweight, making it incredibly comfortable to carry for extended periods during hunts or treks through rugged terrain. Its overall length of 42.50 inches contributes to its portability without sacrificing barrel performance.

Optimizing Your Shooting Experience: A Guide for Savage Axis Owners

The Savage Axis Left Hand offers an exceptional foundation for accuracy. Here’s how you can get the most out of your rifle:

• Optics are Key: Given the rifle is drilled and tapped, investing in a good quality scope is paramount. The .223 Remington's capabilities are best realized with clear, reliable optics that match your intended use (e.g., variable power for hunting, higher magnification for target shooting).
• Ammunition Selection: Experiment with different bullet weights and brands of .223 Remington ammunition. While the 1:9" twist is versatile, your specific rifle may show a preference for certain bullet weights or manufacturers, leading to tighter groups.
• Proper Shooting Technique: Mastering fundamentals like consistent cheek weld, proper breathing, and smooth trigger pull will significantly enhance your accuracy, regardless of the rifle.
• Regular Cleaning and Maintenance: Keeping your barrel clean and your action lubricated will ensure consistent performance and prolong the life of your firearm.

Who Will Benefit Most from the Savage Arms Axis Left Hand Rifle?

This rifle is an ideal choice for several types of shooters:

• The First-Time Rifle Buyer (Left-Handed): If you're new to the world of bolt-action rifles and are left-handed, the Axis offers an intuitive, easy-to-learn platform with manageable recoil and an affordable ammunition choice.
• The Budget-Conscious Hunter: For hunters who demand reliable performance and accuracy in the field without a hefty price tag, the Axis provides an excellent solution for varmint, predator, and even some medium game hunting.
• The Dedicated Left-Handed Shooter: For southpaws tired of compromising with right-handed firearms, the Savage Axis provides a true left-hand experience that enhances comfort, speed, and safety.
• The Recreational Target Shooter: Its low recoil and affordable ammunition make it perfect for enjoyable days at the range, practicing marksmanship, or simply plinking.
• The Scout or Youth Hunter: Its lightweight design and manageable recoil make it an excellent rifle for introducing younger or smaller-framed individuals to hunting, provided they are left-handed.

In summary, the Savage Arms Axis Left Hand in .223 Remington (Model 57247) represents a superb fusion of dedicated left-handed design, robust construction, and the legendary accuracy Savage Arms is known for. It addresses a significant need in the firearms market, offering a reliable, accurate, and comfortable shooting experience for southpaw enthusiasts, hunters, and target shooters alike. It delivers exceptional value, proving that high performance doesn't always have to come with a premium price tag.

Savage Arms Axis Left Hand Rifle Specifications