A standout evolution in lever-release shotguns  

By Rob Mori – aka @hunt.aus – Instagram 

In a market crowded with straight pulls, push-button actions and an increasing number of look-alike designs competing for attention, the Axor Arms Bushpig 2.0 has emerged as one of the most talked about and eagerly anticipated arrivals in Australia’s shooting community. Most importantly, it’s not hype without substance. This updated model delivers meaningful improvements, thoughtful engineering and real-world performance gains that set it apart from the pack. 

The Bushpig 2.0 comes complete with a set of chokes and a hard case for transportation.

Whether you’re a feral hunter who demands fast handling and rugged dependability or a practical shooter looking for speed and smooth cycling without crossing into semi-automatic territory, the Bushpig 2.0 offers a compelling blend of innovation, practicality and durable field performance. It feels like a firearm designed with a purpose and designed with the Australian shooter in mind. 

A faster, smoother shooting experience 

The headline feature, and arguably the biggest drawcard of the Bushpig 2.0, is its upgraded lever-release system. While the broader category of lever-release shotguns has grown in popularity over recent years, not all designs feel equally natural or intuitive in the hand. The Bushpig 2.0 stands out because of just how smooth and uninterrupted the shooting rhythm feels. 

With each trigger pull, the gas-operated system cycles the bolt without needing to break your cheek weld or needing to shift the firearm dramatically to reset the action. This means that you can simply press the thumb-operated release lever to chamber your next round. It’s a subtle motion that requires minimal muscle movement, minimal disruption to your hold and minimal loss of sight picture. 

For hunters, this translates directly into better performance. Staying on target becomes second nature and follow-up shots feel almost instinctive. When you’re shooting at fast moving targets like pigs or foxes, that extra quarter second of reaction time and the ability to keep the shotgun firmly shouldered can genuinely make the difference between success or frustration. 

Shooters familiar with other less ergonomic straight pulls, push buttons and lever release systems will notice the improvement immediately thanks to less motion, less time spent resetting and a more confident natural rhythm with every shot. 

Dual loading, dual advantage 

Practicality is one of the strongest themes running through the Bushpig 2.0’s design and nowhere is that more evident than in the dual loading system. Axor Arms clearly understood that shooters value flexibility not just in firing, but also in how the gun is topped up, unloaded and managed safely. 

Users can load the shotgun in two different ways: 

1. Via the traditional under-belly loading gate, allowing quick and efficient insertion of shells directly into the magazine tube. 

2. By breaking open the action, thus giving full access to the chamber and the magazine tube for direct loading or unloading. 

Loading and unloading has never been easier or safer than when utilising the direct access to the tube feed system. 

This dual system pays dividends in more ways than one. On the range, the loading gate is fast and familiar. In the bush, the break-open method becomes a powerful safety tool, letting you clear or top up the shotgun without cycling live rounds through the action. Being able to unload quickly and cleanly is particularly valuable when crossing fences, entering vehicles or navigating tricky terrain. 

The design is simple, intuitive and practical… An excellent example of Axor Arms improving functionality without over complicating the firearm. 

Smart, compact folding action 

One of the standout physical improvements in the Bushpig 2.0 is the addition of a smart folding action. While folding firearms are nothing new, Axor Arms has implemented the concept in a way that enhances usability without compromising strength or reliability. 

When folded, the Bushpig 2.0 becomes incredibly compact, which is ideal for but not limited to: vehicle storage, backpack carry, quad bike or buggy transport and manoeuvring in tight safe or storage spaces. 

For hunters who cover long distances or travel through harsh terrain, compactness can become as valuable as weight savings. A shotgun that folds neatly away is less cumbersome and more secure when not in immediate use. 

The folding design also gives easier access to the magazine tube for loading/unloading, maintenance or clearing debris. Importantly, the gun is completely inoperable when folded, which provides an added layer of safety when moving between locations. 

A rugged design with refined features 

The Bushpig 2.0 makes a strong first impression even before you fire the first shot. Axor Arms includes a robust hard case, providing plenty of space for the folded shotgun, chokes and any accessories you may need out on the range or in the field. For new buyers, and particularly those who plan to travel or hunt in remote areas, having a durable protective case included in the initial purchase provides a welcome value add. 

Moving to the firearm itself, the upgrades become immediately obvious. The reinforced receiver represents a significant improvement and has been tested to handle a wide range of loads. From light 28-gram target shells to heavy-hitting 42-gram hunting loads, the shotgun shows confidence and consistency. 

Recoil management feels well balanced and the action maintains smooth cycling across the load spectrum. 

The Bushpig 2.0 features a pistol-grip mounted release button positioned exactly where the thumb naturally rests, a reliable safety that is both easily accessible and intuitive, an adjustable cheek riser for a customised fit and even built-in spare round holders on the stock for practical field reloads. 

These elements combine to create a firearm that feels deliberate and user-friendly while being something designed for and around real Australian conditions, not just a generic template. 

Optics-ready and customisable 

Today’s shooters expect flexibility in optics and Axor Arms delivers. The Bushpig 2.0 arrives with Glock-style fibre-optic sights, which are clear, bright and quick to acquire in most if not all conditions. 

For shooters wanting more precision, the real magic lies in the removable top rail section. Beneath it lies an RMS-compatible mounting footprint that is ready to accept popular red-dot optics such as the range of ZeroTech reflex sights available in today’s market. 

Many shotguns in the Bushpig’s price category force buyers to invest in aftermarket modifications before they can mount premium optics. In this instance, however, the BushPig 2.0 delivers this option straight out of the box. For pig hunters who want a fast, clean sight picture or even competitors looking for quicker target transitions, this is a strong advantage. 

In the field: Reliable and balanced 

All the engineering refinements in the world mean little if the gun doesn’t perform where it matters: in the field. Fortunately, in this case the Bushpig 2.0 well and truly lives up to its spec sheet. 

During my testing, the shotgun delivered smooth, consistent cycling, confident handling with both light and heavy loads, fast and fluid target transitions, especially with a red dot installed, and provided dependable reliability in all conditions. 

For pig hunters in particular, the ability to remain shouldered and deliver quick follow-up shots is a huge strength. The gun feels lively yet nimble and settles quickly on target and recovers rapidly after firing. 

In short, it behaves exactly as a modern lever-release shotgun should in my opinion, which is fast, controlled and confidence inspiring. 

Why it’s worth your attention 

Versatility: 

Capable across hunting, sport shooting, recreational shooting/hunting and  general field work. 

Speed and efficiency: 

The lever-release system preserves sight picture and grip, enabling rapid follow- ups. 

Exceptional value: 

Packed with features usually seen on more expensive shotguns. 

Portability: 

The folding action and included heavy-duty case make it ideal for travel and field  transport. 

Customisation: 

Optics ready, adjustable ergonomics and accessory friendly. 

Final verdict 

The Axor Arms Bushpig 2.0 isn’t just another incremental update to a popular design; it represents a thoughtful and meaningful re-imagining of what a modern lever-release shotgun can and should be, which is practical, robust and highly adaptable. It introduces genuine innovation without compromising the simplicity, safety or reliability that Australian hunters and shooters depend on. 

For those seeking a versatile, fast-handling shotgun suited to pigs, pests, sporting use and as a general-purpose field carry, the Bushpig 2.0 stands out as a firearm that is not only worth considering but genuinely worthy of being your next shotgun acquisition.