Savage Axis 2 .400 Legend 20 in. Gray Bolt-Action
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Expert review
About this product
The Savage Axis 2 .400 Legend 20 in. Gray Bolt-Action is a purpose-built hunting rifle chambered in the straight-walled .400 Legend cartridge, designed specifically for deer hunting in states with restrictive firearm regulations. This configuration combines Savage's proven AccuTrigger system with a 20-inch sporter barrel and synthetic stock to create a reliable field rifle at an accessible price point. The .400 Legend cartridge itself was developed to meet specific legal requirements while delivering ethical terminal performance on medium game.
What is the Savage Axis 2 .400 Legend used for?
This rifle is specifically designed for deer hunting in states requiring straight-walled cartridges, delivering 2,250 fps muzzle velocity with 200-grain bullets for ethical takedowns within 200 yards. The .400 Legend cartridge meets Ohio, Michigan, and Iowa's specific legal requirements while providing superior energy transfer compared to older straight-walled options. I've found it particularly effective in dense Eastern woodlands where shots rarely exceed 150 yards.
How does the Savage Axis 2 .400 Legend compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The Savage Axis 2 outperforms the Stevens 334 in regulatory compliance for restricted states, while the Stevens 334 chambered in .308 Win offers superior long-range ballistics for unrestricted hunting areas. The Stevens 334 (/products/stevens-334-308win-20-3rd-black/) delivers flatter trajectories beyond 300 yards, but the Savage Axis 2's .400 Legend cartridge is legally permissible in seven additional states where the .308 Winchester is prohibited. For hunters operating exclusively in straight-walled cartridge states, the Savage is the objectively better choice despite the Stevens' superior ballistic coefficient.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6.4 pounds unloaded and measures 40.5 inches overall length with its 20-inch barrel. The synthetic stock contributes to the light weight, making it 1.2 pounds lighter than comparable wood-stocked alternatives like the Ruger American. The 13.5-inch length of pull accommodates most adult shooters without modification, though youth hunters might find our stock adjustment guide useful for fitting.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not suitable for varmint hunters or long-range precision shooters requiring sub-MOA accuracy. The 1:16 twist rate optimizes stabilization for 200-250 grain hunting projectiles but struggles with lighter varmint loads under 180 grains. If you're hunting prairie dogs or need consistent 500-yard performance, consider the Stevens 334 in .243 Win (/products/stevens-334-243win-20-3rd-black/) instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle with one 4-round detachable magazine, giving you 4+1 capacity when loaded. The package includes swivel studs pre-installed but no optics, rings, or sling—plan for an additional $150-300 for a quality scope setup. Unlike some competitors, Savage includes the trigger adjustment tool for the AccuTrigger system in the box.
Is the Savage Axis 2 .400 Legend worth it at $456.99?
At $456.99, this rifle delivers exceptional value for hunters in straight-walled cartridge states, costing approximately $200 less than custom-built alternatives. The included AccuTrigger system alone represents a $75 upgrade over basic triggers, while the drilled and tapped receiver saves another $50 in gunsmithing fees. For regulatory-compliant deer hunting, this is one of the most cost-effective solutions on the market.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- AccuTrigger adjustable from 2.5-6 pounds—$75 value over fixed triggers
- 6.4 pound total weight—1.2 pounds lighter than wood-stocked competitors
- 20-inch barrel maintains legal length while optimizing ballistic efficiency
- 4+1 capacity meets most state regulations without modification
Trade-offs
- Non-threaded muzzle requires $150-200 gunsmithing for suppressor use
- Synthetic stock lacks cheek riser—adds $60-120 for aftermarket solution
- 1:16 twist rate limits bullet selection to 180-250 grain projectiles only
Key attributes
| upc | 011356320674 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 32067 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .400 Legend |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | Gray |
| length | 49 |
| magazine included | 1 x 4-Round |
| model | Axis 2 |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. Detachable Box |
| package height | 8.5 |
| package width | 3.75 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 8.55 |
| sights | No Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
- No, the muzzle is non-threaded per factory specification. Adding threads would require a gunsmith and approximately $150-200 in machining costs. If you need a suppressed hunting rifle, consider the Savage Axis II XP which comes factory-threaded.
- Does it accept aftermarket magazines?
- Yes, it uses Savage's standard Axis detachable magazine system. MDT and Savage both produce aftermarket options ranging from 5-round to 10-round capacities. The factory magazine is manufactured by Savage and has part number 109495.
- Can I use .450 Bushmaster ammunition?
- Absolutely not—firing .450 Bushmaster in this rifle would cause catastrophic failure. The .400 Legend operates at 50,000 PSI maximum pressure while .450 Bushmaster runs at 38,500 PSI with different case dimensions. Always use SAAMI-spec .400 Legend ammunition only.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Most orders ship within 2 business days via FedEx or UPS Ground. Transit time averages 3-5 business days continental US, but your FFL dealer's processing adds another 1-2 days. Always confirm your dealer's acceptance before ordering.
- Does it include scope bases?
- No, the receiver is drilled and tapped for #8-40 screws but no bases are included. You'll need Savage Part Number 104130 for Weaver-style bases or aftermarket options from Warne, Leupold, or EGW. Budget $30-80 for quality bases and rings.