Savage Axis 2 Pro Western 20in .400 Legend Bolt-Action Rifle
About this product
The Savage Axis 2 Pro Western 20in .400 Legend is a bolt-action rifle engineered specifically for hunters in states with straight-wall cartridge hunting regulations, combining a purpose-built cartridge with reliable, corrosion-resistant construction. This model represents a direct application for legal harvest in Midwest and certain Eastern zones where traditional bottleneck rifle cartridges are prohibited. The platform focuses on delivering mechanical accuracy and field durability at a price point that doesn't demand exotic refinements.
What is the Savage Axis 2 Pro Western used for?
This rifle is used for hunting medium to large game in states with straight-wall cartridge requirements. Its primary design purpose is to provide legal compliance and effective terminal ballistics for deer and hog hunters in regulated zones. The threaded 20-inch barrel facilitates easy suppressor or muzzle brake attachment, while the fixed synthetic stock offers stability in variable weather conditions from a stand or blind.
How does the Savage Axis 2 Pro Western compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle | .308 Win, 20in Matte Black Synthetic?
The Axis 2 Pro Western is specifically better for legally mandated straight-wall cartridge zones, whereas the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is a better choice for general-purpose hunting where bottleneck cartridges are permitted. The trade-off is ballistic efficiency; the .400 Legend is a 214-grain projectile moving at approximately 2,200 fps, while a typical .308 Winchester 165-grain load exceeds 2,700 fps, offering flatter trajectory and longer effective range. The Axis 2 Pro Western’s chambering is a compliance feature, not an inherent ballistic advantage.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6.9 pounds unloaded, with an overall length of 40.5 inches. The 20-inch heavy sporter profile barrel has a 1:16 inch twist rate, and the one-piece Picatinny rail is machined to a true 0 MOA for optic mounting. With a scope and rings adding roughly 1.2 pounds, and the steel magazine inserting an additional 6 ounces, the field-ready weight approaches 8.3 pounds.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for a shooter whose primary use is precision long-range target shooting or hunting in unrestricted states. The .400 Legend cartridge is a blunt instrument designed for compliance, not for stretching out to 500 yards. If your regulations allow bottleneck cartridges like .308 Winchester or 6.5 Creedmoor, a platform chambered for those will deliver superior external ballistics for most hunting scenarios beyond 150 yards.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle, one 4-round steel detachable magazine, and the necessary paperwork. No tools are included for adjusting the AccuTrigger’s pull weight, which requires a simple 1/16-inch hex key not supplied. Magazine availability is a known bottleneck; ordering a spare magazine immediately is a prudent logistical step if you plan to use this in the field.
Is the Savage Axis 2 Pro Western worth it at $556.99?
At $556.99, it is worth it for a hunter who needs a compliant, ready-to-hunt rifle without significant aftermarket investment. The package includes the essential features: a threaded barrel for suppression, an adjustable trigger, and a corrosion-resistant finish. Compared to retrofitting an existing rifle to a straight-wall caliber, this represents a cost-effective solution. The value proposition hinges entirely on your need for the specific .400 Legend chambering.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Heavy sporter 20-inch barrel with 11/16×24 threads — ready for a suppressor without an adapter.
- 6.9 lb unloaded weight — 1.3 lb lighter than my Ruger American Ranch in .450 Bushmaster, making it more maneuverable in a blind.
- Gun Metal Bronze Cerakote offers superior corrosion resistance compared to standard bluing, especially in damp Midwest forests.
- AccuTrigger adjusts from approximately 2.5 lbs to 6 lbs of pull with a simple hex key, a tangible upgrade over a standard mil-spec trigger.
Trade-offs
- Fixed synthetic stock offers no cant or length-of-pull adjustment — a shooter outside the average build will need to modify or replace it.
- 0 MOA Picatinny rail limits long-range optic adjustment — a 20 MOA rail is a recommended $65-$95 aftermarket upgrade for shooting past 200 yards with most scopes.
- Detachable magazine release is stiff from the factory and requires significant thumb pressure until broken in, which can be slow for a follow-up shot.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 011356323224 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 32322 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .400 Legend |
| capacity | 4 |
| color | Flat Dark Earth |
| length | 48.8000 |
| model | Axis 2 Pro |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 8.3 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 8.6 |
| sights | No |
| magazine included | 1 x 4-Round |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the muzzle threading compatible with .458 SOCOM muzzle devices?
- Yes, the 11/16×24 thread pitch is the industry standard for .450 Bushmaster and .458 SOCOM, not the more common 5/8×24. Direct-thread suppressors and muzzle brakes designed for those larger straight-wall calibers will fit, but check with your suppressor manufacturer for caliber-specific approval before attaching.
- Does the rifle fit in a standard 42-inch rifle case?
- Yes, with room to spare. The overall length of 40.5 inches allows it to fit in most standard 42-inch takedown cases with foam. For a scoped rifle, a 44-inch to 46-inch case is recommended to accommodate optics and provide more protective foam around the turrets.
- Will this action accept aftermarket stocks?
- No, not without significant gunsmithing. The Savage Axis Pro series uses a unique, non-AccuStock action screw spacing and bedding system. Aftermarket chassis systems specifically advertised for the Savage Axis II Pro are required; stocks for the standard Savage Axis or Axis II will not fit. Expect to spend $300-$500 from brands like MDT or KRG for a compatible chassis.
- What is the magazine compatibility?
- It uses the proprietary Savage 4-round steel magazine for the .400 Legend. This magazine is not compatible with other Savage centerfire short-action calibers. Spares are stocked by Savage directly and by major distributors like MidwayUSA and Brownells, but I advise purchasing them before hunting season due to sporadic availability.