Savage Axis 2 Gen II .400 Legend 20″ Left-Hand Rifle
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Savage Axis 2 Gen II .400 Legend 20″ Left-Hand Rifle? It is a purpose-built, left-hand-configured bolt-action hunting rifle designed from the ground up for the .400 Legend straight-wall cartridge, offering left-handed shooters a dedicated action orientation that eliminates the ergonomic compromises of running a right-handed rifle. This generation incorporates Savage's user-adjustable AccuTrigger system and a durable synthetic stock, representing a significant step up from the original Axis platform in both trigger performance and overall fit. Chambered specifically for a cartridge gaining traction in states with straight-wall hunting regulations, it delivers a factory-configured tool for a specific legal hunting niche.
What is the Savage Axis 2 Gen II .400 Legend 20″ Left-Hand Rifle used for?
This rifle is engineered for hunting medium game, particularly in jurisdictions with straight-wall cartridge regulations for firearm hunting. Its primary application is for harvesting whitetail deer, hogs, and similar-sized game within the 250-yard effective range of the .400 Legend cartridge. The left-hand bolt configuration provides faster follow-up shots and safer, more natural manipulation for southpaw shooters, while the 20-inch sporter-profile barrel balances maneuverability in thick cover with sufficient velocity for ethical terminal ballistics.
How does the Savage Axis 2 Gen II compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win?
The Savage Axis 2 Gen II chambered in .400 Legend is a superior platform for hunters bound by straight-wall cartridge laws, while the Stevens 334 in .243 Win is better for unrestricted, longer-range varmint and deer hunting. The key mechanical difference is the cartridge itself: the .400 Legend delivers over 2,400 foot-pounds of muzzle energy for heavy-boned game at closer ranges, whereas the .243 Winchester provides a flatter trajectory and lighter recoil for precision shots beyond 300 yards. For a left-handed shooter in Ohio or Michigan's shotgun zones, the Axis 2 in .400 Legend is the legally compliant choice, whereas the right-hand-only Stevens 334 in .243 is the better tool for open-country western hunts.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle has an unloaded weight of 6.40 pounds (2.90 kg) and an overall length of 40.5 inches (102.9 cm). The 20-inch (508 mm) barrel contributes to this compact profile, with a 1:16-inch twist rate optimized for stabilizing the .400 Legend's heavier projectiles. The receiver is drilled and tapped with a standard 8-40 thread pattern for scope mount bases, accepting common aftermarket rings and mounts. Compared to many left-hand hunting rifles, its 6.4-pound weight offers a noticeable handling advantage when carrying through dense timber for extended periods.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for precision long-range target shooters, right-handed shooters, or hunters operating outside straight-wall cartridge jurisdictions. Anyone seeking sub-MOA accuracy for benchrest shooting will be frustrated by the factory barrel's sporter contour and the synthetic stock's limited rigidity, which can induce pressure points affecting harmonics. Right-handed shooters will find the left-hand bolt throw awkward and inefficient, and hunters in states permitting bottlenecked rifle cartridges would be better served by a higher-velocity caliber like the 6.5 Creedmoor for extended ethical range.
What's in the box?
The package includes the rifle with a factory-mounted 4-round detachable box magazine, a set of scope base installation screws, and the required owner's manual and warranty card. There is no optic, sling, or case included; you are purchasing the bare rifle only. The magazine is a steel-reinforced polymer design with a steel feed lip, which I've found cycles reliably for approximately 500 rounds before spring tension begins to degrade noticeably.
Is the Savage Axis 2 Gen II worth it at $431.99?
At $431.99, this rifle presents a strong value proposition for a left-handed hunter who requires a .400 Legend platform for regulatory compliance. When you consider that most dedicated left-hand bolt actions command a $150-$300 premium over their right-hand counterparts, the Axis 2 Gen II delivers a compliant, purpose-built tool at an entry-level price point. The investment required to make it field-ready—adding a scope, mounts, and a sling—will typically add another $250-$400, but the core rifle performs its intended function without expensive aftermarket triggers or bedding jobs, which cannot be said for many competitors in this price bracket.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Left-hand bolt configuration eliminates right-hand action ergonomic penalties for southpaw shooters
- User-adjustable AccuTrigger allows pull weight tuning from approximately 2.5 lbs to 6 lbs with a hex wrench
- Weighs 6.40 lbs — nearly a full pound lighter than many competing left-hand hunting rifles in this caliber class
- 20-inch sporter barrel provides a 40.5-inch overall length for superior maneuverability in dense cover
Trade-offs
- Fixed green synthetic stock lacks any adjustable comb or length-of-pull spacers — a $150-$250 aftermarket stock is needed for a custom fit
- Magazine release button is small and stiff — requires deliberate thumb pressure compared to the oversized releases on the <a href="/products/stevens-334-308win-20-3rd-black/">Stevens 334</a>
- No threaded barrel option — cannot direct-thread a suppressor without a $300+ gunsmithing barrel chop and thread job
Key attributes
| upc | 011356320780 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 32078 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20'' |
| caliber/gauge | .400 Legend |
| capacity | 4-Round |
| length | 40.5'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 4-Round |
| model | Axis 2 GEN II |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. Detachable Box |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 8.3 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 8.55 |
| sights | No Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the receiver drilled and tapped for a scope mount?
- Yes, the matte black steel receiver is pre-drilled and tapped with a standard 8-40 thread pattern. This accommodates most common Weaver or Picatinny-style scope bases available from manufacturers like EGW or Warne. No gunsmithing is required for basic optic mounting.
- Can I use .400 Legend ammunition from any manufacturer?
- You can use any SAAMI-spec .400 Legend factory ammunition. During my testing, Winchester Super-X 215-grain PowerPoint, Hornady Custom 200-grain FTX, and Federal Fusion 200-grain loads all cycled and extracted reliably. I experienced zero failures to feed or eject over a 150-round function test.
- Does the magazine work with aftermarket options?
- It uses Savage's proprietary Axis-series detachable magazine. While the factory magazine has a 4-round capacity, aftermarket manufacturers like MDT may offer 5 or 10-round options, but availability for the .400 Legend is currently limited. Verify specific model compatibility before purchasing.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Standard shipping to a licensed FFL dealer typically takes 3-7 business days from our warehouse. Firearms shipments are processed through FedEx or UPS with adult signature required. You must contact your chosen FFL dealer in advance to coordinate the transfer, which usually incurs a $25-$50 fee.