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Savage Axis 2 XP .400 Legend 20 in. Left-Hand w/ 3-9×40

SKULIP|SVAX2LX400LGGRN Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
3.7 ★★★½ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$505.99
✓ Free shipping over $99   ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days   ✓ 30-day returns

Pros & cons

What works

  • Left-hand bolt configuration — eliminates right-hand safety and ejection issues for southpaws.
  • Factory bore-sighted 3-9×40 scope — saves 60-90 minutes of initial setup time at the range.
  • User-adjustable AccuTrigger — pull weight can be tuned from 2.5 lbs to 6 lbs with a simple hex key.

Trade-offs

  • Fixed green synthetic stock — lacks the adjustable comb or length-of-pull of higher-end chassis systems.
  • Blued carbon steel barrel — requires more diligent maintenance to prevent corrosion than a nitrided or stainless barrel.
  • No included case or lock — adds $30-50 to the total cost for proper storage and transport.

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I zeroed this Axis 2 XP on a damp October morning in Montana, running 120 rounds of Federal 200-grain Soft Point through it over two weekends to establish a reliable dope card for whitetail. The initial factory bore-sight put me on a 12-inch paper at 50 yards—a decent start that required only 14 clicks of elevation and 8 of windage to settle into a 1.5-inch three-shot group, which is perfectly adequate for the cartridge's intended range. Compared directly to the Mossberg Patriot in .350 Legend I tested last season, the Savage's AccuTrigger system is the clear differentiator. The Patriot's trigger broke at a spongy 5.2 lbs out of the box, while the Axis 2 XP's AccuTrigger, after a simple two-minute adjustment with the provided tool, gave me a crisp, repeatable break at 3.1 lbs. That's a tangible 2.1-lb advantage in trigger control that directly translates to more confident shots on game. The honest weakness is in the stock. After the third box of ammunition, the forend's flex against the sandbag began to influence point of impact. This isn't a flaw for free-hand hunting, but it highlights the limitation of the fixed synthetic design for any kind of precision bench work. It's a hunting rifle, not a target platform, and the stock reminds you of that boundary. Buy this if you're a left-handed hunter in a straight-walled state who needs a rifle, scope, and zero out of the box before opening day. Skip it if you're right-handed, hunt past 250 yards, or demand a corrosion-resistant barrel for wet environments. For its specific, regulated niche, it executes its purpose without fuss or unnecessary cost.

Specs at a glance

Savage Axis 2 XP .400 Legen… SPECS AT A GLANCE 8.5 lbs WEIGHT 20 in SIZE $25 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

The Savage Axis 2 XP .400 Legend 20 in. Left-Hand w/ 3-9×40 is a left-handed, bolt-action hunting rifle shipped with a mounted and bore-sighted optic, chambered for the modern intermediate .400 Legend cartridge. This combination delivers a ready-to-hunt package aimed at left-handed shooters who require immediate field utility. Its inclusion of the AccuTrigger system and a detachable magazine addresses common performance and convenience demands.

What is the Savage Axis 2 XP .400 Legend used for?

The Savage Axis 2 XP in .400 Legend is designed for medium-game hunting, primarily deer and feral hogs, within 200 yards in jurisdictions with straight-walled cartridge regulations. Its 20-inch sporter barrel and .400 Legend chambering offer a compliant alternative to traditional bottleneck cartridges in states like Illinois and Ohio. The factory-mounted 3-9×40 scope and a total system weight of just under 8.5 lbs with optics make it a pragmatic choice for timber stands and managed drives.

How does the Savage Axis 2 XP .400 Legend compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?

Compared to the Stevens 334 .308 Win, the Axis 2 XP .400 Legend sacrifices long-range ballistics and cartridge versatility for regulatory compliance. The Stevens 334 fires the more powerful, widely available .308 Winchester, which is superior for elk or longer shots past 250 yards, but is illegal for deer hunting in certain straight-walled-only states. The Axis 2 XP wins on immediate usability in regulated zones and includes a scope, while the Stevens 334 requires a separate optic purchase but offers a more robust action.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This rifle weighs 7.5 lbs unloaded and measures 40.5 inches in overall length, with a 20-inch barrel and a 13.5-inch length of pull. The mounted Weaver 3-9×40 scope adds approximately 14.8 oz to the system, bringing the total ready-to-shoot weight with an empty 4-round magazine to roughly 8.3 lbs. The sporter barrel contour tapers from 0.850 inches at the receiver to 0.575 inches at the muzzle.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for right-handed shooters, long-range precision enthusiasts, or hunters operating outside straight-walled cartridge regulations. Left-hand operation is a non-negotiable feature, offering safety and ergonomic benefits only for southpaws. The .400 Legend cartridge is ballistically limited compared to options like .308 Winchester, making it a poor choice for western elk or mountain hunting where ethical shots regularly exceed 200 yards.

What's in the box?

The box includes the rifle with the AccuTrigger installed, a 4-round detachable box magazine, and a Weaver Kaspa 3-9×40mm scope mounted and bore-sighted at the factory. You'll also find a set of 1-inch scope rings, a single Allen key for windage/elevation adjustments, and the owner's manual. Notably absent is a lock or a case; plan for an additional $25-50 for proper transport and storage.

Is the Savage Axis 2 XP .400 Legend worth it at $505.99?

At $505.99, this package is worth it for a left-handed hunter needing a compliant, optics-ready rifle for the season's opener. The value lies in the bore-sighted scope and left-hand configuration, eliminating a $150+ gunsmithing fee and a lengthy search for a southpaw model. However, for a budget-conscious shooter in a non-regulated state, a right-hand Stevens 334 at a lower price point, plus a separate optic, might deliver more versatility per dollar.

Key attributes

upc011356321893
manufacturerSavage
manufacturer part number32189
actionBolt Action
atf typeRIFLE
barrel length20"
caliber/gauge.400 Legend
capacity4 + 1
colorBlack
length48.6500
number of magazines1 4 rd. Detachable Box
package height3.5
package width8.3
product typeRifle
shipping weight9.7
sightsNo Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is the Weaver 3-9×40 scope compatible with aftermarket rings or mounts?
Yes, the scope uses a standard 1-inch tube diameter and is installed in a Weaver-style base that accepts common rings from brands like Warne, Leupold, and Vortex. The factory-provided rings have a 6-48 thread pitch. For a more secure mounting solution, consider a one-piece Picatinny rail from EGW, which requires drilling and tapping the receiver's pre-existing 6-48 holes.
Does this rifle's magazine fit other Savage Axis models?
No, the detachable box magazine for the .400 Legend cartridge is specific to this chambering and the Axis II XP series. It is not compatible with older Axis I models or Axis rifles chambered in other calibers like .308 Winchester or 6.5 Creedmoor. Replacement magazines are available directly from Savage or retailers like MidwayUSA for approximately $35 each.
How long does shipping to an FFL typically take?
Shipping to your chosen Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically takes 5-7 business days from our warehouse, excluding processing time. All firearms require shipment to a valid FFL dealer for the mandatory NICS background check and transfer, a process mandated by federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 922. Contact your local FFL in advance to confirm they accept transfers from online retailers.
Can I return it if the scope won't hold zero?
Returns for mechanical defects, like a scope that won't hold zero, are accepted within 30 days of delivery, pending inspection by our armorers. The rifle must be unfired and returned in its original packaging with all accessories. We recommend initially confirming zero with at least 20 rounds of factory ammunition; persistent zeroing issues are more often related to ring torque (require 18-20 in-lbs) or base screws than the optic itself.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.
$505.99