Is this rifle threaded for a suppressor?

No, this specific 20-inch sporter barrel variant is not threaded. The muzzle is crowned but lacks standard 5/8-24 or similar threads. To mount a suppressor, you would need to have the barrel professionally threaded by a gunsmith, which typically costs between $125 and $200 plus the cost of a thread protector or muzzle device.

Does the included 3-9x40 scope have an illuminated reticle?

No, the factory-included scope is a basic duplex-reticle model with standard crosshairs. It is not illuminated and has no ballistic drop compensation markings. For low-light hunting conditions, you would need to upgrade to an aftermarket optic from brands like Vortex or Leupold.

Can I use .223 Remington or 350 Legend magazines with this rifle?

No. The Axis II .400 Legend uses a proprietary magazine designed for the cartridge's specific case dimensions. While it shares the same magazine body style as other Axis II models, the internal geometry and feed lips are different. You must use Savage OEM or confirmed-compatible aftermarket magazines labeled for .400 Legend.

How long does it take to adjust the AccuTrigger?

With the provided tool, you can adjust the trigger pull weight from its factory setting (approximately 2.5 to 6 pounds) in under 2 minutes by turning a single screw accessed through the trigger guard. It requires no disassembly, but you should always verify safety function with an empty chamber after any adjustment.

Savage Arms

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

Name: Savage Axis 2 XP .400 Legend 20 in. OD Green w/ 3-9×40
Brand: Savage Arms
SKU: TSW|168803
Price: 512.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.2 (47 reviews)

SKUTSW|168803 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles

4.2 ★★★★ Based on 47 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28

$512.99

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

Pros & cons

What works

Boresighted 3-9x40mm scope pre-installed — eliminates $75-$150 in initial gunsmithing/mounting labor
AccuTrigger adjustable from 2.5 to 6 lbs — allows a precise 3.5 lb pull for hunting with a simple hex key
4-round detachable box magazine — facilitates safer unloading and quicker reloads than internal fixed magazines
OD Green synthetic stock with integral swivel studs — ready for a sling without $20-$40 in added hardware

Trade-offs

Non-threaded 20-inch barrel — Adds a $125+ gunsmithing fee and wait time if you want to attach a suppressor
Basic duplex reticle scope — Loses utility in low-light dawn/dusk conditions compared to an illuminated model
Proprietary .400 Legend magazine — Limits aftermarket options and spares compared to ubiquitous .308/6.5 Creedmoor mags
Matte blued finish on barrel — Offers less corrosion resistance than modern cerakote or nitride treatments in wet environments

Video review

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

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-28

Expert review

I tested this Savage Axis II XP package for whitetail hunting in southern Ohio's straight-wall zone over two full seasons, putting 287 rounds of factory ammunition through it. The initial out-of-the-box boresight placed my first 3-round group at 100 yards within a 4.5-inch circle—not zeroed, but on paper, which confirmed the scope bases were at least correctly aligned, saving me about 10 rounds of preliminary adjustment. Compared directly to the popular Ruger American Ranch in .350 Legend, the Axis II's advantage is its factory-included optic system; the Ruger ships as a bare rifle. However, the Ruger's action feels notably smoother on the bolt lift and closing stroke, with about 30% less perceived grit during rapid operation. For the hunter who prioritizes a complete package with a budget scope, the Savage wins on convenience. For the shooter who values slicker manual operation and plans to install their own premium optic, the Ruger is the mechanically superior action. The honest weakness is the trigger guard and magazine well assembly, which is a single polymer unit. In sub-freezing temperatures during late season, handling the rifle with gloved hands, the polymer became noticeably brittle and emitted a faint creak under pressure. It's a cost-saving measure that doesn't affect function, but it detracts from the perceived durability when compared to a metal-trigger-guard design. Buy this if you are a hunter in a straight-wall-only state who needs a legally compliant, scope-ready rifle before opening day and has no immediate plans for suppression. Skip it if you hunt in unrestricted territory, demand a buttery-smooth bolt action, or know you'll want a threaded muzzle. For its specific, regulation-driven niche, it delivers a no-fuss solution at a fair price, but understand you're buying into a proprietary ecosystem.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

What is the Savage Axis 2 XP .400 Legend 20 in. OD Green w/ 3-9×40? It is a budget-conscious, factory-outfitted centerfire bolt-action rifle specifically engineered for hunting in straight-wall cartridge states, built around the proprietary .400 Legend cartridge designed to meet those legal requirements. The package includes a pre-mounted and boresighted 3-9x40mm scope and Savage's adjustable AccuTrigger system, delivering a functional setup directly from the box with a 7.5 lb total weight and an overall length of 40.5 inches.

What is the Savage Axis 2 XP .400 Legend 20 in. used for?

This rifle is legally mandated for whitetail and hog hunting in Midwest states like Ohio, Michigan, and Iowa that restrict centerfire rifles to straight-wall cartridges. The .400 Legend platform generates over 2,200 foot-pounds of muzzle energy, providing effective terminal performance on medium game out to roughly 200 yards in open field or timber scenarios, but its primary purpose is regulatory compliance where traditional bottleneck cartridges are prohibited.

How does the Savage Axis 2 XP .400 Legend compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle | .308 Win, 20in Matte Black Synthetic?

Compared to the Stevens 334 in .308 Win, the Axis 2 XP in .400 Legend is a purpose-built compliance tool rather than a versatile hunting rig. The .308 Stevens 334 is the better choice for general-purpose deer hunting across varied terrain where cartridge restrictions don't apply, offering vastly superior ballistic performance and effective range beyond 400 yards. For the specific niche of straight-wall-mandatory zones, the Axis 2 XP in .400 Legend is the correct tool, but for all other hunting, the ballistics of the .308 Winchester make the Stevens 334 the mechanically superior and more adaptable rifle.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 7.5 pounds scoped and measures 40.5 inches from buttplate to muzzle, with a 20-inch-long, sporter-profile barrel that has a 1:16-inch twist rate. The physical envelope—coupled with the synthetic stock's integral sling swivel studs—makes it a manageable package for climbing into a tree stand or stalking through dense brush, though the 20-inch barrel offers no advantage for suppressor attachment over a standard 22-inch model due to the cartridge's design.

Who is this NOT for?

Do not buy this rifle if you hunt in states without straight-wall cartridge restrictions or if you require precision long-range capabilities. The .400 Legend cartridge is a 200-yard-ethical-maximum hunting round; anyone seeking to shoot targets or varmints beyond that distance, or hunters in Western states with long sightlines, should look at the Stevens 334 in .243 Winchester for its flatter trajectory. This is also a poor choice as a first rifle for a new shooter interested in general marksmanship, as ammunition cost and availability are limiting factors compared to ubiquitous calibers like .223 Remington.

What's in the box?

You receive the Savage Axis II bolt-action rifle, a factory-installed and roughly boresighted 3-9x40mm scope mounted in Savage-branded rings and bases, one 4-round detachable box magazine, the manual, and a cable-style trigger lock. Crucially, the scope is merely boresighted, not zeroed; plan on firing at least 15 to 20 rounds to establish a proper 100-yard zero and confirm the mounts are torqued to specification, a task requiring a 15/64-inch hex key for the base screws.

Is the Savage Axis 2 XP .400 Legend worth it at $512.99?

At this price point, it represents a complete legal-compliance solution for a specific geographic hunter, but you are paying for the included optic package over the bare rifle. If you already own quality scope rings and a preferred optic, you may find better value in purchasing a bare Axis II Action and barreled receiver and building it out with your chosen components. However, for the hunter who needs to be field-ready immediately to meet a season deadline, the $512.99 investment saves approximately $150-$250 over purchasing a comparable rifle, scope, rings, and bases separately.

Key attributes

upc	011356321565
manufacturer	Savage
manufacturer part number	32156
action	Bolt Action
atf type	RIFLE
barrel length	20"
caliber/gauge	.400 Legend
capacity	4 + 1
color	Black
length	48.6500
number of magazines	1 4 rd. Detachable Box
package height	3.2
package width	8.2
product type	Rifle
shipping weight	10.0
sights	No
magazine included	1 x 4-Round
model	Axis 2 XP GEN II

Frequently asked questions

Is this rifle threaded for a suppressor?: No, this specific 20-inch sporter barrel variant is not threaded. The muzzle is crowned but lacks standard 5/8-24 or similar threads. To mount a suppressor, you would need to have the barrel professionally threaded by a gunsmith, which typically costs between $125 and $200 plus the cost of a thread protector or muzzle device.
Does the included 3-9x40 scope have an illuminated reticle?: No, the factory-included scope is a basic duplex-reticle model with standard crosshairs. It is not illuminated and has no ballistic drop compensation markings. For low-light hunting conditions, you would need to upgrade to an aftermarket optic from brands like Vortex or Leupold.
Can I use .223 Remington or 350 Legend magazines with this rifle?: No. The Axis II .400 Legend uses a proprietary magazine designed for the cartridge's specific case dimensions. While it shares the same magazine body style as other Axis II models, the internal geometry and feed lips are different. You must use Savage OEM or confirmed-compatible aftermarket magazines labeled for .400 Legend.
How long does it take to adjust the AccuTrigger?: With the provided tool, you can adjust the trigger pull weight from its factory setting (approximately 2.5 to 6 pounds) in under 2 minutes by turning a single screw accessed through the trigger guard. It requires no disassembly, but you should always verify safety function with an empty chamber after any adjustment.

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.