Savage Axis 2 XP Hardwood LH Rifle .400 Legend 20 in
Pros & cons
What works
- Includes a bore-sighted 3-9x40 scope saving $150+ and 25 minutes of initial setup time
- Left-hand specific bolt action eliminates the 7.6 lb rifle crossing the shooter's field of view
- AccuTrigger adjusts from 2.5 to 6 lbs pull weight for a crisp, customizable break
Trade-offs
- Barrel is not threaded for suppressors, requiring $120+ in gunsmith work to add
- .400 Legend ammunition costs 30-40% more per round than common .308 Winchester
- Proprietary 4-round magazine limits aftermarket options and spares cost ~$35 each
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Savage Axis 2 XP Hardwood LH is a left-hand bolt-action rifle chambered in .400 Legend, designed as an out-of-the-box hunting solution. This package from Savage includes a factory-mounted and bore-sighted 3-9×40 scope, eliminating the need for initial optic setup and saving approximately 25 minutes of zeroing time. The .400 Legend cartridge, a straight-walled design legal for deer hunting in numerous Midwestern states, provides a 400-grain bullet traveling at roughly 2,200 feet per second, creating an ethical hunting option within specific regulatory frameworks.
What is the Savage Axis 2 XP used for?
This rifle is a dedicated tool for left-handed hunters pursuing medium game like whitetail deer in jurisdictions with straight-walled cartridge requirements. The .400 Legend cartridge generates over 2,000 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, making it effective for shots inside 200 yards on deer-sized game. Its 20-inch barrel and 7.6-pound weight balance maneuverability in thick brush with sufficient mass to manage recoil.
How does the Savage Axis 2 XP compare to the Stevens 334?
The Savage Axis 2 XP is a better immediate-use package, while the Stevens 334 in .308 Win offers a more compact platform and versatile cartridge. The Savage wins on initial convenience with its included, bore-sighted scope, a $150-$200 value not present on the base Stevens 334. However, the Stevens 334's .308 Winchester cartridge has superior long-range ballistic performance and vastly broader ammunition availability nationwide, making it a better choice for hunters who travel or target game beyond 250 yards.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 7.6 pounds unloaded and measures 40.5 inches in overall length. The 20-inch sporter-contour barrel contributes to the 7.6-pound heft, which is about 0.7 pounds heavier than a synthetic-stocked variant, aiding in recoil mitigation. The length makes it maneuverable from a blind or while stalking, striking a functional balance between ballistics and handling.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for right-handed shooters, long-range precision enthusiasts, or anyone outside straight-walled cartridge hunting zones. The left-hand action is a specific ergonomic commitment, and the .400 Legend cartridge's trajectory drops significantly beyond 200 yards. If your hunting involves open plains or you require a common cartridge like .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor, consider a standard right-hand model or a platform like the Stevens 334.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle with a mounted 3-9×40 scope, one 4-round detachable box magazine, and the necessary paperwork. The scope is pre-installed and bore-sighted at the factory, meaning your first shots should be on paper at 25 yards, requiring only final zeroing. Unlike some competitors, this package does not include a cleaning kit, sling, or additional magazines, so budget for those essentials separately.
Is the Savage Axis 2 XP worth it at $635.99?
At $635.99, this package represents strong value for a left-handed hunter who needs a compliant, ready-to-hunt rifle immediately. The included scope and bore-sighting save you at least $200 and an hour of setup time compared to buying a bare rifle and budget optic separately. For a lefty restricted to straight-walled cartridges, this is one of the most cost-effective, no-fuss entries into the field.
Key attributes
| upc | 011356322753 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 32275 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .400 Legend |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 48.7500 |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. Detachable Box |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 8.3 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 9.95 |
| sights | No Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
- No, the 20-inch sporter barrel on this model is not threaded. The muzzle is crowned but lacks the 5/8-24 or similar threads required for direct suppressor attachment. Adding threads would require a gunsmith's lathe work, costing approximately $120-$200 plus the cost of a thread protector or muzzle device.
- Does it work with aftermarket stocks?
- Yes, the Savage Axis II action has support from several aftermarket stock manufacturers like Boyd's and Bell & Carlson. However, the left-hand action requires a left-hand specific stock inlet, which can limit immediate off-the-shelf availability compared to right-hand models. Always verify LH compatibility before purchase.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes and ships in-stock firearms within 1-2 business days. Transit time via our partnered carrier, typically UPS, adds 3-5 business days depending on your FFL's location. Your chosen FFL must email their license to [email protected] before we can release the shipment.
- Can I return it if I don't like the trigger?
- No, firearms are non-returnable per federal law and our policy once the transfer at your FFL is complete. The AccuTrigger is user-adjustable from approximately 2.5 pounds to 6 pounds pull weight; we recommend experimenting with the adjustment before deciding it's unsuitable. All sales are final after transfer.
- Is the .400 Legend compatible with .223/5.56 magazines?
- No, it is not compatible. The .400 Legend cartridge uses a proprietary magazine due to its larger case diameter and overall length of 2.26 inches. This rifle includes one 4-round steel magazine; additional magazines are available from Savage or distributors like MidwayUSA for about $35 each.