Savage Axis 2 XP Compact .223 Rem 20″ LH
About this product
The Savage Axis 2 XP Compact .223 Rem 20\u2033 LH is a left-hand bolt-action rifle chambered in .223 Remington with a 20-inch sporter barrel, synthetic green stock, factory-mounted 3-9\u00d740 scope, and Savage's adjustable AccuTrigger system, designed as an out-of-the-box compact package for hunting and training. This configuration represents a thoughtful entry in the affordable, scoped rifle market, addressing the underserved left-handed shooter demographic with a complete ready-to-fire system. The .223 Remington chambering and compact scale prioritize manageable recoil and handling, making it a candidate for youth shooters, small-game hunters, and those seeking a dedicated suppressor or training host.
What is the Savage Axis 2 XP Compact used for?
The Savage Axis 2 XP Compact is used for small-game hunting, introductory to intermediate marksmanship training, and as a suppressor or SBR conversion candidate. Its .223 Remington chambering, fed from a 4-round detachable magazine, is ballistically viable for varmints and coyotes within 250 yards with proper ammunition selection. The boresighted 3-9\u00d740 optic provides immediate utility out of the box, though professional zeroing is recommended, a point I stress for all scoped rifles like the Stevens 334.
How does the Savage Axis 2 XP Compact compare to the Stevens 334?
The Savage Axis 2 XP Compact is a more complete, scoped package right out of the box compared to the optics-ready Stevens 334, but the Stevens 334 offers a more rigid chassis-style synthetic stock. The Stevens 334 is fundamentally a bare rifle, requiring separate optic purchase and mounting, typically adding $150-$300 to its total system cost. The Axis 2 XP includes a functional, boresighted 3-9x scope, making it the better choice for immediate use, while the Stevens 334 is better for shooters who already own or have specific optic preferences.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Savage Axis 2 XP Compact weighs 7.5 pounds (120 oz) with its mounted scope, which is 1.2 pounds heavier than a comparable open-sighted rifle like the Ruger American Ranch. Its overall length is 40.5 inches from buttplate to muzzle, with a barrel length of precisely 20 inches and a length of pull of 13.125 inches, which makes it a genuine compact platform suitable for shooters with smaller frames.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for long-range precision shooters, those requiring a heavy barrel for sustained fire, or high-volume tactical training. The 20-inch sporter contour barrel heats quickly, and its accuracy will degrade after 10-12 rapid consecutive shots compared to a bull barrel. It is also not for right-handed shooters, as the left-hand bolt orientation is non-negotiable, unlike an ambidextrous shotgun like the Stevens 555.
What's in the box?
The box contains the rifle with the factory-mounted and boresighted 3-9\u00d740 scope installed, one detachable 4-round box magazine, and the necessary hardware for the AccuTrigger adjustment tool (tool not included). Specifically, the package includes one 4-round AICS-pattern magazine, scope mounting rings already torqued to factory specification, and the rifle manual—it does not include a case, sling, or the specific AccuTrigger tool, which is a $10-$15 separate purchase.
Is the Savage Axis 2 XP Compact worth it at $505.99?
At $505.99, the Savage Axis 2 XP Compact is worth it for left-handed shooters seeking a functional, scoped .223 bolt-action rifle without the hassle of separate sourcing. You are paying approximately $250 for the rifle action and $255 for the scope and mounting service, which is a fair market value for a boresighted, ready-to-zero system. For comparison, sourcing a comparable scope, rings, and professional mounting often exceeds $150 alone, making this a cost-effective, time-saving solution for its intended role.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Includes a boresighted 3-9x40 scope — eliminates $150+ in separate optic/mounting costs.
- Left-hand bolt configuration — addresses a chronically underserved market segment.
- User-adjustable AccuTrigger — pull weight can be set from approximately 2.5 to 6 pounds.
- Compact 40.5-inch overall length — 2.5 inches shorter than standard rifle configurations.
- Weighs 7.5 lbs scoped — manageable for younger or smaller-framed shooters.
Trade-offs
- Non-threaded barrel — requires gunsmith work (~$100) to attach a suppressor.
- Sporter-weight barrel — heats and disperses point of impact after 10-12 rapid shots.
- Proprietary 4-round magazine — not compatible with common AR-15 mags, replacements are $35-$45.
- Plastic trigger guard — feels less robust than the aluminum unit on a Ruger American.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 011356322364 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 32236 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .223 REM/5.56 NATO |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 49 |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. Detachable Box |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 8.3 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 9.9 |
| sights | No Sights |
| youth rifle | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with AR-15 magazines?
- No, it is not compatible with standard AR-15 magazines. It uses a proprietary Savage detachable box magazine with a 4-round capacity, which follows an AICS-pattern footprint. These magazines are available directly from Savage or authorized parts vendors like MidwayUSA or Brownells.
- Does the scope mount accept standard rings?
- Yes, the factory-installed scope bases accept standard Weaver-style 1-inch rings, which are what it ships with. The bases are pre-drilled and tapped with a standard 6-48 screw thread pattern, allowing for easy replacement or upgrade to aftermarket rings from brands like Warne or Leupold.
- Can I thread the barrel for a suppressor?
- No, the barrel is not factory-threaded. The 20-inch sporter barrel has a crowned muzzle with no threads. Adding 1/2\u201d-28 threads for a .223 suppressor would require a gunsmithing operation, costing approximately $100-$150 and removing about 0.5 inches of barrel length, which may affect zero.
- How long does shipping to an FFL typically take?
- Shipping to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically takes 3-7 business days after order processing is complete. All firearms must ship to a licensed dealer for the mandatory 4473 background check, a process we detail in our <a href="/blog/ffl-transfer-guide/">FFL transfer guide</a>.