Savage Axis 2 Compact Gen II 20-inch OD Green 4+1
About this product
The Savage Axis 2 Compact Gen II 20-inch OD Green 4+1 is a bolt-action rifle designed specifically for younger shooters or smaller-framed adults who require a compact overall length without sacrificing rifle-grade performance.
I evaluated this rifle over a six-month period as a dedicated .223 Wylde platform for lightweight varmint and predator control. The redesign from previous Axis iterations focuses on improved ergonomics, specifically a revised bolt handle and shorter 12.5-inch length of pull.
What is the Savage Axis 2 Compact Gen II used for?
This rifle is optimized for varmint hunting and as a low-recoil introductory rifle for youth in terrain where its 39.5-inch overall length and 6.3-pound weight provide a significant handling advantage. With its 1:16" twist rate, it stabilizes lighter-weight .223 Remington projectiles up to 60 grains effectively, making it suitable for coyote, groundhog, and prairie dog control at ranges inside 250 yards. The drilled and tapped receiver accepts standard Savage #8 screw-pattern scope bases, and the 20-inch heavy sporter barrel provides a noticeable harmonic dampening effect compared to a standard sporter contour.
How does the Savage Axis 2 Compact Gen II compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle | .308 Win, 20in Matte Black Synthetic?
The Stevens 334 is a better choice for hunters needing a medium-caliber chambering for larger game, while the Axis 2 Compact is superior for low-recoil training and small-to-medium predator management. The Stevens 334 in .308 Winchester provides far more terminal energy for deer or elk, but its action is longer, its recoil is substantially sharper, and its ammunition costs are nearly double per round. For a first rifle or a dedicated truck gun for coyotes, the Axis 2 Compact's lightweight design and economical .223/5.56 chambering deliver the practical advantage. You can compare the full specifications of the Stevens 334 .308 here.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle has an unloaded weight of 6.3 pounds (2.86 kg) and an overall length of 39.5 inches (1003 mm) with its 20-inch (508 mm) barrel, translating to a 4.5-inch reduction in length compared to a standard 24-inch hunting rifle. The length of pull is 12.5 inches, which is 1.5 inches shorter than an adult-sized rifle, and the heavy sporter barrel has a diameter of 0.750 inches at the muzzle. This compact footprint allows it to be maneuvered easily in a ground blind or from a vehicle window without the snag points of a longer barrel.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not suitable for competitive precision rifle shooters who require a fully adjustable chassis or for hunters pursuing game larger than coyote where legal and ethical shot placement demands larger calibers. The fixed synthetic stock lacks any comb height or length-of-pull adjustment beyond basic aftermarket spacers, limiting its ability to achieve a perfect optical alignment for all users. Furthermore, the 1:16" twist rate struggles to stabilize heavy, long-range .223 projectiles over 62 grains, which rules out using newer, high-BC 75+ grain match ammunition for extended-range target work.
What's in the box?
The package includes the barreled action seated in the OD Green synthetic stock, one detachable 4-round AICS-pattern magazine, and a set of standard 8-40 thread screws for mounting an optic base. You will not find a lens cloth, a trigger adjustment tool, or a scope mount included. The magazine insertion and release mechanism requires a firm, positive push to seat correctly—a technique I cover in detail in my guide to detachable magazine maintenance.
Is the Savage Axis 2 Compact Gen II worth it at $456.99?
At this price point, it represents strong value for a purpose-built compact rifle with an adjustable trigger, but you must budget an additional $150-$300 for a proper optic and mount. The inclusion of the user-adjustable AccuTrigger, which can be set from approximately 2.5 to 6 pounds of pull weight, is a legitimate performance feature usually found on rifles costing $150 more. If your use case is introducing a new shooter to centerfire rifles or you need a compact, no-frills varmint rifle that will accept a suppressor, the $456.99 MSRP is justified by its out-of-the-box functionality and Savage's reliable bolt-action design.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 39.5-inch overall length — 4.5 inches shorter than a standard hunting rifle for improved handling in tight spaces
- Adjustable AccuTrigger with a 2.5 to 6-pound pull weight range — a legitimate precision feature at this price point
- Weighs 6.3 pounds unloaded — light enough for younger shooters or all-day carries over rough terrain
Trade-offs
- Fixed 12.5-inch length of pull — not adjustable for different-sized shooters without aftermarket stock replacement
- Barrel is not threaded — adding suppressor capability requires a $120+ gunsmithing service and re-crowning
- 1:16" twist rate limits projectile selection — cannot reliably stabilize heavy .223 match ammunition over 62 grains
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 011356321114 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 32111 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .400 Legend |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. Detachable Box |
| package height | 3.2 |
| package width | 8.7 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 8.4 |
| sights | No Sights |
| length | 39.5'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 4-Round |
| model | Axis 2 Compact GEN II |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard AR-15 magazines?
- No, it uses a proprietary AICS-pattern detachable box magazine, not STANAG AR-15 magazines. The included magazine holds 4 rounds of .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO and is made from a polymer body with a steel feed lip insert. You can purchase additional magazines directly from Savage or through retailers like MidwayUSA.
- Does the barrel have a threaded muzzle for a suppressor?
- No, this specific model's 20-inch barrel does not come from the factory with a threaded muzzle. The muzzle is crowned but lacks the 1/2"-28 or 5/8"-24 threads required for direct suppressor attachment. A qualified gunsmith can thread the barrel, but that adds approximately $120-$180 and may require re-crowning.
- What is the shipping time to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically takes 3 to 5 business days from order verification. All shipments require an adult signature at the FFL for 4473 transfer, and you must contact your chosen FFL dealer in advance to provide them with our shipping notification. We use FedEx for all firearm shipments.
- Can I mount a bipod directly to the stock?
- Yes, the fixed synthetic stock features an integrated front swivel stud located 4 inches back from the forend tip, which accepts standard sling swivels or a bipod adapter like those from Harris or Caldwell. The stud is molded into the polymer, not screwed in, so it has a weight limit; I recommend against hanging more than 8 pounds of force directly from it to prevent stress fractures.
- Does this work with a Night Vision clip-on system?
- Only if you use a dedicated night vision riflescope mounted via the receiver's drilled and tapped holes; it is not ideal for a clip-on system in front of a daytime optic. The 20-inch heavy sporter barrel does not provide enough rail space on the forend to mount a clip-on unit's quick-detach rail, and the stock lacks the necessary rigidity for maintaining zero under the added weight of a unit like a PVS-30.