Savage Axis 2 XP Compact .400 Legend 20in 4-Round OD Green
Pros & cons
What works
- Out-of-the-box ready: Includes a boresighted 3-9×40 scope, saving $150+ and 1-2 hours of setup time.
- Compact handling: 39.5" overall length and 12.5" length of pull — 1.25" shorter than standard — enhances maneuverability for youth or brush hunting.
- Regulatory compliance: Chambered in .400 Legend, a purpose-built straight-wall cartridge legal for deer in many restricted states.
Trade-offs
- Proprietary magazine: Uses Savage-specific 4-round polymer mags (part #11047); AR-pattern .400 Legend mags are incompatible, limiting aftermarket options.
- Stock flex under pressure: The synthetic stock exhibits noticeable fore-end flex when using a bipod or tight sling tension, potentially affecting point of impact.
- Basic optic included: The bundled Weaver Kaspa scope has a basic capped turret system with 1/4 MOA clicks, lacking illumination or zero-stop features common on $200+ scopes.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Savage Axis 2 XP Compact .400 Legend?
The Savage Axis 2 XP Compact is a right-hand bolt-action rifle designed for hunters in .400 Legend, delivering a ready-to-hunt package with an included and boresighted 3-9×40 scope and a compact synthetic stock for maneuverability. This 20-inch barreled platform addresses a specific mechanical need: providing a straight-wall cartridge rifle compliant for deer hunting in numerous states that prohibit bottlenecked centerfire cartridges. At 7.4 pounds unloaded with a 39.5-inch overall length, it prioritizes field handling for younger shooters or those navigating dense brush.
What is the Savage Axis 2 XP Compact .400 Legend used for?
This rifle is used for medium-game hunting in states with straight-wall cartridge-only zones, primarily deer hunting within 200 yards. The .400 Legend cartridge is a purpose-built intermediate round generating approximately 2250 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, ideal for whitetail and similar-sized game in dense woodland where shots are often under 150 yards. Its 20-inch barrel and compact stock profile make it significantly easier to manage in a blind or when stalking compared to a full-length rifle like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win, especially for shooters with shorter arms.
How does the Savage Axis 2 XP Compact compare to the Stevens 334?
The Axis 2 XP Compact is better as a complete, out-of-the-box hunting solution, while the Stevens 334 is a more modular, bare-bones foundation. The Axis includes a boresighted scope, while the Stevens does not, saving you an immediate $150-$300 on a separate optic purchase. Mechanically, the adjustable Savage AccuTrigger provides a superior, crisper pull out of the box (adjustable between 2.8 and 6 pounds) compared to the Stevens 334's standard fixed trigger, which is a critical advantage for precision. However, the Stevens 334 action benefits from controlled round feed, offering greater reliability in off-angle shooting positions during rapid follow-ups.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 7.4 pounds (118.4 oz) unloaded and measures 39.5 inches in overall length with a 20-inch barrel. The length of pull is shortened to 12.5 inches, compared to the standard 13.75 inches on a full-size Axis, a reduction of 1.25 inches that directly benefits youth or smaller-statured shooters. This compact configuration, coupled with its 4-round detachable polymer magazine, keeps the profile slim and snag-free for active hunting, though it adds a slight weight penalty of approximately 0.3 pounds over a wood-stocked competitor of similar size.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for a long-range precision shooter seeking to engage targets beyond 300 yards. The .400 Legend cartridge is ballistically inferior to traditional bottlenecked hunting rounds like .308 Winchester at extended ranges, experiencing significant drop past 200 yards. It is also not for the hobbyist gunsmith who wants to heavily customize a chassis system; the Axis II action is not compatible with the vast aftermarket support for Remington 700 footprint actions. If your primary need is for clays or waterfowl, consider a dedicated compact shotgun instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle with a factory-mounted and boresighted Weaver Kaspa 3-9×40mm scope, one 4-round polymer magazine, and the included trigger adjustment tool for the AccuTrigger. Savage's boresighting is a legitimate time-saver, typically getting you on paper at 30 yards with the first shot, saving approximately 15-20 rounds of initial sight-in ammo. The box does not include a sling, swivels, or a cleaning kit, which are necessary add-ons for immediate field use.
Is the Savage Axis 2 XP Compact worth it at $516.99?
At $516.99, this package represents significant value for the hunter who needs a compliant rifle and a scope immediately. The scope and rings alone retail for around $120, and a competent gunsmith would charge roughly $50 to mount and boresight it, putting the effective rifle cost closer to $350. For a new hunter needing to be ready for a season opening in under a week, this eliminates critical steps. However, for a shooter who already owns a preferred optic or plans to upgrade immediately, the savings are less compelling compared to a bare rifle model.
Key attributes
| upc | 011356322210 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 32221 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .400 Legend |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 48.8000 |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. Detachable Box |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 8.2 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 9.3 |
| sights | No |
| youth rifle | Yes |
| magazine included | 1 x 4-Round |
| model | Axis 2 XP Compact GEN II |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard AR-15 .400 Legend magazines?
- No, it is not compatible. The Axis II Compact uses a proprietary Savage 4-round polymer magazine, part #11047. AR-platform .400 Legend magazines have a different feed lip geometry and will not lock into the Savage's bottom metal. For spare magazines, order directly from Savage or an authorized distributor.
- Does this rifle fit in a standard 40-inch rifle case?
- Yes, with room to spare. The rifle's 39.5-inch overall length will fit comfortably in a standard 40-inch soft or hard case. For optimal protection with the scope mounted, a 42-inch case is recommended to prevent the objective bell from pressing against the case interior during transport.
- Can the AccuTrigger be adjusted to under 2 pounds?
- Officially, no. The factory-specified adjustment range for the AccuTrigger is 2.8 to 6 pounds. While some owners have managed to adjust it lower by modifying spring tension, doing so voids the warranty and can compromise sear engagement safety. For a competition-light trigger, you must look at an aftermarket replacement, which adds approximately $120-$200.
- Does this work with a standard 5/8"-24 threaded muzzle device?
- Yes, the barrel features a standard 5/8"-24 thread pattern, allowing direct attachment of muzzle brakes, compensators, or .40-caliber suppressors rated for the cartridge. Confirm your suppressor's minimum barrel length rating; for the .400 Legend, most manufacturers require a minimum of 16 inches, which this 20-inch barrel comfortably exceeds.
- How long does shipping to an FFL typically take?
- Once the order clears verification and payment, Ironclad Armory ships to your selected FFL within 2-3 business days via UPS or FedEx. Transit time is typically 3-5 additional business days, depending on your location. Your FFL will contact you upon arrival to begin the federally required 4473 transfer process.