Savage Axis 2 XP Compact Left-Hand .400 Legend 20″
About this product
What is the Savage Axis 2 XP Compact Left-Hand .400 Legend 20″? It is a left-hand compact bolt-action rifle purpose-built for hunters requiring a dedicated, straight-wall cartridge platform that complies with specific state hunting regulations. This package delivers a complete, scope-equipped rifle with a user-adjustable trigger system directly from Savage Armory's value-focused Axis line. The .400 Legend cartridge, with a 1:16″ twist rate in this 20-inch heavy sporter barrel, is engineered for reliable terminal performance on whitetail deer and similar game within 200 yards.
What is the Savage Axis 2 XP Compact used for?
The Savage Axis 2 XP Compact is used for regulated straight-wall cartridge zone hunting, primarily for medium game like whitetail deer, in states like Iowa, Michigan, and Ohio. Its compact 20-inch barrel and 7.4-pound unloaded weight, a full 0.8 pounds lighter than many mid-range .450 Bushmaster setups, make it maneuverable in dense brush and suitable for younger or smaller-stature shooters. The included, boresighted 3-9x40mm scope means it is truly a 'ready-to-hunt' package that requires only sight-in verification before heading to the field.
How does the Savage Axis 2 XP Compact compare to the Stevens 334?
The Savage Axis 2 XP Compact offers better out-of-the-box usability for the new hunter compared to the Stevens 334 in .308 Win. The Stevens 334 is a bare rifle, missing both optics and mounting hardware, adding at least $150 and significant gunsmithing time for a novice. The Axis 2 XP's superior value is in its factory-mounted, boresighted scope and Savage's renowned, user-adjustable AccuTrigger system, which is measurably smoother out of the box than the Stevens' simpler mechanism. The Stevens 334, however, may offer a slightly more robust action for heavy-use scenarios where the optic is not a concern.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle has an overall length of 40.5 inches with its 20-inch heavy sporter barrel and weighs 7.4 pounds unloaded. Its magazine capacity is one of its key specs: the detachable box magazine holds 4+1 rounds of .400 Legend, providing a total capacity of five cartridges for typical hunting sequences. The synthetic stock has a length of pull of approximately 13 inches in its standard configuration, which can be adjusted down with aftermarket spacers for a more compact fit, a feature not always found on budget rifles.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for the precision long-range shooter or someone seeking a versatile, multi-caliber platform. The .400 Legend cartridge is a purpose-built hunting round with a pronounced ballistic arc beyond 200 yards, unsuitable for 500-yard target work. The compact synthetic stock, while practical and weather-resistant, lacks the premium ergonomics and vibration-dampening qualities of a chassis system or walnut stock found on models like a Bergara. If your primary use is casual target shooting at varied distances, a standard .308 Winchester or 6.5 Creedmoor in a full-size rifle will offer better ballistic flexibility.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle with the factory-mounted and boresighted 3-9x40mm scope, one 4-round detachable box magazine, and a set of integral swivel studs installed on the stock. The package includes the necessary scope mounting rings, already torqued to factory specifications—a critical detail that eliminates the need for a gunsmith's torque wrench and leveling kit for initial setup. Unlike some competitor packages, Savage does not include a lens cleaning cloth or a basic bore snake, items you'll need to source separately.
Is the Savage Axis 2 XP Compact worth it at $505.99?
At $505.99, this package represents significant value for a left-handed hunter needing a compliant, ready-to-hunt rifle. When you factor in the cost of a comparable scope, rings, and mounting labor—easily $200+ for a basic setup—the rifle itself effectively costs just over $300. For a new hunter, especially one in a straight-wall state or a younger shooter benefiting from the compact frame, this price point eliminates major barriers to entry. It is a focused tool, not a luxury item, and it delivers exceptional mechanical functionality per dollar spent, a theme consistent across Savage's value lines.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Complete 'ready-to-hunt' package includes a factory-boresighted 3-9x40 scope, saving at least $150 and 30 minutes of gunsmith setup time.
- User-adjustable AccuTrigger system allows pull weight tuning from approximately 2.5 to 6 pounds without disassembly.
- Left-hand bolt action and 20-inch compact barrel provide natural manipulation and a 40.5-inch overall length for dense-forest maneuverability.
- 4+1 round detachable magazine capacity meets or exceeds typical hunting needs for regulated straight-wall zones.
Trade-offs
- Barrel is not threaded for a muzzle device, eliminating easy suppressor or brake attachment without expensive gunsmithing.
- The basic green synthetic stock lacks any texturing or adjustable comb, limiting long-term comfort and control compared to an aftermarket chassis.
- Scope is a basic bundled model with limited light transmission in low-dawn conditions; serious hunters will likely upgrade it within a season.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 011356322425 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 32242 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .400 Legend |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 48.5500 |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. Detachable Box |
| package height | 3.6 |
| package width | 8.3 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 9.6 |
| sights | No Sights |
| youth rifle | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the .400 Legend barrel threaded for a suppressor?
- No, the factory 20-inch heavy sporter barrel on this model is not threaded for a muzzle device or suppressor. The muzzle is crowned and finished, but adding threads would require a competent gunsmith and a barrel length reduction of at least 0.5 inches to maintain legal compliance if intending to build a registered SBR. For a suppressor-ready straight-wall option, you would need to look at aftermarket barrels or different factory models, which typically start at a $250 premium.
- Does this work with standard .223 Remington AR-15 magazines?
- Absolutely not. The .400 Legend cartridge uses its own proprietary, dedicated magazine due to its significantly larger case diameter and overall length of 2.26 inches. This rifle includes one 4-round, detachable box magazine specific to the .400 Legend. Attempting to modify or force-feed standard AR magazines is ineffective and creates a dangerous failure-to-feed condition. Replacement magazines are available directly from Savage or retailers like MidwayUSA.
- Can I swap the factory scope for a red dot sight?
- Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped with a standard Savage 110 pattern for scope bases, allowing you to remove the included 3-9x40 scope and rings. You would need to purchase a Picatinny rail or specific red dot mount compatible with that footprint from companies like EGW or Warne. The process requires a proper torque wrench to secure the new base to 15-20 in/lbs, a step I recommend for any optic change to maintain zero.
- Is this rifle legal for deer hunting in Michigan?
- Yes, the Savage Axis 2 XP in .400 Legend is explicitly legal for deer hunting in Michigan's limited firearm deer zone, as the .400 Legend is a certified straight-wall cartridge meeting the state's requirement of a case length between 1.16 and 1.80 inches and a bullet diameter of .357 inches or larger. Always verify the most current regulations with the Michigan DNR before your season, but this cartridge and rifle combination is designed for this exact regulatory environment.