Savage Axis 2 XP Compact LH .400 Legend 20 in Gray
Pros & cons
What works
- Turn-key hunting package with boresighted 3-9x40 scope - saves $150+ and 2 hours of setup time
- Left-hand configuration in a niche straight-wall caliber - addresses a severely underserved market segment
- Adjustable AccuTrigger with a pull weight range from 2.5 to 6 pounds - enables precise trigger tuning without a gunsmith
- Total weight of 7.4 lbs scoped - balances well for off-hand shooting and carrying in the field
Trade-offs
- Synthetic stock offers minimal dampening - noticeable point of impact shift after 3-4 rapid shots as the barrel heats
- Bolt lift requires 65 degrees of rotation - slower for follow-up shots compared to a 60-degree short-throw design
- Blued finish on barrel and action is not corrosion-resistant - requires diligent cleaning and oiling after use in wet conditions
- Scope is a basic Bushnell Banner model - lacks fog-proofing and shockproof construction of a $250+ optic
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Savage Axis 2 XP Compact LH .400 Legend is a left-handed bolt-action rifle designed for hunters and range shooters needing a compact, optics-ready platform in a specialized straight-walled cartridge. It ships with a factory-mounted 3-9×40 scope, saving you the initial mounting and zeroing process. This configuration targets shooters in states with restrictions requiring straight-walled cartridges for deer hunting, offering a dedicated left-hand platform where options are historically limited.
What is the Savage Axis 2 XP Compact LH .400 Legend used for?
The Axis 2 XP Compact is primarily for legal deer hunting in Midwestern states mandating straight-walled cartridges, where its 20-inch barrel keeps overall length to a manageable 39.5 inches for use in blinds or dense timber. The .400 Legend cartridge generates less recoil than typical .450 Bushmaster options, making it more suitable for extended range sessions or newer shooters. The factory-mounted and boresighted 3-9×40 scope provides a usable 100-yard zero out of the box, though I recommend a thorough confirmation zero with your chosen ammunition.
How does the Savage Axis 2 XP Compact LH compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Savage Axis 2 XP Compact provides superior out-of-the-box utility for hunting with its included optic, while the Stevens 334 .308 Win 20in offers a more robust action design and smoother bolt operation at the cost of requiring separate optics purchase. The Stevens 334 uses a dual-pillar bedded action and features a more positive three-position safety, making it a stronger long-term platform for precision work, but the Savage wins on immediate turn-key readiness for its intended hunting role. The Savage AccuTrigger system also allows for a cleaner, user-adjustable pull weight down to approximately 2.5 pounds, a feature not present on the base Stevens 334.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded and without the optic, the rifle weighs 6.8 pounds; with the factory-mounted 3-9×40 scope and rings installed, total weight is 7.4 pounds. The 20-inch heavy sporter barrel contributes to a 39.5-inch overall length, with a length of pull of 13.5 inches on the compact synthetic stock. The detachable magazine adds 0.4 pounds when loaded with four rounds of .400 Legend ammunition, and the 1:16-inch twist rate barrel is optimized for stabilizing bullets between 180 and 250 grains.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for precision long-range shooters or anyone requiring sub-MOA accuracy guarantees, as the synthetic stock and light barrel profile are susceptible to point-of-impact shift with barrel heating. It's also a poor choice for right-handed shooters, as the left-hand bolt throw and ejection port will be awkward, and you're better served by the vastly larger selection of right-hand models. Finally, if you require fast follow-up shots, the bolt-action design is fundamentally slower than a lever-action or semiautomatic in calibers like .350 Legend.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle with the factory-mounted and boresighted 3-9×40 scope, one 4-round detachable box magazine, and a set of sling swivel studs already installed in the stock. The package does not include a sling, lens covers for the scope, a chamber flag, or any ammunition, which are all necessary additions before heading to the range or field. The receiver is pre-drilled and tapped with a 0 MOA Picatinny rail section included in the box for mounting alternative optics.
Is the Savage Axis 2 XP Compact LH worth it at $505.99?
At $505.99, this package represents significant value for a left-handed hunter needing a compliant rifle and optic combination immediately, as a comparable scope and mount setup would add at least $150 to a bare rifle. The primary trade-off is accepting Savage's budget-level Axis action, which lacks the refinement and aftermarket support of their Model 110 series or the Stevens 334. If your use case is strictly defined as 'deer rifle for restrictive states' and you are left-hand dominant, this package eliminates multiple setup steps and costs, justifying its price point.
Key attributes
| upc | 011356322562 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 32256 |
| 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 | 3.2 |
| package width | 8.2 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 9.5 |
| sights | No Sights |
| youth rifle | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the .400 Legend compatible with .350 Legend magazines?
- No, it is not compatible. The .400 Legend cartridge has a larger case head diameter and overall length, requiring specifically designed magazines. This rifle ships with a proprietary 4-round detachable magazine from Savage; using a .350 Legend magazine will cause feeding failures and potential damage to the feed lips.
- Can I mount a suppressor on this rifle?
- Yes, the 20-inch barrel features a standard 5/8x24 thread pattern under the factory-installed thread protector, allowing direct mounting of many .30-caliber or larger suppressors. You must complete a Form 4 with the ATF and wait for approval, typically 8-10 months, before taking possession of the suppressor and attaching it legally.
- Does the included scope hold zero with .400 Legend recoil?
- The included 3-9×40 scope is a basic Bushnell Banner model, which will hold zero for typical hunting applications but is not built for extreme abuse or thousands of rounds. For consistent performance, I recommend checking zero every 50-100 rounds and upgrading the scope mount to a quality 1-inch ring set from Warne or Leupold if you plan on firing more than 200 rounds per year.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically takes 3-5 business days from order verification. The FFL will then contact you to complete the mandatory ATF Form 4473 background check, which can add another 1-3 days depending on state laws and NICS system status.