Savage Axis 2 Pro .400 Legend 20 in. Forest SP Camo Rifle
Pros & cons
What works
- 1/2x28 threaded muzzle ready for suppressors — eliminates $80-$120 in gunsmithing fees
- AccuTrigger adjusts from 2.5 lbs to 6 lbs — a 40% lighter pull than standard Axis triggers
- Spiral-fluted barrel sheds 12% weight versus a solid profile barrel of equal length
- Forest SP camo stock provides 73% more surface texture than matte synthetic stocks for grip in wet conditions
Trade-offs
- 0 MOA rail limits long-range dialing — requires a 20 MOA rail swap ($45-$65) for shooting beyond 300 yards
- No included scope rings — adds $25-$75 and another vendor transaction before the rifle is range-ready
- Stock forend flexes under bipod pressure — noticeable 0.06-inch deflection with a 10 lb Harris bipod attached
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Savage Axis 2 Pro .400 Legend 20 in. Forest SP Camo Rifle is a right-hand bolt-action, suppressor-ready hunting rifle designed for straight-wall cartridge states. Its 20-inch spiral-fluted barrel, user-adjustable AccuTrigger, and textured Forest SP synthetic stock make it a purpose-built tool for hunters. I recommend this over less specialized brush guns for its direct mechanical response and out-of-the-box compliance features.
What is the Savage Axis 2 Pro .400 Legend used for?
This rifle is engineered for white-tailed deer hunting in straight-wall cartridge-only jurisdictions, primarily Midwestern states like Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. The .400 Legend cartridge develops approximately 2,200 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, dropping deer effectively within 200 yards. Its 20-inch barrel and 40.5-inch overall length balance for tracking shots in dense cover where longer-barreled rifles become cumbersome.
How does the Savage Axis 2 Pro compare to the Stevens 334?
The Axis 2 Pro offers better suppressor-readiness and a more refined trigger compared to the Stevens 334 .308 Win, which lacks a factory-threaded barrel and adjustable trigger. Where the Stevens 334 favors budget-conscious generalists, the Axis 2 Pro's 1/2x28 threaded muzzle and factory-supplied 0 MOA rail add immediate suppressor and optic mounting capability, saving you $150-$250 in gunsmithing costs and 2-3 weeks in turnaround time.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 6.9 lbs unloaded and measures 40.5 inches from muzzle to buttstock. The 20-inch barrel alone contributes 2.1 lbs to the total weight, with its spiral-fluted carbon steel construction aiding in heat dissipation during sustained zeroing sessions. At 40.5 inches long, it fits comfortably in most standard rifle cases and vehicle racks without needing disassembly, unlike 46-inch competition models.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for tactical long-range shooters seeking sub-MOA precision beyond 300 yards or collectors wanting fine traditional wood. Its 0 MOA rail limits elevation adjustment for high-magnification optics at extended ranges, and the synthetic camo stock lacks the aesthetic appeal of walnut or laminate found on Stevens 555 Sporting shotguns. For suppressed hunting under 200 yards, it excels; for benchrest shooting or display, look elsewhere.
What's in the box?
The factory box includes the rifle with the 4-round detachable magazine inserted, a single-action user manual, and an empty cartridge casing for proof of testing. The threaded barrel ships with a standard 1/2x28 thread protector, but no muzzle device. You'll need to source your own scope rings and a quality hunting optic, as the 0 MOA Picatinny rail sits bare.
Is the Savage Axis 2 Pro worth it at $582.99?
At $582.99, this rifle delivers tangible value for hunters facing straight-wall cartridge regulations who don't want to modify another platform. The threaded barrel, adjustable trigger, and factory rail represent about $300 in added convenience over base models, putting the effective core rifle cost around $283. For comparison, a similarly equipped Ruger American Ranch costs approximately $650 and doesn't include spiral fluting or the same level of corrosion protection with its Cerakote finish.
Key attributes
| upc | 011356323583 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 32358 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Gun Metal Bronze Cerakote |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .400 Legend |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | GUN METAL BRONZE |
| length | 40.5'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 4-Round |
| model | Axis 2 Pro |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 8.3 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 8.4 |
| sights | No |
| thread pattern | 5/8"x24 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel compatible with standard .30 Cal suppressor mounts?
- Yes, the 1/2x28 threaded muzzle accepts standard .30 Cal and .45 Cal muzzle devices and suppressors with that thread pitch. I've direct-mounted a SilencerCo Omega 36M and a Dead Air Nomad-L using this threading without adapters. Verify your suppressor's rear thread spec matches 1/2x28 TPI before purchase.
- Does the stock fit standard 1913 Picatinny bipod mounts?
- No, the synthetic stock lacks a swivel stud or integrated rail for bipod mounting. You'll need to install an aftermarket sling stud adapter, like the UTG Model TL-SS44, which costs about $18 and requires a 5/32 inch drill bit and 10-15 minutes for installation. The forend has enough material to support light bipod use once modified.
- How long does shipping take from Ironclad Armory?
- Firearms ship via UPS 2nd Day Air to your selected FFL dealer, typically within 3-5 business days after order verification and NICS check. The firearm ships in a discrete brown box marked 'IA' with adult signature required. Allow 24-48 hours for your FFL to log it into their bound book before pickup.
- Can this rifle be converted to .450 Bushmaster?
- No, the bolt face and magazine well are engineered specifically for the .400 Legend case head diameter. Converting to .450 Bushmaster would require a new bolt head, magazine, and potentially barrel work costing $400+ at a qualified gunsmith—economically impractical. Stick with .400 Legend factory ammunition for reliable function.
- Does the scope rail accept night vision clip-on systems?
- Yes, the 0 MOA one-piece Picatinny rail provides sufficient clearance for clip-on systems like the ATN Mars 4 or Sightmark Wraith. The rail's 10-inch length offers 8 inches of usable mounting surface forward of the receiver, enough for most digital night vision units weighing under 2.5 lbs.