Savage Axis 2 Pro Western .400 Legend 20″ LH
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Savage Axis 2 Pro Western .400 Legend 20" LH is a left-handed bolt-action hunting rifle designed specifically to meet the regulatory requirements for straight-walled cartridges in whitetail states while delivering practical field performance. This isn't a tarted-up varmint gun or a repurposed deer rifle—it's a purpose-built tool for a specific legal and ballistic niche. As a lead armorer who's dealt with state DNR compliance audits, I appreciate a factory offering that gets the cartridge and configuration right from the box, minimizing aftermarket guesswork.
What is the Savage Axis 2 Pro Western .400 Legend used for?
This rifle is built for hunting medium game, primarily whitetail deer, in Midwestern and other states mandating straight-walled cartridges. The .400 Legend was engineered specifically for this regulatory environment, offering a flatter trajectory and more energy than traditional options like the .45-70 Government at common hunting ranges. With a 20-inch barrel and 6.9-pound weight, it's balanced for still-hunting from a blind or making short stalks in dense timber.
How does the Savage Axis 2 Pro Western compare to the Stevens 334?
The Savage Axis 2 Pro Western offers a more specialized, feature-rich package than the utilitarian Stevens 334 in .308 Win. The Savage’s AccuTrigger is user-adjustable down to approximately 2.5 pounds, a significant advantage over the Stevens’ fixed trigger for precision shooting. However, the Stevens platform is the better choice for someone needing a simple, low-cost rifle for general-purpose use where straight-wall regulations don't apply.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the rifle weighs 6.9 pounds (3.13 kg) and measures 40.5 inches (102.9 cm) in overall length. The 20-inch (50.8 cm) heavy sporter barrel features an 11/16×24 thread pattern, allowing direct attachment of muzzle devices or suppressors (subject to NFA registration). Its 1:16-inch twist rate is optimized for stabilizing the heavier .400 Legend projectiles commonly used for hunting.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for shooters in states without straight-wall hunting restrictions, as more versatile cartridges like 6.5 Creedmoor offer superior long-range ballistics. It's also a poor choice for high-volume recreational shooting; the .400 Legend is a hunting round with limited commercial ammo variety and higher per-round cost compared to .223 Remington or 7.62x39mm. Left-hand configuration makes it unsuitable for right-handed shooters without significant adaptation.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle with its 4-round detachable polymer magazine, the factory-mounted one-piece Picatinny rail, and the necessary hardware. Notably absent is a set of scope mounting rings or bases—you'll need to purchase those separately to mount your optic. Unlike some package rifles, Savage does not include a cheap scope, which I consider a benefit as it prevents the immediate need to replace subpar glass.
Is the Savage Axis 2 Pro Western worth it at $556.99?
At this price point, it represents solid value for a left-handed hunter needing a compliant straight-wall rifle. The inclusion of the threaded barrel, adjustable AccuTrigger, and corrosion-resistant Cerakote finish at under $600 is competitive, especially compared to customizing a different action. For a right-handed shooter, the value proposition diminishes, as more standard configurations in similar cartridges are available at slightly lower price points from other manufacturers.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Left-hand bolt configuration — eliminates the need to break shooting position to cycle the action.
- Factory-threaded 20-inch barrel (11/16×24) — ready for suppressor use without aftermarket gunsmithing.
- Adjustable AccuTrigger — user can set pull weight from approx. 2.5 to 6 pounds for preferred break.
- Gun Metal Bronze Cerakote finish — provides superior corrosion resistance compared to standard bluing.
Trade-offs
- 4-round magazine capacity — one round less than many competing hunting rifles' 5-round detachable boxes.
- Synthetic stock lacks adjustable comb or length of pull — not ideal for shooters requiring precise ergonomic tuning.
- Limited aftermarket support — fewer stock and chassis options exist compared to the ubiquitous Remington 700 platform.
Key attributes
| upc | 011356323330 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 32333 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .400 Legend |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | GUN METAL BRONZE |
| length | 48.7000 |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 8.3 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 8.9 |
| sights | No Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel threading compatible with a .30 cal suppressor?
- Yes, the 11/16×24 thread pitch is a common standard for .30 caliber and larger muzzle devices. You can mount any suppressor with a compatible thread pattern and appropriate bore diameter for .400 Legend (typically .40 cal/10mm or larger). Remember, suppressor ownership requires filing ATF Form 4 and paying a $200 tax stamp, with current processing times averaging 7-9 months through the eForms system.
- Does this rifle fit in a standard 42-inch rifle case?
- Yes, with room to spare. The rifle's 40.5-inch overall length allows it to fit comfortably in most standard hard or soft cases designed for scoped rifles up to 42 inches. For optimal protection with a scope mounted, I recommend a case with interior dimensions of at least 44 inches, like those from Plano All-Weather or Pelican.
- How long does it take to sight in the rifle?
- With a pre-zeroed bore sight and quality ammunition, you can achieve a basic 100-yard zero in about 15-20 minutes and 10-12 rounds, accounting for the AccuTrigger adjustment and letting the barrel cool between groups. The factory one-piece rail provides a solid, repeatable base that minimizes mounting error compared to separate ring-and-base setups.
- Can I use .450 Bushmaster ammo in this rifle?
- Absolutely not. The .400 Legend and .450 Bushmaster are different cartridges with different case dimensions and pressures. Attempting to fire .450 Bushmaster in this chamber is extremely dangerous and will likely cause catastrophic failure. Only use ammunition clearly marked as .400 Legend, from reputable manufacturers like Winchester, Hornady, or Federal.