Savage AXIS 2 Compact .308 Win 20″ Left-Hand Rifle

About this product

What is the Savage AXIS 2 Compact .308 Win 20\" Left-Hand Rifle? It's a purpose-built compact bolt-action rifle for left-handed shooters who need maneuverability in thick brush or from tight blinds without sacrificing the terminal performance of the .308 Winchester cartridge. This is not a range toy or a PRS competition gun—it's a working field rifle with a 39.5-inch overall length, a 20-inch carbon steel barrel, and Savage's adjustable AccuTrigger system right out of the box. I see it as the direct answer for southpaw hunters who are tired of compromising with right-handed actions or bulkier, full-length rifles that snag on every passing branch.

What is the Savage AXIS 2 Compact .308 Win 20\" Left-Hand Rifle used for?

The Savage AXIS 2 Compact .308 left-hand rifle is used for close-to-mid-range big game hunting in dense terrain, predator control, and as a compact, hard-hitting defensive rifle for rural properties. Its 20-inch barrel and 39.5-inch overall length make it 4.5 inches shorter than a standard 24-inch barreled hunting rifle, which is a decisive advantage when climbing into a tree stand or pivoting inside a vehicle or blind. The .308 Winchester cartridge, with a 1:10-inch twist rate, stabilizes a wide range of bullet weights from 150 to 180 grains effectively for deer, hog, and black bear within 300 yards, which is the practical mechanical limit of this compact setup.

How does the Savage AXIS 2 Compact .308 left-hand rifle compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win?

The Savage AXIS 2 Compact is better for left-handed shooters and offers a superior factory trigger, while the Stevens 334 is a more budget-conscious, right-handed-only option. The AXIS 2's user-adjustable AccuTrigger can be set between approximately 2.5 and 6 pounds of pull, a feature absent from the fixed, heavier trigger on the Stevens 334 Rifle | .308 Win, 20in Matte Black Synthetic. However, the Stevens 334 costs roughly $120 less, making it the choice if budget overrides handedness and trigger precision. Both share similar synthetic stocks and 20-inch barrels, but the Savage's dedicated left-hand bolt throw is a non-negotiable ergonomic advantage for southpaws.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Savage AXIS 2 Compact .308 left-hand rifle weighs 6.30 pounds (2.86 kg) unloaded and measures 39.50 inches (100.33 cm) in overall length. The 20-inch (508 mm) heavy sporter contour barrel contributes to the weight, which is about 0.7 pounds heavier than some ultra-lightweight hunting models but provides better stability for follow-up shots. The rifle's compact profile means it will fit in most standard 40-inch rifle cases with room to spare, a practical detail for transport. The fixed synthetic stock has a length of pull that is approximately 1 inch shorter than a full-size stock, further aiding maneuverability.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for right-handed shooters, long-range precision enthusiasts, or collectors seeking fine wood and blued steel. A right-handed shooter manipulating a left-hand bolt is an ergonomic disaster, and for them, the Stevens 334 is the logical choice. The 20-inch barrel sacrifices muzzle velocity compared to a 24-inch or 26-inch barrel, losing roughly 75-100 feet per second, which matters for extreme long-range elk or moose hunting past 400 yards. The gray synthetic stock is purely functional; if you want exhibition-grade walnut, look at our Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge shotgun line instead.

What's in the box?

In the box, you get the Savage AXIS 2 Compact rifle, one detachable 4-round steel box magazine, and a set of standard 8-40 scope base screws for mounting optics. That's it. There is no optic, no sling, no thread protector (the barrel is not threaded), and no lock—this is a bare-necessities package from Savage. You must supply your own scope, rings, and bases; the receiver is drilled and tapped with a standard Savage spacing. The magazine has a 4+1 capacity, meaning four in the magazine and one in the chamber for a total of five rounds of .308 Winchester.

Is the Savage AXIS 2 Compact .308 Win left-hand rifle worth it at $456.99?

At $456.99, this rifle is worth it if you are a left-handed hunter who needs a reliable, no-fuss, compact .308 and values the adjustable AccuTrigger system. You are paying roughly a $75-$100 premium over a comparable right-handed model for the left-hand bolt machining, which is standard industry practice and a fair cost for correct ergonomics. Compared to custom converting a right-hand rifle, which can cost $500+ for a gunsmith to rework the bolt and ejector, this factory offering is an economic no-brainer. If you don't need the left-hand configuration or the trigger adjustability, the savings on a Stevens model is real money better spent on ammo.