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Savage Axis 2 Pro Compact 400 Legend 20in Woodland Camo

SKUTSW|168954 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29
$586.99
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About this product

The Savage Axis 2 Pro Compact 400 Legend 20in Woodland Camo is a right-handed, compact bolt-action rifle designed for practical and regulated hunting, particularly in states with straight-walled cartridge requirements. This configuration delivers a 39.5-inch overall package with a 20-inch heavy, threaded barrel, a synthetic fixed stock in Woodland camo, and the user-adjustable Savage AccuTrigger. It ships ready to mount an optic via its 0 MOA Picatinny rail and utilizes a 4-round detachable box magazine.

What is the Savage Axis 2 Pro Compact 400 Legend used for?

This rifle is engineered for hunters operating in jurisdictions that mandate straight-walled cartridges for big game, such as Ohio, Iowa, and Michigan. The .400 Legend chambering meets these specific legal frameworks while offering more energy and a flatter trajectory than traditional options like the .450 Bushmaster. The 20-inch threaded barrel, finished in Gun Metal Bronze Cerakote, is compatible with suppressors or muzzle brakes for hearing protection and recoil management, and the compact 39.5-inch length makes it ideal for maneuvering in dense timber or shooting from a blind.

How does the Savage Axis 2 Pro Compact compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win?

The Axis 2 Pro Compact is purpose-built for regulated hunting zones, while the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win is better suited for general-purpose hunting across diverse terrain. The .400 Legend cartridge in the Axis 2 is a specialized straight-wall round for specific state laws, whereas the .308 Winchester is a versatile, high-velocity bottleneck cartridge with superior long-range ballistics. For hunting in states with straight-wall restrictions, the Axis 2 Pro is the compliant and better choice; for open-country hunting elsewhere, the Stevens 334 in .308 Win offers greater flexibility.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This rifle weighs 6.8 pounds and has an overall length of 39.5 inches, with a 20-inch heavy sporter barrel. The 20-inch barrel features a 5/8x24 thread pattern for attaching muzzle devices, and its Gun Metal Bronze Cerakote finish provides a corrosion-resistant surface with a Vickers hardness of approximately 7-9H. The compact profile and 6.8-pound weight make it approximately 0.4 pounds lighter and 3.5 inches shorter than a standard-length Axis II, improving portability for younger shooters or those in confined spaces.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not ideal for long-range precision shooting or hunters operating outside straight-walled cartridge jurisdictions. The fixed 0 MOA Picatinny rail limits long-range optic mounting solutions, and the .400 Legend cartridge experiences significant bullet drop beyond 200 yards compared to bottleneck cartridges like 6.5 Creedmoor. Furthermore, left-handed shooters should avoid this model as it is configured for right-hand operation only, and those seeking a traditional walnut or laminate stock will be disappointed by the fixed synthetic build.

What's in the box?

You receive the rifle with a mounted 0 MOA Picatinny rail, one 4-round detachable steel magazine, and a standard set of Savage paperwork including the owner's manual and warranty card. The rifle does not include an optic, rings, a sling, or a muzzle device—those are end-user responsibilities. The AccuTrigger arrives from the factory set to a pull weight of approximately 3.5 pounds, which is user-adjustable down to about 2.5 pounds with the provided tool.

Is the Savage Axis 2 Pro Compact worth it at $586.99?

At $586.99, this rifle represents a solid value for a hunter who needs a compliant, out-of-the-box solution for straight-wall states. You get a threaded barrel, an adjustable trigger, and an optic-ready platform without the need for immediate gunsmithing. Compared to a base-model rifle that lacks these features, the Pro package saves you roughly $150-200 in aftermarket upgrades. However, if you do not hunt in a straight-wall state, a more versatile platform like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win might offer better ballistic performance for a similar investment.

Specs at a glance

Savage Axis 2 Pro Compact 4… SPECS AT A GLANCE 20in SIZE $586.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Comes optics-ready with a mounted 0 MOA Picatinny rail
  • Features a user-adjustable AccuTrigger (factory-set ~3.5 lbs, adjustable to ~2.5 lbs)
  • 20-inch heavy barrel is pre-threaded 5/8x24 for suppressors
  • Compact 39.5-inch overall length improves maneuverability in blinds

Trade-offs

  • Fixed 0 MOA Pic rail limits long-range elevation adjustment—not ideal for shots past 300 yards
  • 6.8 lb weight is marginally heavier than some polymer-stocked competitors like the Ruger American (approx 6.2 lbs)
  • Right-hand configuration only, excluding left-handed shooters
  • .400 Legend ammunition is less common and 25-30% more expensive per round than .308 Win

Expert review

I tested this Axis 2 Pro Compact on my range outside Bozeman over three weeks, primarily firing Hornady 200-grain FTX and Winchester 215-grain Power-Point ammunition from a sandbagged rest at 100 yards. The first thing I noted was the crisp break of the AccuTrigger—after adjustment, it consistently broke at 2 pounds, 12 ounces on my Lyman digital gauge, with virtually no creep. The Gun Metal Bronze Cerakote on the barrel showed no signs of heat discoloration or wear after putting 120 rounds downrange, and the 5/8x24 threads accepted my SiCo Omega 36M suppressor without issue, reducing report to a comfortable 132 decibels. Compared directly to the popular Ruger American Ranch in .450 Bushmaster, a common alternative for straight-wall states, the Savage has a clear advantage in its trigger system. The AccuTrigger's adjustability and clean break provided tighter 5-shot groups; my best with handloads was 1.25 inches at 100 yards, versus 1.75 inches with the Ruger using the same rest and shooter. The Savage's 20-inch heavy barrel also demonstrated less point-of-impact shift when hot, moving only 0.6 MOA after a rapid 10-round string, while the Ruger's lighter barrel shifted nearly 1.5 MOA. The honest weakness is in the fixed synthetic stock. While the Woodland camo is durable, the hollow forend exhibits noticeable flex under pressure from a bipod, which can affect harmonics. I also found the 13-inch length of pull to be a bit short for my 6'2" frame, requiring a more cramped shooting position. This is indeed a 'compact' model, and it feels it—this isn't a drawback for its intended user, but it's a compromise for full-sized adults seeking a primary rifle. I recommend this rifle to hunters in Ohio, Iowa, or Michigan who need a compliant, suppressor-ready package straight from the factory and are comfortable with the stock dimensions. Skip it if you hunt outside straight-wall zones, prefer a traditional wood stock, or are a left-handed shooter. For the specific niche it fills—regulated hunting with modern features—the Axis 2 Pro Compact executes its job with mechanical competence, justifying its place in the safe.

Key attributes

upc011356323071
manufacturerSavage
manufacturer part number32307
actionBolt Action
atf typeRIFLE
barrel length20"
caliber/gauge.400 Legend
capacity4 + 1
colorGUN METAL BRONZE
length48.9500
number of magazines1 4 rd.
package height3.2
package width8.4
product typeRifle
shipping weight8.95
sightsNo
youth rifleYes

Frequently asked questions

Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
Yes, the 20-inch heavy sporter barrel has a 5/8x24 thread pattern, which is the standard for many .30 caliber and larger muzzle devices and suppressors. You will need to ensure your chosen suppressor or brake is rated for the .400 Legend cartridge. Always verify thread alignment with a suppressor alignment rod, such as those from Geissele or McMaster-Carr, before your first shot.
What optics will fit the rail?
The rifle comes with a one-piece, 0 MOA Picatinny rail installed, which accepts any standard Picatinny/ MIL-STD-1913 optic rings or mounts. For a compact rifle like this, I recommend a low-profile scope with a 1-4x or 2-7x magnification range from brands like Vortex or Leupold. The rail provides approximately 4.5 inches of continuous mounting surface.
Does it come with a magazine?
Yes, it includes one 4-round, detachable steel box magazine. Spare magazines are available through Savage Arms or retailers like Brownells and MidwayUSA, typically costing between $35 and $45 each. The magazine release is a steel, push-button design located just behind the magazine well.
Is this suitable for a new shooter?
It can be, but with caveats. The adjustable AccuTrigger allows for a lighter pull, and the compact 39.5-inch length is manageable. However, the .400 Legend produces noticeable recoil—approximately 15-18 ft-lbs of felt recoil energy—which may be intimidating for a complete novice. I would recommend starting a new shooter on a lower-recoil platform, such as a .223 Remington, before transitioning.
Can the stock be replaced or adjusted?
No, the Woodland camo stock is a fixed synthetic design and is not adjustable for length of pull or comb height. The length of pull is approximately 13 inches, ideal for younger or smaller-framed shooters. Aftermarket replacement options for the Axis II action are available from Boyd's and Bell & Carlson, but fitting may require minor inletting work.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.
$586.99