A left-handed compact deer rifle with the scope already on it: that is a rare find, and it comes in under five hundred dollars. The Savage Axis XP Combo, model 32035, is chambered in.350 Legend, with a compact stock and a left-hand action.

The.350 Legend is a straight-wall cartridge that shoots flat enough for thick-woods deer and hog hunting. Recoil is mild, which suits new hunters, youth and anyone who wants a gentle rifle. In North Carolina, where much of the hunting is in brushy cover, a short-range cartridge makes sense.

The combo package includes a scope, and you should mount and sight it in at the range before using it. Savage's Axis line is a budget bolt action that has a reputation for good accuracy. The compact stock is easy to shoulder for smaller shooters. Sight the rifle in at fifty and one hundred yards with the load you plan to hunt. Handle it in the store if you can, since fit in the hand tells you more than any description.

This rifle is new. It ships to a North Carolina FFL dealer of your choice for the background check and transfer.