I am thinking about buying a savage axis bolt action 223, but I have read that the bolt handle goes to far up for some scopes. I was wandering if I could heat the bolt handle and bend it a little bit or would that mess something up?


       Thanks

First step is to see if the handle will work with the scope.
If in doubt, contact Savage and tell them the type and size of scope and they can probably tell you if it'll work.

On modern rifles with bolt handles brazed on the bolt body, heating the handle is always risky, especially if you don't have the proper copper heat sinks to protect the bolt.
Do it without the correct tools and knowledge of how to do it, and people are surprised when they open the bolt and the handle peels off the bolt body.

The handle on the Axis is removable IIRC. I am not sure if it is the same as a 10 series however.
Disassemble the bolt, clamp the body end in an aluminum jaw vice to act as a heat sink. Heat the shank to cherry red and bend gently. Only bend it enough to clear the scope, allow to cool slowly(don't quench it).
If only a slight bend you should not have to relieve the stock.