Understanding the Power of 350 Legend
In the world of hunting, the right tools can make all the difference. From the caliber of your rifle to the ease with which it handles, the choices you make impact your success and overall experience in the field. Today, we delve into the Savage Axis 2 XP 350 Legend, a rifle that’s rapidly gaining popularity and deservedly so. This review will examine every aspect of this rifle, highlighting its strengths and shedding light on its suitability for various hunting scenarios.
The Savage Axis 2 XP series, recognized for its accessible price point and dependability, is a solid choice for both seasoned hunters and those just starting. The “XP” designation typically signals a package that includes a scope, making it a convenient and ready-to-go option. The 350 Legend chambering further enhances the rifle’s appeal, offering a unique blend of performance and versatility.
History and Ballistics
Before we dive into the specifics of the Savage Axis 2 XP, it’s essential to understand the cartridge it fires: the 350 Legend. This round has a compelling history, born out of a demand for a straight-walled cartridge suitable for areas with restrictions on bottlenecked rounds. Its creation sought to balance effective ballistics with the legal requirements in specific regions.
The 350 Legend boasts impressive ballistics. Compared to older rounds like the .30-30 Winchester, the 350 Legend offers a flatter trajectory and more energy at typical hunting ranges. The 350 Legend is often compared to a .357 Magnum but with significantly improved ballistics when fired from a rifle. Its straight-walled case design is a key advantage, making it compliant with regulations in many states and counties where bottleneck cartridges are prohibited. This alone opens up hunting opportunities in previously restricted zones, making the 350 Legend a game-changer for hunters in those areas.
At the typical hunting ranges, the 350 Legend delivers substantial energy, ensuring effective terminal performance on medium-sized game animals. Many hunters are impressed with its performance out to 200 yards, and beyond, making it a versatile choice for various hunting situations.
Furthermore, the 350 Legend’s low recoil is another huge benefit. The lighter recoil impulse allows for quicker follow-up shots and makes the rifle comfortable to shoot, particularly for new hunters or those sensitive to recoil. This increased comfort also promotes better accuracy, a critical factor in effective hunting.
Finally, the ammunition availability for the 350 Legend continues to grow, providing hunters with a wide selection of bullet weights, types, and brands. This abundance allows hunters to tailor their ammunition choices to their specific needs and hunting environments.
Analyzing the Savage Axis 2 XP Platform: Key Features
The Savage Axis 2 XP provides a solid platform for the 350 Legend. It features a bolt-action mechanism that emphasizes reliability and ease of use. The bolt itself operates smoothly, and the overall design is straightforward, making it easy to learn and master.
The barrel is another crucial component. The 350 Legend version typically features a 22-inch barrel, carefully crafted to deliver accuracy. The rifling twist rate is optimized for the 350 Legend’s bullet weights, which, when combined with the overall quality of the barrel, contributes to the rifle’s potential for excellent accuracy.
The stock is usually constructed of a durable, synthetic material. This material is resistant to weather, requires minimal maintenance, and is usually comfortable in the hands. The Axis 2 XP frequently features well-designed ergonomics, which encourages a natural and comfortable shooting position.
A standout feature of the Savage Axis 2 XP is the AccuTrigger. This trigger system is adjustable, allowing shooters to fine-tune the trigger pull to their preference. A crisp, clean trigger is essential for accuracy, and the AccuTrigger delivers. Its adjustability enables the shooter to optimize the trigger for maximum precision.
The magazine, holding a capacity of several rounds, is designed for easy loading and reliable feeding. Its functionality ensures smooth operation, which reduces frustration when hunting.
The “XP” designation means that the rifle comes as a package that includes a pre-mounted scope, usually from a reputable manufacturer. This is a huge benefit for new hunters or those who want a ready-to-go setup. The scope is already aligned, saving the shooter the time and cost of mounting and zeroing a separate optic.
The build quality of the Savage Axis 2 XP is commendable. The rifle is constructed from durable materials and is built to withstand the rigors of field use. While not a high-end, custom rifle, the Axis 2 XP is designed to provide years of reliable service.
Performance Evaluation: Putting It to the Test
Accuracy is a critical aspect of any hunting rifle. To assess the Savage Axis 2 XP 350 Legend, the rifle was subjected to a variety of tests. At 100 yards, it consistently produced tight groups, and the results were impressive. The AccuTrigger plays a significant role in achieving this accuracy, allowing for a more controlled and precise shot.
The recoil of the 350 Legend is notably manageable. The combination of the cartridge’s inherent recoil characteristics and the Axis 2 XP’s design makes shooting the rifle comfortable, even during extended range sessions. The mild recoil allows for quicker follow-up shots and enhances the overall shooting experience.
The ergonomics of the rifle are also noteworthy. The stock design is comfortable to hold, the rifle balances well, and its weight is manageable for carrying in the field. The Axis 2 XP shoulders easily and allows for quick target acquisition, a crucial factor when hunting moving game.
The overall shooting experience with the Savage Axis 2 XP in 350 Legend is excellent. The rifle is easy to handle, accurate, and comfortable to shoot. These qualities combine to make it a very enjoyable and effective hunting tool.
Hunting Applications: Where the Savage Axis 2 XP 350 Legend Excels
The Savage Axis 2 XP 350 Legend shines when it comes to hunting. The 350 Legend cartridge is well-suited for a range of medium-sized game. The cartridge is a great choice for deer hunting and also works very well on hogs.
The effective hunting range for the 350 Legend is generally up to 200 yards, though experienced shooters may extend that range depending on the specific conditions. This is ideal for many hunting scenarios, including those where shots are typically taken at moderate distances.
One of the significant advantages of the Axis 2 XP 350 Legend is its suitability for hunting in areas with straight-walled cartridge restrictions. This opens up opportunities for hunters in many parts of the United States.
The moderate recoil makes it an excellent choice for new hunters or those sensitive to recoil. It is a rifle that the whole family can enjoy.
While the 350 Legend is an excellent cartridge, it has certain limitations. It is not a great choice for long-range hunting of large game. Hunters should be aware of the limitations of the cartridge and ensure that they choose appropriate shot placement and ranges.
Examining the Benefits and Drawbacks
The Savage Axis 2 XP 350 Legend has many positive aspects. First, the combination of accuracy and affordability is a huge win. The rifle delivers excellent accuracy for its price point, making it an excellent value. The ease of use is another advantage. The rifle is simple to operate and comfortable to shoot, making it a great choice for hunters of all experience levels. The scope package offers a ready-to-go solution for new hunters.
However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. While the synthetic stock is durable, some hunters may prefer the feel and appearance of a wood stock. The included scope, while functional, is often a basic model, and shooters may want to upgrade the scope in the future.
Comparing to the Competition
The Savage Axis 2 XP in 350 Legend faces competition from several other rifles in the same price range and caliber. The Ruger American Rifle, for example, is another popular and affordable bolt-action rifle. The Winchester XPR is also a strong contender. When choosing a rifle, it is essential to compare the features, accuracy, and overall value to see which one best fits your personal needs. The Savage Axis 2 XP has the edge in terms of value, making it an appealing option for many hunters.
Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts and Recommendations
In summary, the Savage Axis 2 XP 350 Legend is a capable and reliable hunting rifle. It offers a compelling combination of accuracy, affordability, and ease of use. It is particularly well-suited for hunters in areas where straight-walled cartridges are required, and for those who are new to hunting. The package deal including the scope is a major plus, saving hunters time and money.
The Savage Axis 2 XP 350 Legend is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an affordable and effective hunting rifle. The rifle’s performance, combined with the versatility of the 350 Legend cartridge, makes it a valuable addition to any hunter’s arsenal.
If you are looking for a reliable rifle for deer, hogs, or other medium-sized game, the Savage Axis 2 XP 350 Legend is definitely worth considering. With its accuracy, value, and ease of use, it’s a rifle that you can rely on in the field. This is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to step into the world of 350 Legend hunting.
