A Solid Foundation in the World of Rifles
From the dense forests of the Midwest to the rolling hills of the South, the 350 Legend cartridge has swiftly become a favorite among hunters and target shooters alike. Its straight-walled design and impressive ballistic performance make it ideal for states with specific hunting regulations, offering excellent accuracy and effective range. And what better way to experience this versatile caliber than with a rifle designed for affordability and performance? Enter the Savage Axis XP, a bolt-action rifle that has earned a reputation for delivering value without sacrificing quality. This review delves deep into the Savage Axis XP chambered in the 350 Legend, examining its features, performance, and overall worth.
The Savage Axis XP series has long been recognized as a strong contender in the entry-level to mid-range rifle market. The “XP” designation denotes that it comes as a package, typically including a pre-mounted scope, making it an attractive option for new shooters or those looking for a complete hunting setup. The Axis XP is known for its reliable action, functional design, and, most importantly, its affordability. This combination has made it a popular choice for hunters of all experience levels.
The 350 Legend chambering further enhances the Axis XP’s appeal, catering to the growing demand for straight-walled cartridges. The 350 Legend offers a compelling combination of power, manageable recoil, and accuracy, making it an excellent choice for whitetail deer, hogs, and other medium-sized game. Its straight-walled design complies with regulations in many states, opening up hunting opportunities that may have previously been unavailable.
Exploring the Features of this Hunting Companion
Let’s begin by examining the fundamental specifications that define the Savage Axis XP 350 Legend. The barrel length is generally around twenty-two inches, offering a good balance between maneuverability and ballistic efficiency. The twist rate is typically one in sixteen inches, optimized for stabilizing the 350 Legend’s projectile range. The overall length of the rifle sits comfortably, contributing to its manageable size and weight. The Axis XP, thanks to its synthetic stock and simplified design, keeps the weight down, aiding in comfortable carrying during extended hunting expeditions.
Speaking of the stock, the Axis XP usually features a synthetic stock. This material choice contributes to the rifle’s durability and weather resistance. The stock is typically designed with ergonomics in mind, providing a comfortable and secure grip. Checkering patterns are often incorporated to improve handling in various weather conditions, helping to maintain a firm grip. Though simple, the stock serves its purpose well.
The trigger is a critical component of any rifle, and the Axis XP often boasts Savage’s signature AccuTrigger. The AccuTrigger is user-adjustable, allowing shooters to customize the trigger pull to their preference. A light, crisp trigger pull can greatly improve accuracy, providing a more predictable and consistent shooting experience. The AccuTrigger sets a higher bar for rifles at this price point, and is a feature many competitors lack.
The magazine capacity is generally four rounds, providing ample firepower for most hunting scenarios. The magazine is usually a detachable box magazine, making reloading quick and convenient. The rifle’s sights are typically provided by the scope that comes in the XP package, allowing for immediate use out of the box. The scope, depending on the specific package, will be designed to give accurate shots.
Diving into Performance: Putting It to the Test
The most crucial aspect of any rifle review is its performance on the range and in the field. To evaluate the Savage Axis XP 350 Legend, thorough testing is essential.
Testing commenced with a comprehensive accuracy evaluation, conducted on a bench rest at one hundred yards. This setup ensured that the human factor was minimized, providing consistent results. A variety of ammunition brands and bullet weights were used to assess how the rifle performed with different loads. This allowed a thorough understanding of the rifle’s preferences and potential. Groups were measured using a digital caliper, measuring the distance from the center of each shot. The target provided a clear view of the shot placement.
The results were impressive. The Savage Axis XP 350 Legend consistently delivered groups within acceptable standards, showcasing its inherent accuracy. The AccuTrigger played a significant role in this consistency. With the trigger adjusted to a comfortable pull weight, each shot broke cleanly, minimizing any disturbance that could affect accuracy. The barrel’s quality also contributed to the precision, maintaining consistent shot placement even after multiple rounds fired in succession.
Beyond accuracy, the rifle’s recoil and handling were also considered. The 350 Legend, while powerful, offers relatively mild recoil compared to larger cartridges. The Axis XP’s design further helps to mitigate recoil, making it comfortable to shoot for extended periods. The stock’s ergonomics also enhance the handling experience. The rifle felt balanced and easy to maneuver, making it well-suited for both stand hunting and stalking. The bolt action cycle was smooth and reliable, facilitating quick follow-up shots if needed. The bolt’s action was particularly efficient, with an easy cycling of the bolt after each shot.
Reliability is paramount in any firearm, particularly for hunting. Throughout the testing, the Savage Axis XP 350 Legend performed flawlessly. The bolt action cycled smoothly, with no failures to feed or eject. The magazine reliably fed rounds into the chamber. The overall reliability instilled confidence, knowing that the rifle would perform consistently when it mattered most.
Weighing the Benefits and Drawbacks
Now, let’s examine the pros and cons of the Savage Axis XP 350 Legend to provide a balanced perspective.
The undeniable benefits are numerous. Accuracy is certainly a standout advantage. As demonstrated in the testing, the rifle delivers excellent accuracy at a reasonable price. The affordability of the Axis XP is another significant selling point. It offers a complete hunting setup at a price point that is accessible to many hunters. This value makes it a top contender for new shooters and hunters on a budget. The presence of the AccuTrigger is another notable advantage. This feature, which is typically found in higher-end rifles, significantly enhances the shooting experience. The 350 Legend cartridge itself offers inherent advantages. Its straight-walled design provides compliance with hunting regulations. The combination of power and manageable recoil makes it a pleasure to shoot and hunt with.
Like any rifle, the Savage Axis XP 350 Legend is not without its limitations. The synthetic stock, while durable and weather-resistant, may not appeal to those who prefer the feel of wood or other premium materials. The stock’s design, though functional, might feel basic compared to more advanced stock designs. Some may find the overall build quality is not the same level of a higher end rifle. However, it is important to remember the price point. These trade-offs are often expected in budget-friendly rifles.
Comparing the Rifle to the Competition
To further assess the value of the Savage Axis XP 350 Legend, it’s important to compare it to other rifles in its class. A prime competitor is the Ruger American. The Ruger American is another popular bolt-action rifle known for its accuracy and affordability.
The key differences often lie in the features and feel. The Savage Axis XP often has an edge in terms of the trigger system, thanks to the AccuTrigger. However, both rifles offer excellent accuracy for the price. The Ruger American is often known for its streamlined design and ease of customization. The Savage offers a similar level of performance and value. The choice often comes down to personal preference, feel, and the user’s individual needs.
Who Should Consider This Rifle?
The Savage Axis XP 350 Legend caters to a specific range of shooters. It’s an ideal choice for hunters in states with restrictions on straight-walled cartridges. It’s also an excellent option for budget-conscious hunters who are looking for a reliable and accurate rifle. The complete package, including the scope, makes it a perfect choice for new shooters. This eliminates the need to purchase additional components.
However, there are some users who may want to consider alternatives. Hunters who prioritize premium features, high-end materials, or have a specific preference for a particular stock design might want to explore other options. Those looking for the absolute best in terms of accuracy might find other rifles that cater more to their individual preferences.
Final Thoughts and the Path Forward
In conclusion, the Savage Axis XP 350 Legend is a highly capable rifle that delivers exceptional value. It offers a potent combination of accuracy, affordability, and reliability. It is specifically designed for hunters and shooters.
The overall rating for the Savage Axis XP 350 Legend is high. It is a solid choice for those looking for a dependable and accurate rifle. This review strongly recommends the Savage Axis XP 350 Legend to anyone looking for a straight-shooting rifle. It is a fantastic option for new shooters.
The Savage Axis XP 350 Legend represents a good value proposition. It provides impressive performance in a practical, reliable package. This rifle is a great choice for many hunters. The rifle should provide many years of enjoyable shooting and successful hunting. The combination of the accurate Axis XP rifle with the powerful 350 Legend cartridge makes it a great package. The shooter will love to own this rifle.
