The Savage Axis II in .350 Legend has quickly gained popularity among hunters and shooters alike. This review delves deep into its performance, features, and overall value, providing you with the information needed to decide if it's the right firearm for you.
What Makes the .350 Legend Unique?
Before diving into the Axis II specifically, let's understand the .350 Legend cartridge. This relatively new round offers a compelling balance of power and manageable recoil, making it ideal for shorter-range hunting applications. Its performance surpasses that of many pistol calibers, yet remains milder than more powerful rifle rounds. This makes it perfect for deer hunting within its effective range, as well as for varmint control and general shooting practice.
Savage Axis II: A Solid Foundation
The Savage Axis II platform is known for its affordability and dependable performance. While not a high-end precision rifle, it offers surprising accuracy for its price point. Key features contributing to its success include:
Accuracy:
The AccuTrigger, a hallmark of Savage rifles, provides a crisp, light, and adjustable trigger pull. This is crucial for consistent shot placement, which is particularly important in hunting situations where quick, accurate shots are often paramount.
Reliability:
The Axis II boasts a robust action and simple design, contributing to its reputation for reliability. Many users report few, if any, malfunctions, underscoring its dependability in the field.
Ease of Use:
The bolt action is smooth and easy to operate, even for novice shooters. The overall design is straightforward and user-friendly, minimizing the learning curve and maximizing shooting enjoyment.
User-Friendly Features:
The synthetic stock is weather-resistant and durable, capable of withstanding challenging outdoor conditions. The included scope mounts are a practical touch, saving you money and time.
Savage Axis II .350 Legend: Performance Review
The combination of the .350 Legend cartridge and the Savage Axis II platform creates a compelling hunting rifle. In testing, the rifle showed decent accuracy, achieving sub-MOA groups (less than 1 inch at 100 yards) with high-quality ammunition. Recoil was manageable, even for less experienced shooters, making it a good choice for both men and women.
The .350 Legend’s effective range is generally considered to be under 200 yards; however, accuracy drops significantly beyond this point. This should be considered when selecting this firearm for hunting situations.
Value for Money: A Strong Contender
The Savage Axis II .350 Legend offers exceptional value for its price. It delivers a solid hunting rifle with a potent cartridge, impressive accuracy, and reliable performance, all at a price point that makes it accessible to a wide range of shooters.
Potential Downsides:
While the Axis II .350 Legend offers significant advantages, it's important to acknowledge potential limitations:
- Limited Range: The .350 Legend's effective range is comparatively shorter than some other hunting cartridges.
- Ammunition Availability: While improving, the availability of .350 Legend ammunition might still be slightly more limited than that of more common calibers.
- Not a Precision Rifle: While accurate, it's not designed for long-range precision shooting.
Conclusion: Is the Savage Axis II .350 Legend Right for You?
The Savage Axis II .350 Legend is a strong contender for hunters seeking a reliable, accurate, and affordable rifle for shorter-range applications. Its manageable recoil, user-friendly design, and the potent yet controlled power of the .350 Legend make it an excellent choice for many hunters and recreational shooters. However, potential buyers should carefully consider the effective range limitations and ammunition availability before making a purchase. If you’re looking for a versatile, budget-friendly option for deer hunting or similar applications within its effective range, the Savage Axis II .350 Legend is certainly worth a closer look.
