The Savage Axis II in .350 Legend has quickly become a favorite among hunters and shooters alike. This powerful and versatile cartridge, paired with the reliable Axis II platform, offers a compelling combination of performance and affordability. This in-depth review will explore the rifle's features, performance, and suitability for various applications.
The .350 Legend Cartridge: A Closer Look
Before diving into the rifle itself, let's understand the .350 Legend cartridge. Developed by Winchester, this straight-walled cartridge is specifically designed for use in states with restrictions on bottlenecked cartridges for hunting. Its straight-walled design allows for reliable feeding in semi-automatic platforms, and its relatively low recoil makes it manageable for a wide range of shooters.
Key Characteristics of the .350 Legend:
- Straight-walled design: Facilitates reliable feeding and extraction.
- Moderate recoil: Comfortable for extended shooting sessions.
- Effective range: Offers decent accuracy out to 200-300 yards, depending on ammunition and shooter skill.
- Good ballistic performance: Provides enough energy for ethical hunting of deer-sized game.
Savage Axis II Rifle: A Foundation of Reliability
The Savage Axis II is a well-regarded platform known for its accuracy and affordability. Its features make it a strong contender in its price range.
Key Features of the Savage Axis II:
- AccuTrigger: Savage's renowned adjustable trigger system allows for a crisp and light trigger pull, crucial for accurate shot placement.
- Accuracy: The rifle's free-floating barrel and other design elements contribute to its inherent accuracy. Many shooters report impressive groups at various ranges.
- Synthetic Stock: Durable and weather-resistant, perfect for various hunting conditions.
- User-Friendly Design: Easy to handle and operate, making it suitable for both novice and experienced shooters.
Savage Axis II .350 Legend: Performance and Applications
The combination of the .350 Legend cartridge and the Savage Axis II platform creates a powerful and versatile hunting rifle. Its performance is well-suited for various hunting applications.
Ideal Hunting Applications:
- Whitetail Deer: The .350 Legend delivers sufficient stopping power for ethical harvesting of whitetail deer at reasonable ranges.
- Hog Hunting: Its effectiveness against hogs is well-documented, making it a popular choice for hog hunting enthusiasts.
- Predator Hunting: The cartridge's flat trajectory and manageable recoil also make it suitable for predator hunting.
Considerations:
While the .350 Legend is a powerful cartridge, its effective range is generally shorter than that of some bottlenecked cartridges. Shooters should be mindful of shot placement and range limitations. Accurate shot placement is always paramount for ethical and successful hunting.
Conclusion: A Winning Combination
The Savage Axis II .350 Legend offers a compelling blend of accuracy, affordability, and performance. Its suitability for various hunting applications, coupled with the rifle's reliable and user-friendly design, makes it a strong contender for both experienced and novice hunters. The .350 Legend cartridge fills a niche in the market, providing a powerful and controllable option for hunters in states with straight-walled cartridge regulations. If you are considering a rifle for deer or hog hunting, and meet the legal requirements for straight-walled cartridges, the Savage Axis II .350 Legend is certainly worth serious consideration.
