The Savage Axis 350 Legend is a versatile and powerful rifle designed for medium to large game hunting. To maximize its potential, a high-quality scope is essential. After extensive research and personal experience, I have compiled a list of the top scopes that complement the Savage Axis 350 Legend. Here are the best scopes, each with detailed reviews including specifications, best features, pros, cons, and personal experiences.
Top 6 Best Scopes for Savage Axis 350 Legend on the Market
Note: The following advice comes from my personal perspective. What works for me might not work for you, but hopefully it sparks some ideas!
1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9x40
Specifications:
Magnification: 3-9x
Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
Eye Relief: 3.8 inches
Field of View: 34.1-12.6 ft/100 yds
Tube Size: 1 inch
Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
Length: 12 inches
Weight: 15 ounces
Best Features:
Fully multi-coated lenses for clear and bright images
Capped reset turrets for easy re-indexing to zero
Fast focus eyepiece for quick reticle focusing
Dead-Hold BDC reticle for accurate holdover and windage corrections
Pros:
Affordable yet high quality
Durable and reliable construction
Excellent light transmission
Easy to mount and zero
Cons:
Eye relief can be a bit finicky at higher magnifications
No parallax adjustment
Experience: The Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 is a solid performer. I found it particularly well-suited for the Savage Axis 350 Legend due to its versatile magnification range and bright, clear optics. It handled low-light conditions impressively, and the Dead-Hold BDC reticle made longer shots more predictable.
Customer Comments: Many users praise its value for money and durability. A common sentiment is that it's a great entry-level scope that performs well above its price range.
Twilight Light Management System for enhanced low-light performance
Scratch-resistant lenses
Waterproof and fogproof construction
Lightweight yet rugged
Pros:
Crystal clear optics
Excellent low-light performance
Durable and weather-resistant
Generous eye relief
Cons:
Slightly more expensive than some competitors
Limited reticle options
Experience: Leupold's VX-Freedom 3-9x40 delivers exceptional clarity and brightness. I found it to be a great match for the Savage Axis 350 Legend, especially in dense woods where light can be limited. The Duplex reticle is simple yet effective, providing a clear sight picture without unnecessary clutter.
Customer Comments: Owners appreciate its durability and the quality of its optics. Many highlight its performance in low-light conditions, making it a favorite among hunters.
Experience: The Nikon ProStaff P3 2-7x32 offers a good balance of performance and value. Its compact size and lightweight make it a great option for the Savage Axis 350 Legend, especially for those who prefer a lighter setup. The BDC reticle is helpful for longer shots, though it may take some getting used to.
Customer Comments: Users frequently mention its clarity and ease of use. The zero-reset turrets are particularly praised for their convenience.
Experience: The Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9x40 is a reliable scope that performs well in low-light conditions. This makes it ideal for the Savage Axis 350 Legend, especially for early morning or late evening hunts. The Multi-X reticle is straightforward and easy to use.
Customer Comments: Many hunters appreciate its performance during dawn and dusk. It's often described as a great value for the price, with good clarity and durability.
Index-matched, Hi-Lume multi-coating for low-light performance
Ballistic Plex reticle for trajectory compensation
Durable, waterproof, and fogproof design
Pros:
Clear and sharp optics
Rugged and reliable
Good low-light performance
Easy to zero and maintain
Cons:
Eye relief could be improved
Slightly heavier than some competitors
Experience: The Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40 offers a lot of value for its price. Its optical clarity and low-light performance make it a great companion for the Savage Axis 350 Legend. The Ballistic Plex reticle is particularly useful for those longer shots, providing accurate holdover points.
Customer Comments: Users often highlight its clarity and build quality. The scope's ability to maintain zero under various conditions is frequently praised.
First focal plane reticle for accurate holdover at any magnification
ACSS HUD DMR reticle for precise ranging and wind holds
Fully multi-coated lenses for enhanced clarity
Rugged, waterproof, and fogproof construction
Pros:
First focal plane reticle
Versatile magnification range
Clear and bright optics
Durable and reliable
Cons:
Heavier than many other scopes
More expensive
Experience: The Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44 FFP is an excellent choice for those looking for a first focal plane scope. Its versatile magnification range and clear optics make it a great fit for the Savage Axis 350 Legend, especially for long-range shooting. The ACSS HUD DMR reticle provides valuable ranging and wind hold information.
Customer Comments: Users appreciate the first focal plane reticle and its accuracy at various magnifications. Its durability and clear optics are also commonly praised.
How to Choose the Best Scope for Savage Axis 350 Legend
Selecting the right scope for the Savage Axis 350 Legend requires considering several factors:
Magnification
The magnification range should match your typical shooting distances. A 3-9x scope is versatile for most hunting scenarios, while a 4-14x scope is better for longer-range shooting.
Objective Lens Diameter
A larger objective lens gathers more light, providing a brighter image. However, it can also add weight to your rifle. Balance your need for brightness with your preference for a lighter setup.
Reticle Type
Reticles come in various designs, including BDC, Duplex, and illuminated options. Choose a reticle that matches your shooting style and conditions. BDC reticles are great for long-range shots, while simple Duplex reticles are effective for general hunting.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope's eyepiece while maintaining a full field of view. For a rifle like the Savage Axis 350 Legend, which can have significant recoil, a generous eye relief (at least 3 inches) is essential to prevent scope eye injuries.
Durability
Hunting often involves rugged conditions, so your scope must withstand impacts, moisture, and varying temperatures. Look for scopes that are waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof to ensure long-term reliability.
Optical Clarity
High-quality glass and coatings are crucial for clear, bright images, especially in low-light conditions. Fully multi-coated lenses typically offer the best performance, enhancing light transmission and reducing glare.
Adjustment Turrets
Turrets should be easy to adjust and precise. Zero-reset turrets are a convenient feature, allowing you to quickly return to your original zero after making temporary adjustments.
Weight
While a heavier scope might offer more features and durability, it can also make your rifle less maneuverable. Balance the added features with the need for a manageable weight.
FAQs
1. What magnification range is best for hunting with the Savage Axis 350 Legend?
A 3-9x magnification range is versatile and ideal for most hunting situations, providing enough zoom for longer shots without compromising the field of view for closer targets. If you anticipate longer-range shooting, a scope with up to 14x magnification might be more suitable.
2. Are illuminated reticles necessary for the Savage Axis 350 Legend?
Illuminated reticles are beneficial in low-light conditions, such as dawn or dusk. They can enhance target visibility, but they are not strictly necessary. It depends on your hunting environment and personal preference.
3. How important is the reticle type?
The reticle type is crucial as it affects aiming precision and ease of use. For example, a BDC reticle helps with holdover points for long-range shots, while a Duplex reticle offers simplicity and quick target acquisition.
4. What kind of lens coating should I look for?
Fully multi-coated lenses are the best option, as they maximize light transmission and minimize glare. This results in clearer and brighter images, especially in low-light conditions.
5. Is a first focal plane (FFP) reticle better than a second focal plane (SFP) reticle?
FFP reticles maintain accurate holdover and windage corrections at any magnification, making them ideal for long-range shooting. SFP reticles, on the other hand, keep the reticle size constant, which can be easier for quick target acquisition at lower magnifications. The choice depends on your shooting style and preferences.
Conclusion
Choosing the best scope for your Savage Axis 350 Legend can significantly enhance your shooting experience. Whether you're hunting in dense woods or open fields, the right scope will provide the clarity, accuracy, and durability you need. Based on my experiences and extensive research, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9x40 stands out for its value and performance, making it an excellent choice for most hunters. The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40, Nikon ProStaff P3 2-7x32, Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9x40, Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40, and Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44 FFP are also top contenders, each offering unique features that cater to different preferences and needs.
In the end, the best scope for you will depend on your specific hunting conditions, shooting style, and personal preferences. Consider the factors discussed in this guide, read customer reviews, and, if possible, test the scopes before making your final decision.