The Savage Axis XP in .350 Legend is quickly becoming a popular choice for young hunters and experienced shooters alike. Its compact size, manageable recoil, and excellent accuracy make it an ideal platform for introducing youth to hunting or for experienced shooters looking for a versatile hunting rifle. This in-depth review will explore the features, performance, and overall value of the Savage Axis XP Youth in .350 Legend.
Why Choose the .350 Legend for Youth Hunters?
The .350 Legend cartridge is a relatively new addition to the hunting scene, designed specifically with accuracy and manageable recoil in mind. This makes it exceptionally suitable for younger shooters. Let's examine why:
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Reduced Recoil: Compared to more powerful calibers like .308 Winchester or .30-06 Springfield, the .350 Legend produces significantly less recoil. This is crucial for youth hunters, as excessive recoil can be intimidating and lead to poor shooting habits.
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Flatter Trajectory: The .350 Legend boasts a flatter trajectory than many other popular hunting cartridges, making it easier for young hunters to accurately hit targets at various distances. This means less compensation for bullet drop is needed.
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Effective Range: While not designed for extreme long-range shooting, the .350 Legend offers sufficient range for most hunting scenarios, including deer hunting within ethical ranges.
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Availability of Ammunition: While a newer cartridge, .350 Legend ammunition is readily available from most major manufacturers, ensuring accessibility for young hunters.
Savage Axis XP Youth: A Detailed Look
The Savage Axis XP Youth is a well-regarded rifle known for its affordability and performance. Its features are designed specifically with young shooters in mind:
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Adjustable Length of Pull: The stock is adjustable, allowing for a perfect fit as the young hunter grows. This ensures proper shoulder alignment and a comfortable shooting position.
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Youth-Sized Stock: The stock is designed to be smaller and lighter than adult-sized rifles, providing a better fit and reduced fatigue during longer shooting sessions.
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Lightweight Design: The overall lightweight design makes the rifle easier to carry and handle for younger shooters.
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Accuracy: Savage rifles are renowned for their accuracy, and the Axis XP Youth is no exception. Its AccuTrigger system contributes to a crisp and consistent trigger pull, enhancing accuracy.
AccuTrigger System: A Game Changer
The Savage AccuTrigger is a user-adjustable trigger system that allows for a light, crisp trigger pull without compromising safety. This is a significant advantage for young shooters, as a consistent and predictable trigger pull is crucial for accurate shot placement. The adjustable nature of the trigger allows parents to set an appropriate pull weight for their child's skill level.
Performance and Accuracy Testing
Several independent reviews and tests have highlighted the excellent accuracy of the Savage Axis XP Youth in .350 Legend. While specific results may vary depending on ammunition and individual rifles, many users report sub-MOA accuracy (under 1 inch at 100 yards) with factory ammunition. This level of accuracy is remarkable for a rifle in its price range and makes it a viable option for hunting various game animals.
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Practical Applications and Hunting Scenarios
The .350 Legend, coupled with the Savage Axis XP Youth, is ideal for various hunting scenarios, including:
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Whitetail Deer Hunting: The .350 Legend’s performance is more than adequate for ethical harvesting of whitetail deer within reasonable ranges.
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Hog Hunting: The round's power and accuracy make it effective for hog hunting, even at moderate distances.
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Predator Hunting: The .350 Legend can be used for hunting coyotes and other predators, though a more powerful round might be preferred for larger predators at longer ranges.
Considerations and Potential Drawbacks
While the Savage Axis XP Youth in .350 Legend offers many advantages, it’s essential to consider a few potential drawbacks:
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Limited Range: Compared to larger calibers, its effective range is shorter.
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Recoil, Though Reduced, Still Exists: While significantly less than larger calibers, recoil still exists and proper shooting technique must be practiced and observed.
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Ammunition Cost: While readily available, the cost of .350 Legend ammunition may be slightly higher than some more common calibers.
Conclusion: A Solid Choice for Young Hunters
The Savage Axis XP Youth in .350 Legend represents an excellent choice for young hunters and those seeking a versatile, accurate, and easy-to-handle rifle. Its manageable recoil, adjustable stock, and accurate performance combine to create a highly suitable hunting platform. While it might not be the ideal choice for long-range shooting or extremely large game, it shines in its intended role of providing a safe and effective entry point into the world of hunting. Remember always to prioritize safety and practice proper firearm handling techniques. The benefits of reduced recoil and accurate shot placement, however, significantly outweigh its minor drawbacks, making this a highly recommended option.