Savage Arms Axis XP 350 Legend Bolt-Action Rifle: Your Complete Hunting Solution

Are you a hunter looking for a reliable, accurate, and affordable rifle that can handle a variety of game, especially in states with specific cartridge regulations? Do you need a complete package that's ready to go right out of the box, saving you time and money on sourcing optics? The Savage Arms Axis XP 350 Legend bolt-action rifle, model number 57543, is engineered to meet these demands, offering an exceptional blend of performance and value for both seasoned hunters and those new to the field.

This rifle package solves the common dilemma of finding a high-performing firearm without breaking the bank, particularly for deer, hog, and medium game hunting. It's a prime choice for individuals seeking a straightforward, robust, and effective tool for their outdoor pursuits.

The Power of the 350 Legend Cartridge

One of the most compelling features of this Savage Arms Axis XP is its chambering in the 350 Legend caliber. But what exactly is 350 Legend, and why is it gaining such widespread popularity among hunters?

The .350 Legend is a straight-walled rifle cartridge developed by Winchester Repeating Arms. Its design makes it compliant with hunting regulations in several states, including Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Pennsylvania, which restrict the use of bottlenecked cartridges for deer hunting in certain zones. This makes the Axis XP 350 Legend an indispensable tool for hunters operating under these specific legal frameworks.

Key Benefits of the 350 Legend:

• Legal Compliance: Meets straight-wall cartridge requirements in many Midwestern and Eastern states, opening up more hunting opportunities.
• Reduced Recoil: Compared to other popular hunting cartridges, the .350 Legend delivers significantly less recoil, making it more comfortable to shoot for extended periods, especially for new hunters or those sensitive to recoil. This leads to better shot placement and more enjoyable range sessions.
• Effective Terminal Performance: Despite its mild recoil, the .350 Legend delivers ample energy for ethical harvests of deer, hogs, and similar-sized game at typical hunting distances. It creates a wide wound channel, ensuring quick and humane takedowns.
• Affordable Ammunition: Generally, 350 Legend ammunition is more cost-effective than many other centerfire rifle cartridges, making practice sessions more economical.
• Versatility: While optimized for medium game, its characteristics also make it suitable for predator control and plinking.

Users often ask, "Is 350 Legend good for deer hunting?" The answer is a resounding yes. Its ballistic profile, characterized by moderate velocities and heavier bullet weights, ensures reliable expansion and energy transfer on target, making it an excellent choice for consistent and ethical deer harvests within its effective range. "What is the effective range of the 350 Legend?" Typically, it performs optimally out to 200 yards for hunting purposes, with capable shooters extending that slightly further under ideal conditions.

Precision Engineering: The Savage Arms Axis XP Platform

The Savage Arms Axis series is renowned for delivering "out-of-the-box" accuracy and reliable performance at an accessible price point. The Axis XP model 57543 embodies this philosophy, providing a robust and dependable platform for your hunting endeavors.

Core Components and Their Advantages:

• Smooth Bolt-Action Operation: At the heart of the Axis XP is its silky-smooth bolt operation. This precision engineering allows for rapid and reliable follow-up shots, crucial in dynamic hunting situations. The bolt glides effortlessly, ensuring consistent chambering and extraction.
• Durable Carbon Steel Construction: Both the 18-inch barrel and the drilled and tapped receiver are crafted from high-quality carbon steel. This material choice provides exceptional durability and resistance to the rigors of field use. The matte black finish on both components minimizes glare, preventing reflection that could spook game or betray your position.
• Button-Rifled Barrel: The 18-inch barrel features button rifling with a 1:16" twist rate. This manufacturing process ensures consistent lands and grooves, which are vital for spin-stabilizing the bullet and achieving superior accuracy. The shorter 18" barrel length contributes to the rifle's overall compactness (38.50" OAL), making it highly maneuverable in dense brush or when navigating through challenging terrain.
• Weather-Resistant Synthetic Stock: The black synthetic stock is designed for all-weather performance. Unlike wood stocks, synthetic materials are impervious to moisture, preventing warping or swelling in wet conditions. This ensures consistent accuracy regardless of environmental factors. The stock features sleek contours, strategically placed recoil pad vents for comfortable shooting, and a textured, easy-to-control grip. This ergonomic design promotes stable handling and helps manage recoil effectively.
• Optimal Capacity and Safety: The rifle boasts a 4+1 round capacity, providing ample rounds for most hunting scenarios. For safety, it features a three-position safety, offering positive control over the firearm's firing mechanism.
• Lightweight Design: Weighing in at just 6.90 lbs, the Axis XP is easy to carry during long treks through the woods, reducing fatigue and allowing you to stay focused on the hunt. The 13.75" length of pull (LOP) is designed to accommodate a wide range of shooters, ensuring comfortable and consistent shouldering.

"How accurate is the Savage Axis XP?" This is a common query, and Savage Arms has built a reputation for delivering rifles that punch above their weight in terms of precision. With quality ammunition and a competent shooter, the Axis XP is consistently capable of sub-2-inch groups at 100 yards, often achieving even tighter clusters, making it more than accurate enough for ethical hunting.

The Included Weaver 3-9x40mm Scope: Ready for Action

One of the most significant advantages of the Savage Arms Axis XP package is the inclusion of a pre-mounted and bore-sighted Weaver 3-9x40mm scope. This transforms the rifle into a complete, ready-to-hunt system straight from the box, eliminating the need for separate scope purchases, mounting, and initial zeroing.

Weaver has a long-standing history of producing reliable and clear optics, making this a sensible pairing for the Axis XP. The 3-9x40mm configuration is arguably the most versatile for typical hunting applications:

• 3x Magnification: Ideal for close-range shots in dense woods or for quickly acquiring targets.
• 9x Magnification: Provides sufficient power for longer shots across fields or open terrain, allowing for precise aiming.
• 40mm Objective Lens: Gathers ample light, providing a bright and clear sight picture even in low-light conditions prevalent during dawn and dusk – prime hunting times.

The inclusion of this scope means that hunters, especially first-timers, can get into the field faster and with less hassle. It's a tremendous value proposition, ensuring that your initial investment covers everything needed for effective target engagement. While some users may choose to upgrade optics in the future, the included Weaver scope is perfectly functional and reliable for immediate use.

Why Choose the Savage Arms Axis XP 350 Legend?

This rifle stands out as an exceptional choice for a multitude of reasons, addressing the core needs of a wide range of hunters:

• Exceptional Value: It’s challenging to find a rifle package that offers this level of performance, accuracy, and completeness at such an accessible price point. It represents a smart investment for new and experienced hunters alike.
• Unwavering Reliability: Savage Arms is known for building firearms that perform consistently, shot after shot, season after season. The Axis XP is no exception, designed to withstand the rigors of the hunting environment.
• Optimized for Common Game: The 350 Legend caliber, combined with the rifle's inherent accuracy, makes it perfectly suited for deer, hogs, and other medium game, ensuring ethical and successful hunts.
• User-Friendly Experience: From its comfortable synthetic stock to its smooth bolt operation and pre-mounted scope, the Axis XP is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, making the learning curve gentle for beginners.
• Versatility for Diverse Environments: The compact 18" barrel and lightweight design make it easy to maneuver in treestands, ground blinds, or through thick brush. Its matte black finish and synthetic stock ensure it can handle various weather conditions.
• Ready for the Field: The "XP" designation signifies an "Experienced Package," meaning it comes with everything you need to start hunting, except for ammunition. This takes the guesswork out of matching a rifle with compatible optics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is the Savage Axis XP 350 Legend a good rifle for beginners?
A: Absolutely. Its manageable recoil from the 350 Legend cartridge, lightweight design, and the convenience of a pre-mounted and bore-sighted scope make it an ideal choice for new shooters and hunters. It simplifies the initial setup process, allowing beginners to focus on shooting fundamentals.

Q: What kind of accuracy can I expect from this rifle?
A: With quality ammunition, most Savage Axis XP rifles are capable of 1.5 to 2 MOA (Minute of Angle) groups at 100 yards. This means shots within 1.5 to 2 inches at 100 yards, which is more than sufficient for ethical hunting of medium game. Many shooters report even better accuracy.

Q: Can I upgrade the scope later if I want to?
A: Yes. The receiver is drilled and tapped, allowing for easy removal of the included Weaver scope and installation of a different optic of your choice, should your needs or preferences evolve over time.

Q: How does the recoil feel with the 350 Legend cartridge?
A: The 350 Legend is known for its mild recoil, especially when compared to other popular deer cartridges like the .30-06 or .308 Winchester. The synthetic stock's recoil pad further absorbs felt recoil, making for a comfortable shooting experience.

Q: Is this rifle legal to hunt with in states like Ohio or Michigan?
A: Yes, the 350 Legend is a straight-wall cartridge, which meets the legal requirements for deer hunting in many states, including Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Pennsylvania, that have restrictions on bottlenecked rifle cartridges in certain areas. Always check your local regulations.

Q: How durable is the synthetic stock in harsh weather conditions?
A: The synthetic stock is highly durable and resistant to moisture, extreme temperatures, and general wear and tear. It will not warp, swell, or crack due to weather exposure, ensuring consistent performance year after year, unlike traditional wood stocks.

Conclusion

The Savage Arms Axis XP 350 Legend bolt-action rifle with the included Weaver 3-9x40mm scope is more than just a firearm; it's a complete, reliable, and highly effective hunting system. Designed with the needs of the modern hunter in mind, it provides the accuracy, durability, and convenience necessary for successful and enjoyable hunting seasons. Whether you're a seasoned outdoorsman or embarking on your first hunting adventure, this rifle stands as a testament to Savage Arms' commitment to quality, performance, and value, ready to be your trusted partner in the field.

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Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Savage Arms
Series	XP
Model	Axis
Caliber	350 Legend
Capacity	4+1 (Max Capacity: 4)
Action	Bolt
Barrel Length	18"
Barrel Finish	Matte Black
Barrel Material	Carbon Steel (Button-Rifled)
Twist Rate	1:16"
Stock Material	Synthetic
Stock Finish	Matte Black
Hand	Right Hand
Overall Length	38.50"
Length of Pull	13.75"
Weight	6.90 lbs
Receiver Material	Carbon Steel
Receiver Finish	Matte Black
Sights	Optic Ready
Included Optic	Weaver 3-9x40mm Scope
Safety	Three-Position
Application	Field (Hunting)
Size	Full Size
SKU	57543
MPN	57543
UPC	011356575432