The 350 Legend was introduced by Winchester in 2019 to satisfy the straight wall cartridge requirements of Midwestern states like Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana that restrict rifle hunting to straight wall calibers. What happened next surprised a lot of people: the cartridge turned out to be excellent, not just a regulatory compromise.
A 350 Legend load pushing a 150 grain bullet at 2,325 feet per second hits with 1,800 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle and stays supersonic past 400 yards. For a straight wall cartridge in a lever action, that is remarkable. It produces less recoil than a 243 Winchester while delivering more energy at 100 yards than a 30-30. In the Henry X Model, which brings a threaded barrel and a more tactical aesthetic to Henry’s lever action platform, the 350 Legend becomes a deer rifle that is capable in terrain where most lever guns excel.
The X Model ships with a Picatinny rail, which removes any mount compatibility issues. You are selecting rings and a scope, which is the right approach for a rifle this capable.
The key scoping decision for the 350 Legend in a lever action is settling on a useful magnification ceiling. The cartridge can reach 300 yards with proper loads. The Henry lever action action and most field conditions limit practical accuracy to 150 to 200 yards for most shooters. A 2-7x scope with quality glass covers that range with room to spare while keeping the field of view wide enough for close range brush shooting where lever guns shine.
Here are the five best scopes for the Henry X Model 350 Legend.
Best HenryX Model 350 Legend Scope Comparison
| # | Image | Name | Key Features | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 | Dead-hold BDC, VIP warranty, strong value | Check Price |
| 2 |  |
Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33 | Twilight Max optics, lifetime warranty, US made | Check Price |
| 3 |  |
Burris Fullfield II 2-7×35 | 35mm objective, Ballistic Plex reticle, Forever Warranty | Check Price |
| 4 |  |
Vortex Diamondback 2-7×35 | ArmorTek lenses, XR coatings, VIP warranty | Check Price |
| 5 |  |
Bushnell Trophy 2-7×36 | 36mm objective, DOA reticle, value pricing | Check Price |
In Depth Reviews
The 350 Legend rewards shooters who can stretch a lever action to 150 and 200 yard shots. These scopes give you the clarity and precision to do that while keeping the close range capability that makes the X Model fun to shoot.
#1 Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 – Best Overall
The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 is the consistent answer for lever action scope buyers in this magnification range, and it earns that position for the Henry X Model 350 Legend for straightforward reasons. The magnification range fits, the glass is better than the price suggests, and the warranty removes purchase risk.
The 2-7x range covers everything the 350 Legend does well in a lever action. At 2x, you have a field of view wide enough for shots that break fast in timber or thick brush. At 7x, you can resolve a deer target at 200 yards with confidence, which is about as far as most lever action hunters need to go. There is no wasted magnification on either end.
The dead-hold BDC reticle is a genuine asset for 350 Legend shooters. The subtension marks account for bullet drop at hunting distances and let you take holdover shots without dialing, which is important when a deer materializes at 175 yards and you have limited time to adjust. The BDC calibration on the Crossfire II is designed around typical centerfire velocities, and the 350 Legend at 2,325 feet per second fits that profile well.
One specific advantage of the Crossfire II for the Henry X Model is the mounting compatibility. The X Model’s Picatinny rail accepts standard 1-inch rings with no adapters, and the Crossfire II’s 1-inch tube is straightforward to mount low and with correct eye relief. No compatibility puzzles, no special hardware.
Vortex’s multi-coated lenses deliver clear, bright images in daylight and usable performance at first and last light. For Midwestern deer hunting, where many shots happen during the legal minutes around sunrise and sunset in dense timber, the optical quality here is appropriate.
Backed by Vortex’s VIP warranty: unconditional, lifetime, and transferable to the next owner.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 2-7x |
| Objective Lens | 32mm |
| Reticle | Dead-Hold BDC |
| Eye Relief | 3.9 inches |
| Weight | 11.2 oz |
| Warranty | VIP Lifetime Unconditional |
Pros
- Magnification range matches 350 Legend’s practical use distances
- Dead-hold BDC supports holdover shots without turret manipulation
- Outstanding VIP warranty removes purchase risk
- Straightforward mounting on Henry X Model Picatinny rail
Cons
- 32mm objective is not the largest on this list; Burris and Bushnell have a slight edge at low light
- BDC calibration is approximate for 350 Legend; verify subtension accuracy with your load
Our Take
The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 is the right scope for most Henry X Model 350 Legend owners. It fits the platform, covers the cartridge’s realistic performance envelope, and comes with the best warranty on this list. If you want to be done making decisions and start shooting, this is where to start.
#2 Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33 – Best Premium Pick
Leupold’s VX-Freedom 2-7×33 is built in the United States to Leupold’s manufacturing standards, which is a different thing from being built well for the price. Every component of this scope is designed to Leupold’s spec rather than to a price point, and the result is a better optical experience than anything in the Vortex Crossfire tier.
The Twilight Max light management system is the most significant advantage. Leupold’s proprietary lens coating process delivers more usable light transmission in the conditions that matter most to deer hunters: the first and last 20 minutes of legal shooting light in October and November. At 2-7x magnification, the 33mm objective paired with Twilight Max glass gives you a bright, high-contrast image when other scopes are starting to fade.
The duplex reticle in the standard VX-Freedom configuration is simple and fast. A clean crosshair with no subtension clutter means your eye goes to center in low light, which is what you want when a buck steps out at dusk with 4 minutes of legal shooting light remaining. Leupold offers a BDC option if you prefer holdover reference points.
Eye relief at 4.2 inches is the most generous on this list, which makes consistent cheek weld and accurate field shooting more achievable from unusual positions. The VX-Freedom also weighs around 9 ounces, which is less than either Vortex option despite the additional optical quality.
Covered by Leupold’s lifetime warranty, which covers any defect in materials or workmanship for the life of the original purchaser and beyond.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 2-7x |
| Objective Lens | 33mm |
| Reticle | Duplex |
| Eye Relief | 4.2 inches |
| Weight | 9 oz |
| Warranty | Leupold Lifetime Warranty |
Pros
- Twilight Max coatings deliver the best low light performance on this list
- Lightest scope here at 9 ounces despite premium build
- Generous 4.2 inch eye relief supports accurate field shooting
- American made with Leupold’s standards throughout
Cons
- Higher price than all other options on this list
- Standard configuration uses duplex rather than BDC; BDC version costs more
- 33mm objective is middle of the range, not the brightest at high magnification
Our Take
The Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33 is for Henry X Model owners who want the best glass on this rifle and are willing to pay for it. The low light performance is superior, the weight is the lowest here, and the Leupold name behind it means it will outlast the rifle if it needs to.
#3 Burris Fullfield II 2-7×35 – Best Mid-Range
The Burris Fullfield II has been a staple of the mid-range hunting scope market for years because it delivers above-average glass quality at a price that is accessible. Burris builds its scopes to tighter tolerances than most manufacturers at this price point, and the difference shows in image quality and in turret consistency.
The 35mm objective is the largest in the 2-7x class on this list. A larger objective means more glass to gather light, and at the 2x and 4x settings where most lever action hunting happens, a 35mm objective delivers a brighter image than a 32mm equivalent at dawn and dusk. For Midwestern deer hunting in November, when the best buck movement happens in the last 15 minutes of light, that brightness translates into shooting opportunities.
The Ballistic Plex reticle offers holdover points at common hunting distances. The calibration is not specific to 350 Legend loads, but the reticle design is clean enough that the center crosshair remains the primary aiming point, with subtension marks serving as approximate references.
Burris covers this scope with their Forever Warranty, which provides no-fault replacement for any defect or damage during the owner’s lifetime. It is not quite as comprehensive as Vortex’s VIP coverage, but it is a meaningful step above the standard limited warranties offered by most manufacturers.
Build quality feels solid throughout. The Fullfield II has earned a reputation for holding zero through sustained field use, including in the wet, cold conditions of late season Midwestern deer hunting.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 2-7x |
| Objective Lens | 35mm |
| Reticle | Ballistic Plex |
| Eye Relief | 3.5 inches |
| Weight | 12.3 oz |
| Warranty | Burris Forever Warranty |
Pros
- 35mm objective provides the best light gathering for low light hunting scenarios
- Above average glass quality for the mid-range price tier
- Burris Forever Warranty provides strong no-fault coverage
- Consistent zero retention through field use
Cons
- 3.5 inch eye relief is the shortest on this list; position rings
- Heavier than Leupold at 12.3 ounces
- Ballistic Plex not calibrated for 350 Legend trajectory
Our Take
The Burris Fullfield II 2-7×35 hits a sweet spot between price and performance that suits the Henry X Model 350 Legend well. The 35mm objective earns its keep at first and last light, the glass quality exceeds the price point, and the Forever Warranty provides real protection. For buyers who want to spend more than Vortex without going to Leupold prices, this is the right choice.
#4 Vortex Diamondback 2-7×35 – Best Step-Up Vortex
The Vortex Diamondback sits above the Crossfire II in Vortex’s lineup, and in the 2-7×35 configuration it addresses the one limitation of the Crossfire II: objective size. The 35mm glass gathers more light at the top of the magnification range, and the XR multi-coated lenses with ArmorTek exterior treatment deliver better optical performance than the Crossfire at comparable settings.
For 350 Legend hunting in the Great Lakes states, where November deer hunting means cold, wet conditions with low angle morning and evening light, the step up in glass quality on the Diamondback is more than cosmetic. The image is cleaner, brighter, and easier to hold steady through the eyepiece in field conditions.
The ArmorTek exterior coating on the Diamondback’s lenses is worth calling out. It bonds to the glass surface and provides scratch resistance, water repellency, and oil resistance that field conditions expose. A lens that sheds water is a real advantage in rain or when wiping field grime during a hunt.
The dead-hold BDC reticle mirrors the Crossfire II configuration. Turret feel on the Diamondback is a meaningful step up: the clicks are more defined, adjustments are more repeatable, and the magnification ring has a better tactile quality. These details matter when you are setting zero in the field with cold hands.
At around 13.2 ounces, the Diamondback is the heaviest option here. The 35mm objective and the upgraded build account for the added weight, which most hunters will consider acceptable for the performance gain.
Backed by Vortex’s VIP warranty: unconditional, lifetime, and transferable to the next owner.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 2-7x |
| Objective Lens | 35mm |
| Reticle | Dead-Hold BDC |
| Eye Relief | 3.5 inches |
| Weight | 13.2 oz |
| Warranty | VIP Lifetime Unconditional |
Pros
- 35mm objective and XR coatings deliver better low light than Crossfire II
- ArmorTek lens coating provides real-world field durability
- Step-up turret quality over Crossfire II for more repeatable adjustments
- Same outstanding VIP warranty as all Vortex products
Cons
- Heaviest scope on this list at 13.2 ounces
- Eye relief at 3.5 inches requires careful ring placement
- Price premium over Crossfire II is meaningful; Leupold may be a better step-up investment
Our Take
The Vortex Diamondback 2-7×35 is for buyers who want to stay in the Vortex ecosystem and step up from the Crossfire II. The glass improvement is real, the warranty is unchanged, and the 35mm objective adds light gathering capability. If you want the best Vortex option for this rifle without going into the Viper or Razor tier, this is it.
#5 Bushnell Trophy 2-7×36 – Best Budget
The Bushnell Trophy 2-7×36 earns its spot on this list as the largest objective in the budget tier. The 36mm objective gathers more light than any other scope here at comparable settings, and for a hunter whose primary concern is maximizing shooting light in low budget conditions, that objective size represents genuine value.
The Trophy line uses Bushnell’s multi-coated glass, which delivers solid performance in daylight and acceptable low light brightness. The DOA reticle offers holdover marks, though the calibration is designed for centerfire cartridges at general hunting distances rather than for 350 Legend ballistics.
Build quality on the Trophy is honest for the price. The scope holds zero through normal hunting use, but the construction reflects the budget tier in turret feel and overall rigidity. For a rifle that gets moderate use on a limited budget, it performs the job.
The Trophy is the most affordable scope on this list by a meaningful margin. For a first-time scope buyer or a hunter who wants to get the rifle shooting and upgrade later, the Trophy provides a functional starting point without a significant financial commitment.
Eye relief at 3.5 inches is adequate, though at the shorter end of the range. Position rings to ensure consistent cheek weld.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 2-7x |
| Objective Lens | 36mm |
| Reticle | DOA 600 |
| Eye Relief | 3.5 inches |
| Weight | 13 oz |
| Warranty | Bushnell Limited Warranty |
Pros
- Largest objective on this list at 36mm provides the most light gathering for the price
- Most affordable option here by a significant margin
- DOA reticle adds holdover capability in a clean format
- Available with consistent product support
Cons
- Build quality and turret feel reflect the budget price point
- DOA reticle calibration is approximate for 350 Legend
- Heavier than premium alternatives at 13 ounces for comparable performance
Our Take
The Bushnell Trophy 2-7×36 is the right choice for Henry X Model 350 Legend owners who need to put a working scope on the rifle without a large investment. It delivers the function you need, covers the magnification range that suits the cartridge, and the 36mm objective adds light gathering that punches above the budget tier in the field.
Did You Know? The 350 Legend was engineered to meet straight wall cartridge requirements while still outperforming the 450 Bushmaster and 458 SOCOM in recoil. Winchester designed it to generate less recoil than the 243 Winchester, making it one of the most comfortable hard-hitting deer cartridges available today. A 150 grain 350 Legend load produces 8 to 9 foot-pounds of felt recoil, compared to 12 to 13 for a comparable 308 load.
Conclusion
The Henry X Model 350 Legend is a rifle that makes a serious argument for itself in Midwestern deer country. The straight wall restriction states that created the market for this cartridge have produced some of the most enthusiastic deer hunting communities in the country, and the 350 Legend has more than earned its place alongside the 450 Bushmaster and 45-70 as a legitimate choice for those hunters.
The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 is the recommendation for most buyers. It fits the platform, covers the cartridge’s realistic range, delivers good glass with the best warranty in the category, and leaves budget for quality rings and a zeroing session. That combination gets you into the field.
The Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33 is the answer if you want the best glass and are willing to pay for it. The low light performance is better than any other option here, and it weighs less than the budget alternatives. That combination of quality and lightness is Leupold’s consistent advantage.
The Burris Fullfield II sits in the middle ground with a 35mm objective and above-average glass quality for the price. The Vortex Diamondback delivers the best Vortex glass in this format with the 35mm objective to match. The Bushnell Trophy gives you the largest objective on the list for the smallest investment.
Whatever you choose, the Henry X Model with a quality 2-7x scope is capable of making shots that most people do not expect from a lever action. Zero at 150 yards with your chosen 350 Legend load, know the 200 yard drop, and this combination becomes one of the most effective setups available for deer in cover and field edges alike.
Richard Brown is a long-range shooting enthusiast and competitive shooter with extensive experience in scopes across multiple disciplines. He hunts regularly across the Midwest and has built his expertise through years of hands-on testing in both competitive shooting and hunting. Richard also instructs youth rifle shooting, which has given him perspective on scopes at every price point and skill level. He combines technical knowledge with practical field experience to provide honest reviews – contact me