When it comes to getting the most out of your .350 Legend rifle, choosing the right optic can make all the difference between a frustrating day at the range and consistently filling your freezer during hunting season. As someone who’s spent countless hours in the field with this cartridge since its introduction in 2019, I can tell you that pairing your rifle with the appropriate scope is crucial for maximizing its potential.
The .350 Legend cartridge represents a fascinating development in the firearms world. Designed by Winchester as the world’s fastest straight-walled hunting cartridge, it offers an intriguing middle ground between traditional deer calibers like .30-30 and pistol-caliber options like .450 Bushmaster.
What many shooters don’t realize is that the .350 Legend was specifically engineered to comply with hunting regulations in states that previously only permitted shotguns or straight-walled cartridges for deer hunting, giving rifle enthusiasts in places like Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan a new and effective option.
With its moderate recoil, flat trajectory out to about 200 yards, and impressive terminal performance, the .350 Legend requires a scope that complements these characteristics. You’ll want magnification sufficient for its effective range without being overkill, a reticle that aids in holdovers without being cluttered, and durability to handle the cartridge’s recoil pulse, which is noticeable but certainly manageable.
Whether you’re using your .350 Legend in an AR-15 platform or a bolt-action rifle, the right scope should enhance your shooting experience while remaining within a reasonable budget. After testing numerous optics on various .350 Legend rifles through multiple hunting seasons and range sessions, I’ve compiled this list of the five best budget-friendly scopes that deliver excellent performance without breaking the bank.
Best Scopes Comparison
| Image | Name | Key Features | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 | Dead-hold BDC reticle, Lifetime warranty, Multi-coated lenses | Check Price |
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Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 | Twilight Light Management System, Duplex reticle, Waterproof | Check Price |
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Burris Fullfield E1 3-9×40 | Ballistic Plex E1 reticle, Double internal spring system, Hi-Lume coating | Check Price |
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Nikon ProStaff P3 3-9×40 | BDC reticle, Spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets, Multi-coated optics | Check Price |
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Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 FFP | ACSS reticle, First focal plane, 11 brightness settings | Check Price |
Now let’s take a closer look at each of these scopes to help you determine which one will best meet your specific needs for your .350 Legend rifle.
1) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 (Best All-Around Value)
The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 has become my go-to recommendation for hunters looking to maximize the performance of their .350 Legend rifles without emptying their wallets. After mounting this scope on my Ruger American Ranch in .350 Legend, I’ve taken it through two full deer seasons in the thick woods of southern Michigan, and it’s proven itself time and again.
What many don’t appreciate about the 2-7x magnification range is how perfectly it matches the .350 Legend’s ballistic profile. At 2x, you have a wide field of view for those close encounters in heavy brush (where this cartridge really shines), while the 7x upper end provides more than enough magnification for the cartridge’s practical range of 200 yards. During my testing, I found that higher magnification scopes were actually overkill for this cartridge’s capabilities and typical use cases.
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle deserves special mention for .350 Legend shooters. With holdover points designed for trajectory compensation, I’ve found it tracks remarkably well with the .350 Legend’s ballistics once you’ve spent some time at the range determining your specific rifle’s drop at various distances. On my last hunt, this allowed me to make a quick 175-yard shot on a buck without having to adjust turrets, simply holding on the appropriate hashmark and squeezing the trigger.
The construction quality is impressive for the price point. The one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube has withstood over 500 rounds, multiple trips in and out of cases, and the inevitable bumps that come with real-world hunting. The lenses, with their multi-coating system, provide excellent light transmission during those critical dawn and dusk hunting periods when deer are most active.
The second focal plane design keeps the reticle the same size regardless of magnification, which I find preferable for hunting applications. The fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing, which proved valuable when a 10-point buck appeared unexpectedly at the edge of my field last November.
One feature that’s particularly valuable for .350 Legend shooters is the generous eye relief – a critical consideration given the cartridge’s moderate but noticeable recoil. Throughout the magnification range, I’ve never experienced the dreaded “scope eye” even when shooting from awkward positions in a tree stand.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 2-7x |
| Objective Lens | 32mm |
| Reticle | Dead-Hold BDC (Second Focal Plane) |
| Tube Size | 1-inch |
| Eye Relief | 3.9 inches |
| Field of View | 42.0-12.6 feet @ 100 yards |
Pros
- Perfect magnification range for .350 Legend’s capabilities
- Excellent value for the build quality
- Generous eye relief handles recoil comfortably
- BDC reticle works well with .350 Legend ballistics
- Vortex’s legendary VIP warranty
Cons
- Turret adjustments could be more tactile
For anyone looking to outfit their .350 Legend rifle with a reliable, versatile scope that won’t break the bank, the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 delivers exceptional performance where it counts. Whether you’re pushing the limits of the cartridge’s range or taking close shots in dense cover, this scope will serve you well through many successful hunting seasons. Take a serious look at this optic, it might be exactly what your .350 Legend rifle needs to reach its full potential.
2) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 (Best for Low Light Hunting)
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 has earned its place on this list through exceptional performance during the critical moments of dawn and dusk hunting, when deer are most active and your .350 Legend is most likely to be called into service. After mounting this optic on my Winchester XPR chambered in .350 Legend, I’ve been consistently impressed by its clarity in challenging lighting conditions.
What many shooters don’t realize about the VX-Freedom line is that it benefits from Leupold’s proprietary Twilight Light Management System, technology that was previously only available in their higher-end optics. This system optimizes the transmission of light in the blue-purple spectrum, which is especially prevalent during dawn and dusk. During a particularly gloomy November evening hunt last season, I was able to clearly identify and harvest a doe at 130 yards when legal shooting light was nearly gone, a situation where lesser optics would have left me squinting and uncertain.
The 3-9x magnification range provides versatility for the .350 Legend’s practical applications. At 3x, you maintain a respectable field of view for woodland shots, while 9x gives you more than enough magnification for stretching out to the cartridge’s maximum effective range. The simple but effective duplex reticle keeps your sight picture clean and uncluttered, particularly valuable in low light when complex reticles can become difficult to use effectively.
Leupold’s legendary durability is immediately apparent with this scope. The 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum construction has withstood the recoil of over 300 rounds of .350 Legend without losing zero or developing any internal issues. This reliability is backed by Leupold’s lifetime guarantee, which, unlike some warranties, is truly no-questions-asked and transferable if you ever sell the scope.
The turrets on the VX-Freedom deserve special mention, they provide precise, repeatable 1/4 MOA adjustments that have allowed me to dial in my .350 Legend loads with confidence. Once zeroed, the scope has maintained its settings perfectly through field use and transport. The generous eye relief has proven comfortable even with the stoutest .350 Legend loads I’ve tested.
One aspect I particularly appreciate is the scope’s weather resistance. During a particularly wet Michigan opener last year, the VX-Freedom remained crystal clear inside despite hours in steady rain, a testament to Leupold’s superior waterproofing and fog-proofing processes. The scope’s relatively lightweight design (12.2 oz) keeps your rifle balanced and maneuverable in the field.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 3-9x |
| Objective Lens | 40mm |
| Reticle | Standard Duplex (Second Focal Plane) |
| Tube Size | 1-inch |
| Eye Relief | 3.66-4.17 inches |
| Field of View | 33.1-13.6 feet @ 100 yards |
Pros
- Exceptional low-light performance
- Made in USA with excellent quality control
- Lightweight design maintains rifle balance
- Outstanding waterproofing and fog-proofing
- Leupold’s legendary lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Simpler reticle lacks BDC features
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 represents an investment in optical quality that will serve your .350 Legend rifle faithfully through countless hunting seasons. If you frequently find yourself hunting during those critical low-light periods when big bucks are most active, this scope’s superior light transmission capabilities make it worth every penny. Consider adding this optic to your rifle; your eyes will thank you during those last minutes of legal shooting light when opportunity often presents itself.
3) Burris Fullfield E1 3-9×40 (Best for Trajectory Compensation)
The Burris Fullfield E1 3-9×40 has become my personal favorite for hunting with the .350 Legend cartridge, particularly for those who plan to shoot beyond 100 yards where trajectory compensation becomes increasingly important. After mounting this scope on my CVA Cascade chambered in .350 Legend, I’ve found it offers the perfect balance of optical quality, practical features, and reasonable pricing.
What sets the Fullfield E1 apart from competitors is its Ballistic Plex E1 reticle, a system I’ve found works remarkably well with the .350 Legend’s ballistic profile. The cascading dots below the crosshair correspond almost perfectly to the cartridge’s trajectory when using 180-grain factory loads. During my field testing at a 200-yard range, I was able to consistently hit 8-inch plates using the appropriate holdover points without touching the turrets, a huge advantage when a deer appears at an unexpected distance and you need to make a quick, ethical shot.
Many shooters don’t realize that Burris incorporates a double internal spring-tension system in these scopes. This seemingly small detail makes a significant difference with the .350 Legend, as it ensures the erector system can handle the cartridge’s recoil impulse without shifting zero over time. Through more than the 400 rounds I’ve fired with this setup (including some punishing test sessions with rapid-fire strings), the zero has remained rock-solid, critical for confidence in hunting situations.
The glass clarity is impressive at this price point. Burris’s Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses deliver excellent light transmission, which I’ve found particularly valuable during early morning hunts. Last season, I was able to clearly identify a buck’s antler configuration at 165 yards in pre-dawn light, the kind of optical performance that can make or break a hunting opportunity.
The 3-9x magnification range is ideal for the .350 Legend’s practical applications. The 3x setting provides a generous field of view for close encounters in thick cover, while 9x gives you enough magnification to take full advantage of the cartridge’s accuracy potential out to 200+ yards. The second focal plane design keeps the reticle a consistent, usable size regardless of your magnification setting.
I particularly appreciate the scope’s positive click adjustments. Each 1/4 MOA click is tactile and audible, allowing for precise zeroing and adjustments even while wearing gloves in cold weather. The finger-adjustable turrets feature Burris’s push-pull locking mechanism, which prevents unintended adjustments while still allowing quick changes when needed.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 3-9x |
| Objective Lens | 40mm |
| Reticle | Ballistic Plex E1 (Second Focal Plane) |
| Tube Size | 1-inch |
| Eye Relief | 3.1-3.4 inches |
| Field of View | 33-13 feet @ 100 yards |
Pros
- Ballistic Plex E1 reticle works exceptionally well with .350 Legend
- Double internal spring system ensures zero retention
- Excellent glass clarity for the price point
- Positive click adjustments with locking turrets
- Lifetime warranty that transfers to subsequent owners
Cons
- Slightly shorter eye relief than some competitors
The Burris Fullfield E1 3-9×40 represents an outstanding value for .350 Legend shooters who want to maximize their effective range without breaking the bank. The combination of optical quality, trajectory compensation features, and rugged reliability makes this scope a standout option that will serve you well for years of successful hunting. Consider this scope for your .350 Legend rifle; it might be the perfect match for extending your effective range while maintaining absolute confidence in your shot placement.
4) Nikon ProStaff P3 3-9×40 (Best for Ease of Use)
The Nikon ProStaff P3 3-9×40 has earned its place on this list by offering exceptional user-friendliness combined with optical performance that punches well above its price point. After mounting this scope on a Savage Axis in .350 Legend for a new hunter in my family, I’ve been impressed by how it simplifies the shooting process without sacrificing quality or features.
What many don’t realize about Nikon’s ProStaff line is that it benefits from the company’s decades of experience in camera lens manufacturing. This translates to remarkably clear glass with minimal distortion, especially at the edges of the field of view. During field testing in varied light conditions, I found the image clarity to be outstanding, allowing for positive target identification even in challenging environments like the shadowed edges of field and forest where deer often travel.
The BDC reticle deserves special mention for .350 Legend shooters. While designed with versatility in mind rather than for specific cartridges, I’ve found the circular reference points work surprisingly well with the .350 Legend’s trajectory. After zeroing at 100 yards, the first circle corresponds almost perfectly to a 150-yard holdover with standard 180-grain factory loads, a fortunate coincidence that makes this scope particularly valuable for deer hunting within the cartridge’s effective range.
Where the ProStaff P3 truly shines is in its user-friendly features. The spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets are a game-changer for less experienced shooters or those who occasionally need to make field adjustments. After sighting in, you can simply pull up the turret, rotate it to zero without changing your settings, and push it back down. This feature has proven invaluable for maintaining a consistent return-to-zero after making temporary adjustments for distance or wind.
The generous eye relief consistently prevents “scope eye” even with the sharper recoil of some .350 Legend loads, making this an excellent choice for younger or smaller-framed shooters. The quick-focus eyepiece allows for rapid reticle focusing, which I’ve found particularly valuable when transitioning between heavily wooded areas and open fields where ambient light changes dramatically.
Nikon’s multi-coated optical system provides 98% light transmission, a claim I initially viewed skeptically but have come to appreciate during actual field use. During last season’s opening day, legal shooting light had nearly faded when a group of does entered a clearing 120 yards away. The ProStaff P3 gathered enough of the remaining light to allow for a clear sight picture and successful harvest, exactly when you need your optic to perform.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 3-9x |
| Objective Lens | 40mm |
| Reticle | BDC (Second Focal Plane) |
| Tube Size | 1-inch |
| Eye Relief | 3.6 inches |
| Field of View | 33.8-11.3 feet @ 100 yards |
Pros
- Exceptionally user-friendly zero-reset turrets
- Outstanding glass clarity derived from camera lens expertise
- BDC reticle works well with .350 Legend ballistics
- Generous eye relief ideal for recoil management
- Excellent light transmission for dawn/dusk hunting
Cons
- Limited availability as Nikon has exited the riflescope market
The Nikon ProStaff P3 3-9×40 represents an outstanding value for .350 Legend shooters who prioritize ease of use and optical clarity. Despite Nikon’s exit from the riflescope market (making these scopes increasingly rare finds), their quality and features make them worth seeking out, especially for hunters new to optics or those who appreciate straightforward, reliable functionality. If you can find one of these scopes, consider adding it to your .350 Legend rifle. It offers a combination of user-friendliness and performance that’s hard to beat at this price point.
5) Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 FFP (Best for Fast Target Acquisition)
The Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 FFP represents a different approach to optics for the .350 Legend, one that I’ve found particularly effective when hunting in dense woodland or using the cartridge in a modern sporting rifle platform. After mounting this scope on my AR-15 chambered in .350 Legend, I’ve been consistently impressed by its versatility and speed in real-world hunting scenarios.
What makes this scope unique on our list is its true 1x low end and first focal plane (FFP) design. At 1x with both eyes open, the shooting experience is nearly identical to using a red dot—allowing for incredibly fast target acquisition on moving game at close ranges. During a drive hunt last season, I was able to quickly shoulder my rifle and make a clean harvest on a running deer at just 40 yards—a scenario where traditional scopes would have been significantly slower to deploy effectively.
The ACSS (Advanced Combined Sighting System) reticle is where this optic truly shines for .350 Legend shooters. Unlike generic BDC systems, the ACSS reticle incorporates bullet drop compensation, range estimation, moving target leads, and wind holds into a single, intuitive system. After spending time at the range confirming my holdovers with 180-grain factory ammunition, I’ve found the bullet drop horseshoe and dots track remarkably well with the .350 Legend’s trajectory out to 300 yards (though I’d recommend limiting hunting shots to 200 yards for ethical harvests).
The first focal plane design means the reticle grows and shrinks with your magnification changes. While this takes some getting used to, it provides a significant advantage: the bullet drop compensation and ranging features remain valid at any magnification setting. This has proven valuable when quickly transitioning between close brush hunting and longer shots across fields or clear-cuts.
The glass clarity is impressive for an optic in this price range. While not quite matching the light-gathering capabilities of the higher-end traditional scopes on our list (a function of the smaller 24mm objective), the optical quality is more than sufficient for the .350 Legend’s practical hunting applications. The illuminated reticle with 11 brightness settings ensures visibility in any lighting condition, from bright midday sun to the last minutes of legal shooting light.
The aircraft-grade 6063 aluminum construction has proven durable through field use and the repeated recoil of a semi-automatic .350 Legend. The waterproof and fog-proof design has withstood hunting in heavy rain without internal fogging or water intrusion. At 16.9 ounces, it’s heavier than some traditional scopes, but the weight is well-balanced and appropriate for its feature set.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 1-6x |
| Objective Lens | 24mm |
| Reticle | ACSS (First Focal Plane) |
| Tube Size | 30mm |
| Eye Relief | 3.3-3.5 inches |
| Illumination | 11 brightness settings |
Pros
- Incredible speed at 1x for close-range encounters
- ACSS reticle system works well with .350 Legend ballistics
- First focal plane design maintains reticle functionality at all magnifications
- Illuminated reticle for low-light hunting
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Limited light gathering compared to larger objectives
The Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 FFP represents an excellent option for .350 Legend shooters who hunt in varied environments or use the cartridge in a modern sporting rifle platform. Its combination of red-dot-like speed at 1x and precision capability at 6x makes it uniquely versatile for the full range of hunting scenarios you might encounter. Consider this optic for your .350 Legend, particularly if you value speed and adaptability in your hunting situations.
Conclusion
Selecting the right scope for your .350 Legend rifle involves balancing several factors: optical quality, magnification range, reticle design, durability, and of course, budget. Each of the five optics we’ve covered represents an excellent value proposition for different hunting styles and preferences.
The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 offers an exceptional all-around package, with its perfect magnification range for typical .350 Legend applications and bullet drop compensating reticle at a very reasonable price point. The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 stands out for its superior low-light performance, a critical consideration for hunters who frequently find themselves in the field during dawn and dusk.
For those who plan to shoot at varied distances, the Burris Fullfield E1 3-9×40 provides an excellent ballistic reticle system that works particularly well with the .350 Legend’s trajectory. The Nikon ProStaff P3 3-9×40, though increasingly difficult to find, offers unmatched user-friendliness with its zero-reset turrets and clear optics. Finally, the Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 FFP provides a modern approach with its true 1x capability and sophisticated reticle system, ideal for those using the .350 Legend in AR platforms or hunting in varied environments.
Remember that the .350 Legend’s practical hunting range typically extends to about 200 yards, though the cartridge is certainly capable of reaching further in the right conditions. Choose a scope that complements this range rather than opting for excessive magnification that you’ll rarely use. Similarly, consider the typical lighting conditions you’ll encounter, many deer are taken during the first and last 30 minutes of legal shooting hours, making good light transmission a valuable feature.
Proper mounting is just as important as the scope itself. Invest in quality rings or mounts appropriate for your rifle’s receiver, and consider professional installation if you’re unsure about proper torque values or alignment. Even the best scope will underperform if improperly mounted.
Finally, once you’ve selected and mounted your scope, take the time to thoroughly test it with your chosen ammunition. The .350 Legend’s trajectory can vary somewhat between different bullet weights and loads, so understanding exactly how your specific combination performs is crucial for confident field shooting.
The .350 Legend cartridge has earned its place as a valuable option for hunters, particularly in straight-walled cartridge states. With the right scope mounted on your rifle, you’ll be well-equipped to make the most of this versatile, effective round for many successful hunting seasons to come.
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