The Mossberg Patriot line has earned a solid reputation for offering reliable, affordable hunting rifles. The Patriot in 350 Legend is no exception, blending practicality with performance in a cartridge gaining popularity among hunters. This in-depth review will explore its strengths and weaknesses, helping you decide if it's the right rifle for your needs.
What Makes the 350 Legend Cartridge Attractive?
Before diving into the rifle itself, it's important to understand the appeal of the 350 Legend cartridge. Designed for shorter-barreled rifles, it offers a potent combination of manageable recoil and impressive stopping power at practical hunting ranges. This makes it an excellent choice for deer hunting in areas with tighter shooting lanes or for hunters who prefer a less punishing recoil experience.
Mossberg Patriot 350 Legend: A Detailed Examination
The Mossberg Patriot 350 Legend retains the core features that have made the Patriot line successful: a robust design, smooth action, and an overall affordable price point. Let's break down the key aspects:
Handling and Ergonomics:
- Stock: The synthetic stock is generally comfortable and durable, providing a solid platform for shooting. It's weather-resistant, an important feature for hunters. Some users may find the grip a bit too straight, but this is largely a matter of personal preference. Adjustability is minimal, so finding the perfect fit might require aftermarket modifications for some shooters.
- Weight: The rifle is relatively lightweight, making it easy to carry during extended hunting trips. This is a significant advantage for hunters who prioritize maneuverability.
- Trigger: The trigger pull is generally described as acceptable for the price point. While not match-grade, it's consistent enough for hunting purposes. Some users might choose to upgrade for enhanced precision.
Accuracy and Performance:
- Barrel: The barrel length is optimized for the 350 Legend cartridge, contributing to its effective range and manageable recoil. Accuracy is generally good for a rifle in this price range, producing acceptable groups at reasonable distances. Expect improved accuracy with premium ammunition.
- Ammunition: The 350 Legend offers a good selection of ammunition types, including both jacketed and lead-free options, catering to various hunting regulations and ethical considerations. Experimentation is key to finding the ammunition that yields the best results with your specific rifle.
- Recoil: As expected, recoil is manageable, making it suitable for new shooters and those sensitive to recoil. This is a significant benefit of the 350 Legend cartridge.
Features and Specifications:
- Safety: The manual safety is easy to operate and well-placed, preventing accidental discharges.
- Magazine: The magazine capacity varies depending on the state regulations, but generally holds several rounds, enabling quick follow-up shots.
- Sights: The rifle typically comes equipped with iron sights, offering a reliable backup sighting system. It also features a drilled and tapped receiver for mounting optics, allowing for enhanced accuracy and versatility at longer ranges.
Who is the Mossberg Patriot 350 Legend For?
This rifle is an excellent choice for:
- Budget-conscious hunters: The Patriot offers remarkable value for its price.
- New shooters: Its manageable recoil and straightforward design make it an ideal first hunting rifle.
- Hunters in areas with shorter shooting lanes: The 350 Legend's characteristics are perfect for hunting in dense brush or forests.
- Those seeking a versatile hunting platform: Its suitability for various game animals makes it a practical addition to any hunter's arsenal.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Trigger upgrade: Some users might find an aftermarket trigger upgrade desirable for improved accuracy.
- Stock adjustability: Limited adjustability might not suit every shooter's body type.
- Premium ammunition for best accuracy: While accurate, the rifle's accuracy potential is fully realized with higher-quality ammunition.
Conclusion: A Solid Choice for the Price
The Mossberg Patriot 350 Legend delivers on its promise of offering a reliable and affordable hunting rifle. While it might not possess all the bells and whistles of higher-end rifles, it punches above its weight class in terms of performance and value. Its manageable recoil, accuracy, and versatility make it a strong contender for hunters of various skill levels and hunting styles. For budget-conscious hunters looking for a capable rifle in the popular 350 Legend cartridge, the Mossberg Patriot is a well-worth considering.
