WINCHESTER XPR SPORTER 350 LEGEND
Posted May 19, 2023
WINCHESTER XPR SPORTER 350 LEGEND
When it comes to firearms, few brands carry as much clout as Winchester. The company has been around for more than a century and has a long-standing reputation for making some of the world’s most reliable and accurate rifles. Recently, Winchester has stayed true to its roots and released the XPR Sporter 350 Legend, a rifle with all the features you’d come to expect from a classic Winchester rifle with a few modern stylings.
At first glance, the Winchester XPR Sporter 350 Legend is a handsome rifle. The grade A walnut stock and fore end are stained a rich dark hue and have intricate checkering for a nice grip. The stainless steel action and barrel are stylishly polished and blued for a distinctive look. It’s also worth noting that the rifle has a 22-inch barrel with a muzzle break. This helps reduce the recoil of the 350 Legend cartridge when firing.
When examining the rifle’s internals, I found it to be well-machined and of high quality. The Winchester M.O.A trigger system is smooth and continuously adjustable from 2.5 lbs to 5 lbs. It also has a two-position safety at the rear of the bolt, making it extremely accessible and preventing the firing of an inadvertent or unintentional round. Additionally, the magazine holds four rounds and is easy to reload. It’s worth noting that the rifle also comes with a two-piece Weaver rail for optics mounting, which is convenient and adds value to the rifle.
My first impressions of the XPR Sporter 350 Legend were all positive. The rifle is well balanced and easy to maneuver. At 6.5 lbs, it’s a decently light rifle for the experienced hunter. The short length also aids in portability and makes it easy to navigate brush-dense areas.
It doesn’t take much of a shooter to appreciate the accuracy and precision of the XPR. It’s effortless to get consistent results at 100 yards. The stainless steel free-floating barrel with a 1 in 16-inch twist ensures accuracy from the first shot and won’t let you down. I have to say this is one of the best shooting firearms I’ve ever tested.
When you factor in the 350 Legend caliber, this rifle is an incredible option for deer and hog hunting. The 150 grain factory-load rounds deliver lethal shots within 300 yards and still maintain enough energy to humanely down game at further distances. In addition, the 350 Legend is also an excellent round for target shooting and plinking in general.
In terms of maintenance and cleaning, it’s not much of a hassle. The rifle has a quick takedown feature that allows you to dissemble it without tools and clean it without much effort. Additionally, the barrel and magazine are easily accessible for regular cleaning.
The last thing I’d mention is the price of the XPR Sporter. At $859.99, it’s an excellent value for a Winchester rifle. It delivers all the Winchester oomph you’d expect and provides top-notch accuracy, performance, and “game changer” looks. This is a feature-rich rifle that won’t let you down if you’re searching for a reliable and powerful hunting rifle.
In conclusion, the Winchester XPR Sporter 350 Legend is a reliable and excellent-value rifle. It looks great and is highly accurate, allowing you to consistently hit your targets with ease. The overall design is well-thought-out and makes the rifle a pleasure to shoot. The 350 Legend caliber is a great choice for hunting and target shooting alike and the rifle’s construction is of top-notch quality. Factor in the realistic price and you’ve got an excellent firearm that’s well worth the money. If you’re in the market for a dependable hunting rifle, look no further than the Winchester XPR Sporter 350 Legend.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Reliable and accurate
- Lightweight and durable
- Wide range of features, including adjustable trigger and free-float barrel
- Accepts all calibers of .350 Legend rounds
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Lowest felt recoil of all deer hunting calibers
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other calibers
- Lower velocity and energy compared to larger calibers
- Limited ammunition availability
- Using this caliber for long-range shooting is not recommended
Who Should Buy
Anyone looking for a lightweight, accurate and efficiently designed hunting rifle should consider the Winchester XPR Sporter 350 Legend. It is perfect for those who want a rifle that is easy to maneuver and take down into different positions, and come already equipped with some of the most sought after features found on a hunting rifle.
This rifle may not be ideal for those looking for a tactical rifle. The design of the rifle is not setup for tactical use or for precision long range shooting. Additionally, the ammunition is not an ideal choice for long range shooting. Therefore, if these are features you are looking for, this particular rifle may not be the right choice for you.
Comparisons
| Winchester XPR Sporter 350 Legend | Remington 700 VTR 350 Legend | Mossberg Patriot Synthetic 350 Legend | Savage Axis II XP 350 Legend | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 Legend | 350 Legend | 350 Legend | 350 Legend | 350 Legend |
| 43.4 | 40.5 | 42.75 | 43.75 | 43.5 |
| 22 | 20 | 22 | 22 | 20 |
| 7.2 | 7.25 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.38 |
| 3+1 | 4+1 | 5+1 | 4+1 | 3+1 |
| Fixed Monte Carlo Synthetic | Black Synthetic | Mossy Oak Break-Up Country Synthet | Green Textured Synthetic | Walnut Satin Finish |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: 350 Legend
• Chamber: SAAMI Spec
• Magazine Capacity: 3 + 1
• Action: Bolt Action
• Barrel Length: 22" Sporter profile
• Twist Rate: 1 in 16"
• Iron Sights: None
• Stock: Composite
• Length of Pull: 13.75"
• Overall Length: 42.5"
• Weight (without magazine): 7 lbs
Popular Accessories
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Some popular accessories for the Winchester XPR Sporter 350 Legend include scope mounts and rings, a bipod, muzzle brakes or compensators, recoil pads and buttstocks, an optic such as a red dot sight, a sling, and a flashlight.
Accuracy
The Winchester XPR Sporter 350 Legend is a reliable rifle, delivering impressive accuracy for target shooting and hunting. With a bolt action and 24-inch barrel, the Winchester XPR produces tight 3-shot groups at 100 yards with most factory loads. For experienced shooters, this rifle can be used to easily attain 1 MOA accuracy. The adjustable trigger can lighten up to a crisp 3-lb pull. Combined with excellent accuracy and a well-designed stock, the Winchester XPR Sporter 350 Legend is an ideal gun for all types of shooters.
