The Mossberg Patriot, a consistently popular choice among budget-conscious hunters and shooters, has expanded its lineup to include the potent 350 Legend cartridge. This review delves deep into the Mossberg Patriot 350 Legend, examining its features, performance, and suitability for various applications. We'll explore its strengths and weaknesses to help you determine if this rifle is the right fit for your needs.
What Makes the 350 Legend Unique?
Before diving into the specifics of the Mossberg Patriot, let's understand the cartridge itself. The 350 Legend, introduced by Winchester, offers a compelling balance of power and versatility. It boasts significantly more stopping power than many popular pistol calibers, like the .45 ACP, yet produces less recoil than larger rifle rounds like the .308 Winchester. This makes it an excellent choice for deer hunting within shorter ranges, as well as for recreational shooting. Its relatively lower recoil also makes it a great option for new shooters or those seeking a less punishing shooting experience.
Mossberg Patriot 350 Legend: A Detailed Look
The Mossberg Patriot 350 Legend retains the core features that have made the Patriot series so successful. It's built with a focus on affordability without sacrificing essential functionality.
Key Features:
- Lightweight design: The Patriot is known for its lightweight build, making it comfortable to carry during long hunts. This is especially beneficial when hunting in challenging terrains.
- Smooth-action bolt: The bolt action is generally described as smooth and reliable, contributing to a positive shooting experience.
- Interchangeable stock: Some models offer interchangeable stocks, allowing for customization to suit different body types and shooting preferences. This enhances comfort and improves accuracy.
- Durable construction: The Patriot is crafted using robust materials that ensure durability and longevity, even with frequent use.
- Affordable price point: A significant advantage of the Patriot is its competitive pricing, making it accessible to a wider range of shooters.
- Accurate and reliable: Shooters frequently report good accuracy with the rifle, and the bolt action mechanism is generally reliable.
Potential Drawbacks:
While the Mossberg Patriot 350 Legend presents numerous advantages, it's essential to acknowledge potential limitations:
- Limited aftermarket support: Compared to more established platforms, the aftermarket support for the 350 Legend cartridge might be slightly limited. While this isn't a major concern for many users, it might impact customization options.
- Basic sights: Standard models usually come with basic iron sights, and upgrading to optics requires separate purchase and mounting.
- Limited magazine capacity: Depending on the model, magazine capacity may be lower than some competitors.
Performance and Applications
The Mossberg Patriot 350 Legend shines in several applications:
- Deer Hunting (within reasonable range): Its stopping power is perfectly adequate for deer hunting at shorter ranges.
- Hog Hunting: The 350 Legend's performance against hogs is also quite respectable.
- Target shooting: It's a fun and relatively inexpensive option for target practice.
- Home defense (consider carefully): While possible, over-penetration is a crucial consideration when using any firearm for home defense. Ensure you fully understand the trajectory and stopping power of the 350 Legend within your environment.
Conclusion: Is the Mossberg Patriot 350 Legend Right for You?
The Mossberg Patriot 350 Legend offers an excellent balance of performance, reliability, and affordability. It's a well-suited option for those seeking a versatile rifle for hunting and recreational shooting. While it might not boast the same level of customization or high-end features as more premium rifles, its strengths in value and functionality make it a compelling choice for many shooters. Before making a purchase, however, carefully weigh your needs and consider the potential drawbacks discussed above. Research different models and configurations to find the best fit for your specific requirements. Remember to always practice safe gun handling and adhere to all applicable laws and regulations.
