Choosing the 6 Best Scopes for 350 Legend AR is crucial for maximizing accuracy, speed, and versatility in the field. The .350 Legend is a straight-wall cartridge primarily effective at short to mid-range, making a scope that balances optical clarity, magnification, and rugged durability essential.
With options ranging from budget-friendly scopes like the BSA Sweet Series to premium optics like the Leupold VX-Freedom and Vortex Diamondback HP, hunters and shooters can find the ideal match for their hunting environment and shooting style.
Key considerations include the reticle type, magnification range, parallax adjustment, turrets, and overall construction, all of which influence performance under varied lighting and terrain conditions.
6 Best Scopes for 350 Legend AR
1. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
He Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 is expertly engineered for .350 Legend applications, boasting a purpose-built BDC dial optimized right out of the box. Rugged yet refined, it pairs a tried-and-tested optical system with rock-solid construction, all backed by Leupold’s lifetime guarantee for trouble-free performance.
This classic reticle design offers thick outer posts for fast target acquisition even under dense brush or low-light conditions while the thin central crosshairs enable precision aiming.
Built to military-grade standards, the hardened lens coatings ensure durability and protection against everyday wear and tear.
Leupold’s proprietary system delivers exceptional light transmission and glare reduction. The result: bright, crisp views during dawn, dusk, or other challenging lighting scenarios.
Crafted and assembled in Leupold’s Oregon facility, this scope is fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. It’s designed to withstand both the anticipated and unpredictable.
The 3–9× magnification range lets you easily shift between close and mid-range shots. With a Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticle, the Duplex pattern remains a consistent size regardless of magnification ideal for low-light precision.
ZeroStop quickly returns your elevation dial to zero, even after extensive adjustments so you never lose your baseline. A locking eyepiece helps keep your focus setting steady in the field.
Pros
- Purpose-designed BDC dial for .350 Legend ballistics
- Durable, scratch-resistant lens coatings
- Excellent light transmission and glare control
- Fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- User-friendly 3–9× magnification with SFP reticle
- ZeroStop and eyepiece lock enhance usability
Cons
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Reticle not illuminated
2. Vortex Crossfire HD Second Focal Plane
The Vortex Crossfire HD 3-9×40 SFP riflescope is a versatile optic that delivers dependable accuracy for hunters and shooters who favor straight-wall cartridges like the .350 Legend. Designed with Vortex’s signature durability and performance, it combines a sharp optical system, specialized reticle, and rugged construction all at an affordable price point. Backed by Vortex’s VIP Warranty, this scope is built for hunters who demand reliability in the field season after season.
The Crossfire HD uses select glass elements to reduce chromatic aberration and enhance resolution. Shooters will appreciate the edge-to-edge clarity and excellent color fidelity, ensuring crisp sight pictures whether you’re targeting deer in dense woods or taking longer-range shots in open terrain.
Every air-to-glass surface is treated with anti-reflective coatings, maximizing light transmission. This ensures bright, clear images even in low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk critical moments for many .350 Legend hunters.
Specifically designed for straight-wall cartridges, the BDC reticle is calibrated for rounds like the .350 Legend, .450 Bushmaster, and .45-70 Government. This makes holdovers intuitive, allowing for quick ballistic compensation out to practical hunting distances without guesswork.
The quick-adjust eyepiece lets you dial in a crisp reticle focus almost instantly, enhancing rapid target acquisition whether you’re glassing in thick timber or transitioning between targets at the range.
Machined from aircraft-grade aluminum with a matte black anodized finish, the Crossfire HD is fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. Its ruggedness ensures it holds zero and performs flawlessly even after bumps, drops, or harsh weather conditions in the field.
Pros
- HD optical system with sharp resolution and excellent color fidelity
- Straight-Wall BDC MOA reticle tailored for .350 Legend and similar cartridges
- Fully multi-coated lenses for improved low-light performance
- Fast focus eyepiece for quick reticle adjustments
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction with matte anodized finish
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof durability
Cons
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No illuminated reticle option for extremely low-light hunting situations
3. Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24 SFP is designed for hunters and shooters who demand speed, adaptability, and rugged reliability from their optic.
Perfectly suited for a .350 Legend AR, this Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO) provides a true 1x magnification for rapid close-quarters target acquisition while maintaining the versatility to stretch out to mid-range engagements. Built tough, it delivers excellent glass clarity, practical reticle design, and Vortex’s unbeatable VIP Warranty, making it a reliable companion for both hunting and tactical use.
The scope’s 1-6x zoom range offers unmatched flexibility, allowing you to transition seamlessly from fast, close-in shots at 1x to more deliberate shots at extended ranges. For hunters using a .350 Legend AR in brushy environments or open fields, this versatility is invaluable.
The updated BDC3 reticle provides an illuminated aiming point for fast eye acquisition and quick adjustments. With holdover marks effective out to 650 yards on known-distance targets, it extends the effective engagement range while staying intuitive for hunters working inside the .350 Legend’s 200-yard sweet spot.
The Strike Eagle now includes a thread-in throw lever, allowing shooters to adjust magnification rapidly without breaking position. Improved magnification markings are visible without lifting your head from behind the scope, enhancing speed and ease of use.
Anti-reflective coatings on all glass surfaces boost light transmission, providing clearer, brighter images in low-light conditions—prime hunting hours at dawn or dusk. A fast-focus eyepiece ensures the reticle stays sharp and focused, allowing you to adapt quickly as conditions change.
Engineered from one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum with a 30mm tube, the Strike Eagle is shockproof, nitrogen purged, and O-ring sealed. This ensures reliable waterproof and fogproof performance under all hunting and shooting conditions.
Pros
- True 1x magnification for fast close-range shooting
- BDC3 illuminated reticle with holdovers for extended distances
- Throw lever and visible magnification indicators enhance usability
- Multi-coated lenses improve clarity and light transmission
- Rugged, waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof design
Cons
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Slightly heavy
4. BSA OpticsRifle Scope
The BSA Sweet Series 3-9×40 AO scope is purpose-built for hunters and shooters using the .350 Legend cartridge. Unlike many general-purpose optics, this scope includes features specifically designed around the ballistics of the .350 Legend, making it an excellent choice for AR platforms chambered in this round. With adjustable objective focus, ballistically calibrated turrets, and a rugged, weatherproof design, the BSA Sweet scope delivers tailored performance at an affordable price point.
This scope was engineered with the .350 Legend in mind, offering superior accuracy and ease of use for this cartridge. Its standout feature is the inclusion of three ballistically calibrated turrets for 150gr, 170gr, and 180gr loads, giving shooters confidence with precise holdover and elevation adjustments without guesswork.
The 3-9x magnification range is ideal for the .350 Legend’s effective range, giving hunters versatility for close-in brush hunting as well as shots out to 200 yards and beyond. The adjustable objective (AO) ensures parallax-free accuracy, making it easier to dial in precision at varying distances.
Equipped with fully coated lenses, this scope enhances clarity, brightness, and contrast across different lighting conditions. The 30/30 reticle provides a simple and uncluttered aiming point, perfect for hunters who want a no-nonsense setup for deer and other medium game.
Built to handle the recoil and rugged environments where the .350 Legend thrives, the BSA Sweet 350 is shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof. This ensures reliable performance even in adverse weather conditions. Additionally, scope rings are included, making mounting straightforward and cost-effective.
Pros
- Specifically designed for the .350 Legend cartridge
- Three calibrated turrets for popular bullet weights (150gr, 170gr, 180gr)
- Adjustable Objective for parallax correction and precision at range
- Fully coated lenses for enhanced clarity and brightness
- Simple and effective 30/30 reticle
- Includes mounting rings for added value
- Rugged, shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof construction
Cons
- Reticle is non-illuminated
5. Vortex Optics Diamondback HP Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescopes
The Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16×42 builds on the success of the Diamondback series with upgraded features designed to deliver higher precision and optical clarity. Ideal for pairing with a .350 Legend AR, this scope offers hunters and target shooters enhanced magnification, refined glass, and rugged dependability.
With a versatile zoom range, Dead-Hold BDC reticle, and rock-solid construction, the Diamondback HP is a premium choice for anyone looking to maximize the performance of their straight-wall AR rifle.
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is designed to simplify long-range shooting and hunting scenarios where estimating holdovers is crucial. This makes it particularly effective for a .350 Legend AR, allowing shooters to stretch the cartridge to its limits with confidence in their aiming point.
With extra-low dispersion (XD) glass and XR fully multi-coated lenses, the Diamondback HP produces sharper resolution and excellent color fidelity. These coatings improve light transmission for brighter, clearer images in critical low-light hunting conditions at dawn and dusk.
The 4x zoom range offers flexibility across hunting environments. At 4x, the scope provides a wide field of view for close-range deer hunting, while the 16x top end allows for precision shots or target shooting at longer distances—well beyond the typical 200-yard .350 Legend sweet spot.
The side parallax adjustment is easily accessible from the shooting position, ensuring optimal focus and parallax removal at varying distances. Coupled with the fast focus eyepiece, shooters can quickly adapt to changing targets or environments.
The finger-adjustable capped reset turrets provide tactile clicks for windage and elevation adjustments. After sighting in, the turrets can be easily reset to zero, simplifying field corrections without losing your base setting.
Built from a 1-inch tube and engineered for toughness, the Diamondback HP features O-ring seals, nitrogen purging, and shockproof construction, guaranteeing waterproof and fogproof reliability. This makes it ready for demanding hunts and rugged shooting conditions.
Pros
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle simplifies holdover at varying ranges
- XD glass and XR fully multi-coated lenses for excellent clarity and brightness
- 4-16x magnification covers both hunting and extended target shooting
- Side parallax adjustment for precision focusing
- Fast focus eyepiece for quick reticle sharpness
- Resettable capped turrets for easy zeroing
- Rugged waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof design
Cons
- Larger and heavier than basic hunting scopes
6. Sig Sauer Waterproof Fogproof Hunting Second Focal Plane
The Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9×40 SFP riflescope is designed for hunters and shooters who demand reliability, durability, and clear optics across a variety of shooting scenarios. Ideal for the .350 Legend AR, this scope balances rugged construction, precise optics, and versatile magnification to handle short-, medium-, and long-range engagements. Its weatherproof build and high-quality lenses make it a dependable companion for both hunting trips and recreational shooting.
The Whiskey3 series is built for toughness, with a rugged chassis, capped windage and elevation turrets, and low-dispersion glass. Its industrial design ensures the scope can withstand harsh conditions and repeated use in the field, providing consistent reliability for your .350 Legend AR.
With 3x optical zoom (3-9x) and low-dispersion (LD) glass, this scope minimizes chromatic aberration while delivering crisp, sharp images. Hunters will appreciate the clarity when tracking game in variable lighting, whether in dense timber or open fields.
The Whiskey3 features fully multi-coated lenses and a European-style eyepiece that provides a bright, vivid, and smooth sight picture. These enhancements allow for quick target acquisition and sustained accuracy during extended shooting sessions.
The scope is fully waterproof and fogproof, ensuring consistent performance in rain, snow, or humid conditions. This weather-resistant construction makes it suitable for all hunting environments and adds peace of mind when venturing into unpredictable terrain.
Engineered to handle short-, medium-, and long-range shooting, the Whiskey3 is adaptable to a variety of game and shooting situations. Its combination of magnification, optical clarity, and durable design makes it a reliable all-purpose scope for .350 Legend AR rifles.
Pros
- Durable, rugged chassis with capped windage and elevation turrets
- Low-dispersion glass reduces chromatic aberration for clear imaging
- Fully multi-coated lenses provide a bright, vivid sight picture
- 3-9x magnification covers short to medium ranges effectively
- Waterproof and fogproof for reliable performance in all weather
- Smooth, precise adjustments and user-friendly eyepiece
Factors to consider when choosing the 6 Best Scopes for 350 Legend AR
Optical Clarity and Glass Quality
A scope’s glass quality directly affects your ability to spot and engage targets accurately. High-quality lenses with low-dispersion glass reduce chromatic aberration and improve color fidelity, contrast, and edge-to-edge sharpness.
Fully multi-coated lenses further enhance light transmission, delivering bright, crisp images even in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk prime hunting times for deer with a .350 Legend AR. A clear sight picture can make the difference between a confident shot and a missed opportunity.
Reticle Type and Design
The reticle is your aiming reference, so choosing the right type is essential. For the 6 Best Scopes for 350 Legend AR, BDC or Dead-Hold reticles are ideal, as they are calibrated for straight-wall cartridges and simplify holdover adjustments at various distances. Simple Duplex or 30/30 reticles work well for traditional hunting and quick target acquisition. Some scopes also offer illuminated reticles, which can be advantageous in low-light or dense cover environments, allowing for faster target acquisition.
Magnification Range
The 6 Best Scopes for 350 Legend AR is primarily effective within 200 yards, so a moderate magnification range of 3-9x is often ideal. Low-power magnification is useful for close-range shots in brushy terrain, while higher magnification can help with precision at longer distances or open fields. Choosing a scope with an appropriate zoom range ensures versatility, allowing you to adapt to varying hunting scenarios without compromising sight picture or target acquisition speed.
Durability and Weatherproofing
Hunting often exposes optics to harsh conditions rain, fog, snow, and recoil from repeated shooting. A quality scope should be waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, with durable construction such as aircraft-grade aluminum or ruggedized chassis. O-ring seals and nitrogen purging prevent moisture from entering, maintaining consistent performance in the field. Rugged scopes like the Vortex Crossfire HD or Sig Whiskey3 are designed to withstand the rough handling and environmental stress typical in hunting situations.
Parallax Adjustment and Focus
Parallax error can affect shot accuracy, especially at varying distances. Scopes with adjustable objectives (AO) or side-focus parallax correction allow you to focus precisely on the target and eliminate parallax, which is particularly useful for mid- to long-range engagements.
A fast-focus eyepiece also enables quick reticle adjustments, ensuring a clear and sharp sight picture without fumbling, which is crucial when a deer suddenly appears within your .350 Legend AR’s range.
Warranty and Brand Support
A scope is an investment, and strong manufacturer support and warranty ensure long-term reliability. Brands like Vortex and Leupold offer VIP or lifetime warranties, often transferable, covering defects and damage under normal use.
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FAQs of the 6 Best Scopes for 350 Legend AR
- Which reticle type works best for the .350 Legend AR?
Scopes with BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) or Dead-Hold reticles are particularly effective for the .350 Legend. They simplify holdover adjustments for varying ranges, making it easier to shoot accurately without complex calculations. Simple reticles like Duplex or 30/30 are also effective for fast target acquisition during traditional hunting, while illuminated reticles are advantageous in low-light conditions.
- Do I need a waterproof and fogproof scope for the .350 Legend AR?
Yes. Hunting exposes your scope to adverse weather, moisture, and recoil. A waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof scope, such as the Sig Sauer Whiskey3 or Vortex Crossfire HD, ensures consistent performance in rain, fog, or snow. Features like O-ring seals and nitrogen purging maintain optical clarity, protect internal components, and allow your scope to hold zero in rugged hunting conditions.
- What magnification range is ideal for a .350 Legend AR scope?
For a .350 Legend AR, a moderate magnification range of 3-9x is generally ideal. Low-power magnification, such as 1x in LPVO scopes like the Vortex Strike Eagle, allows for fast target acquisition in close-range, dense terrain, while higher magnification up to 16x can help with precision shooting at longer distances. Choosing the right range ensures versatility for both brushy and open-field hunting scenarios.
Conclusion
The 6 Best Scopes for 350 Legend AR combine precision, durability, and ease of use to ensure confident and ethical shots. Whether you prioritize close-range speed with LPVOs like the Vortex Strike Eagle, ballistic-specific holdover with the BSA Sweet Series, or high-end clarity and rugged construction with the Diamondback HP and Leupold VX-Freedom, there is a scope to meet every need.
By focusing on the optical quality, reticle design, magnification, weatherproofing, and manufacturer support, shooters can select a scope that not only complements the .350 Legend’s capabilities but also enhances their overall hunting or target shooting experience.