My first impression of BSA Sweet 350 Legend 3-9x 40mm AO 1″ Tube 30/30 Reticle Rifle Scope
The world of rifle scopes is a crowded one, filled with promises of crystal-clear clarity and tack-driving accuracy. Amidst the noise, the BSA Sweet 350 Legend 3-9x 40mm AO 1″ Tube 30/30 Reticle Rifle Scope piqued my interest with its claim of being specifically designed for the increasingly popular 350 Legend cartridge. As an avid hunter and shooting enthusiast with over a decade in the tactical gear space, I’m always on the lookout for specialized tools that genuinely improve performance.
My usual hunting grounds have seen a recent influx of hunters using the 350 Legend, leading me to believe that maybe it’s time to give it a try. This scope seemed like a perfect, affordable entry point. Unboxing the BSA Sweet 350 Legend, the first thing I noticed was its surprisingly lightweight aluminum construction.
Compared to my Leupold VX-3i and Vortex Diamondback Tactical, the BSA felt noticeably lighter, which could be a plus for long days in the field. The matte black finish looks decent, though it doesn’t have the same premium feel as some of the higher-end scopes I own. My initial thought was, “Could this budget-friendly optic truly deliver the accuracy needed for ethical hunting?” Time would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting BSA Sweet 350 Legend 3-9x 40mm AO 1″ Tube 30/30 Reticle Rifle Scope to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the BSA Sweet 350 Legend took place at my local shooting range, a controlled environment perfect for zeroing and evaluating basic functionality. The weather was clear, with a slight breeze. I mounted the scope on a Ruger American Ranch Rifle chambered in 350 Legend, using the included 2-piece Weaver rings.
The adjustable objective (AO) allowed me to dial in the focus at various distances. I was able to quickly get on paper at 50 yards, and then moved to 100 yards for fine-tuning. A minor annoyance was the somewhat stiff adjustment dials, especially compared to the smoother turrets on my higher-end scopes. Despite this, the scope held zero reasonably well during the initial session, and the image quality was acceptable, especially for the price.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, primarily at the range, the BSA Sweet 350 Legend has held up surprisingly well, given its price point. I haven’t babied it, but I haven’t abused it either. There are no visible signs of significant wear and tear, although the finish is starting to show some minor scuffs.
Maintaining the scope is straightforward, just wiping down the lenses with a microfiber cloth after each use. However, I must admit, the initial enthusiasm has waned somewhat. While functional, the BSA scope doesn’t provide the crisp, bright image quality that I’m used to with my higher-end optics, particularly during low-light conditions. It gets the job done but isn’t exactly thrilling.
Breaking Down the Features of BSA Sweet 350 Legend 3-9x 40mm AO 1″ Tube 30/30 Reticle Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-9x. This is a versatile magnification range suitable for a wide variety of hunting and shooting applications.
- Objective: 40mm AO. The adjustable objective allows for parallax correction, improving accuracy at different distances, a vital feature for precision shooting.
- Field of View: 11.50 – 34.20 ft @ 100 yds. This provides a decent field of view for target acquisition and tracking.
- Eye Relief: 3″. Adequate eye relief is essential for shooter safety, especially when using cartridges with significant recoil, and this scope delivers a comfortable distance.
- Tube Diameter: 1″. The one-inch tube is a standard size, making it compatible with a wide range of mounting options.
- Length: 12.13″. This compact size makes it a good fit for most rifles.
- Weight: 22.30 oz. The scope’s lightweight design helps to minimize the overall weight of the rifle.
- Finish: Matte Black. The matte black finish helps to reduce glare and reflection, aiding in concealment.
- Reticle: 30/30. The 30/30 reticle is a simple and effective design for quick target acquisition.
- Parallax Adjustment: 7.5 yds-Infinity. This allows for precise focusing and parallax correction at a wide range of distances.
Performance & Functionality
The BSA Sweet 350 Legend functions reasonably well, providing adequate accuracy for its intended purpose: hunting with the 350 Legend cartridge. The ballistically calibrated turrets, designed for 150gr, 170gr, and 180gr cartridges, are a unique selling point, though I found their accuracy to be somewhat variable and dependent on specific ammunition. The 30/30 reticle is simple and easy to use.
However, the glass quality is where this scope falls short. In bright daylight, the image is acceptable. In low light, the image becomes noticeably murky, making it difficult to distinguish fine details.
Design & Ergonomics
The BSA Sweet 350 Legend features a basic, functional design. The aluminum construction keeps the weight down, but the overall feel is somewhat cheap. The turrets are stiff, and the zoom ring isn’t the smoothest.
However, the scope is easy to mount and adjust, and the adjustable objective is a welcome feature. Ergonomically, it’s adequate but not exceptional.
Durability & Maintenance
So far, the BSA Sweet 350 Legend seems reasonably durable. While I wouldn’t subject it to extreme abuse, it has held up to normal range use and light handling in the field. The matte black finish is prone to scratching.
Maintenance is minimal. A simple cleaning of the lenses with a microfiber cloth is all that’s needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The BSA Sweet 350 Legend comes with 2-piece Weaver rings, which is a nice bonus. Since it has a standard 1″ tube, it’s compatible with a wide range of aftermarket rings and mounts. There are no other officially supported accessories or customization options.
Pros and Cons of BSA Sweet 350 Legend 3-9x 40mm AO 1″ Tube 30/30 Reticle Rifle Scope
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious shooters.
- Lightweight aluminum construction is ideal for hunters looking to minimize rifle weight.
- Adjustable objective allows for parallax correction, enhancing accuracy at varying distances.
- Includes 2-piece Weaver rings, saving on initial setup costs.
- Ballistically calibrated turrets offer a potential advantage for 350 Legend cartridges, although their accuracy depends heavily on specific loads.
Cons
- Glass quality is subpar, particularly in low-light conditions.
- Turrets are stiff and lack the precision of higher-end scopes.
- Build quality feels cheap compared to more expensive optics.
Who Should Buy BSA Sweet 350 Legend 3-9x 40mm AO 1″ Tube 30/30 Reticle Rifle Scope?
The BSA Sweet 350 Legend is perfect for budget-conscious hunters who need a functional optic for their 350 Legend rifle and prioritize affordability over premium features. It’s also a decent option for new shooters getting into the 350 Legend cartridge.
However, serious hunters or shooters who demand exceptional clarity and precision should skip this product and invest in a higher-quality optic. The most vital must-have accessory is a reliable set of scope rings, even if the included ones work.
Conclusion on BSA Sweet 350 Legend 3-9x 40mm AO 1″ Tube 30/30 Reticle Rifle Scope
The BSA Sweet 350 Legend 3-9x 40mm AO 1″ Tube 30/30 Reticle Rifle Scope is a budget-friendly option for hunters using the 350 Legend cartridge. Its key selling point is affordability and the inclusion of ballistically calibrated turrets, although their accuracy depends on specific ammunition. The glass quality leaves much to be desired.
The price is justified, considering its functionality and the included rings, but don’t expect a premium experience. I would recommend it to beginners or those on a very tight budget, but more experienced shooters will likely be disappointed. Overall, the BSA Sweet 350 Legend is a functional but unremarkable optic. If you’re looking to get into 350 Legend hunting without breaking the bank, it’s worth considering.