Finding the perfect upper receiver for your 350 Legend build can feel overwhelming. MidwayUSA offers a wide selection, and choosing the right one depends heavily on your intended use and budget. This guide will help you navigate the options and make an informed decision.
Understanding the 350 Legend and its Upper Receiver Needs
The 350 Legend cartridge is rapidly gaining popularity for its versatility. Its relatively low recoil, manageable size, and effective range make it suitable for hunting, home defense, and target shooting. This necessitates a robust upper receiver capable of handling the cartridge's power and consistent firing.
Key factors to consider when selecting a 350 Legend upper receiver from MidwayUSA (or any retailer) include:
1. Material and Construction:
- Aluminum: The most common material, offering a good balance of strength, weight, and cost. Look for forged aluminum uppers for enhanced durability.
- Steel: Heavier and more durable than aluminum, offering superior resistance to wear and tear. This is ideal for high-volume shooting. However, the added weight might be undesirable for some applications.
2. Barrel Length and Profile:
Barrel length significantly impacts ballistics and handling. Common 350 Legend barrel lengths available through MidwayUSA range from 16" to 20" (or even longer).
- Shorter barrels (16"): Offer improved maneuverability and reduced weight, making them suitable for close-quarters shooting and hunting in dense cover.
- Longer barrels (18"-20"): Generally provide increased accuracy and velocity, ideal for longer-range shooting and hunting.
Barrel profile also influences balance and feel. Consider:
- Lightweight profiles: Reduce weight for enhanced maneuverability.
- Mid-weight profiles: Balance weight and stiffness for improved accuracy.
- Heavy profiles: Increase stiffness and reduce barrel harmonics for improved accuracy and consistent shot grouping, especially with sustained firing.
3. Gas System:
The gas system regulates how much gas is directed into the action, influencing reliability and recoil management. Common systems include:
- Direct impingement: Simple and reliable, but can lead to more fouling.
- Gas piston: Cleaner operation and reduced recoil, but often more complex and expensive.
MidwayUSA's product descriptions should clearly specify the gas system used.
4. Features:
Many uppers include additional features like:
- M-LOK or KeyMod handguards: Allow for easy attachment of accessories like lights, lasers, and vertical grips.
- Forward assist: Helps to ensure reliable chambering of cartridges.
- Ejection port cover: Protects the ejection port from debris.
Carefully evaluate your needs and select features accordingly.
5. Manufacturer Reputation:
MidwayUSA stocks uppers from reputable manufacturers like Aero Precision, BCM, and others. Researching the manufacturer's reputation for quality and customer service can help you make a more informed decision. Reading reviews on MidwayUSA's site is highly recommended.
Choosing the Right 350 Legend Upper from MidwayUSA: A Step-by-Step Process
- Define your intended use: Hunting, home defense, target shooting?
- Determine your budget: Set a price range to guide your search.
- Specify desired barrel length and profile: Consider the trade-offs between weight, accuracy, and maneuverability.
- Select your preferred gas system (if applicable).
- Choose essential features: M-LOK/KeyMod, forward assist, etc.
- Research manufacturers: Check reviews and compare specifications.
- Browse MidwayUSA's selection: Filter by your chosen criteria to narrow down the options.
- Read detailed product descriptions and reviews: Make sure the upper receiver meets your specific needs and expectations.
By following these steps, you'll be well-equipped to find the perfect 350 Legend upper receiver to complete your build from MidwayUSA. Remember to always consult with a firearms professional if you have any questions or concerns about firearm assembly or safety.