Mossberg Patriot

[JeeperCreeper]

I'm sure many of you have been following up on Mossberg's new business idea: the budget oriented Patriot. It is destined to compete with the Savage Axis and Ruger American (I'm just waiting for a budget rifle to be called the "Liberty" or "Freedom").

I see that Mossberg is offering an option of a fluted barrel. Does anyone know if the barrel contour is heavier than a usual #1 or #2 sporter/hunting barrel??

The reason I ask is that I shoot .30-06 and have no need to buy a new caliber with the ammo I have. It is hard to find a heavier barrel -06 nowadays, and I want a rifle for strictly range shooting.

Anyone see one of these in person yet? Anyone have info on the barrels?

Anyone know a good target .30-06 for a budget?? (I checked most major rifle makers and it seems .30-06 is strictly a hunting round today and I don't want a .308 or new caliber)

 

[rule303]

The barrels look to be the same as the ones used on the 100/ATR and 4x4 series. I for one am glad to see an entry level gun available with iron sights and walnut or laminate stocks instead of the usual cheap injection molded plastic.
The Mossbergs have evolved into a pretty decent rifle IMO. Time will tell how they are accepted by the shooting public, being that Mossberg has been mostly a "shotgun" company for decades.

 

[MAKster]

It appears they just changed the name of the ATR to the Patriot.