Captcurt
Member
I wanted to see how the new Mossberg Patriot rifle stacked up against the other econo guns. I have had several Axis, Americans and Steven 200's through the shop and have had some experience with them. When one of my distributors got some Patriots I had to order a synthetic 308 to test. I liked it first thing out of the box. The stock reminds me of a Model 70 though it is stippled instead of checkered. Looks and feels good. The spiral fluted bolt is neat. There is some slop when pulled all the way back, but the rounds chambered fine. The trigger is adjustable, but this one did have some creep. Not bad, but you know it is there. I set the pull at 3 1/2 pounds, mounted a 3X9 Legend Ultra and grabbed some ammo and headed for the range.
The sight-in shots were with some 165gr Federal Hi-shoks. After getting things lined up the Mossy put a 5 shot group into about a 2" group. Not impressive. Neither was the groups with some 165gr Nosler BT's, or 168gr SMK's. Now I was worried. Usually if a gun doesn't handle a SMK it is going to be a dog. Then I ran some 150gr Speer HotCor's in front of 42gr of IMR-4895. BINGO. I shot 3 three shot groups that averaged 3/4". Not too shabby for $300 rifle.
The next order will be for a walnut stocked Patriot in 25-06. If it shoots like the 308 I will turn it loose this fall on some Ozarks whitetails.
The sight-in shots were with some 165gr Federal Hi-shoks. After getting things lined up the Mossy put a 5 shot group into about a 2" group. Not impressive. Neither was the groups with some 165gr Nosler BT's, or 168gr SMK's. Now I was worried. Usually if a gun doesn't handle a SMK it is going to be a dog. Then I ran some 150gr Speer HotCor's in front of 42gr of IMR-4895. BINGO. I shot 3 three shot groups that averaged 3/4". Not too shabby for $300 rifle.
The next order will be for a walnut stocked Patriot in 25-06. If it shoots like the 308 I will turn it loose this fall on some Ozarks whitetails.
