Mossberg Patriot Predator Review

Scott Lowes from Rod & Rifle NZ reviews the Mossberg Patriot Predator.

In this article, Scott gives us an in depth review of his experience with the Mossberg Patriot Predator. Going both on the range and on the field, he really put this rifle to the test. On the range Lowes managed two phenomenal group shots "There was a bit of variation in the group size, but six shots under an inch with factory ammo is nothing to sneeze at." After which he took the rifle out into the Ruahines for a couple of evening hunts and commended it's great range. "The rifle would be more than capable of performing out to 3-400 yards. With its weight (scoped, bolt in, empty mag 3.5kg/7.7lb) and balance, the rifle was nice to carry and pointed well." Overall Lowes believes "the Mossberg Patriot Predator would be a good option for someone new to hunting with a bit of a budget." View a snapshot from the article below:

Having a name better known for producing robust dependable shotguns, some of which are favoured by USA law enforcement agencies, Mossberg have been manufacturing centrefire rifles for a number of years with the same outcome in mind – to deliver a reliable, accurate firearm that won’t break the bank.

One of their options is the Mossberg Patriot Predator, imported by JPB Furley; the rifles are available in a few models with the main differences being in the stock finish – either Walnut, Synthetic in Flat Dark Earth (FDE), or Camo. The barrels are fluted, button rifled, factory threaded at the muzzle and have a matte blued finish – there are Cerakoted options as well. Mossberg claim an adjustable trigger range of 2-7lbs and a bare rifle weight of 6.5lbs.

Furley’s will be offering the Patriot Predator in a range of calibres that will cater to most hunters’ needs in New Zealand, being 243 Win, .308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 450 Bushmaster and the new hot favourite, 6.5 PRC.

Features

The rifle sent for testing was blued/synthetic and chambered in .308 Winchester. Out of the box, it wasn’t overly heavy and was well balanced. The injection-moulded stock has chequering detail on the fore-end and pistol grip, and a moulded cheek piece on the buttstock. The recoil pad is nice and soft and will soak up a lot of recoil. The plastic magazine is a removable five-shot double stack that sits slightly proud of the stock and locks in place with a spring-loaded tab in the magazine well that acts as the release as well – all fairly common on rifles these days. The stock comes fitted with steel sling-swivel studs instead of the moulded plastic type found on a few other rifles.

On The Range

After getting the screws to the right torque, I shot another group with the Sellier & Bellot: three shots and managed a group around ¼ inch, and just under an inch with Whitetail.

With the intention of taking it for a hunt, I adjusted the scope to give me a 200-yard zero and shot another group with the S&B: three shots around .9 of an inch and good velocity at 2795 FPS average. There was a bit of variation in the group size, but six shots under an inch with factory ammo is nothing to sneeze at.

On The Field

With its weight (scoped, bolt in, empty mag 3.5kg/7.7lb) and balance, the rifle was nice to carry and pointed well. With the range of available calibres, the Mossberg Patriot Predator would be a good option for someone new to hunting with a bit of a budget.

View the Mossberg Patriot Predator Here

View the Full Rod & Rifle Article Here