The Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical rifle immediately declares its vocation with the acronym alluding to long range shooting. This trend, which is particularly popular in the USA, is the hottest one on the market, and many companies are offering specific models that, thanks in part to new optics and higher-performance calibers, make it possible to accurately hit the target at distances that until recently seemed out of reach for normal shooters and their rifles.
Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical: three calibers and two barrel lengths
The Mossberg Patriot LR is a bolt-action rifle with a two-lock bolt, chambered in .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmor with a 22-inch (56-cm) barrel, and in the very recent 6.5 PRC with a 24-inch (61-cm) barrel. The barrel is made of carbon steel with a medium-heavy profile (medium-bull) featuring a 11-degree match crown. To facilitate the mounting of a suppressor, the barrel is 5/8"-24 threaded and includes a thread protector. The factory-mounted 20 MOA Picatinny rail allows for greater elevation adjustment with most optics. And like all rifles in the Patriot line, it features Mossberg's patented, user-adjustable LBA (Lightning Bolt Action) trigger system with a release weight between 0.9 and 3.12 kilograms (2 and 7 pounds).
The standard features are complemented by an oversized, easy-to-grip bolt handle and the extremely smooth-running fluted bolt.
The Patriot version is distinguished by the MDT Field Stock, featuring V-Block aluminum bedding that provides the action with absolute stability on long-range shots.
The forend is compatible with the Magpul M-LOK system with mounting ports at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock that allow customisation with any type of accessory. Thanks to three spacers supplied with the rifle, to be fitted under the recoil pad, length-of-pull (LOP) can be adjusted between 34.30 and 36.20 cm (13.5/14.25 inches). The height of the comb/cheek rest can also easily be adjusted by simply loosing the tension knob, and has a range of over 5 cm (2 inches). The trigger guard is oversized (which makes shooting with gloves easier) and incorporates the magazine release lever at its front.
Completing the design of this functional stock is a ckeckered pistol grip with an ergonomic profile. The stock is Flat Dark Earth colored, while the pistol grip is black. The Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical is fed from a removable AICS-type metal magazine with 7- or 10-round capacity and accepts all aftermarket (caliber-specific) AICS magazines. The price in the USA is $1,085.00, which excluding local taxes corresponds to approximately 998 euro. It is therefore a very reasonably priced rifle, considering that it lacks nothing.
For more information on the complete Patriot bolt-action rifle line please visit the Mossberg website.