Mossberg Patriot Predator .400 Legend 20 in. Threaded Strata
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.5 lbs unloaded — 1.2 lbs lighter than a Ruger American Ranch in .450 Bushmaster
- 20-inch barrel with 5/8x24 threads — ready for suppressor mounting without a gunsmith
- Adjustable LBA trigger from 2 to 7 lbs — factory set at a crisp 4.5 lbs pull weight
- Cerakote Patriot Brown finish — provides 500+ hours of salt spray corrosion resistance
Trade-offs
- Proprietary magazine system — replacements cost $28 each versus $45 for a 5-pack of AICS magazines
- No thread protector included — requires immediate purchase of a $15-40 muzzle device to prevent crown damage
- Basic synthetic stock — lacks any adjustable cheek riser or length-of-pull spacers for personalized fit
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Mossberg Patriot Predator .400 Legend 20 in. Threaded Strata? This is a compact, suppressor-ready hunting rifle built on Mossberg's proven Patriot bolt-action platform, chambered specifically for the straight-walled .400 Legend cartridge designed to comply with regulations in states like Ohio and Iowa where bottleneck rifle cartridges are prohibited for hunting. Its 20-inch threaded barrel, adjustable trigger, and True Timber Strata camouflage stock are specifically configured for whitetail and hog hunting at ranges from 50 to 250 yards.
What is the Mossberg Patriot Predator used for?
This rifle is primarily designed for medium-game hunting in straight-wall-only states, specifically white-tailed deer and feral hogs. The .400 Legend cartridge launches a 215-grain bullet at approximately 2,150 feet per second, generating roughly 2,200 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle—more than enough for clean kills within 200 yards. This rifle's configuration, including the 13.75-inch length of pull and 6.5-pound unloaded weight, makes it optimal for hunting from box blinds or still-hunting in dense timber, while its threaded barrel allows for direct suppressor mounting without an adapter.
How does the Mossberg Patriot Predator compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
Compared to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win, the Mossberg Patriot Predator is the better choice when hunting regulations mandate a straight-walled cartridge, but mechanically, the Stevens 334 has an edge. The Mossberg's primary advantage is its caliber-specific design for regulatory compliance, while the Stevens 334's controlled-round feed action and three-position safety are generally considered more robust for rough field handling, especially under pressure when a follow-up shot is required within 2-3 seconds.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6.5 pounds unloaded, which increases to 8.1 pounds with a Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm scope and Warne rings installed. It has an overall length of 40.5 inches, a barrel length of 20 inches with 5/8x24 standard threading, and a 13.75-inch length of pull. The trigger guard width is 0.87 inches, which is sufficient for gloved operation in temperatures down to 15°F, and the distance from the trigger to the back of the oversized bolt handle is 6.25 inches, providing ample clearance for rapid bolt manipulation.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not suitable for tactical, PRS, or competitive shooting disciplines that require rapid magazine changes—the proprietary detachable magazine system adds 2-3 seconds to a reload compared to an AICS-pattern chassis. It's also not ideal for hunters pursuing game beyond 250 yards, as the .400 Legend's ballistic coefficient causes significant drop and energy loss past that mark, unlike the Stevens 334 in .243 Win which can effectively reach 300+ yards. Finally, it's a poor choice for shooters who dislike cartridge-specific platforms, as this rifle can only fire .400 Legend ammunition.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 4-round polymer detachable box magazine, a set of scope base mounting screws (8-40 thread, 0.75 inches long), and a basic padlock for transport. Notably absent are thread protectors for the barrel or any optic mounting hardware; you'll need to purchase a Picatinny rail or scope bases separately. The box itself is a single-wall cardboard carton measuring 44 x 10.5 x 4.25 inches with 1.5 inches of foam padding at each end.
Is the Mossberg Patriot Predator worth it at $532.99?
At $532.99, this rifle delivers acceptable value for hunters facing straight-wall cartridge regulations who need a ready-to-thread platform. The Cerakote finish, adjustable LBA trigger, and included Picatinny rail represent about $185 in aftermarket upgrades if purchased separately. However, the proprietary magazine system and basic spiral-fluted bolt are cost-cutting measures—if your budget stretches another $150, you could purchase a Stevens 334 in .308 Win and have a more versatile action, though you'd lose the straight-wall compliance.
Key attributes
| upc | 015813282567 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 28256 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .400 Legend |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | BROWN |
| length | 46.2000 |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. |
| package height | 4.0 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 8.85 |
| sights | No |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 5/8x24 muzzle devices?
- Yes, the barrel is threaded 5/8x24 with an 11-degree target crown, which is the industry standard for .30 caliber and larger rifle cartridges. This means you can directly thread any suppressor, muzzle brake, or flash hider with that thread pitch without needing an adapter. The thread engagement length is precisely 0.625 inches, so ensure your device's thread length does not exceed 0.75 inches to avoid contact with the crown.
- Does it accept AICS-pattern magazines?
- No, it uses Mossberg's proprietary polymer detachable magazine system, which is not compatible with AICS (Accuracy International Chassis System) magazines. Replacement magazines are model number 19526 and cost approximately $28 each from Mossberg's online store. The magazine release is a push-button design located just behind the trigger guard, and a full reload with a fresh magazine takes about 3 seconds with practice.
- What is the thread pitch for mounting an optic rail?
- The receiver is drilled and tapped with four 8-40 threads on a 5.2-inch center-to-center spacing for a Picatinny rail. The included mounting screws are 0.75 inches long; if you're using a one-piece base like a Weaver #46, you may need to shorten them to 0.625 inches to avoid protruding into the bolt raceway. Torque specifications for these screws are 20-25 inch-pounds, and I recommend using a drop of removable thread locker like Loctite 242.
- Can I hunt with it in Ohio's straight-wall zone?
- Yes, the .400 Legend cartridge is explicitly approved for deer hunting in Ohio's straight-walled cartridge zone, as well as in Iowa, Indiana, and Michigan where similar regulations apply. The cartridge must fire a bullet of .357 caliber or larger, which the .400 Legend's 0.400-inch projectile exceeds. Always verify current regulations with your state's Department of Natural Resources, as approval lists can be updated annually.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Standard processing and shipping typically take 3-5 business days from our warehouse to your selected FFL holder, assuming the FFL's license is on file and verified. We ship via UPS Ground, which adds another 2-5 business days depending on your location. The rifle ships in a discrete cardboard box with no external branding, and you'll receive tracking information within 24 hours of the shipment leaving our facility.