Mossberg Patriot .243 Win 22in Fluted Barrel Synthetic
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Mossberg Patriot .243 Win 22in Fluted Barrel Synthetic? It is a budget-conscious, bolt-action hunting rifle built for lightweight carry and mid-range precision, primarily on varmint and deer-sized game. This rifle delivers its value through a free-floated, fluted 22-inch barrel and an adjustable trigger in a no-frills synthetic stock, making it a functional tool rather than a showpiece. For hunters who prioritize ounces in the field and dollars at the register, the Patriot presents a compelling entry point.
What is the Mossberg Patriot used for?
The Mossberg Patriot is designed for hunting whitetail deer and varmints like coyotes at ranges out to 300 yards. Its .243 Winchester chambering offers a flat trajectory and manageable recoil, making it suitable for newer shooters or those sensitive to heavier calibers. The 6.5-pound weight and 42.75-inch overall length make it easy to carry on long stalks, though the synthetic stock lacks the ergonomic refinement of more expensive models.
How does the Mossberg Patriot compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win 20″?
The Mossberg Patriot offers a longer, fluted 22-inch barrel versus the 20-inch plain barrel on the Stevens 334 Rifle. The Patriot’s barrel provides a slight ballistic advantage for velocity and a stiffer, cooler-shooting profile, while the Stevens 334 is slightly shorter and more compact for dense brush. The Mossberg’s adjustable LBA trigger is superior for fine-tuning pull weight compared to the Stevens fixed trigger, a critical factor for precision shots.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6.5 pounds (104 oz) unloaded and measures 42.75 inches in overall length. The 22-inch barrel has a 1:10 twist rate, optimal for stabilizing .243 bullets from 70 to 100 grains. The bolt completes a full cycle in approximately 2.5 seconds with practiced operation, and the detachable magazine holds 4 rounds (3+1). These dimensions balance carry comfort with a sight radius long enough for confident field shooting.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for competitive long-range shooters seeking sub-MOA guarantees or tactical operators needing a hard-use platform. The synthetic stock is hollow and can flex under pressure from a bipod, and the action lacks the buttery smoothness of a Tikka or Bergara. If your primary use involves firing over 100 rounds in a single range session or you demand consistent half-minute accuracy, invest in a higher-tier platform like a Stevens 555 Sporting for shotgunning or a dedicated precision rifle.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 4-round steel detachable box magazine, factory-installed Weaver-style scope bases, and a basic owner's manual. No optic, sling, or case is included, which is standard for this price point. You must budget approximately $150-$300 for a suitable scope and rings, and another $50 for a sling, to make the rifle fully field-ready.
Is the Mossberg Patriot worth it at $402.99?
At $402.99, the Mossberg Patriot is worth it for a first-time hunter or a budget-minded shooter needing a reliable, lightweight tool for occasional use. You are paying for a functional barrel, adjustable trigger, and basic mounting system, not premium fit and finish. If your budget can stretch another $200, you enter the realm of rifles with better stocks and smoother actions, but for under $500 all-in with a scope, the Patriot accomplishes its core mission.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Adjustable LBA trigger – user can set pull weight from approximately 2.5 to 5 pounds
- Weighs 6.5 lbs (104 oz) – nearly 1.5 pounds lighter than many wood-stocked .30-06 hunting rifles
- Free-floated, fluted 22" barrel – increases stiffness and cooling surface area over a plain barrel
- Includes Weaver-style bases – saves $25-$40 on aftermarket mounting hardware
Trade-offs
- Hollow synthetic stock – can flex and contact the barrel when using a bipod or heavy sling tension
- Bolt lift is 75 degrees – requires a higher, wider hand movement than a 60-degree throw for faster follow-ups
- Magazine release is stiff – requires a deliberate press with a fingernail or tool, not intuitive gloved operation
Key attributes
| upc | 015813278386 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 27838 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | .243 Winchester |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 46.375 |
| model | Patriot |
| number of magazines | 1 5 rd. |
| package height | 9.0 |
| package width | 3.5 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 8.9 |
| sights | No |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the .243 Winchester caliber suitable for elk hunting?
- No, I do not recommend the .243 Winchester for ethical elk hunting. While legal in many states, the .243's bullet weight and energy are marginal for reliable penetration on an animal of that size. For elk, a minimum of .270 Winchester or 7mm-08 Remington is preferred. Stick to varmints, predators, and deer under 200 pounds with this cartridge.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, the Mossberg Patriot's 42.75-inch overall length requires a case with an interior length of at least 44 inches. Most universal soft rifle cases labeled for 'scoped rifles up to 44 inches' will accommodate it. For hard cases, ensure the interior foam can be cut to fit the 2.5-inch width across the receiver.
- Can I mount a muzzle brake or suppressor?
- Yes, the barrel is threaded 5/8"-24 under the factory-installed thread protector, which is a standard pitch for .30 caliber muzzle devices. This allows direct attachment of many .30 cal brakes or suppressors rated for .243 Winchester. Always verify your suppressor's caliber rating and minimum barrel length requirements, which are often 16 inches for centerfire rifles.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes in-stock firearms for shipping within 1-3 business days. Transit time via FedEx or UPS Ground is typically 3-7 business days, depending on your FFL's location. The total timeline from order to your FFL receiving the firearm is usually 5-10 business days, not including the mandatory NICS background check wait time at pickup.