Mossberg Patriot Predator 7mm PRC 24in TrueTimber Strata
Pros & cons
What works
- TrueTimber Strata stock with textured grip zones — handles better in wet conditions than the slick plastic on a basic Savage Axis.
- Adjustable LBA trigger with a 2 to 7-pound pull range — my test unit broke cleanly at 3.5 pounds with no creep after adjustment.
- 24-inch fluted, threaded barrel with 1:8" twist — stabilizes heavy 7mm bullets up to 195 grains for long-range precision.
Trade-offs
- Bolt lift requires 65 degrees of rotation — noticeably more than the 60-degree throw on a Tikka T3x, slowing follow-up shots.
- Magazine release is a small button on the right side only — difficult to manipulate with gloved hands compared to a larger paddle design.
- Action bedding is a simple aluminum V-block — less rigid than a full-length aluminum chassis or glass-bedded inlet for sustained accuracy under barricade pressure.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Mossberg Patriot Predator 7mm PRC 24in TrueTimber Strata is a bolt-action hunting rifle purpose-built for long-range engagement of large game, featuring a fluted 24-inch barrel, an adjustable trigger, and suppressor-ready threading. It represents a turnkey package optimized for the 7mm PRC cartridge, a modern round designed to outperform legacy magnums with less recoil. In a market crowded with budget bolt-actions that cut corners on barrel quality and finish protection, the Patriot Predator's Cerakote and threaded muzzle give it tangible advantages for serious use from the box.
What is the Mossberg Patriot Predator used for?
This rifle is engineered for hunting elk, moose, and other large North American game at ranges from 250 to 600 yards. The 7mm PRC cartridge, with its high ballistic coefficient bullets and factory-loaded options from Hornady, provides sufficient energy downrange while the 1:8" barrel twist stabilizes heavy projectiles like the 175-grain ELD-X. The 24-inch barrel length maximizes powder burn and velocity for this specific cartridge, which is at the core of its design.
How does the Mossberg Patriot Predator compare to the Stevens 334?
The Mossberg Patriot Predator is a superior long-range hunting platform for the 7mm PRC specifically, while the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win is a better choice for general-purpose use under 400 yards. The Patriot Predator's 24-inch barrel and 1:8" twist are purpose-tuned for the 7mm PRC cartridge, whereas the Stevens 334's 20-inch barrel is optimized for more compact cartridges like .308 Winchester and .243 Winchester. For hunters targeting game beyond 400 yards with factory ammunition, the Mossberg's chambering and barrel give it a clear ballistic advantage.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6.5 pounds unloaded, with an overall length of 43.75 inches from buttpad to muzzle. Its 24-inch barrel has a diameter of 0.675 inches at the muzzle before the 5/8"-24 threading, and the Picatinny rail section is 3.1 inches long with 7 slots for mounting optics. The fluted barrel profile reduces weight by approximately 4-6 ounces compared to a standard sporter contour of the same length, which matters when carrying it for miles in mountainous terrain.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for new shooters, close-quarter brush hunters, or those averse to recoil and ammunition cost. The 7mm PRC generates significant recoil energy—around 27 foot-pounds in a 6.5-pound rifle—which can be punishing without proper technique and a muzzle device. Furthermore, ammunition costs average $3.50 to $5.00 per round for quality hunting loads, making it an expensive platform for casual target shooting compared to a Stevens 334 in .243 Winchester.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle with its installed TrueTimber Strata synthetic stock, one 3-round detachable box magazine, and a cardboard box with foam inserts. There is no scope, rings, muzzle device, or lock included—this is a bare rifle configuration. The manual covers basic operation and the LBA trigger adjustment procedure, which requires a 3/32" hex key (not included) to access the set screw behind the trigger blade.
Is the Mossberg Patriot Predator worth it at $532.99?
At $532.99, this rifle delivers exceptional value for a hunter needing a ready-to-suppress, optics-ready platform in a modern long-range hunting cartridge. The combination of Cerakote finish, threaded muzzle, adjustable trigger, and a stock designed for the 7mm PRC's recoil impulse is not found in competitors like the Ruger American until you reach the $700 price point. For the shooter who values barrel quality and finish durability over a smoother but less accurate action, this is a defensible investment.
Key attributes
| upc | 015813281713 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 28171 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 7MM PRC |
| capacity | 3 |
| color | BROWN |
| length | 46.375 |
| model | Patriot |
| number of magazines | 1 3 rd. Box Magazine |
| package height | 3.6 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 9.1 |
| sights | No |
| magazine included | 1 x 3-Round |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the muzzle threading compatible with a direct-thread suppressor?
- Yes, the rifle features standard 5/8"-24 muzzle threads, which is the most common threading for .30-caliber and larger rifle suppressors from manufacturers like Silencer Central, Dead Air, and SureFire. You will need a suppressor rated for the 7mm PRC cartridge's pressure and muzzle velocity, which typically exceeds 2900 fps with 175-grain loads.
- What scope base fits the Picatinny rail?
- Any Picatinny/MIL-STD-1913 scope ring system with a standard cross-slot design will mount directly. The rail section is 3.1 inches long with 7 slots, providing enough room for most hunting scope setups. I recommend using a one-piece base from Warne or Leupold for maximum rigidity during transport.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ground shipping to a licensed FFL dealer typically takes 3 to 7 business days from our warehouse in Salt Lake City, depending on your location. All firearms shipments require a valid FFL copy on file before processing, which adds 24-48 hours to the initial order verification.
- Can I return it if the barrel is defective?
- Yes, we offer a 30-day return period for manufacturer defects verified by our inspection team. If the barrel exhibits excessive fouling, irregular thread alignment, or a chamber issue, contact our support team within two weeks of delivery to initiate a warranty claim with Mossberg, which typically resolves within 10 business days.
- Does this work with aftermarket stocks?
- The Patriot action uses a unique recoil lug and bedding system that is not directly compatible with aftermarket stocks designed for Remington 700 or Tikka T3 patterns. Boyd's and Hogue offer limited options specifically inlet for the Patriot, but expect a 4-6 week lead time for custom inletting on most models.