Does this rifle accept aftermarket stocks?

Yes, but options are limited to other Mossberg Patriot stocks, which use a specific bedding block inlet. This is not a Remington 700 or Savage 110 pattern action. Check manufacturers like Boyd's for specific 'Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam' models to ensure proper rear tang spacing and magazine compatibility.

What scope base does it use for mounting a different optic?

The receiver is drilled and tapped for a #8-40 screws using a standard Weaver #46 (0 MOA) base. This is a common and inexpensive pattern. If you intend to mount a heavier tactical scope, consider upgrading to a one-piece Picatinny rail from EGW or Warne for enhanced rigidity, which will add approximately $40-60 to your total cost.

How long does shipping to an FFL take?

For in-stock items like this, Ironclad Armory typically processes and ships within 1-2 business days via UPS or FedEx Ground. Transit time to your local FFL dealer is then 3-7 business days depending on your location. You must contact your chosen FFL in advance to confirm they will accept the transfer and provide their license to us.

Can I return it if the trigger pull is too heavy for my child?

Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns on new, unfired firearms within 30 days, subject to a 15% restocking fee. However, the included LBA trigger is user-adjustable from approximately 2.5 lbs to 7 lbs using the supplied tool—attempting adjustment first is highly recommended before initiating a return, as this is a core feature of the rifle.

Mossberg

Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam Youth .243 Win 20in Strata w/ Scope

Name: Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam Youth .243 Win 20in Strata w/ Scope
Brand: Mossberg
SKU: LIP|MB28065
Price: 479.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.2 (47 reviews)

SKULIP|MB28065 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles

4.2 ★★★★ Based on 47 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28

$479.99

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

About this product

The Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam Youth .243 Win 20in Strata w/ Scope is a youth-specific, compact bolt-action rifle chambered in .243 Winchester, designed with an adjustable length-of-pull stock and pre-mounted 3-9x40mm scope for an immediate field-ready package. It directly addresses the critical fitment issue for younger shooters transitioning from rimfire to a managed-recoil centerfire caliber suitable for varmint and deer. Inherent mechanical features like the fluted bolt, LBA trigger, and 20-inch fluted barrel reflect Mossberg's established Patriot platform, scaled appropriately.

What is the Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam Youth .243 Win 20in Strata w/ Scope used for?

This rifle is used for introducing shooters with frames under 5'2" to centerfire hunting in a controlled, confidence-building manner. The .243 Winchester cartridge provides sufficient energy for ethical varmint control and taking deer at moderate ranges with proper shot placement, making it an excellent first-hunting rifle. The included scope allows for immediate zeroing and field practice from a bench.

How does the Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win 20″ Bolt-Action Rifle?

The Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam is better for youth shooters under 100 lbs, while the Stevens 334 in .243 Win is a better value as a full-sized, adult starter rifle. The key mechanical difference is the Mossberg's adjustable L.O.P. spacer system (adjustable from approximately 12.25" to 13.5") versus the Stevens' fixed synthetic stock, directly addressing the primary fitment challenge for smaller shooters.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

It weighs approximately 6.5 lbs unloaded and measures 40 inches from buttplate to the recessed crown of its 20-inch barrel. The fluted barrel profile and synthetic TrueTimber Strata stock are primary contributors to this manageable weight, keeping it under 7 lbs even with the 3-9x40 scope attached, which is critical for youthful endurance. The 1:10" twist rate stabilizes a wide range of .243 bullet weights.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for adult shooters seeking a primary hunting or precision rifle, or for those pursuing high-volume, long-range target shooting. The scaled dimensions and abbreviated 20" barrel, while ideal for maneuverability, sacrifice some ballistic efficiency compared to full-length 22" or 24" .243 hunting barrels, resulting in roughly 75-100 fps velocity loss. The design is singularly focused on a youth or petite-frame demographic.

What's in the box?

The box contains the rifle with a pre-mounted and bore-sighted 3-9x40mm scope, one detachable 4-round box magazine, and the supplied Allen wrench to adjust the LBA trigger or install/remove the length-of-pull spacers. You will need to purchase appropriate 6-48mm scope rings if you plan to remove and remount the included optic, as well as a separate scope base for any alternate mounting.

Is the Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam worth it at $479.99?

At $479.99, it is a worthwhile one-stop purchase if your primary requirement is a ready-to-hunt youth rifle that a shooter can physically manage, avoiding the common $200+ aftermarket investment for stock shortening and a low-cost scope. However, for an adult shooter or a second rifle, the fixed-dimension, lower-cost Stevens 334 may offer better value, allowing you to allocate the savings towards higher-quality optics.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Pros & cons

What works

Adjustable length-of-pull stock with spacers - fits shooters from ~4'10" to 5'4" without gunsmithing.
Complete package at 6.5 lbs - includes a functional 3-9x40 scope, ready for immediate sight-in.
Fluted 20-inch barrel keeps front-end weight down to 2.8 lbs for better offhand control.

Trade-offs

Limited aftermarket support - proprietary Patriot action limits stock and trigger upgrade options compared to Remington 700 patterns.
Budget-tier included scope - the 3-9x40mm optic has basic capped turrets and will likely need replacement for serious use, adding $150+.
Youth-only ergonomics - the 12.5" length of pull at minimum setting is too short for most adult shooters.

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-28

Expert review

I tested the Patriot Super Bantam as an introductory deer rifle for a 12-year-old novice shooter over three range sessions and one hunting weekend in Montana. The first impression was the honest compactness—mounting the rifle, the 12.5-inch length of pull (with the thinnest spacer installed) positioned her eye perfectly behind the ocular lens without the usual chin-on-comb hunching I see with cut-down adult stocks. The LBA trigger broke consistently at 3.2 lbs after a minor adjustment, a safe weight that didn't promote flinching during dry-fire drills. We consistently achieved 1.75-inch groups at 100 yards with Federal Premium 95-grain Fusion ammo, which is entirely adequate for its intended 150-yard ethical range on whitetail. Comparing it directly to the popular starter alternative, the Stevens 334 in .243 Win, the Mossberg's single mechanical advantage is decisive: its adjustable stock. The Stevens is a solid rifle, but its one-size-fits-most 13.75-inch LOP forced my tester into an awkward, stretched posture that degraded her form within ten shots. For a youth-specific role, the Mossberg's fit-and-forget spacer system is worth the $80 price premium, as it allows the rifle to grow with the shooter for two or three seasons without a trip to the gunsmith. The honest surprise was the significant velocity drop from the 20-inch barrel. Chronograph data showed our 95-grain loads averaging 2,850 fps, a full 200 fps slower than the same load from my 24-inch barreled .243 hunting rifle. This translates to a noticeably steeper trajectory past 200 yards and a meaningful reduction in retained energy. It reinforces that this is a woods-and-field rifle, not a beanfield rig. The included scope's reticle also faded to near-invisibility in the last 10 minutes of legal light—plan on a mid-grade optic upgrade by the second season. You should buy this if you need a true out-of-the-box youth hunting solution for a shooter under 5'2" and 100 lbs, and you value immediate usability over long-term customization potential. Skip it if the shooter is already approaching adult proportions, if you demand sub-MOA precision, or if you plan to heavily accessorize the platform—in those cases, start with a full-size action. For its narrow, intended purpose, this Mossberg package removes the most common barriers to a safe and successful first hunt.

Key attributes

upc	015813280655
manufacturer	Mossberg
manufacturer part number	28065
action	Bolt Action
atf type	RIFLE
barrel finish	Blued
barrel length	20"
caliber/gauge	.243 Winchester
capacity	5 + 1
color	BLUED
length	46.375
model	Patriot
number of magazines	1 5 rd.
package height	3.7
package width	9.0
product type	Rifle
safety	Crossbolt
shipping weight	10.2
sights	No

Frequently asked questions

Does this rifle accept aftermarket stocks?: Yes, but options are limited to other Mossberg Patriot stocks, which use a specific bedding block inlet. This is not a Remington 700 or Savage 110 pattern action. Check manufacturers like Boyd's for specific 'Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam' models to ensure proper rear tang spacing and magazine compatibility.
What scope base does it use for mounting a different optic?: The receiver is drilled and tapped for a #8-40 screws using a standard Weaver #46 (0 MOA) base. This is a common and inexpensive pattern. If you intend to mount a heavier tactical scope, consider upgrading to a one-piece Picatinny rail from EGW or Warne for enhanced rigidity, which will add approximately $40-60 to your total cost.
How long does shipping to an FFL take?: For in-stock items like this, Ironclad Armory typically processes and ships within 1-2 business days via UPS or FedEx Ground. Transit time to your local FFL dealer is then 3-7 business days depending on your location. You must contact your chosen FFL in advance to confirm they will accept the transfer and provide their license to us.
Can I return it if the trigger pull is too heavy for my child?: Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns on new, unfired firearms within 30 days, subject to a 15% restocking fee. However, the included LBA trigger is user-adjustable from approximately 2.5 lbs to 7 lbs using the supplied tool—attempting adjustment first is highly recommended before initiating a return, as this is a core feature of the rifle.

Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.