I'm reposting a Range Report I did from THR for those looking for some real input on the Mossberg ATR
I picked up a Mossberg 100 ATR blued synthetic stock rifle chambered in 30-06 from Wal-Mart August 2007. At the same time I also purchase a new scope from the low doe section; a Centerpoint Adventure Class 4-16x40mm IR "tactical" rifle scope with a Mil-Dot reticle. I finished by getting a Rock Mount Bipod and sling - all for $371. I went back a few days later and grabbed a box of Federal Power Shok 150gr SP for $10.97.
Went to Ben Avery to sight my new rifle in. The weather was 99F, humidity 27%, dew point at 59, and wind from the SW at 8mph but almost directly from behind - not a factor. The rifle was shot from the bench utilizing the bipod with the toe of the stock resting in a sandbag. I really wish we had a sled bc the rifle doesn't weigh much.
I bore sighted at the bench to get things close and decided to shoot 3 shots initially and then make an adjustment. First 3 shots went low right about 4" from bullseye into a 1.2" group. I adjusted the scope and shot 3 more rounds into a .9" group one more small adjustment and 3 shots on bullseye into a .7" group. Then my father in law got a turn and shot a 1.8" group and a 1.6" group all around the bullseye. I took the last two shots one was about half an inch above the bullseye the next shot was a bullseye dead center .3" low.
The trigger had just a touch of creep with a crisp let off. It felt a little heavier than it needed to be. I'm not saying the trigger was crappy just that it lacked refinement. I may end up fiddling with it a little. The bolt was great - I really like the action. I was also surprised that the scope held up so well. Tracking was good. The target knobs made it easy to adjust...the optics were clear and bright (I used 10x the entire time). I would have felt more comfortable with a little more eye relief than the 3.5" or so shooting from the bench. Once zeroed I reset the target turret knobs back to read zero. I really like the features of this cheapo scope!
Overall the rifle, ammo, and scope performed very well. Once I was settled in the rifle shot better than I expected. Time will tell if the scope will hold zero/last but for now it stays and the rifle can shoot!
UPDATE: I have shot the rifle on 3 more occasions with same ammo (No handloads yet) and have been able to duplicate 3/4" groups all day provided I don't get the flinchies.
Features of this rifle:
Button rifled
Free floated bbl
Action and bbl mated like Savage with a bbl nut
The bolt design is just like the Savage...a pin holds the bolt head on to the bolt body so that the locking lugs can bear evenly aiding accuracy. But if the pin should break than the bolt head could spin freeeeeely inside the bolt body and not fully lock into the locking lugs the rifle could still fire...The Mossberg rifles aren't the only ones with that design.
Similar action and trigger to the Howa 1500
NO detachable magazine
Better synthetic stock IMO (stiffer) than the Remmington and Savage / Stevens
Includes factory installed weaver style ring bases.
The molded in sling mounts work but are a way of cutting cost. I have a bipod mounted on to them and it's holding up fine but will probably break...then I'll go get a Uncle Mikes swivel stud from the parts bin and screw it in.
For an inexpensive rifle you get a lot of value for the $250. If you want a custom rifle go a head and bust out our wallet. Just don't let the gun snobs ruin the rep of a rifle they have never shot.
I picked up a Mossberg 100 ATR blued synthetic stock rifle chambered in 30-06 from Wal-Mart August 2007. At the same time I also purchase a new scope from the low doe section; a Centerpoint Adventure Class 4-16x40mm IR "tactical" rifle scope with a Mil-Dot reticle. I finished by getting a Rock Mount Bipod and sling - all for $371. I went back a few days later and grabbed a box of Federal Power Shok 150gr SP for $10.97.
Went to Ben Avery to sight my new rifle in. The weather was 99F, humidity 27%, dew point at 59, and wind from the SW at 8mph but almost directly from behind - not a factor. The rifle was shot from the bench utilizing the bipod with the toe of the stock resting in a sandbag. I really wish we had a sled bc the rifle doesn't weigh much.
I bore sighted at the bench to get things close and decided to shoot 3 shots initially and then make an adjustment. First 3 shots went low right about 4" from bullseye into a 1.2" group. I adjusted the scope and shot 3 more rounds into a .9" group one more small adjustment and 3 shots on bullseye into a .7" group. Then my father in law got a turn and shot a 1.8" group and a 1.6" group all around the bullseye. I took the last two shots one was about half an inch above the bullseye the next shot was a bullseye dead center .3" low.
The trigger had just a touch of creep with a crisp let off. It felt a little heavier than it needed to be. I'm not saying the trigger was crappy just that it lacked refinement. I may end up fiddling with it a little. The bolt was great - I really like the action. I was also surprised that the scope held up so well. Tracking was good. The target knobs made it easy to adjust...the optics were clear and bright (I used 10x the entire time). I would have felt more comfortable with a little more eye relief than the 3.5" or so shooting from the bench. Once zeroed I reset the target turret knobs back to read zero. I really like the features of this cheapo scope!
Overall the rifle, ammo, and scope performed very well. Once I was settled in the rifle shot better than I expected. Time will tell if the scope will hold zero/last but for now it stays and the rifle can shoot!
UPDATE: I have shot the rifle on 3 more occasions with same ammo (No handloads yet) and have been able to duplicate 3/4" groups all day provided I don't get the flinchies.
Features of this rifle:
Button rifled
Free floated bbl
Action and bbl mated like Savage with a bbl nut
The bolt design is just like the Savage...a pin holds the bolt head on to the bolt body so that the locking lugs can bear evenly aiding accuracy. But if the pin should break than the bolt head could spin freeeeeely inside the bolt body and not fully lock into the locking lugs the rifle could still fire...The Mossberg rifles aren't the only ones with that design.
Similar action and trigger to the Howa 1500
NO detachable magazine
Better synthetic stock IMO (stiffer) than the Remmington and Savage / Stevens
Includes factory installed weaver style ring bases.
The molded in sling mounts work but are a way of cutting cost. I have a bipod mounted on to them and it's holding up fine but will probably break...then I'll go get a Uncle Mikes swivel stud from the parts bin and screw it in.
For an inexpensive rifle you get a lot of value for the $250. If you want a custom rifle go a head and bust out our wallet. Just don't let the gun snobs ruin the rep of a rifle they have never shot.
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