Mossberg Company expanded the "Patriot" series bolt-action rifles in 2020 and launched the LR "Hunter". Equipped with a butt specially designed for long-range shooting. Most "Patriot" rifles use injection-molded butt, but the butt of LR "Hunter" uses a composite structure of hardwood core material and gray polymer outer layer, with a black mesh on the outside. The pattern looks a lot like a handmade polymer stock. There is a raised Monte Carlo cheek plate on the top of the butt, and the contact part of the butt with the receiver is made of aluminum alloy structure, which improves the potential of shooting accuracy. This article is a review article in "Firearms and Ammunition" magazine, I have translated it for you to share.
LR is the abbreviation of "Long Range", which can be understood as long-range hunting with a back rifle, as well as long-range hunting. The core of this rifle is Mossberg's propelling gun. It adopts a double-projection design, elastic shell ejection, and spiral grooves on the surface of the gun. It is not only more beautiful, but also a little lighter. It uses a detachable polymer magazine for ammunition, two-speed insurance, an integral Picatinny rail on the top of the receiver, and a Mossberg LBA trigger. These features make the LR "Hunter" a popular choice for many hunting enthusiasts.
The Mossberg LBA trigger design is very interesting. There is a trigger insurance similar to a Glock pistol in the center of the trigger, and it plays the same insurance role. LBA is the abbreviation of "Lightning Bolt Action". It is Mossberg's patented design. There is also a small hollow lightning mark on the trigger insurance.
Just use a flat-head screwdriver to adjust the trigger force from the minimum 9 N to the maximum 40 N to ensure stability during shooting.
The deep grip profile of the butt neck allows the shooter to hold it comfortably in any state, and the larger inclination makes it easier to pull the trigger. The tapered handguard of LR "Hunter" has a flat bottom and can be well supported. The two gun strap hanging loops on the bottom of the handguard make it easier to install the bipod. There is also a gun strap hanging loop near the bottom of the buttstock, which is in line with the habits of most users.
There is enough clearance between the handguard and the barrel to make it in a floating state, which is particularly important for improving accuracy. Like other "Patriot" series rifles, the LR "Hunter" is equipped with a carbon steel barrel with a matte blue surface. About half the length of the barrel is grooved, which can improve heat dissipation efficiency and reduce weight. In 2020, LR "Hunter" has four calibers to choose from: 6.5 Creedmore, 6.5 PRC, .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, I believe these calibers can attract hunters and long-range Attention shooting enthusiasts.
The rifle tested in this article has a caliber of 6.5 PRC, a length of 1073mm, and a trigger force of 11 N.
The muzzle has threads, which is convenient for installing muzzle device and silencer. The barrel profile is slightly enlarged at the front end to provide a wide shoulder, which effectively supports various muzzle devices or silencers. If those devices are not needed, a threaded cap with knurling can be used to protect the muzzle threads.
The test members spent a week hunting white-tailed deer with this rifle. Although no one encountered a white-tailed deer, the LR "Hunter" was flawless in shooting performance throughout the hunt. As one of the new rifles, fusion and special long-range rifle functions, Mossberg has developed a multifunctional rifle that is friendly to shooters. The handle of the pulling machine is large and easy to operate when wearing gloves. The integrated guide rail makes it easy to install the sight. The butt base is very solid, and the rounded edges will not hang on the jacket.
Compared with other "Patriot" rifles, the main upgrade part of this model is the new stock, which is an excellent upgrade. The gray polymer has a fine texture on the surface for easy gripping, and the taper on the handguard provides comfortThe appropriate holding position can completely control this rifle. The most favorite is the grip part. The depth and angle can comfortably hold the rifle, and the full palm further improves the control and comfort. Facts have proved that Mossberg's "Patriot" pushes the bullet gun machine very effective. Although the unlocking angle is 90°, it can prevent interference between the handle and the scope of the scope by ensuring the height of the scope.
LR "Hunter" uses double-row polymer magazines to increase the ammunition capacity. You can buy spare magazines online for 30 US dollars each, which is about 213 yuan. The accuracy test distance is 100 yards (91.4 meters). When the Hornady 143 grain ELD-X "Precision Hunter" ammunition is used, the average diameter of the dispersion circle is slightly larger than 25mm, which is equivalent to 1 MOA. There is no failure in feeding and shooting, and the reliability is very good. In the insurance state, the camera can still be operated.
LR "Hunter" polymer magazine is almost flush with the bottom of the gun body after installation. The magazine is stuck in the front of the magazine and adopts a concave design to prevent the magazine from falling out due to accidental touch during hunting. Since the gun weighs only 3.18 kg, it can be hunted in any environment, and it can even be carried on foot in the wilderness for a long time. The author believes that if you are interested in hunting and shooting, the performance of LR "Hunter" will make you satisfied. Except for Mossberg's "Patriot" series flagship "Revere", it must be the best-looking model.
The author also believes that this is the same price rifle tested, it has the best wood and polymer composite structure butt, in the wild hunt for a week, the butt surface is not Obvious scratches appear. LR "Hunter" continues Mossberg's excellent reliability and overall performance, and has a very reasonable price. The suggested retail price of this rifle is US$721, which is approximately RMB 5120.
