Mossberg’s flagship bolt-action rifle, the Patriot, enjoys a respected reputation for its stout action design, straightforward controls, and ease of use. Introduced in 2015, Mossberg has created variations of the rifle that fill different pursuits. The Patriot LR Hunter is, as the name suggests, meant for “long-range” hunts. With this in mind, features such as the LR Hunter’s stock, rail and barrel come together to make this model of rifle more suitable for use in expansive areas such as those in Texas and Western states. Using shared core components between each variant, the Patriot platform also has the benefit of lowered costs. With a retail of $847, it is quite affordable.
Composites & Parts
The stock is the most noticeable enhancement versus the standard Patriot model. While it may look like a standard injection-molded stock, it actually has a Monte Carlo wood core that’s been polymer-coated and finished with a spray-on web-like pattern. The grip is not quite standard, either. The angle and frontstrap is a bit steeper and more pronounced, though not quite to the extent of a standalone grip. The forend must have been designed with a benchrest in mind. Not only does it bag well, it sits on stabilizing field supports such as rocks or a fence post quite easily. Dual swivel studs accommodate both bipods and slings without issue. A thick recoil pad covers the butt of the rifle, which was appreciated. The stock’s profile is rather linear, transferring recoil straight back and into the shoulder to significantly reduce muzzle rise. Aluminum bedding pillars interface the action and the stock.
Weight-wise, the LR Hunter is similar to other contemporary hunting rifles. The longer barreled versions weigh 71/2 pounds, and 61/2 pounds for the shorter models. My setup for an exotic Texas hunt was chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum and featured a Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 ($1,300, leupold.com). The thread cap was removed to attach a Silencer Central Banish Backcountry suppressor ($1,099, silencercentral.com). Total weight measured 10 pounds, 4 ounces. While those numbers appear typical for a deer rifle, Mossberg expressly made the Patriot LR Hunter a rifle for longer-range capability. For comparison, a dedicated precision rifle without any attachments usually averages 11 to 14 pounds. This makes the Patriot LR Hunter a sort of hybrid between a long-range performer and an ergonomic hunting rifle.
An already proven component, the push-feed action is a simple Mossberg design extant since 2015. The fluted bolt uses dual vertical locking lugs and has a 90-degree throw. It’s easy, if a bit long to lift, and somewhat slower to cycle than a three-lug 60-degree bolt design. Some scope-height mounting considerations may be required. The oversized bolt handle provides a solid grip, and is curved enough to not interfere with most scope set-ups. A one-piece rail above the action is included to accept Picatinny-type scope rings or mounts.
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For the .300 Win. Mag. model, the fluted, carbon-steel barrel measures 24 inches and contains a 1-in-10-inch twist rate. When chambered in 6.5 PRC, the barrel keeps this length but sports a 1-in-8-inch twist. The .308 Win and 6.5 Creedmoor versions have a 22-inch barrel, which shaves off roughly a pound from the total weight figures. Aside from changes in length, there is not much difference between models, which highlights the “hunter” aspect of the rifle’s design philosophy. A heavier match barrel, which would provide greater stability and heat management for continuous shooting, would also add more weight. Such a rifle would have more in common with a Precision Rifle Series gun rather than something that could be tolerated afield. The end of the barrel is threaded 5⁄8×24 to accept a muzzlebrake or suppressor. It arrives with a knurled thread cap tightened against a generous shoulder for use with direct-thread muzzle devices.
Mossberg included its Lightning Bolt-Action (LBA) trigger with the Patriot LR Hunter. The LBA trigger was introduced in 2008 and can be adjusted from 2 to 7 pounds, though the process involves removing the stock. A blade safety featuring a lightning bolt icon runs through the middle of the trigger to help prevent unintended discharges. My rifle’s trigger pull measured 2 pounds, 4 ounces. I kept the trigger as-is for range testing and the field test.
The flush-fit polymer magazine holds three rounds of .300 Win. Mag., and was long enough to provide some space between the nose of factory ammunition and the front of the magazine.
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Texas’ Scimitar Oryx
I evaluated the Patriot Hunter LR on a scimitar oryx hunt in West Texas. This species of oryx was declared extinct in their native home of North Africa in 2000. Luckily, a breeding stock owned by ranchers in Texas exploded in population, owing to the income generated from chartered hunts such as mine. As of 2024, well over 14,000 scimitar oryx can be found in the state, and they’ve been successfully reintroduced to their original habitat in Africa.
The ranch had a population of some 200 oryx on roughly 80,000 acres. This rifle drove home the message that a shooter doesn’t need an expensive rifle to successfully hunt exotic game in the U.S. Going after this species of large game influenced my choice for a rifle in .300 Win. Mag.; I’d rather go with “overkill” than be underpowered for big game and miss such a unique opportunity. Federal Premium was sourced for its 200-grain Terminal Ascent load, which I both tested at the range and used on the hunt.
I replaced the thread protector with a Silencer Central Banish Backcountry because, well, why make so much noise? Silencer Central’s direct-thread cans allowed them to be removed or attached at will with little impact shift. This was my first suppressed hunt, and I was blown away by how much difference a can improves the experience. Not only was the bark of the .300 Win. Mag. reduced, but felt recoil was lowered. The Backcountry is also lightweight at 7.8 ounces.
Spotting the white hides of oryx at long distance is simple enough. Getting close is a different matter, usually requiring a lengthy stalk through patches of shrubs. The oryx has excellent eyesight that lets them spot a predator from hundreds of yards. More than once I observed oryx through my binoculars only to see them staring right back at me.
Terrain in West Texas can be deceptively flat. While at a distance it appears as smooth as a desert, it’s really a series of small hills packed closely together. This hunt was the perfect test of how well the Patriot LR Hunter carries. Using a sling, the weight did not impede progress during any of the stalks. On the hunt’s second day, I found success. A bull was ranged at about 220 yards, uphill. Thanks to a nearby cow he was trying to court, his attention was diverted away from my guide and me. However, a lack of cover prevented us from getting closer. My choice of cartridge paid off. The hefty bullet put him down quickly. The Backcountry proved its worth as well, as the surrounding oryx did not even notice as the bull went down. They only decided to clear out after we moved out of cover to inspect the harvest.
In all, six hunters in camp successfully took an oryx. I noted that at least one oryx had been taken with every possible cartridge available for the Patriot LR Hunter.
At the Range
While early sight-in tests and the shot taken during the hunt gave some credibility to the “Long Range” moniker, I confirmed it when I returned home with more extensive testing. It was apparent when rounds went downrange that the fluted barrel heats up quickly. After five rounds, the barrel could not be touched. Shooting five more made it hot enough to melt an ice cube in a second. Consulting some colleagues, I learned that the short-action versions of the LR Hunter in .308 Win. and 6.5 Creedmoor don’t really share this trait. Manage your patience when shooting a .300 Win. Mag. through the thin barrel. The oscillation of a magnum load in a thin barrel is more pronounced with the Patriot LR Hunter. Realistically, I don’t expect any hunter to fire more than two or three shots in quick succession in the field. However, when sighting this rifle in, you’ll want to allow time to let the barrel cool between groups.
Further Testing
I continued to use the Banish Backcountry during subsequent tests. On average, I noted a 3-inch downward shift in the point of impact when using a suppressor versus unsuppressed, given the same type of ammo. Regarding felt recoil, the Backcountry noticeably lessened the kick of the magnum and made for smaller groups when shooting without a stabilizer such as a lead sled. Admittedly, I was not expecting such a lightweight suppressor to mitigate the sound of a magnum cartridge, but the report of each shot was cut significantly.
The LBA triggerpull remained excellent. It was a standout feature when testing the Patriot LR Hunter. The trigger possessed no creep and let off cleanly. There were no feeding issues with the Patriot action, and the bolt extracted rounds consistently. It was also easy to load the magazine while it was still seated in the rifle, allowing me to shoot five-shot groups without having to re-settle on the target. The sweltering heat helped me test the stock’s web texture and it remained controlled in my hands, despite my sweaty palms.
The first group of shots was consistently the best for every ammo type tested. Even with time given to cool the barrel between groups, it never seemed to reach the same tightness as the initial spread. While the test rifle was able to achieve some sub-1-MOA groups, it widened to around 2 MOA by the end of each ammo box.
Long-Range Starter Kit
The Patriot Hunter LR makes for a great big-game rifle with the added benefit of being capable of reaching the same large game out to 250 yards and beyond. I don’t know if some will qualify 250 yards as “long range,” but that’s what the name suggests. I speculate that the 6.5 Creedmoor version would be a fantastic “first gun” if you haven’t hunted much yet. Given the reasonable price, ease-of-use, and predictable performance, the Patriot Hunter LR is a solid option for prospective big-game hunters. (And consider suppressing it.)
Mossberg Patriot LR Hunter
- Type: Bolt action
- Cartridge: .308 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .300 Win. Mag. (tested)
- Capacity: 3+1 rds. (.300 Win. Mag.)
- Barrel: 24 in., fluted, 1:10-in. twist rate, 5/8×24 threaded with cap
- Overall Length: 44.75 in.
- Weight: 7 lbs., 8 oz.
- Stock: Monte Carlo-type, polymer coated, matte grey, black web texture
- Length of Pull: 13.75 in.
- Finish: Matte blue (steel)
- Trigger: LBA, adj., 2 lbs. to 7 lbs.
- Sights: None
- MSRP: $847
- Manufacturer: Mossberg, 203-230-5300, mossberg.com
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