Meet the Patriot Predator
Mossberg’s Predator stands apart in its Patriot family of bolt actions with its Flat Dark Earth synthetic stock and some additional features differentiating it from base model Patriots. There’s a Picatinny rail for easy optics mounting and an oversized tactical-style bolt knob for rapid manipulation. Barrels come fluted on both the 22- and 24-inch length models.
More importantly, Patriot Predator barrels are threaded, ready for either a suppressor or muzzle brake, along with an included thread cover and an 11-degree match crown.
The Predator itself can be had in several sub-variations. In addition to the standard Matte Blue against FDE comes a sleek Patriot Brown Cerakote metalwork finish for added durability paired with True Timber Strata camouflage furniture.
Retail pricing is already appealing on paper, and even more so in the real world, where prices often hit even lower. MSRP on the Blued/FDE variants is $553, and the Camo/Cerakote pairing runs $658.
Features & Specs
Many of the favorite standard Patriot features remain on the Predator, including a detachable box magazine, sling studs, and a spiral fluted bolt. There’s also the company’s patented LBA user-adjustable trigger with a generous pull range from 2-7 pounds.
The name is rather misleading, as the Predator variants catalog far more than just varminting options. Multiple chamberings are offered in several configurations: .22-250 Rem, .243 Win, 6.5 Creed, 6.5 PRC, .308 Win, .350 Legend, .400 Legend, .450 Bushmaster, and our chosen 7mm PRC.
As you can see from the range of chambering offerings, the Predator makes itself at home in the big game market as well as the furbearing game.
Here’s a quick rundown of the specs for our 7mm PRC model:
- Chambering: 7mm PRC
- Barrel: 24 inches fluted, threaded
- Finish: Matte Blued
- Length of Pull: 13.75 inches
- Overall Length: 44.25 inches
- Weight: 6.5 pounds
- Magazine Capacity: 3 rounds
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Muzzle: Threaded at 5/8x24 TPI
The Rig
We outfitted our Patriot Predator with a Trijicon Credo HX 1-6x24 set in Trijicon riflescope rings, a Hornady gun cheek piece for a more comfortable cheek weld as well as additional ammo storage, and a Banish 30 suppressor. Although not allowed for the Canadian trip, the Banish 30 is a bonus for range time and upcoming hunts in the states. Ammo for testing was Hornady Precision Hunter 175-grain ELD-X.
This isn’t the first time we’ve opted for an optic more costly than the rifle itself. When you find an affordable rifle that shoots with accuracy above its pay grade, you can splurge on the accessories. Bear hunts generally happen at closer ranges with prime times at the lower light hours of dusk, so having a scope that excels at those light levels can make the difference between success and failure.
Besides, we’ve never heard a hunter complain about having glass that is too nice, although the opposite is true. The shortcomings of inadequate optics are often realized at the most inopportune times.
Accuracy
The combo of rifle, scope, ammo, and suppressor was impressive, to say the least. Three-shot 100-yard groups marked repeatedly sub-MOA, with several groups at or near 1/2 MOA. We found similar results without the can.
Trigger pull is quite nice right out of the box, with our test rifle breaking at just over 3.5 pounds.
The rubber recoil pad is soft enough to make firing the 7mm PRC – itself a fairly stout hitter in an inexpensive synthetic stock – more than manageable. Without a doubt, this rig is capable of far longer ranges than the bear hunt at hand and able to knock out most North American big game animals.
Field Notes
Our pre-hunt experience with the Patriot Predator was wildly positive. It proved reliable, accurate, and offered all the features needed for a big game pursuit. Sure, we’d opt for something lighter all around for a more mobile expedition, but that wasn’t the assignment.
The same dropbox magazine found on all the Patriot rifles is light and feels cheaply made, but as in previous experiences, it proved durable and reliable. It’s also one of the easiest mags to load quickly. The rubber recoil pad is soft enough to help minimize the 7mm PRC’s recoil, which can be stout on a rifle with a sub-optimal polymer stock.
Speaking of stocks, the Predator’s barreled action looks and shoots above its price point, but the furniture hits below expectations. One of the only knocks we can find on this rifle is the quality of the synthetic stock. It’s still perfectly usable, but not what we’d like to see on an otherwise impressive affordable rifle. It feels a bit hollow, and the mold seams are clearly visible.
It would seem little attention has been given to addressing the aesthetic before these rifles leave the factory, yet that’s not a deal breaker. Adding the lightly padded Hornady cheek piece not only covered that seam but added handy storage that would be easily accessible in a tree stand. If Mossberg would upgrade some of its stock builds (and add a customizable LOP and comb height option), the company would have a bases-loaded home run in the affordable, accessible hunting rifle game.
Final Thoughts
