This is part of an ongoing series of brief articles covering popularly priced bolt action rifles generally and .270 Winchester rifles specifically. For a walnut stocked rifle, the new Mossberg Patriot (#27882) has a very appealing 2016 MSRP of about $500 and a discount retail price of around $400.

Out of the box, this Mossberg Patriot .270 weighs 6 pounds, 14 ounces with a 22 inch barrel, including a pre-installed aluminum alloy Weaver style base and the detachable box magazine. No iron sights are supplied. The barrel and receiver finish is matte blued, but not nearly as rough as some other manufacturers routinely supply on their new rifles.

The bolt is spiral fluted. The barrel is fluted near the muzzle and has a recessed target crown. Mostly cosmetic features, to be sure, but appreciated.

The supplied Mossberg LBA trigger is reminiscent of the Savage Accu-Trigger and it is adjustable from two to seven pounds. My example breaks at a crisp 2-3/4 pounds out of the box. The Patriot has a two-position safety that does not lock the bolt closed when engaged.

The American black walnut stock has four-panel stippled gripping areas on the forend and pistol grip (instead of checkering), which looks good and is functional. The walnut stock has a nicely fitted, ventilated recoil pad and a Monte-Carlo cheek piece. Detachable sling swivel studs are provided. The satin stock finish appears to be some sort of durable synthetic varnish.

Specifications

• Model #: 27882
• Caliber: .270 Win.
• Magazine capacity: 5
• Barrel length: 22 inches
• Barrel finish: Matte Blued
• Barrel type: Sporter, fluted
• Twist: 1:10"
• Sights: None; Weaver scope base included
• Trigger: LBA, 2.75 lb.
• Stock: Black walnut
• Length of pull: 13.75 inches
• Overall length: 42.75 inches
• Weight: 6 lb. 14 oz. (empty)
• Country of origin: USA
• 2016 MSRP: Approx. $500

In its price class, the Patriot is about the best looking bolt action rifle you can buy. It really is tastefully done.

I topped this Patriot with a Sightron Big Sky SII 3-9x42mm riflescope in Warne Maxima Quick Release steel rings. The assembled package weighs 8 pounds, 5 ounces (unloaded).

Furthermore, it shoots! The previously reviewed Mossberg Patriot .270 Winchester with a plastic Kryptek stock was essentially an MOA rifle right out of the box and this walnut-stocked version is noticeably better. Using factory loaded hunting ammo, in this case Hornady's 130 grain GMX Full Boar #80527 cartridges, it was easy to get the scope sighted-in and then shoot inside an inch at 100 yards, despite a very gusty direct crosswind.

The Patriot looks good, the trigger is light and crisp, the detachable box magazine is extremely easy to load and it does not rattle. The feeding, extraction and ejection are all smooth and hassle free. I had no problems of any kind with the Patriot at the range.

If your budget says $400 or so for a centerfire hunting rifle is what you can afford, the Mossberg Patriot walnut should definitely be considered. It is Mossberg's best rifle yet, by no small margin.

Note: There is a complete review of the Mossberg Patriot Walnut .30-06 Rifle on the Product Reviews index page.