The Mossberg Patriot 400 Legend has quickly gained popularity among hunters and shooters seeking a versatile and affordable bolt-action rifle chambered in the increasingly popular .400 Legend cartridge. This review delves into the Patriot 400 Legend's performance, features, and overall value, providing an in-depth assessment for potential buyers. We'll examine its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it's the right rifle for you.
What Makes the .400 Legend Unique?
Before diving into the specifics of the Mossberg Patriot, let's briefly touch on the .400 Legend cartridge itself. Designed for use in AR-15-style platforms, its popularity stems from its suitability for hunting deer-sized game at moderate ranges, while utilizing readily available AR-15 components. The .400 Legend offers lower recoil than many comparable hunting rounds, making it comfortable for newer shooters, and boasts impressive stopping power within its effective range. This combination makes it a compelling choice for a wide range of users.
Mossberg Patriot 400 Legend: A Detailed Examination
The Mossberg Patriot 400 Legend distinguishes itself through a blend of affordability and practical features. Its synthetic stock is durable and weather-resistant, ideal for various hunting conditions. The action is smooth and reliable, a hallmark of Mossberg's design philosophy. Let's break down its key aspects:
Accuracy and Ballistics:
Accuracy is a paramount concern for any hunting rifle. While individual rifles will vary, the Patriot 400 Legend generally delivers acceptable accuracy for its intended purpose. Many users report sub-MOA performance with quality ammunition at ranges typical for deer hunting. Remember that ammunition choice significantly impacts accuracy; using premium ammunition will enhance results. The flatter trajectory of the .400 Legend compared to some older cartridges contributes to its accuracy at longer ranges.
Features and Ergonomics:
- Synthetic Stock: Durable, lightweight, and weather-resistant. The stock's design offers a comfortable grip and good cheek weld.
- Bolt Action: Smooth, reliable, and easy to operate. The bolt features a positive ejection system, ensuring reliable case extraction.
- Sights: While often sold without sights, the receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounting, which is highly recommended for hunting applications. Accurate shot placement is significantly enhanced with a quality scope.
- Safety: A traditional three-position tang safety ensures safe handling.
- Magazine: The detachable box magazine provides smooth and reliable feeding, and ease of reloading.
Pros:
- Affordable Price: The Mossberg Patriot 400 Legend offers excellent value for its price, making it accessible to a wider range of hunters and shooters.
- Reliable Function: Mossberg has a reputation for building durable and reliable firearms, and the Patriot 400 Legend lives up to that reputation.
- Versatile Cartridge: The .400 Legend is well-suited for various hunting scenarios and is a good all-around cartridge.
- Lightweight and Maneuverable: The synthetic stock keeps the overall weight manageable, contributing to comfortable handling in the field.
Cons:
- Trigger: The factory trigger can be somewhat gritty, and some users prefer to upgrade it for a smoother, crisper pull. This is a relatively common modification among enthusiasts.
- Limited Availability: While increasingly common, finding this rifle in stock can still occasionally present a challenge, depending on your location and the time of year.
Conclusion: Is the Mossberg Patriot 400 Legend Right for You?
The Mossberg Patriot 400 Legend offers an exceptional combination of value, reliability, and performance. For hunters seeking a cost-effective rifle chambered in the versatile .400 Legend cartridge, it represents a strong contender. Its straightforward design and reliable operation make it a suitable choice for both experienced hunters and those new to the sport. While minor upgrades might be desired by some users, the overall value and performance of the Mossberg Patriot 400 Legend are hard to ignore. Consider your budget, intended use, and desired level of customization before making your purchase.
