Mostly Long Guns
Mossberg MVP Patrol 5.56 NATO
column By: Brian Pearce | January, 17
I later had a chance to visit with company representatives regarding the MVP and possible future variants. I liked the rifle and suggested adding iron sights along with a compact version and even a “scout” pattern. In the years since, Mossberg has expanded the MVP product line to include all of the above, but it has also introduced lightweight rifles, adjustable stock versions and several other models. In 2013 the company designed a larger version to chamber the 7.62 NATO cartridge.
A few months back, a Mossberg MVP Patrol 5.56 NATO was acquired, which has proven to be an extremely handy and versatile carbine. It features a 16.25-inch medium bull weight (or semi-heavy) barrel that is threaded and comes standard with an A2 flash suppressor. The stock is black synthetic with a 13.25-inch LOP, is pillar bedded and channeled to allow the barrel to free-float. Although not necessary for the 5.56/.223 cartridges, the stock is fitted with a soft, rubber, one-inch recoil pad, which further reduces felt recoil. The Williams rear sight is fully adjustable while the front sight consists of a red fiber optic. The adjustable LBA trigger broke crisply at 3.5 pounds right out of the box but allowed adjustments down to 2.5 pounds. A Picatinny top rail is factory installed to serve as a scope base. Total length is just 36.5 inches, and weight is 7 pounds.
Incidentally, the barrel twist rate is one turn in 9 inches, which will generally stabilize bullets ranging in weight from 40 to 75 grains. This twist rate offers versatility as it works well with most frangible varmint bullets or heavier-constructed bullets that might be used for deer and similarly sized game.
Using guns daily for a variety of purposes, I have found the MVP Patrol to be a valuable ranch rifle, as it takes up little space in a pickup, and its compact length allows it to be easily carried in a saddle scabbard when riding horses and taking coyotes and other pests. The Picatinny rail allows a variety of sights to be mounted, including red-dot sights, traditional variable power scopes or aperture sights, which can all be interchanged as needed, depending on application. If the correct rings are used, they can be reinstalled without losing their zero.
On a recent family event, my daughter-in-law, who has limited shooting experience, began shooting the MVP Patrol. With just a bit of coaching, it didn’t take her long to start hitting small targets at 300 yards and beyond from several different shooting positions, including prone and offhand. This is a rifle that is ideal for beginners or experienced shooters alike. It readily accepts any 5.56 NATO or .223 Remington cartridge, either of which can be purchased in bulk for practice at significant savings. The list of readily available high-quality match and hunting loads for the .223 Remington is nearly endless, all of which adds to the rifle’s versatility. It is manufactured in the U.S.A. and has an MSRP of $710.