Introduction
The world of hunting and shooting sports offers a rich tapestry of experiences, but for many young people and individuals with smaller frames, finding a rifle that fits comfortably and performs reliably can be a challenge. Enter the Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam, a bolt-action rifle specifically designed to address these needs. This article delves into a comprehensive review of the Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam, exploring its design, features, performance, and suitability for youth hunters and shooters. We’ll examine what makes this rifle a compelling option in the crowded market, and how it caters to a demographic often overlooked.
The Mossberg legacy in the firearms industry is one of accessibility and value. Mossberg has long been known for producing reliable firearms at competitive prices, making shooting sports more accessible to a wider audience. The Patriot series, a line of bolt-action rifles, further cements Mossberg’s commitment to providing quality firearms for various shooting needs. Within the Patriot family, the Super Bantam stands out as a specialized variant, carefully engineered to fit smaller shooters. It’s a rifle built to empower the next generation of hunters and shooters, providing them with a comfortable, accurate, and dependable tool to hone their skills and enjoy the sport. This Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam review will explore why it is a good choice.
Design and Features
Stock and Ergonomics
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam is its focus on ergonomics. The stock is the cornerstone of this rifle’s design, and it’s here where the Super Bantam truly shines. Its shorter length of pull (LOP) is the defining characteristic, the feature that makes it ideal for youth hunters and those with shorter arms. This shorter LOP allows the shooter to comfortably shoulder the rifle, maintain a proper cheek weld, and achieve a good sight picture. It means they’re not reaching excessively, which can lead to poor shooting form and fatigue. This thoughtful approach to design is a significant step toward ensuring a positive shooting experience.
The stock’s construction usually involves synthetic materials. This choice contributes to the rifle’s affordability and durability. The synthetic stock is also weather-resistant, which is a crucial advantage when hunting in various conditions. This provides peace of mind, knowing that the rifle will withstand the rigors of the field. The shape and overall feel of the stock are designed with comfort in mind. The Super Bantam aims to make the shooting experience more enjoyable, encouraging young shooters to develop a love for the sport. Mossberg often includes spacers or other means to fine-tune the LOP, allowing for adjustments as the shooter grows or for a more precise fit.
Barrel and Caliber Options
Beyond the stock, the Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam offers a range of barrel lengths and caliber options, allowing shooters to tailor their purchase to their specific needs. While barrel lengths may vary slightly depending on the specific model, they are generally shorter than those found on standard-sized rifles. The shorter barrel contributes to the rifle’s overall compactness and ease of handling, making it even more maneuverable for smaller shooters, especially in brushy terrain or confined spaces.
When it comes to caliber options, the Super Bantam typically offers chamberings that are well-suited for youth hunters. Options frequently include the .243 Winchester, a classic and versatile choice that’s known for its relatively light recoil and flat trajectory, making it perfect for small to medium-sized game. Another common option is the .308 Winchester, a slightly more powerful cartridge suitable for larger game, which can still be manageable with proper technique and a well-designed stock. The 7mm-08 Remington is another excellent choice, offering a balance of power and manageable recoil. The selection of calibers is carefully curated, focusing on cartridges that provide adequate stopping power while minimizing felt recoil, which is a paramount consideration for youth shooters.
Action and Bolt
The heart of any bolt-action rifle is its action, and the Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam doesn’t disappoint. It features a robust bolt-action mechanism, engineered for reliability and smooth operation. The bolt typically incorporates a fluted design, which not only reduces weight but also helps to ensure smooth cycling, even in adverse conditions. The bolt handle’s design contributes to the overall user experience. It is sized and shaped for ease of manipulation, allowing for quick and effortless bolt cycling. The bolt lift angle is another important design consideration. The Patriot series often incorporates a relatively low bolt lift angle, which means the shooter doesn’t have to raise the bolt excessively to cycle it, contributing to faster follow-up shots.
Trigger
A critical component of any rifle is its trigger, and the Super Bantam often features an adjustable trigger system. The ability to adjust the trigger pull weight is a significant advantage, allowing shooters to customize the rifle to their preferences. Many Patriot models include the user-adjustable LBA (Lightening Bolt Action) trigger, which allows for adjustments to the pull weight and can be easily fine-tuned to suit individual needs. A crisp and consistent trigger pull is essential for accurate shooting. The design of the trigger system prioritizes a clean break and minimal creep, promoting consistent shot placement.
Magazine
The magazine system is another area of consideration. The Super Bantam often utilizes a detachable box magazine, enhancing the rifle’s ease of use. This type of magazine allows for quick and convenient reloading, especially valuable in hunting situations. The magazine capacity may vary depending on the caliber, but it is generally designed to provide a sufficient number of rounds for hunting or target shooting. The magazine’s design emphasizes reliability, with robust construction and positive locking mechanisms to prevent malfunctions.
Sights and Optics
Optics play a key role in accuracy, and the Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam provides options for mounting scopes. The receiver is often pre-drilled and tapped for scope bases, facilitating the easy installation of a variety of optics. This feature removes the need for complex gunsmithing, allowing shooters to quickly and easily mount a scope. The use of high-quality optics greatly enhances the rifle’s accuracy and extends its effective range. When pairing a scope with the Super Bantam, consider a scope with a variable magnification range, providing versatility for different hunting scenarios.
Iron sights may or may not be included, depending on the specific model. While some models feature iron sights for backup or close-range shooting, many shooters will opt for a scope. Whether iron sights are present or not, the availability of scope mounting options is a significant advantage.
Performance and Handling
The experience of shooting the Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam is directly linked to its design. The shorter LOP and ergonomic stock are noticeable benefits, particularly for smaller shooters. The rifle feels natural and comfortable in the hands, which is crucial for promoting good shooting form. The recoil experience varies depending on the caliber. Cartridges like the .243 Winchester and 7mm-08 Remington are known for their manageable recoil, making them suitable for youth shooters. Mossberg often designs their stocks to help mitigate felt recoil. Proper technique and a well-fitted rifle are key to minimizing recoil.
Accuracy is a critical factor in any rifle’s performance, and the Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam consistently demonstrates good accuracy. Typical groupings at 100 yards will often be in the 1-inch to 2-inch range, depending on the caliber, ammunition, and the shooter’s skill. The rifle’s inherent accuracy makes it a capable tool for hunting and target shooting.
The Super Bantam’s design makes it easy to handle and operate. The bolt action cycles smoothly, and the detachable magazine contributes to ease of use. The rifle’s compact size and relatively light weight further enhance its maneuverability.
Pros and Cons
There are several advantages to consider. The Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam is specifically designed to fit youth and smaller-stature shooters. This is a significant benefit that sets it apart from many other rifles on the market. The affordable price is another significant selling point. Mossberg has a reputation for providing exceptional value, making the Super Bantam an accessible option for many families. The rifle’s reliability and accuracy contribute to a positive shooting experience. The fact that the rifle is easy to operate makes it a good choice for teaching new shooters the fundamentals.
Of course, no rifle is perfect. A potential drawback of the Super Bantam could be the stock material. While the synthetic stock is durable and weather-resistant, some shooters might prefer the feel of a wood stock. The trigger pull may not be to everyone’s liking, although the adjustable trigger helps mitigate this.
Comparisons
When comparing the Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam to other youth rifles, like the Remington Model 7 Youth or the Savage Axis Youth, the Super Bantam holds its own. While the Remington Model 7 offers a sleek design and a reputation for accuracy, it often comes with a higher price tag. The Savage Axis Youth is another affordable option, but the Super Bantam often provides a better fit for smaller shooters due to its shorter LOP and ergonomic design. The Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam strikes a good balance between affordability, performance, and ergonomics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam is an excellent choice for youth hunters and shooters with smaller frames. The Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam offers a comfortable fit, reliable performance, and an affordable price point. Its thoughtful design, focus on ergonomics, and availability of youth-friendly calibers make it an ideal platform for introducing young people to the joys of hunting and shooting sports. It’s a rifle that empowers the next generation of shooters, providing them with the tools they need to succeed. If you’re looking for a well-designed and affordable bolt-action rifle for a youth or smaller-statured shooter, the Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam deserves serious consideration. It’s a rifle that delivers on its promise of providing a comfortable fit and reliable performance, making it a worthwhile investment in the future of shooting sports. The Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam is truly a superb option for those seeking a dependable and accurate bolt-action rifle for young shooters.
