Mossberg Patriot 375 Ruger??

[wiscobigbore]

I guess I never really thought about Mossberg when looking for a 375, but my local gun shop say they can get me one for 500 dollars after their markup! I've never owned a mossberg in any caliber, much less a 375 Ruger. So I guess my question is-are these guns decently accurate, and would this be way overkill for deer and bear? I understand that this is not a "high end" gun, and I'm not taking it to Africa or Alaska, just want to have some fun shooting!

 

[1:66 twiste@d]

I guess I never really thought about Mossberg when looking for a 375, but my local gun shop say they can get me one for 500 dollars after their markup! I've never owned a mossberg in any caliber, much less a 375 Ruger. So I guess my question is-are these guns decently accurate, and would this be way overkill for deer and bear? I understand that this is not a "high end" gun, and I'm not taking it to Africa or Alaska, just want to have some fun shooting!

I like mine. I have had a ruger model in the past, which was my favorite. But the mossberg works. I did need to have a muzzle brake added. Getting old and my grip is not as strong.

 

[RedTag]

I’m not entirely sure why guns like this exist. Those who need such a caliber simply need a better gun. Those who simply want (not need) such a caliber are better advised to wait and save their money for a better gun. I learned my lesson years ago with Savage 116 rifles in .375 H&H Magnum and .338 Winchester Magnum. No I’m not bashing Savage and have had good experiences with many of their rifles but their design isn’t really up to cartridges much beyond .30-06 or so. That Savage .375 weighed 7 pounds with a stock design incompatible with the supplied iron sights and I fractured a bone in my face first time shooting it. Added a scope which worked fine but eventually had to admit that any serious hunting to be done with such a caliber just requires a better heavier sturdier platform. The Mossberg is listed as 6.5 pounds. I would save up for at least a Ruger M77 or something up from there.

 

[Tman321]

a 6.5lb 375 ruger rifle seems like it would have about the recoil of a 458 win out of a 9lb rifle, a hair more possibly. That's just playing with some numbers from my hornady reloading manual and a recoil calculator with 300gr bullets. For however accurate those calculators actually are. That's a spicy meatball, not sure how well that patriot is designed to mitigate higher recoiling rounds either with it's stock thickness and surface area on the buttpad etc.

 

[Ridge Runner]

I have the Patriot in 30-06 and it's been to Africa 3 of 4 times. So why not take it to Africa? Don't tell Mossberg but IMO the rifle is underrated and under price. Mine is very accurate out of the box and I have several thousand rounds through it over the 9+(?) years I have owned it.

I have thought of getting one in a 375 and in a small caliber.

 

[Hedge774]

I’m not entirely sure why guns like this exist. Those who need such a caliber simply need a better gun. Those who simply want (not need) such a caliber are better advised to wait and save their money for a better gun. I learned my lesson years ago with Savage 116 rifles in .375 H&H Magnum and .338 Winchester Magnum. No I’m not bashing Savage and have had good experiences with many of their rifles but their design isn’t really up to cartridges much beyond .30-06 or so. That Savage .375 weighed 7 pounds with a stock design incompatible with the supplied iron sights and I fractured a bone in my face first time shooting it. Added a scope which worked fine but eventually had to admit that any serious hunting to be done with such a caliber just requires a better heavier sturdier platform. The Mossberg is listed as 6.5 pounds. I would save up for at least a Ruger M77 or something up from there.

Dang it, Man! Ouch!

 

[greyfox]

I have 2: A 308 and a 350 legend. Good reliable firearms, nothing fancy, great hunting rifles. IMO UNderpriced and WAY undervalued!
I'd get one in a 375 if I was in the market (I have a 375 H&H that I'm very pleased with).

Also, they make it in a youth model which is a perfect platform for new shooters to learn on, then they can grow and build with other Mossbergs of which they are familiar.

Don't knock them just because they aren't the most expensive rifle out there.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I guess I never really thought about Mossberg when looking for a 375, but my local gun shop say they can get me one for 500 dollars after their markup! I've never owned a mossberg in any caliber, much less a 375 Ruger. So I guess my question is-are these guns decently accurate, and would this be way overkill for deer and bear? I understand that this is not a "high end" gun, and I'm not taking it to Africa or Alaska, just want to have some fun shooting!

@wiscobigbore
Mossberg rifles and shotguns despite the price are a good, dependable and accurate rifle.
When they designed the patriot they used the best features of several different companies like the Brewer lock nut from Savage for setting the headspace. This allows simple quick barrel installs saving money. The spiral fluted bolt to keep dirt out or the actions and other good ideas.
They are not to everyones taste but for the price they offer exceptional value for money.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I’m not entirely sure why guns like this exist. Those who need such a caliber simply need a better gun. Those who simply want (not need) such a caliber are better advised to wait and save their money for a better gun. I learned my lesson years ago with Savage 116 rifles in .375 H&H Magnum and .338 Winchester Magnum. No I’m not bashing Savage and have had good experiences with many of their rifles but their design isn’t really up to cartridges much beyond .30-06 or so. That Savage .375 weighed 7 pounds with a stock design incompatible with the supplied iron sights and I fractured a bone in my face first time shooting it. Added a scope which worked fine but eventually had to admit that any serious hunting to be done with such a caliber just requires a better heavier sturdier platform. The Mossberg is listed as 6.5 pounds. I would save up for at least a Ruger M77 or something up from there.

@RedTag
Unfortunately I have to disagree with your assessment of the Savage in bigger calibers.
A while back I had the pleasure of shooting a factory Savage in 338 Lapua off the bench. This rifle came with the savage installed muzzle brake ( did make it a tad noisy) and was a joy to shoot with factory ammo.
The recoil of that rifle felt less than my Whelen.
For some reason the stocks on the Savage fit me like a glove.
I don't know the weight of that 338 but man it was fun shoot.
Bob

 

[Hagler.450Ex]

I'd rather have fun at the carnival with a MKV .460 at full throttle than touch off that 6.5lb. Mossberg .375....
Lightweights have always had vendetta against me....

 

[pilar]

a 6.5lb 375 ruger rifle seems like it would have about the recoil of a 458 win out of a 9lb rifle, a hair more possibly. That's just playing with some numbers from my hornady reloading manual and a recoil calculator with 300gr bullets. For however accurate those calculators actually are. That's a spicy meatball, not sure how well that patriot is designed to mitigate higher recoiling rounds either with it's stock thickness and surface area on the buttpad etc.

The plastic stock 6.5 lbs 375 is a puta madre burro , on recoil! About 60-65 lbs
Put it in an after market stock and they shoot like a dream or a good recoil pad and about 1.5-2 lbs with lead shot In the hollow stock and fill with silicone or whatever really helps.
Keep your reloads mild to medium ( like factory) and it’s good to go
The factory fiber optic open site is awesome in low light conditions
You can put a lot of lipstick on these pigs and make them great guns ( like a foam cheek piece & kickeez but pad , tally scope mount, ect

 

[RedTag]

@RedTag
Unfortunately I have to disagree with your assessment of the Savage in bigger calibers.
A while back I had the pleasure of shooting a factory Savage in 338 Lapua off the bench. This rifle came with the savage installed muzzle brake ( did make it a tad noisy) and was a joy to shoot with factory ammo.
The recoil of that rifle felt less than my Whelen.
For some reason the stocks on the Savage fit me like a glove.
I don't know the weight of that 338 but man it was fun shoot.
Bob

The Savage .338 Lapua rifles I’ve seen (haven’t shot one personally) are significantly heavier than the standard models and of course they have the aforementioned muzzle brake. The two examples of Savage 116 rifles I’ve previously owned in calibers .375 H&H Magnum and .338 Winchester Magnum were both approximately the same weight (~7 pounds) and stock configuration as the other standard rifles of theirs. I’ve also had Savage rifles in calibers .270 Winchester (2 of them), .308 Winchester and .30-06, all great guns for the money and all very accurate, provided one is willing to forego the bipod on the flexy plastic stocks. I found the recoil of their .375 and .338 to be vicious, and I’m not exactly a recoil sensitive person. I had a semi custom Howa 1500 in a Boyd’s stock also in .338 WM at the time and the difference between that and the Savage .338 was like night and day. The extra weight, even if only a pound or so, made a significant difference for me. I have heard seemingly credible accounts of the accu trigger malfunctioning in the heavier recoiling Savage rifles, but I never experienced this myself. The gun shop had a Kimber Talkeetna at the time bought the Savage .375 and I have never forgiven myself for choosing the cheaper gun, considering what the price tag on that Talkeetna was at the time and what they go for today when they do show up. I would absolutely use Savage rifles up to .30-06 or 7mm RM but nothing more for me.
I kind of sort of almost considered getting one of the Mossberg Patriot rifles in .375 Ruger when they first came out, for the novelty of trying such a weapon at such a low price, if nothing else (and for that price they seem like they may be a reasonable value as something just for fun) but I thought better of it considering my past experiences and future goals. I just can’t bring myself to buy any more disposable firearms. I am not a wealthy man by anyone’s definition but I have come to prioritize my rifle selection and save my money for something I would be proud to pass on to my heirs. Just me.

 

[Deepfork]

I’m not entirely sure why guns like this exist. Those who need such a caliber simply need a better gun. Those who simply want (not need) such a caliber are better advised to wait and save their money for a better gun. I learned my lesson years ago with Savage 116 rifles in .375 H&H Magnum and .338 Winchester Magnum. No I’m not bashing Savage and have had good experiences with many of their rifles but their design isn’t really up to cartridges much beyond .30-06 or so. That Savage .375 weighed 7 pounds with a stock design incompatible with the supplied iron sights and I fractured a bone in my face first time shooting it. Added a scope which worked fine but eventually had to admit that any serious hunting to be done with such a caliber just requires a better heavier sturdier platform. The Mossberg is listed as 6.5 pounds. I would save up for at least a Ruger M77 or something up from there.

I also don't know why anyone would market a 6.5 lb .375 Ruger. Savage, and other manufactures at times have put heavy actions in incompatible stocks. But I disagree with your generalization that the design is not up to the task, in my experience that is not the case. I have had great results with savage rifles in 338WM and 338 Lapua. I have a older (mid 80s) savage being re-barreled to 375 Ruger right now. 23in heavy magnum contour, it will weigh around 8.5lbs.

I don't like the accu-trigger! I have several Savage rifles based on the 110 action. Most are pre accu-trigger. I have a couple that are newer I have replaced the triggers in them.

 

[MontanaGrant]

They’re fine rifles. Vicious kickers but great for actual hunting. While I’m not a huge fan the Mossberg patriot is a solid little rifle. For $500 it’s “why not”.

 

[Beck]

I guess I never really thought about Mossberg when looking for a 375, but my local gun shop say they can get me one for 500 dollars after their markup! I've never owned a mossberg in any caliber, much less a 375 Ruger. So I guess my question is-are these guns decently accurate, and would this be way overkill for deer and bear? I understand that this is not a "high end" gun, and I'm not taking it to Africa or Alaska, just want to have some fun shooting!

I own one, and the answer is "no" - these guns sucks ass - do not buy

 

[pilar]

I own one, and the answer is "no" - these guns sucks ass - do not buy

Yep they are pigs with a plastic stock , and you might as well just buy an old beater 375 on the cheap if you don’t want to put a little bit of $$ into it. I have a list of things they need if you want them tip top

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

The Savage .338 Lapua rifles I’ve seen (haven’t shot one personally) are significantly heavier than the standard models and of course they have the aforementioned muzzle brake. The two examples of Savage 116 rifles I’ve previously owned in calibers .375 H&H Magnum and .338 Winchester Magnum were both approximately the same weight (~7 pounds) and stock configuration as the other standard rifles of theirs. I’ve also had Savage rifles in calibers .270 Winchester (2 of them), .308 Winchester and .30-06, all great guns for the money and all very accurate, provided one is willing to forego the bipod on the flexy plastic stocks. I found the recoil of their .375 and .338 to be vicious, and I’m not exactly a recoil sensitive person. I had a semi custom Howa 1500 in a Boyd’s stock also in .338 WM at the time and the difference between that and the Savage .338 was like night and day. The extra weight, even if only a pound or so, made a significant difference for me. I have heard seemingly credible accounts of the accu trigger malfunctioning in the heavier recoiling Savage rifles, but I never experienced this myself. The gun shop had a Kimber Talkeetna at the time bought the Savage .375 and I have never forgiven myself for choosing the cheaper gun, considering what the price tag on that Talkeetna was at the time and what they go for today when they do show up. I would absolutely use Savage rifles up to .30-06 or 7mm RM but nothing more for me.
I kind of sort of almost considered getting one of the Mossberg Patriot rifles in .375 Ruger when they first came out, for the novelty of trying such a weapon at such a low price, if nothing else (and for that price they seem like they may be a reasonable value as something just for fun) but I thought better of it considering my past experiences and future goals. I just can’t bring myself to buy any more disposable firearms. I am not a wealthy man by anyone’s definition but I have come to prioritize my rifle selection and save my money for something I would be proud to pass on to my heirs. Just me.

@RedTag
My Savage/Stevens only weighed around seven and a bit pound in 270. When I decided to rebarrel to the Whelen I knew the recoil was going to go up especially with my hand loads.
To solve the problem we decided to put a heavier profile barrel on it. This took the total weight field ready with scope, sling and ammo to just a tad under 9# . Made it very comfortable to shoot.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I'd rather have fun at the carnival with a MKV .460 at full throttle than touch off that 6.5lb. Mossberg .375....
Lightweights have always had vendetta against me....

@Hagler.450Ex
If you want real fun at the circus you could have shot my mates 458. He bought it very very cheap with 19 rounds of ammo.
He sold it for what he paid and 18 rounds of ammo.
He said it was more fun than he could handle. It weighed just under 7#. So with full power 500gn full power loads it was a handful to say the least.
He said it sure kit you up when you touched it off.
Bob

 

[Hagler.450Ex]

@Hagler.450Ex
If you want real fun at the circus you could have shot my mates 458. He bought it very very cheap with 19 rounds of ammo.
He sold it for what he paid and 18 rounds of ammo.
He said it was more fun than he could handle. It weighed just under 7#. So with full power 500gn full power loads it was a handful to say the least.
He said it sure kit you up when you touched it off.
Bob

That must have been a disaster....it needed to gain 2 lbs. at least....I like em' around 9 or 9.5#
Some are complaining about the new Zastava M70's at around 8 or 8.5....barrels are too light on them from what I'm hearing....
...found it....

 

[F. Vaccaro]

@Hagler.450Ex
If you want real fun at the circus you could have shot my mates 458. He bought it very very cheap with 19 rounds of ammo.
He sold it for what he paid and 18 rounds of ammo.
He said it was more fun than he could handle. It weighed just under 7#. So with full power 500gn full power loads it was a handful to say the least.
He said it sure kit you up when you touched it off.
Bob

I once saw a really nice Weatherby MK5 .460 Weatherby & 19 rounds of factory ammo at a gun shop marked VERY reasonably. I couldn't afford it, but if I'd had the money I'd have bought it. Having rolled my own ammo for over 60 years, it would have been a comfortable to shoot, nice rifle.