Mossberg Patriot 6.5 Creedmoor 22″ Walnut Fluted Barrel
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Mossberg Patriot 6.5 Creedmoor 22″ Walnut Fluted Barrel is a bolt-action rifle combining traditional aesthetics with functional engineering for field use and practical long-range shooting. It represents a specific category of factory hunting rifles optimized for cartridges like the 6.5 Creedmoor, which has gained significant traction for its ballistic efficiency and moderate recoil. This model sits at an accessible price point while offering several user-adjustable features uncommon in its class.
What is the Mossberg Patriot 6.5 Creedmoor used for?
This rifle is engineered for ethical hunting at extended ranges and for shooters developing precision skills on a practical budget. Its 22-inch fluted barrel paired with a 1:8 twist rate stabilizes modern high-BC bullets from the 120gr to 147gr range effectively, making it suitable for deer, antelope, and other medium game out to approximately 600 yards. The fixed walnut stock and 7-pound unloaded weight provide a stable firing platform that remains manageable for extended carry, though you’ll want to factor in a scope, rings, and bipod, adding roughly 2.5 to 3.5 pounds.
How does the Mossberg Patriot 6.5 Creedmoor compare to the Stevens 334?
The Mossberg Patriot offers a more traditional firing experience and superior aftermarket trigger adjustability compared to the utilitarian Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win. While both are utilitarian bolt-actions, the Patriot's adjustable LBA trigger can be tuned to a crisp 2-pound pull, whereas the Stevens 334 uses a simple, non-adjustable design with a heavier, consistent pull-weight around 5 to 6 pounds. The Patriot’s walnut stock also provides greater inherent stability and a classic aesthetic versus the Stevens's lightweight synthetic stock, though the Stevens is slightly lighter overall for rugged backcountry use.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 7 pounds unloaded and measures 42.5 inches in overall length from buttplate to muzzle crown. The 22-inch barrel features six longitudinal flutes, each approximately 0.125 inches wide and 0.040 inches deep, reducing weight by about 6 ounces compared to a plain barrel of the same profile. With a typical 3-9x40mm scope mounted in medium rings, the total weight ready to fire climbs to about 9.2 pounds. The walnut stock has a length of pull of 13.75 inches and a drop at comb of 1.5 inches, which suits most adult shooters wearing light to medium field clothing.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for the shooter seeking a chassis-based, modular precision rifle for repeated sub-MOA accuracy under time pressure, like PRS competition. The fixed, non-bedded walnut stock can shift point of impact with significant humidity changes, and its traditional inletting limits the potential for aftermarket bedding pillars without skilled gunsmithing. It’s also not ideal as a dedicated suppressor host for full-time use, as the barrel is not factory-threaded. The Stevens 555 Sporting O/U would be a better starting point for someone whose primary need is breaking clays or upland bird hunting.
What's in the box?
You receive the barreled action mounted in the walnut stock, one 4-round detachable box magazine, a factory-installed 1/4-20 sling stud in the forend, and an Allen key for adjusting the trigger pull weight. The receiver is pre-drilled and tapped for standard scope bases, using a common 6-48 screw pattern. There is no included scope rail, rings, or case, so budget an additional $40 to $120 for mounting hardware. The manual includes clear diagrams for trigger adjustment and a basic field-stripping procedure for bolt removal and cleaning.
Is the Mossberg Patriot 6.5 Creedmoor worth it at $588?
At $587.99, this rifle provides quantifiable value for a hunter or recreational shooter wanting to step into the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge without a four-figure investment. The adjustable trigger—a feature often absent until the $800 price point—and the genuine walnut stock are the primary differentiators. You are trading some refinement in bolt smoothness and finish consistency for those features. If your budget is strictly fixed, this represents one of the few new-production 6.5 Creedmoor rifles available under $600 that doesn't force you into a polymer or laminated stock.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Adjustable LBA trigger—can be set from 2 to 7 pounds without disassembly.
- Genuine American walnut stock—provides 1.5-inch drop at comb for natural scope alignment.
- 22-inch fluted barrel—saves approximately 6 ounces over a plain contour barrel of equal length.
- 1:8 twist rate—optimally stabilizes long, high-BC bullets from 120gr to 147gr.
Trade-offs
- Barrel is not threaded—adds $125-$200 and a 2-week wait for gunsmith work to attach a suppressor.
- Proprietary magazine system—limits aftermarket options compared to AICS-pattern rifles.
- Non-bedded wood stock—can shift POI with seasonal humidity changes by up to 0.5 MOA.
- Basic matte blued finish—shows wear and handling marks faster than modern Cerakote or nitride.
Key attributes
| upc | 015813280266 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 28026 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel finish | Matte Blue |
| barrel length | 22'' |
| caliber/gauge | 6.5mm Creedmoor |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Matte Blue |
| length | 42.75'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 5-Round |
| model | Patriot |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| sights | None, Weaver Style Bases |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
- No, this version of the Patriot 6.5 Creedmoor comes with a standard crowned muzzle, not factory threads. Adding threads requires a gunsmith to cut, thread, and re-crown the barrel, which typically costs between $125 and $200 and removes about 0.5 to 0.75 inches of barrel length.
- Does it work with AICS-pattern magazines?
- No, it uses Mossberg's proprietary detachable box magazine system. Aftermarket compatibility is limited, though you can find additional 4-round magazines from vendors like M*CARBO or GUNMAG Warehouse for approximately $25 to $35 each.
- What scope base footprint does it use?
- The receiver uses a standard two-piece 6-48 tapped hole pattern with a 0.860-inch front hole spacing and a 0.885-inch rear spacing. This accepts common bases from brands like Weaver, EGW, and Warne. I recommend a one-piece Picatinny rail from EGW (Part #61205) for maximum mounting flexibility.
- How long does shipping to an FFL take?
- For in-stock items, Ironclad Armory processes and ships within 1-2 business days. Transit time via FedEx or UPS Ground is typically 3-5 business days to your chosen Federal Firearms License holder. Always contact your FFL for their transfer fee and procedures before placing the order.