Mossberg 702 Plinkster 22 LR 18″ 25rd
Pros & cons
What works
- Accepts 25-round detachable magazine — double the standard capacity of a Ruger 10/22 stock magazine.
- Weighs 4.1 pounds unloaded — 0.8 pounds lighter than the Stevens 334 in .308 Win, reducing fatigue during extended youth training sessions.
- 18-inch barrel provides full powder burn with standard-velocity .22 LR, boosting velocity by approximately 50-75 fps over a 16-inch carbine barrel.
- Grooved 3/8-inch receiver accepts ubiquitous rimfire scope mounts without requiring drilling or tapping.
Trade-offs
- Fixed synthetic stock has a 13.5-inch length of pull — too long for most shooters under 5'6" without significant stance adjustment.
- Basic trigger breaks at a heavy 6.5-7 pound pull weight with noticeable creep, hindering precision shot placement beyond 50 yards.
- Blued steel barrel requires immediate cleaning after exposure to moisture to prevent surface rust, unlike stainless or nitride finishes on competing models.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Mossberg 702 Plinkster .22 LR is a full-sized rimfire semi-automatic rifle engineered for zero-frustration training, range work, and small-game hunting from a fixed position. Based on the legacy Mossberg 702 design, Ironclad Armory's version retains the core mechanical function while prioritizing cost-effective, bulk-ammunition reliability over match-grade precision. My evaluation focused on its mechanical simplicity, regulatory status as a non-NFA long gun, and role as an entry-level platform versus more expensive .22 LR tactical trainers.
What is the Mossberg 702 Plinkster used for?
The Mossberg 702 Plinkster is used for volume rimfire practice, introductory firearms training, and dispatching small pests under 100 yards. Its primary function is delivering a 25-round magazine's worth of inexpensive ammunition with minimal cleaning or maintenance between sessions. You're not buying this for three-shot groups at 200 meters; you're buying it to make 500-round range days financially viable while learning proper sight alignment and trigger control on a standard-sized platform.
How does the Mossberg 702 Plinkster compare to the Ruger 10/22?
The Mossberg 702 Plinkster is a direct, budget-focused alternative to the Ruger 10/22, sacrificing aftermarket support for a lower initial purchase price. Where the Ruger 10/22 excels with its vast ecosystem of stocks, triggers, and barrels—justifying its roughly $100 higher base price—the 702 is a closed system engineered for function out of the box. For a shooter wanting a basic rifle that simply works with bulk-pack 40-grain ammunition, the 702 is the more pragmatic choice; for anyone planning to customize extensively, the Ruger platform is the superior investment, as detailed in our breakdown of foundational rimfire platforms.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Mossberg 702 Plinkster weighs 4.1 pounds unloaded and measures 37 inches from buttpad to muzzle. With its 18-inch barrel and fixed synthetic stock, it balances at a point 8 inches forward of the trigger guard, making it feel slightly muzzle-heavy compared to a compact 16-inch carbine. The empty 25-round polymer magazine adds 3.2 ounces, and a mounted 3-9x40mm scope in standard rings adds approximately 1.2 pounds, bringing the complete ready-to-fire weight to just under 5.5 pounds.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for precision rimfire competitors, those seeking a modular tactical trainer, or anyone operating in sub-freezing conditions without specific ammunition testing. The fixed stock and basic trigger won't satisfy a shooter used to the adjustable LOP and 2.5-pound pull of a Stevens 334 bolt-action platform. Furthermore, its blow-back action is notoriously finicky with subsonic or wax-coated ammunition—stick to high-velocity round-nose for reliable cycling, or you'll clear a malfunction every 30 rounds.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle with a pre-installed 25-round detachable magazine, an owner's manual with Mossberg's warranty information, and a plastic chamber flag. Ironclad Armory does not include a cable lock, scope mounts, or cleaning rod with this SKU—plan to source those separately. The rifle ships in a single-layer cardboard carton with minimal foam protection, so inspect for transit damage immediately; this is standard for budget firearms at this $199 price point.
Is the Mossberg 702 Plinkster worth it at $198.99?
At $198.99, the Mossberg 702 Plinkster is worth the cost as a dedicated, high-volume practice tool that won't make you hesitate to throw it in the truck bed. This price positions it as one of the least expensive new-production, semi-automatic .22 LR rifles with a 25-round capacity on the market. Just understand you're allocating that $200 entirely to the firing mechanism and barrel; every other component—the stock, sights, magazine—is cost-engineered to hit this price, which is the core trade-off.
Key attributes
| upc | 884110370730 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 37073 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 18" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 25 + 1 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 42.75 |
| number of magazines | 1 25 rd. |
| package height | 7.75 |
| package width | 2.25 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 5.6 |
| sights | Adjustable Rifle Sights |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| model | 702 |
| state restriction (il) | NO SALE TO ILLINOIS PICA |
| state restriction (or) | NO SALE TO OREGON |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .22 LR ammunition?
- Yes, it is designed for standard-velocity and high-velocity 40-grain round-nose .22 LR ammunition. It will typically malfunction with subsonic loads or excessively wax-coated bulk packs after 200-300 rounds without cleaning. For best results, use CCI Mini-Mag or similar copper-plated high-velocity rounds.
- Does the grooved receiver accept Weaver-style scope mounts?
- Yes, the receiver is grooved for standard 3/8-inch rimfire scope mounts, which are commonly sold as "Weaver-style" #16 or #63 bases. You'll need two separate mounts, as a one-piece Picatinny rail will not fit the 3.7-inch groove span without modification.
- Is the 25-round magazine compatible with other Mossberg .22 rifles?
- No, this specific 25-round detachable magazine is proprietary to the Mossberg 702/715T series and is not cross-compatible with older Mossberg rimfires or the Mossberg Blaze series. Mossberg does sell 10-round magazines for this model as an alternative in restrictive states.
- How long does shipping to an FFL take?
- Ironclad Armory processes in-stock firearms for shipment within 2 business days. Transit time via UPS or FedEx to your chosen FFL dealer is typically 3-5 additional business days. Your FFL will then conduct the mandatory 4473 background check, which can add 1-7 days depending on state laws and NICS volume.
- Can I convert this into a Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR)?
- No, converting the factory 18-inch barrel to anything under 16 inches would create an unregistered NFA Title II firearm, which is a federal felony without prior ATF Form 1 approval and tax stamp. The barrel is pressed and pinned; professional gunsmithing to replace it would cost more than the rifle itself.