Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam .243 Win 20in Fluted w/ Scope
About this product
The Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam .243 Win 20in is a compact, youth-focused bolt-action hunting rifle with a fluted barrel and pre-mounted scope designed to provide a manageable, full-power introduction to centerfire cartridges for smaller shooters.
What is the Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam .243 Win 20in used for?
The Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam is used for introductory hunting and target shooting for younger or smaller-framed shooters. Its .243 Winchester chambering and 20-inch fluted barrel balance recoil management with enough velocity for varmints up through thin-skinned deer, especially within the practical 200-250 yard range dictated by the cartridge and rifle's compact dynamics. The adjustable 12-to-13-inch length of pull is the critical piece that allows an 11-year-old to shoot safely one season and a 15-year-old the next without needing a new stock.
How does the Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win 20″ Bolt-Action Rifle?
The Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam is objectively better for a dedicated youth setup, while the Stevens 334 in .243 Win is a superior choice for an adult seeking a no-frills budget rifle. The Mossberg's key advantage is its adjustable LOP stock, a feature the Stevens 334 lacks; the Stevens has a fixed adult-length stock that immediately disqualifies most shooters under 5'4". However, for an adult of average size, the Stevens 334's action is generally smoother out of the box, and its two-lug bolt design is simpler and often more robust than the Mossberg's tang safety/lifter mechanism.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 7.5 pounds with its synthetic stock and unloaded 5-round magazine, and its overall length is a compact 38.5 inches. The 20-inch barrel contributes significantly to that compact profile, shedding 4 to 6 inches compared to standard hunting rifles, which directly reduces swing weight and improves maneuverability in blinds or thick brush. The spiral fluting on the barrel is primarily aesthetic on a hunting-weight .243 barrel, but it does shave a nominal 3-4 ounces and provides slightly faster cooling during extended zeroing sessions.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for experienced adult hunters seeking their primary deer rifle or for long-range precision shooting. An adult will find the 12.5-inch length of pull uncomfortably short, forcing a hunched, cramped shooting position that degrades accuracy, and the lighter 7.5-pound weight, while great for a kid to carry, magnifies felt recoil compared to a standard 8.5-pound rifle. Furthermore, the included 3-9x40mm scope is a basic package-grade optic; anyone planning to shoot beyond 300 yards or in low light will need to budget an immediate $150-$300 for a replacement like a Vortex Crossfire II or Leupold VX-Freedom.
What's in the box?
This package comes with the rifle, a pre-mounted 3-9x40mm riflescope on Weaver-style bases, one 5+1 round detachable box magazine, and the rifle's owner's manual. The scope is mounted, but it is not zeroed—expect to fire 15 to 20 rounds to establish a proper 100-yard zero and confirm the mounts are properly torqued. The manual covers basic function and the two-position safety, which is a simple cross-bolt design located at the rear of the trigger guard.
Is the Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam worth it at $479.99?
At $479.99, this package is worth it if your specific need is a ready-to-hunt rifle for a young shooter that does not require immediate additional purchases. The value is in the complete, functional package: you avoid the separate $100-$150 cost and gunsmithing time for a scope base, rings, and a budget optic. If the youth-specific stock isn't a requirement, a buyer could save approximately $80 by opting for the Stevens 334 in .243 Win and spending the difference on better glass, but they would then need to fit the rifle to the shooter, which often involves cutting the stock—a permanent modification.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Adjustable 12"-13" length of pull — fits a growing shooter for 4-5 seasons without modification
- Complete package at 7.5 lbs — includes mounted scope, avoiding $100+ in immediate accessory costs
- 5+1 detachable box magazine — faster unloading and safer than a fixed internal magazine
Trade-offs
- Basic package-grade 3-9x40 scope — its eye relief is tight at 3-3.5", demanding a precise cheek weld
- Tang safety mechanism is slower than a three-position bolt shroud safety for a right-handed shooter
- Limited aftermarket support — fewer stock and trigger options than a Ruger American or Savage Axis
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 015813281423 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 28142 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" Fluted BBL |
| caliber/gauge | .243 Winchester |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| length | 46.7 |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. |
| package height | 3.6 |
| package width | 9.1 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Lever Action |
| shipping weight | 10.0 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the scope pre-zeroed?
- No, the included 3-9x40mm scope is mounted but not zeroed. You must fire 15 to 25 rounds to establish a proper 100-yard zero for your specific ammunition. I recommend checking the torque on the scope base and ring screws before firing, as they are often under-torqued from the factory.
- Can an adult comfortably shoot this rifle?
- An average-sized adult will find the maximum 13-inch length of pull too short for comfortable, repeatable shooting, forcing an overly hunched position. For reference, a standard adult rifle stock has a length of pull between 13.5 and 14.5 inches. This rifle is purpose-built for a shorter arm span.
- Does it accept aftermarket stocks?
- Aftermarket support for the Mossberg Patriot platform is limited compared to a Remington 700 or Ruger American. Boyd's and a few other manufacturers offer replacement stocks, but you must verify they are specifically for the "Super Bantam" model with its unique inletting for the adjustable cheek piece hardware.
- What is the twist rate of the barrel?
- The barrel has a 1-in-10-inch twist rate. This is adequate for stabilizing the most common .243 Winchester hunting bullets in the 80- to 100-grain range. It may not adequately stabilize specialized varmint bullets over 105 grains, which often require a faster 1-in-8 or 1-in-7.5 twist.