Editors' Picks—New for 2015: Mossberg Patriot

Mossberg’s original Patriot rifles were affordable, rugged and utilitarian bolt-actions that shot fine and were ergonomically sound, but they had “modern” lines I just could not warm to. The new Patriots have a bolt knob with an improved angle and a little band of checkering around its circumference. A classic-looking straight stock can be had in either black synthetic or actual walnut. Touches left over from previous Mossberg bolt guns include spiral fluting on the bolt and the tail on the left rear of the cocking piece. Versions are also offered in the Night Train, Youth and camouflaged Deer Thug configurations (both of the latter with stock spacers allowing different lengths of pull). So far, the clear standout is the walnut-stocked Patriot that comes from the factory as a package with a Vortex Crossfire 3-9X 40 mm riflescope already installed. If it looks a little like a Model 70 or another straight-combed American classic, that’s because it’s supposed to—and you can get Patriots in 11 chamberings ranging from .22-250 Rem. up to .375 Ruger, depending on the model. Suggested retail for the package gun and scope listed above is around $650. Who says a bargain has to be ugly? mossberg.com