The Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam in .350 Legend represents a compelling blend of compact maneuverability and potent stopping power, making it a fascinating option for various hunting and shooting applications. This detailed review will explore its features, performance, and suitability for different users. We'll delve beyond the surface-level specs to provide a nuanced understanding of this intriguing firearm.
Compact Powerhouse: Design and Features
The Patriot Super Bantam's most striking feature is its diminutive size. This isn't just a smaller version of a larger rifle; Mossberg designed it from the ground up with a compact chassis in mind. This makes it incredibly easy to handle and maneuver in tight quarters, a significant advantage for hunters navigating dense brush or navigating challenging terrain.
The .350 Legend cartridge itself plays a key role. Its relatively short and powerful design makes it ideal for a compact firearm, generating sufficient energy for deer-sized game while remaining manageable in a smaller platform. The recoil is manageable even for less experienced shooters, adding to its appeal.
Beyond its compact nature, the Patriot Super Bantam boasts several key features:
- Lightweight Construction: The rifle’s lightweight design minimizes fatigue during extended use, enhancing its practicality for various hunting situations.
- Adjustable LOP: The length of pull is adjustable, allowing for a personalized fit for different shooters. This significantly contributes to shooting comfort and accuracy.
- Durable Stock: The synthetic stock is designed for durability and weather resistance, essential for a hunting rifle that might face challenging conditions.
- Reliable Action: Mossberg's reputation for building robust and reliable actions is well-earned. The Patriot Super Bantam continues this tradition, providing a smooth and dependable firing mechanism.
- Threaded Barrel: Many models feature a threaded barrel, allowing for the addition of suppressors or muzzle brakes, further enhancing its versatility.
Performance and Accuracy
The .350 Legend cartridge delivers impressive stopping power for its size. Its relatively flat trajectory and manageable recoil contribute to good accuracy at reasonable hunting ranges. While not designed for extreme long-range shots, its accuracy is sufficient for most hunting scenarios where the Super Bantam's compact size is advantageous.
Field testing reveals consistent performance with factory ammunition, and the accuracy is generally consistent with what you'd expect from a hunting rifle in its class. Individual results may vary depending on ammunition selection, shooter skill, and environmental factors.
Who is the Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam for?
This rifle is particularly well-suited for:
- Youth Hunters: Its compact size and manageable recoil make it an excellent choice for introducing young people to hunting.
- Women Hunters: The lighter weight and ease of handling are highly advantageous for female shooters.
- Hunters in Dense Terrain: The maneuverability in thick brush and wooded areas is a significant advantage.
- Home Defense (with caveats): While not its primary purpose, the compact size and potent cartridge could make it a viable option for home defense in certain situations. However, dedicated home defense firearms are typically better suited for this purpose.
Conclusion: A Versatile Compact Rifle
The Mossberg Patriot Super Bantam in .350 Legend offers a compelling combination of compact size, manageable recoil, and sufficient stopping power for various hunting applications. Its versatility and user-friendly design make it a strong contender for a wide range of shooters, especially those who prioritize maneuverability and ease of handling. While not replacing the need for larger-caliber rifles in all hunting situations, the Super Bantam certainly fills a unique niche, making it a worthy addition to any firearms enthusiast’s consideration.
