New Thunder Ranch Version of Mossberg MVP Mag-Fed Rifle
Mossberg has added a new Thunder Ranch Special Edition to the MVP (Mossberg Varmint Predator) line of AR-mag-fed bolt-action rifles. The Thunder Ranch MVP features an 18.5″ fluted barrel, and Picatinny scope rail. The stock is finished in Olive Drab (OD) with the Thunder Ranch logo. The rifle is chambered in 5.56×45 NATO (.223 Rem) and the barrel twist is 1:9″ so you can shoot a wide variety of ammo.
Like Mossberg’s other MVP rifles, the Thunder Ranch rifle has a unique, patent-pending bolt design which lets it reliably feed from AR15 magazines. The Thunder Ranch rifle ships with a 10-round Mossberg magazine, but any milspec box-type AR-platform magazine should fit and function in the gun.
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Other MVP versions should be popular with our readers. We like the MVP Varmint model (shown above) which offers a gray/brown laminated stock suitable for shooting from the bench. The MVP Varmint is offered either without sights (product 27700), or with in a combo package (product 27710) which includes 4-16x50mm scope, and factory-supplied bipod. Both MVP Varmint versions have medium-contour barrels, with 1:9″ twist rates. Without scope, the MVP varminter weighs roughly 7.75 pounds. With scope and bipod the MVP Varmint is 9.25 pounds. MVP rifles will ship from the factory with sling swivel studs and either 5- or 10-round magazine.
MVP Rifles Feature Adjustable Triggers
MVP rifles are fitted with Mossberg’s LBA “Lightning” Adjustable Trigger System, which adjusts from 2 to 7 lbs. pull weight. The LBA trigger, like the Savage Accutrigger, features a central blade that blocks sear movement unless fully depressed.
Nice Laminated Stock with Wide Fore-End
One of the best features of the MVP rifles is the stock, which comes with factory-fitted pillars. Mossberg fitted the MVP Varmint (shown above) with a nice, laminated stock that should work well either on sandbags or when shot from bipod. To ride the bags better, the fore-end is wider than typical hunting stocks, with a flat bottom. Stippling on the fore-end and pistol grip provide for positive hand placement. We think this stock is a pretty good design for the rifle’s intended uses. The lighter-weight MVP Predator design has a conventional fore-end, with a shorter 18.5″ barrel.
Mossberg MVP Series Varmint Rifle Specifications:
| ITEM: 27700 CALIBER: 5.56mm NATO (.223 Rem) TOTAL CAP: 10+1 BARREL: 24.0″, Med Bull Fluted Matte Blue TWIST RATE: 1:9″ Twist SIGHTS: None (no Scope) STOCK: Benchrest-Style Grey Laminate WEIGHT: 7.5 lbs. MSRP: $702 |
ITEM: 27710 CALIBER: 5.56mm NATO (.223 Rem) TOTAL CAP: 10+1 BARREL: 24.0″, Med Bull Fluted Matte Blue TWIST RATE: 1:9″ Twist SIGHTS: 4-15x50mm Scope, Weaver-type bases STOCK: Benchrest-Style Grey Laminate with Bipod WEIGHT: 10 lbs. MSRP: $861 |
Mossberg should have used a 1-8 twist barrel. Nice rifle except for that.
I ran across a Mossberg at the range a while back, and was impressed. For the market that it was built for, I think that the quality is very good, better than some of the better known alternatives.