Whats the scoop on the Mossberg Maverick Rifle?

[dannyfro]

I was wondering if any of you out there had or have shot one of the new Mossberg Maverick rifle? I was considering one in 243 in the youth model as a lightweight carry rig.
Any info you have regarding accuracy, durability and overall quality would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time.

Dan

[LHitchcox]

They are about the plainest Janest rifles going. That is not an insult. Mossberg is targeting the entry/utility/back-up rifle segment of the market. A friend of mine bought her son a youth version last year at Academy, and I bought one for my daughter's boyfriend for Christmas this year. My big complaint is that the standard non-LBA triggers (think Savage Accutrigger clone) are heavy and gritty. Just before deer season, I replaced the trigger springs in both and did a light polish on the sear. They are still gritty, but are usable. If my gunsmith had not retired due to cancer, he would have them both under 3# and slick.


Both are .243 Wins and are quite accurate with good ammo. I have a tendency to spoil the groups by anticipating the trigger break. All my rifles have tuned triggers, so I have gotten spoiled.


All in all, I recommend this rifle, especially with a trigger job if it can be bought at a good price. I bought Andy's for $180. At regular price, the Savage/Stevens rifles are a better value, or add a bit more and buy a Marlin XS7/XL7. Heck, the local Sportsmans Warehouse is selling Weatherby Vanguards for $349.

[dannyfro]

Thanks for the info and the insight. I was thinking for the money it would make a good truck gun for coyotes but is still legal for deer just in case I stumble across one. The youth model looks appealing at only 38" for my intentions and seems like it would be fairly light coming in at 6 1/2lbs probably closer to 7 1/2 with scope. I have been eyeballing the Marlin X7 heard its a great shooter in its own right. What kind of groups are you getting with yours?

Dan

[LHitchcox]

The rifle I sighted in for my daughter's boyfriend shot about 1.25-1.5 if I were consistent. Many groups had two within a half inch or less of one another and a third shot away from the others due to the trigger. Both of the Mavericks I shot were wanting to shoot, but with me pulling at least one shot per group because of the heavy, gritty trigger pull. I think that with a full trigger job, these guns will be MOA or better. I found a site on the web with instructions for a full trigger job including reducing the sear engagement. After deer season, I plan to work over the trigger completely. I was afraid to try that before the season as I would not have a chance to get replacement parts before the season if I overdid it.

[dannyfro]

Thats not bad at all for the money and I'm sure as you said with a little trigger work and working up a reload or two you could have a real nice little shooter. Thanks for your replies they are much appreciated.

Dan