Description
Let’s be honest—most of us didn’t start shooting with a high-dollar precision rifle. We started with a .22, plinking cans in the backyard or chasing squirrels in the woods. That’s the soul of the Mossberg 702 Plinkster 22LR 25-Round. It’s Mossberg’s affordable, no-fuss, semi-automatic rimfire rifle built for one thing: fun. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through this platform, and it’s the definition of a reliable workhorse for casual shooting. At its core, the 702 Plinkster is a lightweight, blowback-operated .22 LR rifle with a polymer stock and a standout 25-round magazine capacity, all for a price that’s hard to beat.
Here’s the thing—this rifle gets the fundamentals right. The synthetic stock is durable and handles Missouri’s humidity without a fuss. The 18-inch barrel provides a good sight radius with the included adjustable fiber optic front sight, which is a nice touch for quick target acquisition. The action is simple. You’ll find it’s drop-in ready for most standard .22 LR ammo, though it tends to cycle high-velocity rounds most reliably. Weighing in at just 4 pounds, it’s a breeze to carry all day. The controls are straightforward, with a manual cross-bolt safety and a bolt hold-open feature that activates after the last round. It’s a design that prioritizes function over flash, and that’s exactly what you want in a plinking rifle.
Key Features & Performance
The star of the show is that 25-round magazine. It transforms the experience from constant reloading to extended shooting sessions. I’ve found it feeds smoothly, and having that many rounds on tap is just plain enjoyable for informal target work. The receiver is grooved for scope mounts, making it compatible with popular rimfire optics from brands like Simmons and UTG. Mounting one is a cinch—no gunsmithing required.
The trigger is a typical two-stage rimfire pull. It’s not a match-grade unit, but it’s consistent and perfectly serviceable for its intended role. Disassembly for cleaning is intuitive; the barrel and action come free from the stock with one takedown screw, giving you easy access to the bolt. For the price of $168.53, you’re getting a lot of rifle. It ships to Missouri and compliant US states, ready for your FFL to complete the transfer.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 Long Rifle |
| Magazine Capacity | 25 Rounds |
| Barrel Length | 18 Inches |
| Overall Length | 38.5 Inches |
| Weight | 4 lbs |
| Action | Semi-Automatic, Blowback |
| Sights | Adjustable Fiber Optic Front, Fixed Rear |
The Straight Talk: Pros & Cons
Pros: The value is undeniable. It’s incredibly light and points naturally. The 25-round magazine is a huge benefit for plinking. Reliability with good ammo is solid. The fiber optic front sight is a great upgrade for visibility. It’s a simple tool that does its job without complication.
Cons: The stock is a bit hollow and can feel cheap—because it is. It’s built to a price. The trigger has some creep and a mushy break. It can be finicky with certain sub-sonic or standard velocity ammunition; stick to high-velocity for best function.
Who This Rifle Is For
This is the perfect first rifle for a new shooter, a young adult, or anyone on a tight budget who wants maximum fun per dollar. It’s for the Missouri landowner who needs a dependable varmint dispatcher that won’t break the bank. It’s for the seasoned shooter who wants a cheap-to-feed companion for informal range days, letting you work on fundamentals without burning through your centerfire ammo supply. It’s not a precision competition gun, but it was never meant to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What kind of ammunition runs best in the Mossberg 702 Plinkster?
A: For guaranteed reliable cycling, use high-velocity .22 LR rounds (around 1200 fps or higher). Bulk packs from CCI Mini-Mag or Federal AutoMatch are excellent, cost-effective choices. It may struggle with sub-sonic or standard velocity target ammo.
Q: Can I mount a scope or red dot on this rifle?
A: Absolutely. The receiver has a standard grooved rimfire rail (often called a 3/8″ or 11mm dovetail). This makes it compatible with a huge range of affordable rimfire-specific scopes and red dot mounts without needing any extra bases.
Q: Is the 25-round magazine the only one available?
A: No. The rifle typically comes with one 25-round magazine, but 10-round magazines are also available from Mossberg and aftermarket suppliers. The 10-rounders are handy for bench rest shooting or hunting where a lower profile is preferred.
If you’re looking for an honest, fun, and affordable .22 that gets you back to the basics of shooting, the Mossberg 702 Plinkster 22LR 25-Round deserves a close look. Check its current availability at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
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