Description
Let me paint you a picture. You’re at the range with a buddy who’s new to shooting. They’re nervous, maybe a little intimidated by the recoil and report of a centerfire rifle. You hand them something simple, light, and chambered in the friendliest round on the planet. That’s where the Mossberg Blaze 22LR 16.5″ Barrel Blue Finish Black Synthetic Stock 10 Round comes in. It’s Mossberg’s answer to an affordable, no-fuss .22 LR semi-auto rifle designed for plinking, training, and pure fun. I’ve put a few bricks of ammo through one, and here’s the straight talk.
So, what is it? The Mossberg Blaze is a straightforward, blowback-operated semi-automatic .22 LR rifle. It features a 16.5-inch blued steel barrel, a simple black synthetic stock, and comes with a 10-round detachable box magazine. At its core, it’s a budget-friendly tool for introducing new shooters, practicing fundamentals, or just enjoying a low-cost day at the range. Weighing in at just 4.5 lbs, it’s easy for anyone to handle all day long.
Key Features & Hands-On Impressions
The first thing you notice is the weight—or lack thereof. At 4.5 pounds, it’s incredibly easy to carry and shoot, especially for younger shooters or those building confidence. The synthetic stock is durable and shrugs off the bumps and scrapes that come with being a “fun gun.” The blue finish on the barrel and receiver is classic and holds up well to routine use. The action is simple. It’s a direct blowback system that runs reliably with standard and high-velocity .22 LR ammo. I’ve found it cycles bulk pack rounds without a hiccup, which is exactly what you want in a rifle like this.
Here’s the thing—the Blaze isn’t trying to be a target competition rifle. It’s a utilitarian plinker, and it excels in that role. The 10-round magazine is a good size for most range sessions, allowing for plenty of shooting between reloads. Speaking of magazines, they are proprietary to the Blaze, but they’re affordable and easy to find. The rifle ships with one, but picking up a spare or two is a smart move. The manual safety is cross-bolt style, located just forward of the trigger guard, and it’s positive and easy to operate.
One of the best aspects? It’s drop-in ready. You can take it out of the box, give it a quick clean and lube, head to the range, and start shooting. No gunsmithing required, no fuss. The sights are a basic blade front and notch rear, fully adjustable for windage and elevation. They get the job done for casual shooting out to 50 yards and beyond. For those who want to add optics, the receiver is grooved for standard .22 tip-off mounts, making it compatible with a huge array of affordable rimfire scopes and red dots from brands like Simmons and Bushnell.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 Long Rifle |
| Barrel Length | 16.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 36.5 inches |
| Weight | 4.5 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 Rounds |
| Action | Semi-Automatic, Blowback |
| Sights | Adjustable Blade Front, Notch Rear |
Pros, Cons, and Who It’s For
Pros: The price point is the biggest win. At $201.53, it’s one of the most accessible new semi-auto .22 rifles on the market. It’s incredibly lightweight and low-recoil, perfect for training. Reliability with good ammo is solid. The simple design means easy cleaning and maintenance. It’s a fantastic “first rifle” or a dedicated plinker you won’t worry about beating up.
Cons: The trigger is what you’d expect—functional but mushy, with a long reset. The synthetic stock feels a bit hollow and cheap, because it is. That’s part of the cost-saving equation. The magazine release, a lever in front of the trigger guard, can be stiff initially.
Who is this for? This rifle is for the new shooter, the parent teaching a kid, or the seasoned gun owner who wants a cheap-to-feed rifle for casual plinking. It’s for the Missouri landowner who needs a reliable varmint dispatcher that won’t break the bank. It’s not a precision instrument, but it is a dependable and fun tool that serves a specific purpose very well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What kind of ammunition does it run best with?
A: Stick with standard or high-velocity copper-plated round nose .22 LR. I’ve had the best reliability with CCI Mini-Mags and Federal AutoMatch. It can be finicky with some sub-sonic or unplated lead rounds.
Q: Can you mount a scope or red dot on it?
A: Absolutely. The receiver has a grooved rail for standard .22 tip-off mounts. It’s a simple, no-drill process to add an optic. A basic 4x scope or a micro red dot really opens up its capability.
Q: Is the magazine easy to load?
A: It’s a standard .22 box mag. Loading all 10 rounds by hand can be tough on the thumbs by the last few—a cheap magazine loader is a worthwhile $5 investment that makes the process much easier.
If you’re looking for an honest, affordable .22 that gets the fundamentals right without any pretension, the Mossberg Blaze deserves a close look. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases. See the full details on our site.
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