Description
Picture this: you’re glassing a ridgeline in the Missouri Ozarks, the wind’s a bit tricky, and you need a rifle that’s as comfortable taking a 300-yard shot on a coyote as it is ringing steel at the range. You need a tool, not a toy—something that bridges the gap between a hunting rifle and a precision platform without breaking the bank. That’s the exact scenario where the Mossberg MVP Predator 20″ 308 Win/7.62 NATO, Laminate Stock Blued, 10 rd starts to make a whole lot of sense.
The Mossberg MVP Predator is a bolt-action rifle chambered in .308 Winchester/7.62 NATO, featuring a 20-inch fluted barrel, a durable laminate stock, and a unique design that accepts both standard .308 Winchester hunting ammo and reliable, affordable 7.62 NATO surplus from magazines compatible with the SR-25/AR-10 platform. It’s a versatile, no-fuss rifle built for hunters and shooters who value practical accuracy and magazine interchangeability.
I’ve put a few hundred rounds of everything from cheap mil-surp to premium hunting loads through this platform, and here’s what stands out. The heart of the MVP Predator’s appeal is its magazine system. Mossberg didn’t reinvent the wheel; they used a proven one. The rifle feeds from M110/SR-25 pattern magazines. That means you have a huge aftermarket of reliable, affordable magazines at your disposal, from 10-rounders like the one it ships with up to 25-round boxes. This is a huge benefit for range sessions—just bring more loaded mags instead of fumbling with loose rounds. The action itself is smooth for a factory rifle, and the 20-inch, medium-contour, fluted barrel strikes a great balance between weight and heat dissipation. At just under 7.5 pounds unloaded, it’s light enough for a long stalk but heavy enough to stay steady off a bipod.
The laminate stock is a workhorse. It’s not fancy walnut, but it’s incredibly stable and resistant to the moisture and dings you encounter in the field. The checkering is functional, and the raised comb provides a solid cheek weld. The rifle comes with a factory-installed Picatinny rail for optics, so mounting a scope is drop-in ready. You can throw on a Vortex Diamondback or a Leupold VX-Freedom, get it zeroed, and you’re in business without any gunsmithing required. The trigger is the standard Mossberg LBA (Lightning Bolt Action) adjustable unit. Out of the box, it’s a bit heavy but crisp, and you can dial out some of the creep for a cleaner break. For a hunting rifle, it’s more than adequate.
| Caliber | .308 Winchester / 7.62x51mm NATO |
| Barrel Length | 20″ Fluted |
| Overall Length | 40.5″ |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs |
| Stock | Laminate |
| Magazine | 10-round detachable box (M110/SR-25 pattern) |
Pros & Cons
Let’s be direct. The pros are significant: magazine commonality with a popular platform is a massive logistical advantage, the laminate stock is tough as nails, and the fluted barrel manages weight and cooling well. The included rail is a nice touch. The cons? The trigger, while adjustable, needs work out of the box to reach its potential. The bolt lift can feel a bit stiff when new, though it smooths with use. And while the laminate is durable, some shooters find it less appealing aesthetically than a synthetic or wood option.
Who It’s For
This rifle isn’t for the safe queen collector. It’s for the practical shooter. It’s for the Missouri whitetail hunter who also wants a capable rifle for predator control and longer-range target practice. It’s for the prepper-minded individual who values parts and magazine commonality. It’s for the budget-conscious marksman who wants a .308 that can digest cheap 7.62 NATO ammo all day from plentiful magazines. If your needs are purely benchrest precision, you’ll look elsewhere. But if you need one rifle to do several jobs reliably, the MVP Predator is a compelling argument at $543.97.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What magazines does it use, and are they easy to find?
A: It uses magazines compatible with the Knight’s Armament SR-25 / Armalite AR-10 / M110 pattern. These are extremely common and available from many manufacturers like Magpul (PMAG® 10/20/25 LR/SR GEN M3), Lancer, and others. You are not locked into proprietary Mossberg mags.
Q: Can it safely shoot both .308 Winchester and 7.62 NATO ammunition?
A: Yes, that’s one of its key features. The chamber is designed to safely fire both .308 Win commercial hunting ammunition and 7.62x51mm NATO surplus or commercial loads. Always consult your manual, but this dual-chambering is a major selling point for cost-effective training.
Q: Is the scope rail mounted securely?
A: Yes, the Picatinny rail is factory-installed and drilled/tapped directly into the receiver. It provides a solid, stable base for mounting optics. I’ve used it with several scopes and have not experienced any zero shift issues attributable to the rail—it’s a robust system. An FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases, but the setup itself is ready to go.
Look, if you’ve been wanting a .308 that shrugs off bad weather, shares mags with your other gear, and doesn’t demand a custom build to be effective, the Mossberg MVP Predator deserves a close look. It’s a straightforward tool that gets the job done. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. See the full details on our site.
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