Description
I was up in a box stand near the Current River, the late Missouri November light fading fast. A nice 8-point had been ghosting the edge of a soybean cut for twenty minutes. When he finally stepped into the last clear lane at 180 yards, the crosshairs settled, the trigger broke clean, and the job was done with one shot. That’s the kind of confidence a well-set-up rifle inspires. The Mossberg Patriot 7mm-08 Rem, 22″ Barrel, 3-9x40mm Vortex Crossfire II, Walnut Stock, Blued, 5rd is a hunter-ready package that delivers serious out-of-the-box performance without a serious price tag.
So, what is it? In a nutshell, it’s a complete, optics-mounted hunting rifle chambered in the versatile 7mm-08 Remington. Mossberg builds the rifle, Vortex provides the proven scope, and they ship it as one ready-to-hunt unit. You get a classic walnut-stocked, blued-steel bolt-action with a 22-inch barrel and a 5-round capacity. The whole package is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. At $595.67, it represents a significant value, especially considering the included Vortex optic, which often retails for around $200 on its own. That’s a hard combo to beat for getting a new hunter in the game or adding a dedicated deer rifle to the safe.
What You’re Really Getting
Let’s start with the heart of it: the 7mm-08 Remington cartridge. Look, if you’re hunting whitetail, mule deer, or even black bear in Missouri and beyond, this round is a sweet spot. It has the flat trajectory and energy of a .308 but with noticeably less recoil, making it a joy to shoot from the bench and practical for all-day carry. The 22-inch barrel is a perfect length for this caliber, balancing maneuverability in thick cover with enough steel to get the most out of the powder burn.
The walnut stock is a standout. In a world of synthetic, the classic look and feel of real wood still matters. Mossberg’s finish is honest—it’s not exhibition-grade, but it’s a handsome, durable oil finish that feels solid in the hands and won’t reflect light. The blued metalwork is a perfect match, giving the whole rifle a timeless, serious appearance. The rifle tips the scales at a very manageable 7.5 pounds before the scope, so carrying it all day won’t wear you out.
Then there’s the Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm. This isn’t some throw-in piece of glass. Vortex optics are known for their clarity, durability, and lifetime warranty. The 3-9x magnification is the gold standard for Eastern and Midwestern whitetail hunting, giving you a wide field of view for close shots and enough power to reach out across a CRP field or powerline cut. The fact it comes mounted and, in my experience, is typically drop-in ready after a quick bore-sight, is a huge benefit. No guessing, no extra trips to the gun shop.
Specifications & Details
| Caliber | 7mm-08 Remington |
| Barrel Length | 22 Inches |
| Overall Length | 42.5 Inches (Approx.) |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs (Rifle only) |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 Rounds (Detachable Box) |
| Optics | Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm |
The Good & The Considerations
Pros: The value is undeniable—a name-brand rifle and a premium scope for under $600. The 7mm-08 is a nearly perfect medium-game cartridge. The classic walnut and blued steel aesthetic is a winner. The Vortex warranty is no-questions-asked. The detachable magazine is a practical feature in the field. It’s a true ready-to-hunt package.
Cons: The trigger, while adjustable, is a bit heavier and mushier out of the box than some competitors—it’s serviceable, but not a jewel. The bolt lift can feel a little gritty when new, though it smooths out with use. As with any firearm purchase, remember that an FFL transfer is required for the final delivery.
Who This Rifle Is For
This is the ideal first deer rifle for a new hunter. It’s also a perfect “knockabout” rifle for the seasoned hunter who wants a reliable, good-looking tool that they don’t have to baby in the duck boat or truck. If you appreciate the traditional look of wood and steel but need a modern, capable package without custom shop prices, the Patriot in this configuration makes a compelling argument.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the scope already sighted in?
A: No, the scope is mounted and should be roughly aligned, but you must sight it in with your chosen ammunition at the range. Every shooter and ammo combination is different, so this crucial step cannot be skipped.
Q: What other scope mounts or rings are compatible?
A: The Patriot comes with a Picatinny-style rail section pre-installed. This means it’s compatible with any standard Picatinny/Weaver rings, giving you immense flexibility if you ever want to swap the Vortex for another optic from brands like Leupold, Nikon, or Burris.
Q: How does the 7mm-08 compare to a .308 or .270?
A: It splits the difference beautifully. It has very similar ballistics to the .308 but with 15-20% less recoil. It’s extremely close to the .270 Winchester in performance but fits in a shorter, more compact action. For deer-sized game, it’s arguably one of the most balanced cartridges available.
If you’re looking for a hunting rifle that gets you from the box to the woods with minimal fuss and maximum value, this Mossberg Patriot package deserves a long, hard look. Check availability and see the full specs on our site.
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