Dale, My buddy just bought one of the ATR package's that comes with a 3X9X40 scope. His first time out produced 1 1/2" groups at 100 yards using Winchester Power Point 100 gr rounds.
EDIT: I should have added here that his rifle is a .243 although it is mentioned below.
I've had a .30-06 ATR since October '04. I enjoy mine very much. I've reported several times on this site of my pleasure with it. It shoots everything I've put through it well. I like mine so much that I bought a .308 ATR with the wood stock when they were introduced last year. Due to other projects and situations, I've not shot it yet. I was so excited when Mossberg introduced it in a short caliber and with wood, that I ordered it ASAP.
The success with the .30-06 prompted my buddy to buy his .243. I have e-mailed Mossberg a couple times and requested they offer it in a .223 and/or .22-250 caliber.
Your gonna get a few guys here that will tell you its a piece of junk. Most fellows who have one report that they like their very much, as well. It is manufactured to be inexpensive, but it will shoot. I have read that the barrels are supposedly made by E.R. Shaw, but cannot find where I found that info. They do have a recessed target crown and are button rifled. The synthetic stocks have molded sling swivels mounts and the trigger guard is a molded portion of the stock. They have a matte black finish, even on the wood stocked version.
Be care if you select a wood version. I've seen some advertise the synthetic wood stock model as "wood". They make both. In my view, the synthetic wood version does nothing to enhance the looks. The seam is more visible and on the ones I've seen, the "wood" finish was stressed around the corners of the cheek piece.
Go to Wal mart and check one out, they usually are a regular stock item. IIRC they sell them for around $249 w/o the scope.
Top: Mossberg 800 .308
Middle: ATR .308 w/wood stock
Bottom: ATR .30-06 w/Bushnell Legend
