Range report on Mossberg ATR 100 LOVE IT!

[Nebraska Kelly]

Hello everyone. I see a lot of intrest in wanting to know if these rifles are accurate and usable.  I decided to purchace one from WALLY WORLD for $244.95 in 30-06.  I topped it with a MUELLER 3x10x44 illuminated dot. I put the scope on the rifle with Weaver Quad rings.  When I got the gun home I took the action out of the stock to check out the gun and stock. Everything looked as normal and well done as other rifles I own. I then reasembled the rifle tightning the two bedding screws the way I think they should be done and used locktite on the weaver scope bases. With everything clean and tight I put the scope on. The package looks very good and it is lite weight. I used the following handload.

Powder=H4350 62grains
Bullet=   Hornaday 150gr spire point flat base.
Case=   New Winchester cases
Primer= Winchester large rifle
overall cartrige length was 3.230 (per hornaday manual)

At the range I used 10 rounds to get scope zero'd in.

With 10 rounds fired though a cleaned barrel I started to test this for accuracy at 100 yards. I shoot from a bench using sandbags. I have done a lot of benchrest shooting in the past and I am very steady off the bench.  OK! These are the results.

1.first three shot group 1.1 inches nice round little group.

2. second three shot group was 3/4 inches and same nice round tight pattern.

3. third grouping was 1 inch on the nose with the same consistant pattern of nice round group.  No stringing No fliers No suprises except how well it was shooting.

4. I had a box of winchester 150gr on hand so I tried them to see if it liked factory ammo.  I shot 2 groups of three shots.
1st group was 2 inches and still same nice round group.
2nd group was 1 3/4 inches and yes still consitant group.

I will use my handload but could in a pinch use factory stuff.

I set the rifle to shoot 1 1/2 high at 100 yards.

Then for a little fun I set up a target at 250 yards. I shot at that target standing up freestyle (as if I were hunting) and there were no surprises. I hit the target everytime.  

My honest evaluation of this rifle/scope package is that it is one hell of a good buy. I had no problems with the magazine or bolt or saftey or anything. IT JUST PLAIN WORKED!  
From my experience with this rifle I would highly recommend it to all of you. One last thing about the rifle. The recoil was not bad at all. The recoil pad looks cheap but it is soft and comfortable on the shoulder. Not like the hard rubber of some others.  I dont need any more accuracy or consistincy from this rifle. I am done tinkering with it. It will be my most used rifle for deer hunting in Nebraska and coyote hunting in Iowa.   I think I could squeeze more accurcy out of the gun if I felt the needed to but cant imagine needing anthing better than what it does now.

The Mossberg ATR 100 is a good accurate tool. It fits me nicely too. Dont be put off by the low cost. IT IN NO WAY REFLECTS THE RIFLES CAPABILITY.

I have been shooting for 35 years and know a good rifle from a bad one.  I have had many other rifles in 3006 that did not do nearly as well and cost a lot more. A few of those rifles never did shoot for me.  

The Mossberg ATR 100 was accurate and consistant from the start.  I posted this because so many people wonder about the rifle. These are the facts for the rifle I have. No sugar coating anything. If it had not been a good experience I would have told you about that too.  

I will be purchacing another one of these rifles if they ever offer it in 243 win.

Nebraska Kelly

[Zachary]

Interesting (although not surprising) that the handloads were nearly twice as accurate as the factory loads.  I would imagine that there are other factory loads out there that would group as well as the handloads - it's just a matter of finding the right factory load.

Still, your new rifle achieves good very good accuracy with your handloads.  Congrats on the rifle.

On a side note, you may also want to post your experience with your Mueller scope on the optics forum.  I'm sure that many members would appreciate your scope report.

Zachary

[Norseman112]

Hi Nebraska Kelly

I bought one of my sons a mossberge ATR 100 in 30-06. With reloads we get 3/4 inch to 1 inch groups all day long. I put a simmons scope on it for him ( could of gave him my ziess but he can work for the upgrade lol). Plainly put this Mossberge is a good gun.

PS. I just bought a mueller 6 x 18 for my .223 and I really like the scope.