Author Topic: Mossberg Model 800a Bolt Action Rifle (Read 1723 times)

DavOh · « **on:** January 25, 2006, 09:41:36 AM »

Has anyone here had any experience with a Mossberg 800a Bolt Gun? My first deer rifle was a 800A in .243win and I was curious if anyone else had as positive an impression as I have of the rifle. It's incredibly accurate(sub moa) and works wonderfully. I've been looking for a new rifle the last few months and have been looking at all the "budget" rifles, and it dawned on me suddenly... In my mind I'm comparing all these newer rifles to that old .243. It seems that all the new rifles have really sloppy bolts and the presence of plastic parts, most especially stocks, just turns me off. That old Mossberg seems to be far and above a better rifle than anything currently in production in the lower end of the market. Which strikes me as odd since I've found out that the 800a was in fact a lower end rifle for its time.

Any other thoughts?

anweis · « **Reply #1 on:** January 25, 2006, 11:53:11 AM »

DavOh

I remember looking at one of those Mossberg 800 in a pawn shop. Well made rifle indeed. Were they made in US?

By the way, the common sense quote is originally from Voltaire, a French dude, but there's no need to hate him - he died a long time ago. Twain may have said something similar - he's still the sharpest guy ever, i don't remeber reading it though.

nasem · « **Reply #2 on:** January 25, 2006, 12:31:07 PM »

Mossberg 800a Bolt Gun ?

are those some really old mossberg rifles ?

DavOh · « **Reply #3 on:** January 25, 2006, 02:24:01 PM »

Here's a link to one for sale on guns america.

http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976677777.htm

I've found ads for the 800a(.308win) 800b(243win) and the 810(long action) going back to 1968. Retailed at 114.95 according to the ad.

I'll have to see about running down the s/n sometime when I get it back from my dad. My wife will likely use it for whitetail next year....

Slamfire · « **Reply #4 on:** January 25, 2006, 06:42:38 PM »

They were a budget rifle, and there was considerable difference in the short (800) actions and the long (810) actions.
The 800 uses a Weatherby style full diameter bolt with two rows of 3 lugs, while the 810 had two rows of two lugs that were larer in diameter than the bolt body.
The three lug arrangement with it's 60 degree bolt throw lacks camming power both opening and closing which requires you to really slam the bolt handle around. Since it is tacked onto the bolt with a silver disk, electo welded. Breaking them loose is quite possible.
The firning pin is of the Arisaka piston type, and there are two different versions, the latter being better.
I believe they were first made for Western Auto under the Wester Field brand around '65, and with the Mossberg name a couple of years afterward. They seem to have been withdrawn from the market about a decade later.
They certainly look good, and are quite strong, but the safety only blocks the trigger, not the firing pin, and like the Remington 788 can never be fully trusted. Keep your chamber empty until you spot the game. :wink: