Mossberg MVP Predator Utility Rifle Review

I came across the Mossberg MVP Predator rifle (in 5.56/.223) recently and have had the opportunity to use it in the field as well as at the range in a bench rest setting.  This line from Mossberg has a few variations depending on your needs or desires.  They come chambered in a native 5.56 NATO as well as 7.62, and of course shoots .223 and .308.  I am shooting the  5.56/.223.  It has a 1:9 twist rate and handles heavier bullets well.

They offer the MVP in several styles:  from "Tacti-cool" to Varmint hunting and my favorite . . . the utility rifle called the "Predator".

Mossberg Predator

 Mossberg Varmint

The Predator comes with a shorter 18 1/2" fluted barrel and a very cool spiral fluting on the bolt.  The MVP series takes standard AR magazines.  To me, the mag that comes with it seems a bit cheap.  I recommend replacing it.  The mags are a bit loose in the stock, but they feed pretty flawlessly.  The action seems a bit loose and sloppy, but like the magazine, works very well

The Predator version is a bit shorter and lighter than standard hunting rifles and is a pleasure to carry and shoot.

In the field, the Predator is weighted well.  It rides effortlessly on my shoulder as I walk through the rugged canyon like terrain of my land near Del Rio.  I really like that I can carry 10 rounds with me in the AR style magazine without needing to find a place to put the extra rounds.  For me, I find it a great choice for dispatching hogs, coyotes, etc..   The predator comes in a 1:9 twist.  In my bench tests this barrel stabilized bullets all the way up to and including 75 grain hollow point boat tail match bullets.

The Varmint model is set up a bit more like you would expect it to be by the name.  It also has a longer barrel and more target-esque style stock.

On the bench the Mossberg MVP Predator (5.56/.223) performed to my satisfaction for what I want it to do.  I tried a variety of hand loads as well as a few factory rounds.  

It seemed to really like slightly heaver bullets ranging from 60gr to 69gr.  It is not a target rifle, though I have no doubt that one could achieve sub MOA groups with a little experimentation with various ammo or cartridge components.  

I shot less than an inch with a slightly fast, 69 grain Barnes BTHP Match Burner bullet.  I am confident that with more dialing in this gun could shoot tighter groups than I achieved.   As it is, out of the box it certainly shoots very acceptable groups for a hunting/utility rifle.  I really do like the gun and plan to collect another in 7.62/.308 someday.  For ease of use and convenience, I love it.  I realize that the groups shown in the photos are not terribly impressive.  However, this gun has really tightened up it's groups since then.  It easily shoots sub MOA. 

The test gun did not like all ammo, but did like Federal with Sierra Match King in a 69 grn bullet.  It liked the remington 62 grain ammo the least.

The MVP comes with a nice spiral flute on the bolt as well as a fluted barrel.