Mossberg ATR 100

[RangerTim]

So after a couple weeks of deliberation and handling dozens of rifles at local gun stores, I finally decided on the Mossberg ATR in 30-06. It has a very similar set-up to the Remington 700 and felt really well balanced and well put-together. My cost out the door after tax will be $310 for the scope,base, and ring combo (got it on layaway...yeah I'm poor).
Having said that, my decision was between the ATR (All-Terrain Rifle) the Savage Axis, and the Marlin XS7. When I do finally get it in my hands, I'll get it out for some rounds down range and give some feedback on its performance.

[yuppiejr]

That's really a killer price, looking forward to the review. Any chance this is one of the variations with iron sights or is it an optics-only configuration?

[RangerTim]

To be perfectly honest, I'm not sure yet. I had to have the .30-06 ordered from Mossberg and it takes 7 to 10 days. I really hope it has the irons but I think it will be scope only.

[rockcreek]

If it shoots anything like mine in .243, you will be very pleased. I have the walnut stocked version, with a Nikko Stirling nighteater scope. First time sighting it in with cheap Remington Core-Lokt 100gr I was getting 7/8" groups at 100 yds. With 75gr handloads I was getting right around 1/2". Point of impact stayed pretty consistent from cold to warm, and the trigger was acceptable (not as nice as the Savage Accu-trigger, but close).

[RangerTim]

Ok, so I just picked up my ATR 100 the other day. I have not yet had the chance to shoot it due to work, but I've had a chance to handle it quite a bit and get it know it a little better. Here's my initial review and comments:

Very well balanced rifle. It shoulders extremely well and is neither front heavy nor heavy in the butt. The trigger is SWEET. It is set from the factory at its lightest setting (approximately 2lbs) and is very crisp. In fact, I'm going to be setting it a little heavier. The finish they used on the metal (which feels like parkerizing but looks blued) seems fairly high quality. The rifle seems quite a value for the $300 I paid for it.

My complaints: Straight out of the box, the rifle already had some marks and marring on the finish. I'm not a guy that particularly cares about how a rifle looks, its just strange that straight from the factory it has handling marks on it (I ordered this one straight from Mossberg). The scope was canted off to the side pretty heavily. I understand not taking the time to bore sight a $300 rifle and everything, but I could tell just from looking at the scope that it wasn't centered. I would think someone could at least take the time to center the optics. The bolt knob has some slight checkering to it for extra grip, but on the bottom side there is a rough edge that scratches my finger when opening the bolt fast. Lastly, the bolt cocks on opening, and is particularly stiff. After lubricating it heavily and spending a few minutes at a time opening and closing the bolt, it is becoming easier. Thought it was something worth mentioning.

I'll hopefully get out soon and shoot it and get some more updates.