Mossberg MVP Scout 308: Review, Specs, And More

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Mossberg MVP Scout 308, a rifle that's been generating a lot of buzz in the shooting community. If you're in the market for a versatile, accurate, and reliable bolt-action rifle, then keep reading. We’re going to break down everything you need to know about this rifle, from its features and specs to its performance and potential upgrades. So, let's get started!

Overview of the Mossberg MVP Scout 308

The Mossberg MVP Scout 308 is designed as a modern take on the classic scout rifle concept, popularized by the late Colonel Jeff Cooper. The scout rifle is intended to be a general-purpose rifle capable of fulfilling many roles, from hunting to self-defense. Mossberg's MVP Scout 308 aims to deliver on this promise with several key features tailored to the modern shooter.

The MVP Scout 308 stands out with its compatibility with standard AR-10 magazines. This is a huge plus for those who already own AR-10 platforms, as it allows for shared magazine use. The rifle also features a forward-mounted Picatinny rail, perfect for mounting scout scopes or other optics, enabling quick target acquisition and maintaining a wide field of view. The adjustable stock ensures a comfortable fit for various shooters, enhancing accuracy and control. One of the most significant advantages of the Mossberg MVP Scout 308 is its versatility. It's equally at home on the hunting field as it is on the range. The rifle's compact size and manageable weight make it easy to carry and handle, while the 308 Winchester chambering provides ample power for taking down medium to large game. The ability to use AR-10 magazines adds another layer of convenience, especially for those who already have a collection of these magazines. Moreover, the forward-mounted rail allows for the use of various optics, making it adaptable to different shooting scenarios. Whether you prefer a traditional scope, a red dot sight, or a long eye relief scout scope, the MVP Scout 308 can accommodate your needs. This adaptability makes it a great choice for both novice and experienced shooters. Plus, with a bit of customization, it can be tailored to fit your specific needs and preferences, ensuring it remains a valuable part of your firearm collection for years to come.

Key Features and Specifications

Let's get into the nitty-gritty details of what makes the Mossberg MVP Scout 308 tick. Understanding these features will help you appreciate the design and engineering that went into this rifle.

• Caliber: .308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO)
• Magazine Compatibility: Accepts AR-10/SR-25 magazines
• Barrel Length: 16.25 inches
• Overall Length: 37.5 inches
• Weight: Approximately 7.25 lbs
• Stock: Adjustable synthetic stock
• Sights: Fiber optic front sight, Picatinny rail for optics
• Trigger: Mossberg’s LBA (Lightning Bolt Action) adjustable trigger
• Finish: Matte blue or optional Cerakote finishes

One of the standout features is the AR-10 magazine compatibility. This is a game-changer, especially if you're already invested in the AR-10 platform. The ability to share magazines simplifies your gear and reduces the need for multiple types of magazines. The 16.25-inch barrel strikes a good balance between compactness and ballistic performance. It’s short enough to keep the rifle maneuverable, yet long enough to ensure that the .308 Winchester round retains sufficient velocity for effective range and stopping power. The adjustable synthetic stock is another great feature, allowing you to customize the length of pull to fit your body size and shooting style. This is crucial for maintaining proper cheek weld and eye relief, which directly impacts your accuracy. The forward-mounted Picatinny rail is perfect for scout scopes, red dot sights, or even pistol scopes, offering flexibility in your choice of optics. The fiber optic front sight provides a backup sighting option, which can be invaluable in situations where your primary optic fails. Mossberg’s LBA adjustable trigger is a welcome addition, allowing you to fine-tune the trigger pull to your preference. This can significantly improve your shooting consistency and accuracy. The matte blue finish is functional and durable, providing good corrosion resistance. For those who want even more protection, optional Cerakote finishes are available, offering enhanced resistance to wear and tear. All these features combine to make the Mossberg MVP Scout 308 a well-rounded and versatile rifle that is suitable for a wide range of applications.

Performance and Accuracy

Now, let's talk about what really matters: how the Mossberg MVP Scout 308 performs in the field and on the range. After all, a rifle can have all the features in the world, but if it doesn't deliver accurate and consistent performance, it's not worth much.

The MVP Scout 308 is known for its surprising accuracy, especially considering its price point. Many users report consistent groupings of 1-1.5 MOA (minute of angle) with quality ammunition. This level of accuracy is more than sufficient for most practical applications, including hunting, target shooting, and even some competitive shooting. The key to achieving this accuracy lies in a combination of factors. The well-made barrel, the adjustable trigger, and the stable stock all contribute to the rifle's ability to deliver precise shots. The LBA trigger allows for a crisp and clean break, which is essential for consistent accuracy. The adjustable stock helps ensure a proper cheek weld and eye relief, further enhancing your ability to aim accurately. In terms of recoil, the .308 Winchester round definitely has some kick, but the MVP Scout 308 handles it reasonably well. The weight of the rifle and the ergonomic stock help to absorb some of the recoil, making it manageable for most shooters. However, if you're particularly sensitive to recoil, you might want to consider adding a recoil pad to the stock. The rifle's overall handling is excellent. The compact size and balanced weight make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, while the adjustable stock ensures a comfortable fit. The forward-mounted rail allows for quick target acquisition, which is particularly useful in dynamic shooting situations. The MVP Scout 308 also has a reputation for reliability. It's a rugged and dependable rifle that can withstand harsh conditions. Whether you're hunting in the rain or shooting in dusty environments, you can count on the MVP Scout 308 to perform consistently. Regular maintenance, of course, is essential for ensuring continued reliability. But overall, the MVP Scout 308 is a rifle that you can depend on when it matters most.

Pros and Cons

Every rifle has its strengths and weaknesses, and the Mossberg MVP Scout 308 is no exception. Let's break down the pros and cons to give you a balanced view.

Pros:

• AR-10 Magazine Compatibility: Huge advantage for those already invested in the AR-10 platform.
• Accuracy: Delivers consistent 1-1.5 MOA accuracy with good ammo.
• Adjustable Trigger: The LBA trigger allows for fine-tuning of trigger pull.
• Adjustable Stock: Ensures a comfortable fit for various shooters.
• Forward-Mounted Rail: Perfect for scout scopes and other optics.
• Affordable Price: Offers great value for the features and performance.

Cons:

• Recoil: The .308 Winchester round can be a bit much for some shooters.
• Stock Material: Some users find the synthetic stock to be a bit basic.
• Finish: The matte blue finish is functional but not as durable as some other options.

Despite these cons, the pros far outweigh the cons for most shooters. The AR-10 magazine compatibility is a major selling point, as it simplifies logistics and reduces the need for multiple types of magazines. The accuracy is impressive for a rifle in this price range, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. The adjustable trigger and stock are also great features, allowing you to customize the rifle to your preferences. The forward-mounted rail provides flexibility in your choice of optics, while the affordable price makes it accessible to a wide range of shooters. The recoil can be a bit much for some, but this can be mitigated with a good recoil pad. The stock material and finish are functional but not as premium as some other options, but these are minor issues that don't significantly detract from the rifle's overall performance. Overall, the Mossberg MVP Scout 308 is a well-rounded and versatile rifle that offers great value for the money.

Customization and Accessories

One of the great things about the Mossberg MVP Scout 308 is its potential for customization. Whether you want to improve its performance, enhance its ergonomics, or simply add some personal flair, there are plenty of accessories available to help you do so.

Here are some popular upgrades and accessories:

• Optics: Scout scopes, red dot sights, and traditional scopes are all popular choices.
• Recoil Pads: A good recoil pad can significantly reduce felt recoil.
• Slings: A quality sling is essential for carrying the rifle comfortably.
• Bipods: A bipod can improve accuracy when shooting from a static position.
• Muzzle Brakes: A muzzle brake can further reduce recoil and muzzle rise.
• Aftermarket Triggers: While the LBA trigger is good, some shooters prefer an aftermarket trigger for an even lighter and crisper pull.

When choosing accessories, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences. If you're primarily using the rifle for hunting, a good scout scope and a comfortable sling might be your top priorities. If you're using it for target shooting, a bipod and an aftermarket trigger might be more important. The possibilities are endless, and you can customize the MVP Scout 308 to perfectly suit your needs. For optics, scout scopes are a natural fit for the MVP Scout 308, as they mount on the forward rail and allow for a wide field of view. Red dot sights are also a popular choice, especially for close-quarters shooting. Traditional scopes can also be used, but you'll need to use scope rings that are high enough to clear the rear sight. A good recoil pad can make a big difference in your shooting experience, especially if you're sensitive to recoil. There are many different types of recoil pads available, so it's important to choose one that fits your stock and provides adequate cushioning. A quality sling is essential for carrying the rifle comfortably, especially on long hunting trips. There are many different types of slings available, so it's important to choose one that fits your body size and shooting style. A bipod can improve accuracy when shooting from a static position, such as from a bench or prone. There are many different types of bipods available, so it's important to choose one that is stable and easy to adjust. A muzzle brake can further reduce recoil and muzzle rise, making it easier to stay on target for follow-up shots. However, muzzle brakes can be quite loud, so it's important to wear hearing protection when using one. Finally, while the LBA trigger is good, some shooters prefer an aftermarket trigger for an even lighter and crisper pull. There are many different aftermarket triggers available, so it's important to choose one that is reliable and safe.

Final Thoughts

The Mossberg MVP Scout 308 is a versatile, accurate, and affordable rifle that offers a lot of value for the money. Whether you're a hunter, a target shooter, or simply looking for a reliable general-purpose rifle, the MVP Scout 308 is definitely worth considering. Its AR-10 magazine compatibility, adjustable trigger and stock, and forward-mounted rail make it a standout in its class. While it may not be perfect, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced shooters alike. So, if you’re in the market for a new rifle, be sure to give the Mossberg MVP Scout 308 a serious look. You might just find that it’s the perfect fit for your needs. Happy shooting, guys!