Mossberg MVP Scout as hunting rifle?

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MikeEng

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Have anyone hunted with Mossberg MVP scout before? I was on my way to purchase a Winchester XPR in .308s than Mossberg MVP scout caught my eyes. I did my own research and it seems like a solid rifle for anything within 150 yards (which is typical kill distance in BC) AND a solid tactical rifle. I was going to separate hunting and tactical but after seeing this...freak I want both lol. I'm looking to hunt deers and moose for now.

It would be awesome to hear their shooting experience with it :)
 
Nope to the MVP, but yup to the Ruger.

Don't sell yourself short on the 308, 150y is a pretty short expectation for it.
 
that is true .308 has a lot of potential for sure. My choice would've been Remington 700 but Im planning to save for Remington 700 SS mil-spec with MDT chassis in couple year :p just looking for a well made bush gun :) I have to be honest I haven't looked at Ruger at all.
 
Its a bolt action .308, It is feels good its fine. Make sure you use quality rings and scope and you will be fine. Try a quality 4x scope. 9x for me is way to micu and harder to use standing. I use my 308 at the range out to 450-500 yards shooting at 12 inch plates.
 
I'm actually looking at the same rifle. My wife doesn't want me "amassing an arsenal", so we've agreed that I'll stick to one handgun and one hunting gun. The idea of only having one rifle led me directly to looking at Scout rifles -- "the rifle to have if you can have only one rifle!"

I've compared the MVP Scout to the Ruger Gunsite Scout and the Savage 11 Scout, and at least based on the independent reviews I've looked at, the MVP seems to be the better rifle for the money. Mossberg's really got themselves a winner here!
 
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Oreus said:
I'm actually looking at the same rifle. My wife doesn't want me "amassing an arsenal", so we've agreed that I'll stick to one handgun and one hunting gun. The idea of only having one rifle led me directly to looking at Scout rifles -- "the rifle to have if you can have only one rifle!"

I've compared the MVP Scout to the Ruger Gunsite Scout and the Savage 11 Scout, and at least based on the independent reviews I've looked at, the MVP is the better rifle for the money. Mossberg's really got themselves a winner here!
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I’m biased towards the Ruger, but I’m curious as to why you feel the MVP would be the better choice?

The only reason I can see somone buying a Mossberg (any model rifle) would be to spend less $ upfront.
 
I compared weight, overall length, price, and availability/cost of magazines. The laminate-stock version of the GSR is just too heavy (7lbs without sling, scope, or ammo, compared to the same weight in the MVP with everything) and expensive for me to justify for myself. The extra 3.5" on the barrel is nice, and I definitely like that Jeff Cooper's training school helped design it, but those advantages are outweighed by the extra $220 and extra weight. The fact that the mags are significantly more expensive also gives the MVP the advantage.

I'm comparing each rifle to Cooper's definition of the idealized Scout Rifle, and the MVP ticks more boxes than the GSR right now, and it's cheaper to boot. Moreover, watch Nutnfancy's YouTube reviews of both rifles. Though his MVP review is on the .223 version, I don't see why it wouldn't apply to the .308. He seemed to like the MVP a whole lot more than the GSR, especially in terms of weight and accuracy.

If the price of the new (and lighter) synthetic-stock GSR is comparable to the MVP and the price of the polymer mags came down, then it would give the MVP some serious competition. I mean, I like the GSR well enough, but I just don't see enough advantage to justify the extra cost.
 
Oreus said:
I compared weight, overall length, price, and availability/cost of magazines. The laminate-stock version of the GSR is just too heavy (7lbs without sling, scope, or ammo, compared to the same weight in the MVP with everything) and expensive for me to justify for myself. The extra 3.5" on the barrel is nice, and I definitely like that Jeff Cooper's training school helped design it, but those advantages are outweighed by the extra $220 and extra weight. The fact that the mags are significantly more expensive also gives the MVP the advantage.

I'm comparing each rifle to Cooper's definition of the idealized Scout Rifle, and the MVP ticks more boxes than the GSR right now, and it's cheaper to boot. Moreover, watch Nutnfancy's YouTube reviews of both rifles. Though his MVP review is on the .223 version, I don't see why it wouldn't apply to the .308. He seemed to like the MVP a whole lot more than the GSR, especially in terms of weight and accuracy.

If the price of the new (and lighter) synthetic-stock GSR is comparable to the MVP and the price of the polymer mags came down, then it would give the MVP some serious competition. I mean, I like the GSR well enough, but I just don't see enough advantage to justify the extra cost.
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10-4, thanks for your thoughts.
 
No problem! I was biased toward the GSR too, until I found out about the MVP Scout. Of course, the Steyr Scout is the ultimate scout rifle, having been developed in conjunction with Cooper himself, but it's also over $2,000, and its wheel-safety is weird as all get out.

If you're into Scout Rifles, I suggest you read the Scout Rifle Study by Richard Mann. It can be found at http://scoutriflestudy.com/, and it's pretty comprehensive. I'm just starting Chapter 6, but it's a pretty fascinating read.
 
Oreus said:
I compared weight, overall length, price, and availability/cost of magazines. The laminate-stock version of the GSR is just too heavy (7lbs without sling, scope, or ammo, compared to the same weight in the MVP with everything) and expensive for me to justify for myself. The extra 3.5" on the barrel is nice, and I definitely like that Jeff Cooper's training school helped design it, but those advantages are outweighed by the extra $220 and extra weight. The fact that the mags are significantly more expensive also gives the MVP the advantage.

I'm comparing each rifle to Cooper's definition of the idealized Scout Rifle, and the MVP ticks more boxes than the GSR right now, and it's cheaper to boot. Moreover, watch Nutnfancy's YouTube reviews of both rifles. Though his MVP review is on the .223 version, I don't see why it wouldn't apply to the .308. He seemed to like the MVP a whole lot more than the GSR, especially in terms of weight and accuracy.

If the price of the new (and lighter) synthetic-stock GSR is comparable to the MVP and the price of the polymer mags came down, then it would give the MVP some serious competition. I mean, I like the GSR well enough, but I just don't see enough advantage to justify the extra cost.
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Admitted Ruger fanboy here myself, and love my scout.....

The mossberg has a shorter barrel and still weighs in at 6.75 pounds, so not sure where you are getting a sling, scope and ammo in under 7 pounds.... the synthetic stocked scout comes in at 6.2 pounds (over half a pound lighter)....

Put side by side, the ruger offers better fit and finish as well as controlled round feed...

The Mossberg has a 13.25” lop, and is non adjustable..... the ruger comes with shims to adjust lop.....

Not sure on accuracy, but check out the ruger scout sticky..... some pretty impressive stuff....

To each their own I guess....
 
Oreus said:
No problem! I was biased toward the GSR too, until I found out about the MVP Scout. Of course, the Steyr Scout is the ultimate scout rifle, having been developed in conjunction with Cooper himself, but it's also over $2,000, and its wheel-safety is weird as all get out.

If you're into Scout Rifles, I suggest you read the Scout Rifle Study by Richard Mann. It can be found at http://scoutriflestudy.com/, and it's pretty comprehensive. I'm just starting Chapter 6, but it's a pretty fascinating read.
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I’ve read a fair bit on the Scout rifles, Ill make a point of checking that one out.

I’ve been hunting with a GSR for 3+ years now, and have owned 3 different ones (all in 308). I see nothing in the Mossberg or Savage offerings that are an added benefit, other than the initial cost. I’ve decided after buying and trying more rifles than I can remember, initial cost (especially only a couple $100) is no longer a guiding factor when it comes to buying a rifle platform that I really want, and especially one that will see field use.

I piss enough money away every year on insurance (house, car, life), a few extra dollars upfront over the life of the rifle is really just a drop in the bucket.

That said,
Different strokes for different folks, that’s the beauty of this sport, lots of options out there.
 
Just want to give you guys the data I was using. Specs are from manufacturer's pages, except the Savage, where I used Wanstall's listing. Prices are Wanstall's, except the MVP mag, which is Firearms Outlet Canada, and Savage mag, which is Cabela's Canada. I think my 7lbs loaded figure for the MVP came from Richard Mann's video showcasing the MVP with Vortex scope package.

Mossberg MVP ScoutRuger GSR (6803)Savage 11 ScoutAdvantage
Weight (lbs)6.757.17.8MVP
Length (in)37.538.540.5MVP
Barrel length (in)16.2516.118Savage
Capacity101010Wash
Price$779.99$899.99$979.99MVP
Mag Cost$34.95$49.99$59.98MVP
Length of PullFixedAdjustableFixedGSR


Here's Nutnfancy's in-depth review of the rifles (yeah, it's his opinion, but I find his reasoning is usually pretty solid):

Mossberg MVP:

Ruger GSR:

I'd love to have any of these rifles, and I think the synthetic stock GSR has a lot more going for it than the laminate versions. A synthetic-stock GSR $800? Yes please! EDIT: Totally changed my mind on the MVP. The more I read about how this rifle handles, particularly the bolt, and the more I read about scout rifles, the less I like it.

Come to think of it: Are the synthetic-stock GSRs available in Canada yet? EDIT: Yes, I found it at Wanstalls. For over $1300. Ouch.
 
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Id handle them and get the one that handles the best in your hands. 100$ plus or minus goes a long way if one is clumsy and one handles well
 
c.t.smith said:
Id handle them and get the one that handles the best in your hands. 100$ plus or minus goes a long way if one is clumsy and one handles well
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^This.

However I love my MVP Scout and have had nothing but success with it hunting. VERY handy and after 2 boxes of ammunition, runs flawlessly, as the bolt and ejection can be a little stiff out of the box.

Ah yes, and use premium ammunition if your looking for grouping results.
 
Yes, they’ve been available for close to 2 years now. I’ll admit the cost for a NIB GSR is on the high side for what it is, but it checked all the boxes on my list and there’s always the used option.

Looking at the specs vs the cost is only really scratching the surface of product satisfaction when it comes to any purchase. Half a pound here, half an inch there...... its only small differences. Kind of like comparing new trucks only by looking at brochures, not till you put some time behind the wheel do you realize the points of value.

The Fit, the action type, reliable feeding, the durability of materials used, the availability of smaller mags (have fun hunting with a ten rounder in any of the rifles), the backup sights, etc..... these all play a part and are seldom taken into account during reviews.

I’m not trying to slam the MVP, I just don’t see the value in it that others may.

Just my 2c
 
The savage is out due to the stock. I hate it the mossberg is out due to no peep sight. It's hard the beat the factory gsr peep and impossible to beat the xs rail system available for the ruger.
I shortened my xs rai to accommodate a bigger ocular bell and shave a small bit of weight as I have zero interest In ascout mounted optic.

O and my gsr is sooo pritty in walnut. ��
 
I've got an early model mossberg mvp scout. I can't get this thing to group with any ammunition (factory or reloads) better than 3 inches at 100 yards. It feels great on the shoulder and paired with a scout scope is fun to shoot, but accurate it ain't. That and one of my rail screw holes isn't drilled deep enough so if I don't shorten a screw or shim it, then the rail comes loose. The QC is crappy but if you can over come that, it'd be good. I pushed a mile of bush with it on a sling and didn't find it heavy. Only thing to watch is that the bolt doesn't lock closed with the safety on like my tikka does. If you get it caught on something in the woods, the bolt will open.
 
I just bought a gunsite scout. I was in this same situation and after a lot of research I chose the gunsite and just waited for a good deal on the EE. They come up fairly often, but sell quickly. You can get one for 900 or less shipped. The mossbergs seem to sell at 800ish and are worth about half of that IMO, its just our dollar sucks.

You can still shoot a .308 16" barreled rifle to 1000yds accurately if you do your part. Scout rifles are a great all around concept IMO. It can be a hiking gun, hunting gun, self defense gun, SHTF gun, precision rifle, etc etc.
 
If I was to upgrade everything I disliked on the MVP Scout, not only would the cost be less attractive, I'd be further ahead just to purchase a CZ Ranger, a Howa Alpine, a Ruger Scout, a Tikka Arctic, or a Styer Scout. As you can see there are many similar, and IMHO better rifles available. If you're interested, Richard Mann has an online book called "The Scout Rifle Study." This is pretty much an advertisement for the MVP Scout, which he presents as the commercial offering that most closely epitomizes Jeff Cooper's original concept. Its makes for interesting reading, much of which quotes Cooper, but should be viewed critically IMHO.
 
The Ruger is a better rifle but I've got a Mossberg in .223 that uses AR mags and there is nothing wrong with it. It's very accurate and it's not expensive. I bought it to have mag compatibility but it's a handy little rifle.
 
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