The Mossberg Plinkster 702 is a popular choice for budget-conscious shooters looking for a reliable .22 LR rimfire rifle. This review delves into its features, performance, and overall value, helping you decide if it's the right fit for your needs. We'll cover everything from its accuracy and ergonomics to potential drawbacks, offering a comprehensive assessment of the Mossberg Plinkster 702.
What Makes the Mossberg Plinkster 702 Stand Out?
The Plinkster 702 distinguishes itself primarily through its affordability and simplicity. Unlike many higher-end .22 LR rifles, the Plinkster prioritizes ease of use and maintenance without sacrificing fundamental reliability. This makes it ideal for beginners, casual shooters, and those on a tighter budget. Its design is straightforward, minimizing complex parts that could cause malfunctions or require expensive repairs. This focus on simplicity contributes to its ease of maintenance and cleaning.
Key Features and Specifications of the Mossberg Plinkster 702
Let's break down some of the Plinkster 702's core features:
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Action: Bolt-action
- Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
- Capacity: 7 rounds (detachable rotary magazine)
- Weight: Approximately 4.5 lbs
- Stock: Synthetic, typically black
- Sights: Adjustable rear sights; includes a receiver-mounted rail for optics mounting.
- Safety: Tang safety
Pros:
- Price: The Plinkster 702 is one of the most affordable bolt-action .22 LR rifles on the market, making it accessible to a wider range of shooters.
- Reliability: Mossberg has a reputation for building dependable firearms, and the Plinkster 702 lives up to that reputation. It's known for its smooth, reliable cycling.
- Accuracy: While not a precision rifle, the Plinkster 702 provides acceptable accuracy for plinking, small game hunting (within reasonable ranges), and informal target practice.
- Ease of Use: Its simple design and operation make it easy to learn and use, especially for beginners.
- Versatility: The included Picatinny rail allows for easy mounting of scopes or red dot sights, enhancing its versatility for different shooting applications.
Cons:
- Basic Sights: While adjustable, the iron sights are fairly basic. Upgrading to a scope or red dot sight is generally recommended for improved accuracy at longer ranges.
- Synthetic Stock: While durable, the synthetic stock may not be as aesthetically pleasing or comfortable as wood stocks found in more expensive rifles. Some shooters find the stock's ergonomics a bit less refined than other models.
- Limited Features: The Plinkster 702 lacks some of the advanced features found on higher-end rifles.
Performance and Accuracy Testing: What to Expect
Based on various reviews and tests, the Mossberg Plinkster 702 delivers respectable accuracy at typical plinking ranges (25-50 yards). You can expect consistent groups, especially when using quality ammunition. However, don't expect benchrest-level precision. Accuracy is significantly improved with the addition of a scope.
Several online forums show users consistently achieving sub-1.5-inch groups at 25 yards with appropriate ammunition and a scope.
| Range (yards) | Average Group Size (inches) | Ammunition Used | Scope Mounted? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 1.25 | CCI Mini-Mag | Yes |
| 50 | 2.75 | Remington Golden Bullet | No |
Note: These are average results, and individual experiences may vary based on factors such as ammunition quality, shooter skill, and environmental conditions.
Is the Mossberg Plinkster 702 Right for You?
The Mossberg Plinkster 702 is an excellent choice for several types of shooters:
- Beginners: Its affordability and ease of use make it an ideal entry-level .22 LR rifle.
- Casual Shooters: For those who enjoy occasional plinking or target practice, the Plinkster 702 offers solid performance without breaking the bank.
- Budget-Conscious Shooters: It’s a highly affordable option that doesn't compromise on fundamental reliability.
However, it might not be the best choice for:
- Competitive Shooters: More advanced rifles with higher accuracy and more refined features might be better suited for competition.
- Long-Range Shooters: While usable at longer ranges with a scope, its accuracy may be limited compared to rifles designed for precision shooting at greater distances.
Conclusion: A Solid Value for the Price
The Mossberg Plinkster 702 offers remarkable value for its price point. It’s a reliable, easy-to-use, and affordable .22 LR rimfire rifle that’s perfect for beginners, casual shooters, and budget-minded enthusiasts. While it lacks some of the advanced features of more expensive models, its simplicity, reliability, and accuracy make it a strong contender in its class. If you're looking for an entry-level .22 LR rifle or a solid backup gun, the Mossberg Plinkster 702 deserves serious consideration.