Mossberg has introduced the MVP FLEX and MVP Patrol rifles at SHOT Show this year.  These MVP offerings are a more tactical version of the previously released MVP Varmint and Predator models.  The MVP FLEX and Patrol are chambered in 5.56mm/.223 caliber.  The MVP FLEX and Patrol versions also have a patent-pending drop-push bolt design that is the “first of its kind” bolt-action rifle that accepts standard AR-15 magazines.

The MVP FLEX with its companion 10-round AR magazine.

The FLEX and Patrol rifles come standard with a Picatinny mounting rail on the receiver, and (2) optional scope combination packages.  The bolt is spirally fluted, and comes with the patented LBA adjustable trigger.  The MVP FLEX rifles, including the Youth Rifle, also have a fluted barrel, however the MVP Patrol versions do not.  I’m not sure why Mossberg did that, but I wish they had offered the Patrol version with a fluted barrel option as well.

The MVP FLEX and Patrol fluted bolt and 3-9x32mm scope.

The LBA trigger is like the Accu-trigger system where there is a first stage trigger (Mossberg calls it a blade) that must be depressed to the point of the second stage trigger to complete the firing motion.  The first stage acts as a safety until depressed, much like similar triggers.  The Mossberg LBA trigger has a lightning bolt cut on the blade, and the trigger weight is adjustable from 2-7 pounds.

The LBA Adjustable trigger.

In addition the FLEX rifles have the patented TLS tool-less locking system for the versions with the adjustable stocks.  This system allows the shooter to lift the manual locking mechanism and literally change stocks in a matter of seconds.

In a tactical market that is dominated by the AR-15 or other semi-auto rifle platforms, the MVP may not have much traction to gain a footing.  However, for those who are fans of the Jeff Cooper “Scout Rifle” concept, the MVP FLEX and Patrol series  might fit nicely into that concept.  Although some combinations are not chambered in a .30 caliber cartridge, the MVP rifles offer several of Cooper’s recommendations for a light-weight bolt gun.  Some shooters may even prefer the lighter recoil of a 5.56mm cartridge through such a short, lightweight rifle as well.

One serious consideration, however, is that the collapsible stock versions (with pistol grips) have the same safety lever as the fixed stock rifles.  The safety is a slide lever to the right of the bolt, just behind the bolt lever when closed.  This may present a reach problem for shooters who are holding the rifle with the pistol grip and need to take the safety off quickly to shoot.  In that situation, the shooter will likely have to break their hold to release the safety – not good.

The MVP comes in (6) different model variations with slightly different features, and mention in the Mossberg literature of a .300 AAC Blackout version as well (7.62x35mm):

MVP FLEX

• 18.5” fluted medium bull barrel with 11-degree tapered crown
• FLEX 6-position adjustable tactical stock with TLS system
• Threaded barrel with removable A2 flash suppressor
• Optional 3-9x32mm variable scoped combination with illuminated reticle
• The scoped combination version does not have a threaded barrel.
• Twist – 1:9
• Matte blue barrel and receiver finish
• Black synthetic chassis
• Comes with 10-round magazine
• MSRP for FLEX scope combo – $1098
• MSRP for FLEX with A2 flash suppressor – $949

Another view of the MVP FLEX with scope combination and fluted barrel.

The MVP FLEX without scope, and A2 flash suppressor.

MVP PATROL

• 16.25” threaded medium bull barrel (not fluted or threaded)
• Non-adjustable black synthetic rifle stock
• Adjustable rear rifle sight, with fiber optic front sight
• Matte blue barrel and receiver finish
• Comes with 10-round magazine
• Optional 3-9x32mm variable scope combination with illuminated reticle
• MSRP – $829 (scoped version will be slightly higher)

The MVP Patrol has a fixed rifle stock. This is the Scoped option.

MVP YOUTH

• 20” fluted Sporter barrel with recessed crown
• Non-adjustable black synthetic stock
• 12.5” length of pull
• Standard MVP features
• MSRP – $928

The Youth rifle has a fixed stock, no optics, and the 20″ fluted Sporter barrel.

MVP PATROL 7.62 NATO (.308 Win.)

• Due out summer 2013
• Twist – 1:10
• Standard MVP features
• Comination scope option, 3-9x32mm variable with illuminated reticle
• Rifle sights – adjustable rear with fiber optic front site
• MSRP – TBA