Mossberg Patriot Predator .400 Legend Review: A Great-Looking Deer Rifle With Plenty of Potential
By Jared Sturtevant | Mud Lake Ranch
When a new hunting cartridge hits the market, I'm always interested in seeing what manufacturers do with it. The .400 Legend is one of those cartridges that caught my attention, and when I got the opportunity to test the Mossberg Patriot Predator chambered in .400 Legend, I was excited to see what this rifle could do.
The Mossberg Patriot Predator combines a straight-wall hunting cartridge with a bolt-action platform, a weather-resistant Cerakote finish, and a synthetic stock dressed in TrueTimber Strata camouflage. On paper, it's a practical hunting rifle, and after spending time with it at the range, I came away impressed with its potential.
We did run into an unfortunate problem during testing: the Alpen Optics Kodiak scope we mounted on the rifle suffered a reticle failure before we could finish shooting. That put a damper on the range session, but it didn't erase what I saw from the rifle itself.
So let's take a closer look at the Mossberg Patriot Predator .400 Legend, what I liked, what I'd change, and how I scored it for practicality, accuracy, and coolness.
Watch the Full Video Review
Watch the full Mud Lake Ranch review below to see the rifle, hear my impressions, and follow along with the range testing.
Watch the review
Mossberg Patriot Predator .400 Legend: Specifications
The rifle reviewed here is Mossberg's Patriot Predator Cerakote/Strata Camo, model 28256.
Feature | Specification |
Manufacturer | Mossberg |
Model | Patriot Predator |
Model number | 28256 |
Chambering | .400 Legend |
Action | Bolt action |
Barrel length | 20 inches |
Barrel finish | Patriot Brown Cerakote |
Stock | Synthetic TrueTimber Strata camouflage |
Length of pull | 13.75 inches |
Trigger | Adjustable Lightning Bolt Action trigger |
Trigger adjustment range | 2–7 pounds |
Optics mounting | Picatinny rail |
Magazine | Detachable box magazine |
Magazine capacity | 4+1, according to Mossberg |
Muzzle | Threaded |
Overall length | 40.25 inches |
Weight | Approximately 6.5 pounds |
Specifications are based on Mossberg's published listing for model 28256. The scope and bipod discussed below were additions to the rifle, not included features.
First Impressions: Strata Camo and Patriot Brown Cerakote
Let's start with the appearance, because this rifle looks good.
The synthetic stock is finished in TrueTimber Strata camouflage, and the barrel, receiver, and bolt wear Mossberg's Patriot Brown Cerakote finish. I particularly like the way the camouflage and brown metal finish work together.
The Cerakote treatment isn't just about looks. It's intended to provide additional protection against wear and corrosion, which is useful for a hunting rifle that may spend time in rain, snow, and damp brush. Of course, no finish eliminates the need to clean and maintain your firearm.
The spiral cuts in the bolt are Cerakoted as well. That's a small detail, but it makes the overall package look cohesive.
I also like that Mossberg has gone with a synthetic stock. For a working hunting rifle, synthetic construction is a practical choice, especially if you're regularly hunting in less-than-ideal weather.
[Photo suggestion: Use a still from the video showing the full rifle, with the Strata camouflage and Patriot Brown Cerakote clearly visible.]
The Barrel and Overall Design
The Patriot Predator comes with a 20-inch barrel and a threaded muzzle. Mossberg lists an 11-degree match crown, and the barrel is paired with a Picatinny rail for mounting an optic.
I like that the rail is already installed. It saves you an additional step when setting up the rifle, assuming your chosen optic and rings are compatible.
The threaded barrel is another useful feature. It gives you the option of adding a compatible muzzle device, subject to applicable laws and regulations.
During my range session, I used a Magpul bipod attached to the front sling stud. This is an accessory I like because it can be moved between rifles equipped with compatible sling studs. The bipod was my addition to the rifle, not something included with the Mossberg.
The rifle also has conventional sling studs at the front and rear, so you can set it up with a sling for carrying in the field.
Overall, Mossberg has included several practical features without making this rifle unnecessarily complicated.
The Bolt, Safety, and Magazine
The bolt has an interesting spiral-fluted appearance, and I appreciate that Mossberg carried the Patriot Brown Cerakote finish across the bolt and receiver.
One observation from handling the rifle is that the bolt has some noticeable play toward the rear of its travel. It doesn't feel like a precision-fit action in that respect. However, I didn't find that the play prevented the action from locking up properly, and the rifle functioned during my range session.
That's an observation about fit and feel, rather than proof of a problem with the rifle's performance.
The safety is a two-position design, and I like the visible red indicator that helps show when the safety is disengaged. As always, the indicator is not a substitute for safe handling practices or verifying the firearm's condition.
The detachable Mossberg box magazine is made of plastic. It loaded reasonably easily during my inspection, and the cartridges fit securely.
My one criticism is that I didn't see a caliber marking on the magazine. If you own multiple rifles or keep spare magazines separately, a clearly marked magazine can be useful. I'd recommend identifying spare magazines so you can readily distinguish compatible equipment.
The Adjustable Trigger Was a Highlight
One of my favorite features of the Patriot Predator is its user-adjustable Lightning Bolt Action trigger.
Mossberg lists an adjustment range of 2 to 7 pounds, allowing owners to tailor the pull to their preferences within the manufacturer's specifications.
Before testing it, I guessed the trigger might be set around 2.6 or 2.7 pounds. I then used a trigger gauge to measure it.
My four recorded readings were:
2 pounds, 4.5 ounces
2 pounds, 3.5 ounces
2 pounds, 5.1 ounces
1 pound, 15.9 ounces
That works out to an average of approximately 2 pounds, 3.2 ounces.
That's a light trigger pull right out of the box, and it was one of the features I appreciated most about this rifle. A predictable trigger can help a shooter make consistent shots, although it doesn't compensate for poor technique or eliminate the need for practice.
The fact that the trigger is adjustable also gives owners flexibility if they prefer a heavier pull.
[Photo suggestion: Use a still showing the trigger area or the trigger-pull measurement from the video.]
Range Testing the Mossberg Patriot Predator .400 Legend
For the range portion, I used 210-grain Remington Core-Lokt ammunition in .400 Legend.
We started at 30 yards to get the rifle initially dialed in, then moved to 100-yard testing. Conditions weren't ideal. The wind was strong and variable, the weather turned overcast, and rain began during the session.
Those conditions, along with shooter fatigue and the limitations of the optic setup, made for a less consistent range day than I'd hoped.
Early groups required adjustment, but as the session progressed, I started getting results that were much more encouraging. At one point, I recorded three consecutive shots that were within roughly half an inch of one another.
That's an encouraging result from the rifle, although a single tight group doesn't establish the rifle's overall accuracy, and it shouldn't be treated as a guarantee of what every shooter or ammunition load will achieve.
Other groups were less consistent. I had shots that landed low or to the side, and I had to account for the changing conditions and my own shooting performance. As I said in the video, I'm not going to blame every poor group on the rifle.
The important takeaway is that the Patriot Predator showed some real accuracy potential during the session. I saw enough encouraging results to want to test it again under better conditions, with a reliable optic and a more controlled shooting setup.
The Scope Failure That Cut Our Testing Short
Unfortunately, the optic became the biggest problem of the day.
For this review, I mounted an Alpen Optics Kodiak 4–16×44 riflescope. The magnification range seemed like a reasonable match for the .400 Legend and the distances I wanted to test. Shop scopes at Optics Planet: https://alnk.to/faGs6cj
The scope rings supplied with the optic were on the tall side for my preference. I could establish a usable cheek weld, but I'd have preferred a lower mounting arrangement and a slightly higher cheek position on the stock to make the setup more comfortable.
Then, during the range session, the reticle rotated. The crosshairs were no longer aligned correctly, making the scope unusable.
The failure happened after fewer than 30 rounds, and I stopped shooting rather than waste additional ammunition or continue testing with an optic that was no longer functioning correctly.
This was my first experience with Alpen Optics, so I can't say whether the failure was specific to this scope or representative of the brand. I wouldn't draw a broad conclusion from a single sample, but the failure was disappointing, particularly after spending so much time getting the rifle sighted in.
It also meant I couldn't complete the additional testing I'd planned.
Because the optic failed, the final accuracy results need to be viewed in that context. The scope issue doesn't prove the rifle was inaccurate, just as the best group doesn't establish a definitive accuracy standard for every rifle in this model.
I'd like to revisit the rifle with a different, proven optic before making any stronger claims about its capabilities.
How Does the .400 Legend Handle?
The .400 Legend is a straight-wall rifle cartridge that has attracted interest from deer hunters, particularly in states and hunting zones where straight-wall cartridges are permitted or required.
The cartridge's appeal is its combination of a larger-diameter projectile and a hunting-oriented design. The practical distances at which you should use it depend on the specific ammunition, firearm, bullet performance, shooter proficiency, and hunting conditions.
During my session, recoil from the Patriot Predator was manageable. I didn't feel the rifle needed a muzzle brake to be comfortable for the shooting I was doing.
My subjective comparison was that recoil felt somewhat greater than a .350 Legend and less than a .450 Bushmaster in comparable hunting-rifle contexts. Actual recoil varies with rifle weight, ammunition, and stock fit, so that's a personal observation rather than a universal measurement.
For hunters considering the .400 Legend, I would put ammunition availability and local regulations near the top of the shopping checklist. The cartridge may be a good fit for certain hunting applications, but you need to confirm that it is legal for your specific season and location.
Stock Design and Comfort
I like the Strata camouflage stock, and the overall design suits the rifle's intended role.
The length of pull is 13.75 inches, according to Mossberg. During my testing, I would have preferred a slightly higher cheek position, especially with the taller scope rings I used.
Stock fit matters. If your eye doesn't naturally align with the optic, it can be harder to maintain a comfortable, consistent shooting position. Different rings or a compatible cheek rest may help, depending on the final setup.
The recoil pad has a soft, perforated design. It did a reasonable job during my session, and I didn't find recoil particularly troublesome. I do wonder how the pad will hold up over long-term use, but I can't make a durability judgment based on one review session.
The trigger guard is plastic, and the magazine is fairly plain. Those aren't major functional issues for me, but they are reminders that the Patriot Predator is a practical hunting rifle rather than a premium custom build.
What Other Patriot Predator Reviews Tell Us
Reviews of other Mossberg Patriot Predator chamberings have highlighted several of the same design themes I noticed: the rifle's relatively light weight, useful factory features, synthetic stock options, threaded barrel, and adjustable trigger.
Those observations provide useful context for the broader Patriot Predator platform, but it's important to distinguish them from direct testing of the .400 Legend version.
A review of a different chambering may involve a different ammunition load, recoil characteristics, barrel configuration, or testing method. Accuracy results from a 6.5 PRC or .308 Winchester model shouldn't be transferred directly to the .400 Legend.
For my review, the meaningful evidence is what I observed with this specific rifle: the trigger measured around 2 pounds, 3.2 ounces on average, the action functioned during the session, recoil was manageable for me, and some of the range groups showed encouraging accuracy potential before the scope failed.
For readers comparing rifles, I'd use other reviews to identify features and potential trade-offs, then look for testing that matches the exact chambering you're considering.
My Three-Part Score: Practicality, Accuracy, and Coolness
At Mud Lake Ranch, I like to evaluate firearms using three categories: practicality, accuracy, and coolness factor. That gives us a way to consider not just how a gun looks, but how useful it is and how it performed during the review.
<PRIVATE_PERSON>### Practicality: 8.3/10
The Patriot Predator scores well for its hunting-focused feature set. It has an adjustable trigger, a factory-installed Picatinny rail, a threaded barrel, a synthetic stock, and a Cerakote finish.
The .400 Legend is also an interesting chambering for hunters in areas where straight-wall cartridges are permitted or required.
My main reservation is ammunition availability. Depending on where you live, .400 Legend may not be as easy to find on every store shelf as more established cartridges. That's something I'd investigate before buying.
I also would have liked the option of fitting open sights without additional work. This model is configured around an optic rail, so hunters who specifically want conventional open sights should investigate compatibility before purchasing.
My score: 8.3/10
Accuracy: 8.8/10
The accuracy results were mixed, but I saw enough promising performance to be optimistic.
Some groups were loose, while others tightened considerably. The strongest part of the session included three shots grouped within approximately half an inch of one another. Later groups were less consistent, and the scope failure prevented further testing.
Wind, fatigue, stock fit, scope height, and the failed optic all complicated the session. I can't isolate the effect of each factor, and I don't want to overstate what the results prove.
Even so, the rifle showed flashes of very good accuracy potential with the ammunition I tested.
I'd like to repeat the testing with a dependable optic, consistent support, and more controlled conditions before making a definitive judgment.
My score: 8.8/10
Coolness Factor: 8.6/10
This is where the Patriot Predator really stands out for me visually.
I love the TrueTimber Strata camouflage, and the Patriot Brown Cerakote finish looks excellent alongside it. The matching finish on the barrel, receiver, and bolt makes the rifle look cohesive, and the factory-installed rail adds to the purposeful appearance.
The adjustable trigger is another nice feature, even if it doesn't necessarily make the rifle look more exciting. The plain plastic magazine and conventional bolt-action layout are less distinctive, but they fit the rifle's practical character.
The finish, stock, and .400 Legend chambering are my favorite parts of the package.
My score: 8.6/10
Final Verdict: A Promising Deer Rifle That Deserves More Range Time
The Mossberg Patriot Predator in .400 Legend made a good impression on me.
I like the Strata camo stock, the Patriot Brown Cerakote finish, the adjustable trigger, the factory-installed Picatinny rail, and the threaded barrel. The rifle handled well during my range session, and I saw encouraging accuracy from it with 210-grain Remington Core-Lokt ammunition.
The scope failure was a frustrating complication, and it prevented me from completing the testing I'd planned. I also have a few preferences regarding the stock's cheek height, the scope mounting arrangement, and the magazine's lack of visible caliber markings.
Those criticisms don't outweigh the features I liked, but they are worth considering when deciding whether this rifle is right for you.
If you're looking for a bolt-action rifle chambered in .400 Legend, the Mossberg Patriot Predator deserves a place on your comparison list. Just make sure the cartridge meets your local hunting regulations, confirm ammunition availability, and plan on testing the rifle with a reliable optic and suitable factory ammunition.
I'd like to get this rifle back out with a replacement scope and spend more time evaluating its accuracy. Based on what I saw, there's enough potential here to justify another range session.
Have you used the Mossberg Patriot Predator, or are you considering a rifle in .400 Legend? Let me know in the comments.
Thanks for watching and reading, and I'll see you in the next review here at Mud Lake Ranch.
— Jared SturtevantMud Lake Ranch
Products shown in this video
LongShot long-range video camera system: https://amzn.to/4wFKuwd .
Magpul sling stud mounted bipod
Caldwell Flash Bang Target Hit Indicator: https://amzn.to/3SaRWk6
My Earpro is Otis Technology Earshield Ranger Electronic Pro https://amzn.to/4z0rRow or on Otis Website use code MLRANCH15 for 15% off Otis products
My Eyepro is Wiley X Founder Shatterproof: https://amzn.to/4wMGDxM
Remington Core Lokt https://alnk.to/gKVgVAP
Paper Targets by Optics Planet: https://alnk.to/faG20vD
Rifle provided to the channel for review by Mossberg Steel Targets by Double Tap Industries Scope provided by Alpen Optics - Alpen is sending a replacement scope for the one that failed in this video. Optics Planet use code MLR7 for 7% off Hat by Brownells Flannel by Dixxon Flannl Co *as an Amazon Associate and mentioned brand(s) Affiliate I may earn commission from qualifying purchases attributed to this link
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