Mossberg MVP FLEX and Patrol rifles-video

The MVP FLEX Scoped Combo rifle

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.

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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