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Tactical 22s: A New Class of Rifles

 (15 Photos)

Mimicking guns such as the AR-15, HK MP5 and SIG 550, tactical look-alikes in .22 LR are more common than ever. From the article "Tactical .22s"

  • Ruger SR-22
  • Remington 597 VTR
  • SIG Sauer 522 Classic
  • ATI GSG-522
  • Colt Tactical Rimfire
  • HK 416 D145RS
  • Smith & Wesson M&P15-22
  • Mossberg 702 Tactical Plinkster
  • GSG-522 Safety
  • GSG-522 Charging Handle
  • Handle Storage
  • Umarex Magazine
  • Aesthetic Appeal
  • S&W Magazine
  • SIG Magazine
Mossberg 702 Tactical Plinkster
Posted by: Hannele Lahti

Mossberg 702 Tactical Plinkster

It’s inexpensive, it takes some getting used to, and despite some early misgivings the Tactical Plinkster worked surprisingly well. There were no stoppages or malfunctions, and even with its bottom-rung accuracy it held a decent average of 2.25 inches. Also, the trigger broke cleaner than those on a number of the higher-end guns. With a price of only $276 it’s well-under half the cost of some of the other guns reviewed here. So from an economical standpoint, the Mossberg has a rightful place in the line-up: It’s something well-suited for the discretionary spenders who want a gun that simply functions reliably.

The action is based on that of the standard 702, but the gun is essentially all plastic. And by “essentially,” this means besides the barrel, the trigger housing, the bolt, the safety and some Phillips-head screws, it was a challenge to find anything metallic. Even the rear peep sight and sight adjustment screws are polymer. This is also true for the carry handle, the faux charging handle, the receiver and the pistol grip, all of which are one-piece. The six-position buttstock is locked into the equivalent of a receiver extension, and a fixed-stock version is available. A hole in the carry handle allows the attachment of a rail or scope.

The only controls are the charging handle, the safety and the unusual magazine release. After firing the last round, one must pull the charging handle, depress the magazine release lever and pull the magazine downward to remove it from the gun. Again, it takes some getting used to, but it works. The 10-round magazine itself is made of steel, and a 25-round version is planned.

Manufacturer: O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.; (203) 230-5300; www.mossberg.com
Receiver: one-piece polymer upper and lower
Barrel: 18"
Rifling: seven-groove, 1:16" RH twist
Magazine: 10-round detachable box
Sights: A2-style rear aperture and front sight post
Trigger Pull: 5 lbs., 8 ozs.
Stock: black synthetic; six-position collapsible: length of pull, 103⁄4"–141⁄2"; drop at heel, 1½"; drop at comb, 1½"
Overall Length: 35½", 33¼-"–37"
Weight: 5 lbs., 2 ozs.
Accessories: owner’s manual, top rail
Suggested Retail Price: $276

  • Dustin

    4/11/2013 3:29:16 PM

    If you just bought this gun make sure to clean it right after taking it out of box. Or you will have issues with mis-firing.

  • Steve

    1/11/2012 2:56:16 AM

    I've had mine for six months and put lots of rounds down range without any trouble. Reasonably accurate. 25-round mags are crap, however, a pain to load.

  • Scott larson

    9/27/2011 8:17:13 PM

    You should have made it a 22 magnum.

  • Dana

    7/24/2011 12:53:00 PM

    Is there any chance Mossberg might consider setting up this platform in .22Mag? That would allow a little more range, without a big increase in cost of ammo for practice.

  • Kevin

    5/3/2011 9:12:25 PM

    Out of the box, even though it's mostly polymer, it felt rather sturdy and sound. I took it to the range a few days after buying it and used Winchester 22LR 36 grain HP rounds. I estimate I shot about 250-300 rounds and had no failure to feeds or fire. Accuracy was not great, but in the guns defense it hadn't been sighted in yet, plan to purchase a little scope and see how things turn out. All in all, I have no real complaints about the firearm. It performed with out even a hiccup. I do have to admit taking it all apart and unscrewing is a bit of a headache but it's not impossible. I also did use CCI 22LR rounds (higher muzzle velocity...also more expensive) and these were fed and fired with out any problems as well. For the price, not a bad gun at all.

  • SteveKJR

    4/16/2011 7:35:58 PM

    The magazine can be released by pulling back the charging handle and locking it in place. The charging handle is depressed when fully rearward. This will lock it in place exposing the chamber. You can then release the magazine without any problem.

  • mike kronewitter

    3/31/2011 2:33:53 PM

    i have had ths gun for two months and waited for two months for the weather to get warmer. after going out two days in a row all i had was trouble. would not feed.at the most i could fire three rounds and it would hang up. I would not recommend this rifle to anyone. i tried two different types of 22lr and that did not help. sorry i ever bought this rifle.