Well, at least someone’s bought into the NSSF’s Modern Sporting Rifle rebranding campaign. Mossberg’s just let the world know that, as a follow-on to their Tactical .22 plinker, they’ve now jumped all the way into the crowded AR market with both feet with the introduction of their new MMR platform. That’s Mossberg Modern Rifle for those of you having trouble getting the synapses to fire this early on a Monday morning. As you’d expect from a Mossy, the MMR will be a value-priced entry offered in a variety of configurations…
Though referred to as the “modern rifle”, the AR-15 semi-automatic rifle has been deployed with military personnel and law enforcement agencies for decades; and more recently, this very adaptable and versatile platform has become popular with recreational shooters and hunters alike. Mossberg is pleased to offer MMR Tactical rifles configured with the components most highly desired by competitive shooters and tactical operators. The initial offerings of the MMR Tactical rifles will be chambered in 5.56mm NATO (.223 Rem).
Designed to support both sport shooting and tactical applications, the MMR will meet your needs. Chambered in 5.56mm NATO (.223 Rem) the Tactical versions come with a durable black phosphate/anodized finish and feature a 16.25 inch free-floating barrel with removable A2-style muzzlebrake; aluminum Picatinny quad-rail forend with vents for maximum cooling; receiver-mounted integral Picatinny rail; and standard dust cover. Options include 6-position adjustable or fixed stock which allows for up to 4 inches of LOP adjustment; available with or without removable Picatinny-mounted front sight (adjustable for elevation) and rear sight (adjustable for windage and elevation); and choice of 10-round or 30-round magazine. MMR Tactical rifles accept most higher-capacity AR-15 style magazines.
- Direct-impingement gas system for reliable, smooth operation
- Increased accuracy with free floating, 16.25” button rifled barrels; 1:9 twist
- Aluminum Picatinny quad-rail forend with vents for maximum cooling
- A2 style muzzlebrake
- Durable black phosphate/anodized finishes
- Stark® SE-1 Grip offers positive grip and less shooter fatigue
- Oversized charging handle for quick, ambidextrous engagement
- 30 or 10 round magazine options; accepts most higher capacity AR-15 style magazines
- Machined aluminum receiver with integral Picatinny rail for ease of mounting optics with Weaver style rings, standard dust cover
- Available with or without removable Picatinny-mounted front sight (adjusted for elevation) and rear sight (adjustable for windage and elevation)
- Options also include fixed stock or 6-position adjustable, which allows for up to 4 inches of LOP adjustment
MSRPs are right around $900, meaning you’ll be able to pick one up for about seven bills at your friendly neighborhood retailer. Assuming the usual Mossberg build quality and reliability, the MMR will be another good entry-level, um, modern rifle option. As always, full review to follow once we get one.
Looking forward to review of this “Modern Rifle”.
Everyone wants a piece of the AR-15 market it seems. I think it’s getting a little out of hand to be honest. AR-15s and 1911s.. when will it stop?
Also, where is the forward assist? Where’s the benefit in not having one?
Seems to be a direct competitor to the Smith M&P15 Sport. But Mossy throws in the dust cover.
A cousin of mine was close to buying one of those last trip to the range when they were on sale, but they sold out like crazy.
Me, I’m happy enough with my DPMS.
Why would we want it to stop? Increased choices, increased market options, these mean increased pressure on manufacturers to refine their products to maintain/increase their market share. Unsuccessful designs/variations will fall out of the market while innovators have a greater incentive to explore. Benefits abound.
JSG
I’m really not sure what else you can DO to the platform. It’s got more mods available than a ’98 Honda Civic. What more can you do to an already ridiculously versatile firearm?
Unless it’s going to force prices down, which I’m not seeing any of, I think it’s just more of the same thing. Copy it enough, it loses flavor..
With this platform manufacturers may be hard pressed to find significant new changes, which is where the competition keeps the pressure on to refine and maintain quality. And while the firearm price may not drift down significantly, the accessories market feeds off of the widening availability and aftermarket suppliers are tempted in, so we have seen some incremental innovation there and some lower price-point options. Some of those accessories are cross-platform compatible, optics in particular, so the benefits reach outside the niche market. In addition, the materials science research can be utilized by anyone in other applications.
I’ll admit, I find it hard to get terribly excited by another AR/1911 variation, and I like and own both firearms. But I am excited about a competitive accessories market, and am thrilled to see more manufacturers trying new lines to grab a chunk of different markets. To me, that signals a robust and revitalizing firearms market, and there are our abounding benefits.
I, in particular, like the proliferation of .22 conversion and .22 full platform in both AR and 1911, and the cross platform benefit for me…I can now buy a .22 upper for my Glock 26 or 30! I LIKE it.
JSG
No forward assist = no deal. I’ve needed the FA enough times to know that I won’t buy an AR without one.
Word.
Recently I saw on one of the shooting shows, the host claiming that you don’t need a forward assist. His reasoning was, that is why there is that little recess in the bolt, so you can just push it forward to seat the round. I wonder how long it would take for your thumb or finger to look like ET’s glowing finger, after pushing the bolt in (which gets very hot after just a few rounds) by using the recess? I’ll take the forward assist!
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