# The Ultimate Guide to the Mossberg Patriot .338 Win Mag Bolt-Action Rifle: Power, Precision, and Performance

Are you an experienced hunter seeking a powerful, reliable, and accurate rifle capable of taking down the largest North American game, or even formidable African plains animals? Do you need a firearm that delivers exceptional stopping power and long-range precision without breaking the bank? If your hunting grounds include vast open plains or dense forests where a clean, ethical harvest requires significant knockdown energy, then the Mossberg Patriot 28136 in .338 Winchester Magnum is engineered precisely for your needs. This rifle isn't just a tool; it's a meticulously crafted instrument designed to empower hunters to confidently pursue elk, moose, grizzly bear, and other big game, ensuring a humane and effective outcome with every shot.

This comprehensive guide delves deep into what makes the Mossberg Patriot .338 Win Mag a standout choice for serious big-game hunters and long-range shooting enthusiasts, addressing common questions like:

• "What is the best rifle for hunting elk or moose?"
• "How do I choose a powerful rifle that is still accurate at long distances?"
• "What are the benefits of a .338 Winchester Magnum for big game?"
• "How can I manage recoil from a high-power hunting rifle effectively?"
• "Which features are most important for a durable and precise bolt-action rifle?"

Unpacking the Powerhouse: The .338 Winchester Magnum Caliber

At the heart of the Mossberg Patriot 28136 lies its chambering in the formidable .338 Winchester Magnum. Often considered the quintessential North American big-game cartridge, the .338 Win Mag is renowned for its incredible kinetic energy and impressive trajectory. It strikes a balance between the lighter "magnum" calibers and the truly heavy-hitting "safari" cartridges, offering a versatile platform for a wide array of hunting scenarios.

Why choose the .338 Winchester Magnum?

• Superior Knockdown Power: The .338 Win Mag delivers immense energy transfer, crucial for ensuring quick and humane kills on large, tough-skinned animals. Its heavy bullet weights (typically 200-250 grains) coupled with high velocities create a devastating impact that minimizes tracking time and reduces the risk of wounded game.
• Excellent Penetration: For game with thick hides and heavy bone structures, penetration is key. The robust construction of .338 caliber bullets, combined with their substantial mass, ensures deep penetration through muscle, bone, and vital organs, even from challenging angles.
• Effective at Extended Ranges: While primarily a hunting cartridge, the .338 Win Mag offers a relatively flat trajectory out to considerable distances, making it suitable for shots across open fields or mountain valleys where game might be further away. When paired with the Mossberg Patriot's inherent accuracy, this cartridge allows for confident shot placement at ranges where lesser calibers might struggle.
• Versatility: Beyond North America, the .338 Win Mag is a favorite for hunting African plains game, including large antelope, wildebeest, and even leopard. Its versatility makes it a globe-trotting cartridge for the adventurous hunter.

When you're facing down a trophy bull elk or an Alaskan grizzly, the confidence that comes from wielding a rifle chambered in .338 Win Mag is immeasurable. The Mossberg Patriot makes this power accessible and manageable.

The Mossberg Patriot Series: A Legacy of Value and Performance

The Mossberg Patriot series has quickly earned a reputation for delivering exceptional value without compromising on critical performance features. Mossberg, a name synonymous with reliable firearms for generations, has engineered the Patriot line to meet the demands of modern hunters who require precision, durability, and ergonomic comfort in the field.

What sets the Mossberg Patriot apart?

• Legendary LBA™ Adjustable Trigger: A crisp, user-adjustable trigger pull is paramount for accuracy. The Patriot series incorporates Mossberg’s patented Lightning Bolt Action™ (LBA) Adjustable Trigger, allowing shooters to customize the pull weight from 2 to 7 pounds. This adjustability ensures a clean break, minimizing shooter-induced errors and maximizing precision. For a hunter making a crucial shot, a predictable trigger can mean the difference between a miss and a successful harvest.
• Smooth Bolt Action: The rifle features a fluted bolt with a spiral design, ensuring smooth and effortless cycling. This quick and reliable action is critical for follow-up shots in fast-paced hunting scenarios, particularly when facing dangerous game.
• Floating Bolt Head Design: This feature enhances lock-up and contributes to the rifle’s overall accuracy potential by ensuring consistent cartridge seating.
• Free-Floating Barrel: All Mossberg Patriot rifles boast a free-floating barrel. This design ensures that the barrel does not touch the stock along its length, preventing any undue pressure points that could negatively impact barrel harmonics and, consequently, accuracy. This precision engineering is a cornerstone of the Patriot's ability to consistently group shots tightly.

These core design principles underscore Mossberg's commitment to providing hunters with a rifle that performs reliably and accurately when it matters most.

Spotlight on the Mossberg Patriot 28136: Key Features for the Discerning Hunter

The Mossberg Patriot 28136 is a meticulously designed rifle, incorporating specific features that enhance its performance and durability in challenging environments.

1. 24-Inch Fluted Barrel for Enhanced Accuracy and Control

The 24-inch barrel length is an optimal choice for the .338 Win Mag. It provides sufficient length for the cartridge to achieve its full ballistic potential, ensuring maximum velocity and energy at the muzzle. The fluting on the barrel serves several critical functions:

• Reduced Weight: Fluting removes material from the barrel, making the rifle lighter without significantly compromising rigidity. This is a noticeable benefit during long treks in rugged terrain.
• Increased Surface Area for Cooling: The flutes increase the barrel's surface area, allowing for more efficient heat dissipation. This is particularly useful during extended shooting sessions or when rapid follow-up shots are required, helping to maintain barrel accuracy by reducing heat-induced stringing.
• Enhanced Rigidity: While counter-intuitive, fluting can actually increase the stiffness-to-weight ratio, contributing to consistent harmonics and improved accuracy.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Beyond function, the fluted barrel provides a distinct, high-performance look to the rifle.

2. Black Stainless Cerakote Finish: Unmatched Durability and Corrosion Resistance

The entire barrel and receiver of the Mossberg Patriot 28136 are finished with a robust Black Stainless Cerakote coating. Cerakote is a polymer-ceramic composite coating known for its exceptional properties:

• Superior Corrosion Protection: In harsh hunting environments—be it rain, snow, or humid conditions—corrosion is a constant threat to firearms. Cerakote provides a formidable barrier against rust and oxidation, extending the rifle's lifespan and maintaining its appearance.
• Excellent Abrasion Resistance: This finish is highly resistant to scratches, scuffs, and general wear and tear that can occur when a rifle is carried through dense brush or across rocky terrain. It keeps your rifle looking newer, longer.
• Chemical Resistance: Cerakote resists many common cleaning solvents and chemicals, simplifying maintenance.
• Low Glare: The matte black finish reduces glare, which is critical for hunters who need to remain undetected by game.

This level of finish is typically found on much more expensive firearms, highlighting the Mossberg Patriot's commitment to delivering premium features at an accessible price point.

3. 3+1 Capacity and Reliable Bolt Action

The Mossberg Patriot 28136 features a 3+1 capacity, meaning it holds three rounds in its detachable box magazine and one in the chamber. This provides ample firepower for most big-game hunting scenarios. The rifle utilizes a right-hand bolt action, favored by the vast majority of shooters for its intuitive operation and inherent mechanical reliability. Bolt-action rifles are celebrated for their simplicity, robust construction, and legendary accuracy, making them the preferred choice for serious hunters worldwide.

4. Ergonomic Synthetic Stock with Recoil Pad

While the provided description doesn't explicitly detail the stock, Mossberg Patriot rifles typically feature an ergonomic synthetic stock. This type of stock offers several advantages:

• Weather Resistance: Unlike wood, synthetic stocks are impervious to changes in humidity and temperature, maintaining their integrity and point of impact regardless of weather conditions.
• Durability: Synthetic materials are highly resistant to dings, scratches, and impacts, making them ideal for rugged outdoor use.
• Lightweight: Contributing to the overall manageability of the rifle, synthetic stocks help keep the weight down for easier carrying.

Crucially, given the potent recoil of the .338 Win Mag, an effective recoil pad is a standard feature on Patriot rifles chambered in this caliber. This pad significantly mitigates felt recoil, making extended shooting sessions more comfortable and allowing hunters to focus on shot placement rather than anticipating discomfort.

Real-World Applications: Where the Mossberg Patriot .338 Win Mag Shines

The Mossberg Patriot 28136 isn't just a collection of impressive specifications; it's a proven performer in diverse hunting scenarios where significant power and precision are non-negotiable.

Consider these real-world use cases:

• Hunting North American Giants: Imagine yourself on a crisp autumn morning, spotting a massive bull elk across a vast meadow in the Rocky Mountains. The .338 Win Mag is perfectly suited for such an encounter, delivering the energy needed for a clean, ethical harvest, even at longer distances. Similarly, for hunting moose in the dense forests of Maine or the remote wilderness of Alaska, the stopping power of this rifle provides unmatched confidence.
• Dangerous Game Encounters: While not a dedicated "safari" rifle, the .338 Win Mag is a common choice for hunters pursuing large bears, including grizzly and brown bears, where immediate incapacitation is paramount for safety. Its ability to penetrate heavy bone and muscle ensures that even an aggressive charge can be stopped.
• African Plains Game: For hunters venturing to Africa, the .338 Win Mag is a highly recommended caliber for a wide array of plains game species, from Kudu and Oryx to Eland and Wildebeest. Its versatility makes it an excellent single-rifle choice for a plains game safari.
• Long-Range Precision Shooting: While its primary role is hunting, the inherent accuracy of the Patriot platform combined with the ballistic capabilities of the .338 Win Mag allows for rewarding long-range target shooting practice, honing your skills for that critical moment in the field.

This rifle answers the question: "What rifle offers dependable accuracy and overwhelming power for the most demanding hunts?"

Maximizing Your Investment: Tips for Mossberg Patriot Owners

To ensure your Mossberg Patriot 28136 performs optimally for years to come, consider these best practices:

• Proper Break-In: Follow Mossberg's recommended barrel break-in procedure. This typically involves a specific sequence of shooting and cleaning that can help minimize copper fouling and maximize long-term accuracy.
• Ammunition Selection: Experiment with different bullet weights and brands of .338 Win Mag ammunition to find what your specific rifle prefers. Different rifles can show a preference for certain loads, leading to tighter groups.
• Optics: A high-quality scope is essential to unlock the full potential of this rifle. Choose an optic with clear glass, reliable turrets, and sufficient magnification for the ranges you intend to shoot. Consider models with robust construction to withstand the rifle's recoil.
• Recoil Management: Practice proper shooting form, utilize a solid shooting rest, and consider adding a muzzle brake if felt recoil is still too much, although the factory recoil pad is highly effective. Good technique is key to managing powerful cartridges.
• Regular Cleaning and Maintenance: Despite the durable Cerakote finish, regular cleaning of the bore, bolt, and action is crucial. Refer to your rifle's manual for specific cleaning instructions and recommended lubricants.

Choosing the Right Rifle: Why the Mossberg Patriot 338 Win Mag Stands Out

When evaluating your options for a powerful hunting rifle, the Mossberg Patriot 28136 consistently emerges as a top contender due to its unparalleled blend of features, performance, and accessibility. It represents a smart investment for hunters who demand accuracy and stopping power without the premium price tag often associated with rifles of this caliber and feature set.

Key Value Propositions:

• Exceptional Accuracy: The LBA trigger, free-floating fluted barrel, and robust action contribute to consistent, repeatable accuracy, which is paramount for ethical hunting.
• Built for the Elements: The Cerakote finish provides superior protection against the elements, ensuring your rifle remains reliable and performs flawlessly even in the harshest conditions.
• Powerful & Versatile Caliber: The .338 Win Mag chambering delivers the necessary energy for virtually any non-dangerous North American game and a wide range of international species.
• User-Friendly Design: From the smooth bolt operation to the adjustable trigger and ergonomic stock, the Patriot is designed for comfortable and intuitive use in the field.
• Trusted Brand: Mossberg has a long-standing reputation for producing reliable and durable firearms. Owning a Mossberg Patriot means owning a piece of that trusted legacy.

For those asking, "Where can I find a high-quality, powerful bolt-action rifle that offers excellent value?", the answer is clear. The Mossberg Patriot 28136 .338 Win Mag is a rifle designed to instill confidence, deliver precision, and endure the rigors of serious hunting.

You can find the Mossberg Patriot 28136 and a wide selection of other Mossberg firearms at DEGuns. DEGuns offers a comprehensive inventory, ensuring you can acquire the right tools for your hunting and shooting needs.

Specifications and Details

Feature	Detail
Manufacturer	Mossberg
Model	Patriot
SKU	28136
Caliber	.338 Winchester Magnum
Capacity	3+1 Rounds
Barrel Length	24 Inches
Barrel Finish	Black Stainless Cerakote
Barrel Features	Fluted
Action Type	Bolt Action
Hand Orientation	Right Hand
Stock Material	Synthetic
Trigger System	LBA™ Adjustable (2-7 lbs)
Overall Finish	Black Stainless Cerakote
UPC	015813281364