Went shooting this past weekend and had an opportunity to take a look at his recently acquired Mossberg 715T. Modeled after the AR-15 it closely resembles an AR with a few significant differences.
Here are a few observations:
- Sights are pretty good typical rear peep front post. Adjustable.
- Trigger is spongy but not very heavy.
- Picatinny rails galore for mounting everything including the kitchen sink.
- There is a side charging handle which works fine but is not like an AR. There is a fake charging handle for cosmetic purposes only.
- Magazine release is terrible and nothing like an AR. This is a serious design flaw. Lever has to be pulled down and at the same time pull on the magazine. I was able to practice and do this one-handed but not reliably.
- I could not figure out how to take it apart for cleaning. It certainly is different than a hinged action like on an AR.
- Safety is a typical push-button style and extremely stiff. Would have preferred an AR-style.
- Magazine has a faux AR bottom with a “stick” .22LR metal portion sticking up through. Again – design flaw.
- The Mossberg 715T was 100% reliable with Federal bulk box 40-grain solid points.
- Handling was good and very similar to a typical AR including weight.
If I’m not mistaken I believe this AR-looking inexpensive .22LR is actually a Mossberg 702 Plinkster with polymer furniture attached to it.
The Mossberg 715T Tactical .22 typically sells for around $299. Would I by one? No, I wouldn’t. With the Plinkster available for $140 a more realistic and value-driven price would be $199 new. But hey – that’s why I am not a Marketing Manager for Mossberg I guess.
No – for $299 I would pick up a Ruger 10/22 every time along with a BX-25 magazine and a brick of .22LR rounds and call it a day.
My buddy who owns the Mossberg bought it off a friend used for $150. It looks to be hardly shot. Now that’s a decent deal.
Rourke
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