When Mossberg introduced the Patriot about three years ago, its intention was to fill what the company believed was a void in its bolt-action rifle lineup. What they lacked, according to Linda Powell, Director of Media Communications for Mossberg, was a classic-design hunting rifle.

“We were looking to bring a classic hunting rifle to our lineup — in particular a walnut stock gun — that would appeal to traditional Western and Eastern hunters,” she said.

The Patriot hit that high-water mark with a classic hunting rifle that incorporates those features that appeal to whitetail hunters — east and west. It has a 22-inch barrel with a recessed crown, fluted to take out a little bit of the weight, a box magazine and Mossberg’s patented lighting bolt trigger, adjustable from 2 to 7 pounds.

The Patriot also has a fluted bolt to remove more weight and comes standard with Weaver-style bases for easy optics mounting.

“We also streamlined the bolt handle and the bolt knob,” Powell said, “which gives you better clearance, particularly if you’re wearing gloves in colder weather. We added stippling on the grip and fore-end, which provides a positive grip in inclement weather.”

But wait, there’s more! Mossberg added two new versions of the Patriot for 2017.

First off is the Patriot Predator. As the name implies, it’s geared toward those stealthy spot-and-stalk Western hunters who like to get out and put toe to turf. In addition to standard Patriot features, it has a picatinny rail, over-sized bolt handle, a flat, dark earth-colored stock, and is chambered in three flat-shooting calibers: .243 Win., .308 Win. and 6.5 Creedmoor. Barrels come standard with fluting and 5⁄8-inch 24TPI threading with cap, ready for the shooter’s choice of muzzle brake or suppressor.

And then there’s the Revere. Think of it as a Patriot with lots of bling. I first saw one at the 2017 SHOT Show in Las Vegas last January and it was love at first sight. Simply put, it’s flat-out gorgeous. This handsome rifle sports a more traditional 24-inch polished blued non-fluted barrel and Grade 2 select walnut stock. Special accents include a rosewood tip and grip cap, maple accent and traditional checkering.

Along with .243 Win., .30-06, .270 Win., .308 Win. and .300 Win. Mag. chamberings, the new Revere will be available in the popular 6.5 Creedmoor.