I've been wanting a .243 for a while and saw the Patriot for $289.
It has good reviews for accuracy. It's light and with the poly stock, pretty indestructible.
It's primarily for friends who come to town to hunt with their kids or wives who don't like the recoil of bigger calibers. Plus, I like that also.
It comes in a nice walnut stock for a bit more, but I settled for the bulletproof plastic, which is also lighter.
Does anyone else have one, and if so, what is your opinion?

Waiting for the reviews myself - I've been tossing around picking up the same gun, for the same purposes.

Since this is a S&W forum, I should point out Buds has the TC Compass .243 bolt action for $252 after rebate.
I just went through the exercise of helping someone find a low-cost reliable bolt action.

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Science plus Art

cabellas has the compass on sale for 239 after rebates at this time

but I like my Mossberg patriot 308

My rifle is due to arrive today. The scope ( 3x9 Banner) and some 100 gr. Power points are already here.
I hope to shoot it this weekend if I don't get shanghied into helping a friend put his hay up.
If I shoot it I'll post the results.