On these bolt budget rifles the cost savings come from somewhere. On this rifle the cheap features appear to be the mag, and stock liner. These are pure mattel. Not higher grade than that. This being said, the mag appears to work well, but definitely dont smack it on a rock, tree, or really squeeze it too hard. Moving to the stock liner, I am not kidding when I say that if someone were selling a replacement for it made of CNC milled aluminum, anodized for around $45 I would buy one in a heartbeat.
The stock itself fits me great, feels great, and does not feel as soft as the Compass, so it gets a thumbs up.
Mossberg, as far as I can tell did not skimp on the barrel, bolt, or action which seem very nice to me, more like what you expect on a $650 dollar slight step up from the current 700's. The bolt and bolt handle both seem slightly long to me. The bolt itself is fluted and not heavy or large diameter. The action is nearly as smooth as my Vanguard and locks up with just less than average downward pressure.
The trigger is similar in feel to a Savage accutrigger.
The black weaver bases were securely mounted by the factory.
The Cerakote "stainless" finish is evenly applied and thorough. Real nice!
So yeah, very pleased for a $350 rifle so far.
Range report to follow in the next few days. If it is indeed a good shooter, as the LGS says they have heard they are, should be GTG.