The Mossberg Patriot Youth Super Bantam Scoped Combo in .243 WIN is purpose-built for young hunters and shooters who need a rifle scaled to their frame. With a 12- to 13-inch length of pull, this compact centerfire rifle grows with your kid without sacrificing accuracy or handling. The fluted 20-inch barrel keeps weight down to 7.5 pounds, making it easy to carry all day on the hill, while the matte blued finish and Strata Camo synthetic stock blend form and function in a package that feels at home in the field.

The .243 Winchester is a proven cartridge for young hunters stepping up from rimfire. It delivers moderate recoil, flat trajectory, and enough energy for varmints and small to medium game at reasonable hunting distances. The 5+1 capacity (five in the magazine, one in the chamber) gives you six rounds ready to go. The rifle comes already topped with a 3-9x40mm scope, so there's no need to source an optic separately—just mount it, zero it, and hunt.

This is a genuine rifle, not a toy. The Mossberg Patriot platform is known for reliability and accuracy, and the Super Bantam's adjustable length of pull means it won't outgrow your shooter too quickly. Whether you're introducing a young person to centerfire hunting or setting them up with their own rifle, the Youth Super Bantam delivers on ruggedness and ergonomics without the premium price of boutique youth rifles.

Key Features

• Adjustable length of pull (12–13 inches) for growing shooters
• Lightweight at 7.5 pounds; fluted barrel reduces weight without sacrificing strength
• Matte blued barrel and Strata Camo synthetic stock for durability and field camouflage
• Includes factory-mounted 3-9x40mm scope—no additional optics purchase needed
• .243 Winchester caliber: mild recoil, flat trajectory, versatile for learning and small-to-medium game
• 5+1 magazine capacity
• 1:10 twist rate optimized for .243 WIN ballistics

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the scope included, or do I need to buy one separately?

The scope is included in this combo. A factory-mounted 3-9x40mm scope comes on the rifle, so you can zero it and start hunting without any additional optics purchases.

What's the ideal age or shooter size for a youth rifle with a 12–13 inch length of pull?

While we can't recommend an exact age (kids vary widely in size and development), a 12- to 13-inch LOP is typically suited to shooters who are still growing. The adjustable design means the rifle can be tailored to fit your shooter's current measurements and will accommodate growth within that range.

Is .243 Winchester a good caliber for a young hunter's first centerfire rifle?

Yes. The .243 WIN offers moderate recoil compared to larger centerfire cartridges, a flatter trajectory than rimfire, and adequate energy for varmints and small-to-medium game at typical hunting distances. It's a popular choice for youth and new hunters developing safe, accurate shooting habits.

How light is this rifle, and why does the fluted barrel matter?

At 7.5 pounds, the Patriot Youth Super Bantam is light enough for a young hunter to carry comfortably for long stretches. The fluted barrel reduces weight by cutting material from the barrel's exterior while maintaining rigidity, so you get a shorter, lighter rifle without sacrificing strength or accuracy.