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Kalipsocs-I was not bashing on Mossberg, and I'm sorry if you took it that way. When I read your reply, it seems to me (and I could be mistaken) that you were getting a little defensive.

I agree with you that FACTS are much more important than hyperbole.. Take it for what you will, I have read about two different cases in which people were injured as a result of the bolts on the ATR's coming apart when firing. I am aware of two different law-suits against Mossberg as a result.

Just because you have not heard about those lawsuits-does not mean that they did not happen, or that they do not exist. I'm sure that the facts in those cases will never see the light of day. If they are settled, there will be a gag order basically stopping any litigants from discussing the case outside of court. If you would like, I can provide you with the case #'s.

If you look carefully at the bolt handle on your ATR or 4X4, you will note that it is simply pressed into the bolt body. There is no bolt that holds it on. There is no weld there to permanently secure it. Now, picture what would happen if the press fit of that bolt were compromised, and the bolt handle could turn independently of the bolt body... Imagine if you will, a bolt handle in the down position-but in reality the bolt is not engaged in the locking lugs, and in essence is not locked up at all and then you pull the trigger. You & I can debate this if you would like, but I think if you really think about it-there may be some merit to the 2 lawsuits wherein they pulled the trigger, and then the bolt was thrust rear-ward penetrating the faces of 2 different people, in 2 different states, with the same rifle. Can I prove that this is what happened? NO! Do I see this as a possibility? YES! If the locking lugs were engaged-how could the bolt propel backwards into the shooters face? If the bolt handle was DOWN, how could the locking lugs not be engaged...... Do you now see what I see?

Again, I'm not bashing Mossberg. Maybe they got the problem resolved and we'll never hear about this happening again. Maybe they were just 2 isolated cases in which the bolt handles were not silver-soldered after the press fit.. Maybe those 2 cases are bogus.

What I do know is that I do not want to roll the dice and find myself (possibly?) in the same position. I actually welded all 3 of my bolt handles directly to the bolt body. Now when I push that bolt handle down, I have no fear about the bolt not engaging the locking lugs.

Knowing all this... Would I recommend that anyone buy a new Mossberg. No. Not when Savage, the new Savage Edge, & Marlin make similarly priced guns that are as accurate (or more so).

I won't argue that Mossbergs LOOK to be on par with the Savage Edge, the Marlin XS7 or XL7. However, if there is any shred of truth in the lawsuits, why would you willingly choose one?

On the other hand, the lawsuits could be bogus and if that is the case then all I am doing is fear-mongering based on some unfounded information on the web. You decide.

What I do know is that I purchased all 3 of mine BEFORE I read the specifics on the law-suits and I can honestly say that if I was aware of the suits before I purchased mine, I would NOT have purchased a Mossberg, and would have opted for another manufacturer. The Marlins were not out at the time I purchased the Mossbergs, or if they were, I had not seen them at the Academy where I purchased the Mossbergs.

I do feel safe shooting my Mossbergs after welding the bolts. Should a person have to worry about welding a bolt on a new rifle? Is that fear unfounded? In life, why take unnecessary risk that offers no rewards.

If you have the early, non-adjustable, trigger-I have good news for you. It is still adjustable.

I have worked all of the triggers on my Mossbergs (I have 3 of them) and they are super when done correctly. I can get them down to between 1-2 lbs. of pull, and completely eliminate any creep or take-up. I did a complete write up, with pictures, on how to do it if you are interested.

Honestly, I think you would be better served though by buying a Savage. While they might cost a little more, there is more after-market support (scope mounts, rings, stocks, trigger kits, etc;) for them. Plus, the Savages have the option to change calibers by swapping out barrels.

Yes, I do own 3 Mossbergs (1 ATR, and 2 4X4's) but no I would not buy another one. Not because I have had any problems with mine, but simply because there are better guns out there for just a little more $$$$. Look at the Marlin XS7, or XL7 as well. They fall in the same price range, sometimes even a little less, and they are as accurate (if not more so) than the Mossbergs.

Further, do a Google search on Mossberg ATR lawsuits... It's not what you want to read. But at least you should read it now before you buy one.

I don't hate the Mossbergs. But I can't in good conscience recommend them to new buyers either when there are comparably priced rifles, that are safer, available.