The post-war era produced some of the most thoughtfully engineered rimfire target rifles, prized today by collectors and shooters who value period ergonomics and mechanical simplicity. Vintage .22 target rifles combine historical character with practical shooting performance for range days and light training applications.

MOSSBERG 151M(a) — an early post-war .22 LR semi-automatic target rifle manufactured by O.F. Mossberg & Sons in New Haven, Connecticut — offers a unique blend of period-correct features and shootable handling. Shop this product

Design and Features

The 151M(a) is notable for its Monte Carlo-style hardwood stock with an integrated cheek rest and a tube magazine housed in the stock — a configuration that concentrates weight for steady aiming. The barrel carries a clear stamp reading “151M(a) .22 LR ONLY – PAT. PEND”, confirming its early production lineage. Factory Mossberg peep sights paired with a hooded front sight make this rifle distinctly set up for deliberate target work.

Stock, Magazine, and Safety

The hardwood stock shows wear consistent with age — light scratches and finish wear — which is typical for a late 1940s rifle. The rear-mounted cross-bolt safety is straightforward and intuitive, while the tubular magazine in the stock preserves the rifle’s clean lines and balance.

Barrel, Sights, and Shooting Characteristics

This example has a 16-inch barrel, shortened after original manufacture; it meets the federal minimum rifle barrel length and remains legal to own. Despite bluing wear on barrel and receiver, the bore appears in good condition with visible rifling — promising accuracy for plinking and target practice with .22 LR ammunition. The Mossberg peep and hooded front sight promote precise sight alignment for controlled-fire training sessions.

Applications of .22 LR

.22 Long Rifle is economical, low-recoil, and widely available — ideal for range practice, fundamentals training, and rimfire target competition. The 151M(a)’s target-oriented ergonomics make it particularly well-suited to deliberate, precision-focused shooting.

For collectors and rimfire shooters seeking a period-correct target rifle at a modest price point, the MOSSBERG 151M(a) offered here at $249.99 is a compelling option. View product details and pricing

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