The Mossberg 250C is a bit of a hidden gem from a bygone era of rimfire production. While it may not have the massive aftermarket following of a Ruger 10/22, it offers some unique mechanical features that make it a great “barn gun” or a fun project for someone who appreciates vintage steel.
Overview
The 250C is a magazine-fed, semi-automatic .22 caliber rifle. It was part of Mossberg’s “New Haven” line, designed to be an affordable, reliable plinker for the average shooter. Unlike many modern rimfires that rely heavily on aluminum or plastic housings, the 250C feels like a “real” rifle, though it does feature a plastic buttplate and a somewhat dated aesthetic.
One of its most interesting claims is its ability to handle .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle. While the magazine is designed to hold all three, keep in mind that semi-autos generally need the “oomph” of a Long Rifle round to cycle the bolt. If you’re shooting Shorts, expect to use this as a straight-pull bolt action.
Specifications
- Action: Semi-automatic (Blowback)
- Caliber: .22 S, L, LR (but it’s only going to run with 22LR)
- Capacity: 7-round detachable box magazine
- Safety: Side-mounted sliding lever
- Sights: Rear ladder sight (adjustable for elevation); front post; grooved receiver for dovetail scopes
- Weight: 4.9lbs
Usability
The ergonomics are a bit of a mixed bag. The safety is located on the right side of the receiver. It is a simple sliding mechanism, but it isn’t the most intuitive for those of us who like to keep our thumb on the grip and use our index finger for the trigger. You almost have to break your grip to manipulate it.
The trigger pull on my test unit came in at just under 5 lbs. For a vintage plinker, that is perfectly acceptable. It isn’t a match-grade trigger, but it’s crisp enough for hitting tin cans or the occasional squirrel.
Where this rifle really shines is the takedown process. Most modern semi-auto .22s are a pain to deep clean. With the 250C, the rear of the receiver actually screws off. You can slide the bolt and spring right out the back, giving you immediate access to the bolt face and the firing pin channel. This is a huge advantage for a rimfire, as they tend to get gunked up with carbon quickly.
Aftermarket and Potential Modifications
Don’t expect to find a wide array of stocks or triggers for the 250C. This is an “as-is” kind of rifle.
- Optics: The receiver features a 3/8 inch dovetail. While many of these came with cheap, plastic-bodied pencil scopes back in the day, you’d be better served either sticking to the iron sights or mounting a modern, budget-friendly rimfire scope.
- Magazines: Finding original magazines can be a chore. They feature a unique “guided” design with a rear grabber that matches a post on the rifle. If you find one at a gun show, buy it, because they aren’t making more of them.
Competitors
- Ruger 10/22: The gold standard. The Ruger has an incredible aftermarket for parts, but it’s significantly more annoying to take apart and clean than the Mossberg.
- Savage 64: Cheaper, more aftermarket (though not as much as the Ruger 10/22)
- Marlin 60: Another classic contemporary. The Marlin uses a tube mag rather than the 250C’s detachable box, which some hunters prefer for the higher capacity.
Conclusion
The Mossberg 250C is a functional, no-frills piece of history. It’s not a “fast” or “tactical” rifle, but its ease of maintenance makes it a standout for anyone who hates spending an hour at the bench just to clean their bolt. If you find one used for a good price, it makes for a fantastic first rifle or a reliable camp gun.
