Mossberg 144
O.F. Mossberg & Sons · Rifle · Discontinued · 1949
Also known as: Mossberg Model 144, Mossberg 144US, Mossberg 144LS
Overview
The Mossberg 144 is an American bolt-action .22 Long Rifle smallbore target rifle produced by O.F. Mossberg & Sons from 1949 until 1985. Developed from the wartime Model 44US military training rifle, the 144 paired a 26-inch heavy barrel with an adjustable trigger, aperture sights, and a wood target stock featuring a beavertail fore-end, cheek rest, and adjustable hand stop. Praised for delivering match-grade accuracy at a fraction of the cost of competing Winchester and Remington target rifles, it became a popular choice among NRA smallbore competitors and marksmanship trainers through the mid-20th century.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3630 g (128.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1118 mm (44.02") |
| Barrel Length | 660 mm (25.98") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 320 m/s (1050 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 130 J (96 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 8 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Heavy Target Barrel, Adjustable Trigger, Aperture Rear Sight, Ramp Front Sight, Beavertail Forend, Cheek Rest, Adjustable Hand Stop, Sling Swivels
Variants
- Mossberg 144LS - Target
- Mossberg 144LSA - Target
- Mossberg 144LSB - Target
Service history
Operators
- United States Army · as 144US
- Arizona Game and Fish Department
Production
Production years: 1949-1985
Derived from the Model 44US training rifle, of which approximately 58,000 were delivered to the U.S. War Department in 1943-1944.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: O.F. Mossberg & Sons
Discontinued: 1985
Notes
Standard 144 fed from a 7-round detachable box magazine; dedicated target variants were typically single-loaded with a magazine cutoff. Later models adopted Mossberg's AC-KRO-GRUV rifling and Lyman target sights. The 144LSB upgraded to a heavier barrel.
Background
The Model 144 traced its lineage to the Model 44US, a rifle Mossberg built to train American military recruits in marksmanship during World War II. Gun writer Elmer Keith reported excellent groups with the 144, roughly 1.5 inches at 100 yards and three-quarter-inch at 50 yards, cementing its reputation as accuracy from a 'good enough' rifle.