Although I do not speak for the new Patriot rifle, I do have a perspective on 2 Mossberg ATR rifles, one chambered in .243 Winchester, and the second in .308 Winchester calibers to share. The .243 does not have the LBA trigger and shoots ok, mostly due to the heavy trigger pull. The .308 does have the LBA trigger and is incredibly accurate. I purchased the .243 as a scoped combo, for the .308 rifle only. Both have the nice Walnut stocks, which are identical to the Patriots. The bolt handle on the new Patriot rifle has been straightened for clearance, and the spiral on the bolt has been added. ATR's have blind magazine and the Patriot has plastic ammo clips. Stock has stippling, old ones have traditional checkering. So basically a major facelift and combining of features of existing rifle(s) in their product line.
These rifles actions receivers have a lot of steel in them, as in thick and heavy. Kind of good. Also the bolt does not lock while closed and can become opened or "ajar" slightly during walking or inadvertently during use. Kind of bad. The big shroud on the rear of the bolt is there to prevent slam firing the firing pin during bolt closing with a cartridge chambered. Kind of good. The finish on the metal parts is not the most corrosion resistant coating material, thus requiring frequent oiling. Kind of bad. Walnut factory stocks supplied, very good.
My take on your question is I would recommend purchasing the walnut stocked combo supplied with the Vortex scope, period. It is a very good looking rifle that handles well and looks great, shoots great and does it for decent value. You can always put a plastic stock easily on it later if you choose.
