Wedgetail Industries MPR Mini 300 Blackout Review – Compact Power with Serious Versatility
If you’ve been following my reviews, you’ll know I’m a big fan of the Wedgetail Industries MPR platform. I’ve run the MPR in .308 for years on feral pest control, and my MPR Mini in .223 has easily clocked over 900 rounds while cycling buttery smooth and consistently punching sub-MOA groups.
So when I got my hands on the Wedgetail MPR Mini chambered in 300 Blackout, I was more than a little excited. The thought of launching a heavy .30 cal projectile out of such a compact, modular pump-action rifle had me itching to get it on the range. After plenty of trigger time, here are my thoughts.
First Impressions of the Wedgetail MPR Mini 300 Blackout
The Wedgetail MPR Mini is a Category B pump-action rifle designed for Aussie shooters who want modularity, reliability, and flexibility in a compact platform. This rifle features:
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16” barrel
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1:5 twist rate – perfect for stabilising a variety of 300 Blackout projectiles
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PMAG compatibility
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M-LOK rail system for accessories
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Fully modular design compatible with a wide range of Magpul parts and upgrades
Straight out of the box, the action was impressively smooth for a new pump gun – and like my other Wedgetails, it will probably only get slicker with time.
Why 300 Blackout in a Pump-Action?
There’s plenty of debate online about 300 Blackout vs .223 Remington, and I saw this firsthand when I floated the question in a few shooting forums. Critics argue 300 Blackout is pointless without suppressors or subsonic loads.
I disagree. The ability to throw a 110-grain+ projectile from a compact rifle is a huge advantage for hunting in Australia. While you won’t get the same long-range capability as .223, the extra knockdown power at practical hunting ranges is exactly what this rifle was designed for.
For feral pest control or medium-sized game inside 200-ish meters, the Wedgetail MPR Mini in 300 Blackout makes perfect sense.
My Setup & Accessories
I’ve kitted mine out for practical field use. Here’s the rundown:
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Wedgetail NINOX blast deflector – keeps the blast going forward instead of punishing shooters next to me
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Magpul MBUS flip-up sights – always ready if I run the rifle without an optic
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Zerotech Trace ED 1-10x24 scope (reviewed separately) on Warne quick-release mounts
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Trace Halo enclosed reflex sight in anodised FDE for fast acquisition and close-in work
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Olight Odin S M-LOK flashlight with remote pressure switch
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Magpul angled foregrip & K2 Plus grip – comfortable, ergonomic control
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Magpul CTR stock with QD sling mounts paired with an Magpul sling for flexible carry
This setup makes the rifle extremely versatile – I can go from precision shooting on steel to practical field work seemlessly.
Range Performance & Accuracy
I started with Hornady 110gr V-Max loads, and the results were impressive. At 100 metres, during my accuracy test group on the bench, I put three rounds touching in one ragged hole. Out of a pump-action rifle in 300 Blackout, that’s outstanding.
From there, I moved into more practical shooting:
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Resting against a tree at 150m
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Kneeling positions at 100m
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Freehand shots at steel gongs
The MPR Mini cycled flawlessly every time. No jams, no sticky action, just clean operation. The trigger is a standard mil-spec AR-15 style unit – not a match trigger, but appropriate for a rugged hunting rifle. And if you want lighter pulls, you can easily drop in an AR-15 cassette upgrade.
Hunting Applications
This rifle fills the sweet spot between my MPR 308 and my MPR Mini 223. It’s compact enough to manoeuvre in tight bush, but with the added thump of a .30 calibre projectile.
I see this rifle being perfect for:
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Feral pig control in scrubby country
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Goats and foxes at practical hunting distances
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Medium-game hunting where .223 might lack stopping power
The Wedgetail MPR Mini 300 Blackout gives Australian shooters a legally compliant, reliable, and versatile pump-action rifle that’s just as capable in the field as it is on the range.
Final Thoughts – Is It Worth It?
The Wedgetail Industries MPR Mini in 300 Blackout is a rifle that makes sense once you understand what it’s designed to do. It’s not a long-range gun. It’s not a suppressor-only calibre. It’s a compact, hard-hitting hunting rifle with modular compatibility and flawless cycling.
After my time on the range and in the bush, I’m convinced this rifle will become my go-to for larger feral game when I don’t want the weight or size of a .308.
If you’re an Aussie shooter looking for a Category B pump-action hunting rifle with serious versatility, the Wedgetail MPR Mini 300 Blackout deserves a place on your shortlist.
