Montana Rifle Company closed!

[Albert GRANT]

The earlier Ruger M77s were push feed- simply a claw extractor on a push feed bolt. The later Ruger M77s in the MkII and Hawkey versions are CRF.

Love this site, learn something everyday!

 

[Frederik]

Just a question can one buy a M77 CFR action only and use that to build a custom rifle reason for asking I have a friend who wants to build a 505 Gibbs. He was thinking of getting a Montana action

 

[ActionBob]

Just a question can one buy a M77 CFR action only and use that to build a custom rifle reason for asking I have a friend who wants to build a 505 Gibbs. He was thinking of getting a Montana action

The only Ruger action I'm aware of that will fit a 505 Gibbs is the Ruger Magnum, or RSM. (I have one converted to 505 And they no longer build them as they don't have the machinery any longer. This their reason for developing the 375 Ruger a d then the 416 Ruger on a standard 30-06 length action.

I do have a Ruger RSM in 416 Rigby that could be cannibalized for the right price.....

 

[Tanks]

Just a question can one buy a M77 CFR action only and use that to build a custom rifle reason for asking I have a friend who wants to build a 505 Gibbs. He was thinking of getting a Montana action

If your friend was thinking of a Montana action then he can afford a Deviant Hunter action from Defiance Machine.

https://defiancemachine.com/actions/deviant/deviant-hunter/

CRF and 3-position safety are options.

 

[Dr Ray]

Sorry if this is a duplicate post, I haven't seen a similar post yet.

I went to help order a rifle for a friend (a stainless 375 H&H), and noticed the website is down. Upon further search, I found this;

https://montanarifleco.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/MRC-Closure-Letter.pdf

So, Ruger stops making safari rifle in everything but their own proprietary Ruger cartridges, Then CZ stops making the 550, and now Montana Rifle Company is closed.

Seems like affordable controlled-round feed safari rifles are disappearing fast. Looks like the Model 70 is the lone affordable hold-out that still chambers in standard safari cartridges.

Winchester Or Kimberly caprivi or Sako

 

[Aussie_Hunter]

Winchester Or Kimberly caprivi or Sako

@Dr Ray Have you noticed that NIOA have stopped bringing into Australia the Caprivi in 416 Rem mag and 458 Lott? They only show the 375H&H available in Australia now. I am glad I got my Lott when I did, it just went up in value!

 

[Laniarius]

Desert Dog: Are you the same Desert Dog that posts great, informative videos on Youtube? I always enjoy your videos.

Agreed, very good videos. The new one on Africa writers and their rifles is fascinating.

 

[MPD61]

MRC Closed? That figures................................

 

[MAMBO NYALA]

Who are these new owners - venture capitalists? To me, there is more to this story and the company is tippy-toeing around words to make up for their post-acquisition shitshow. They want you to believe their company was doing so well that they only thing they can do is close the plant?

This sounds more like a Marlin / Remington deal. The new owners are going to find a new plant in a different state so they cut wages, then they are going to cheapen the quality of the rifles, sell them for the same price, and pretend everything is the same.

They are taking a big risk. With smaller Semi-custom rifle makers increasing, people are going to forget about Montana fast. Winchester was able to pull it off only because of the brand they had for 100 years.

Imo, these new rifles are likely going to be overpriced junk

 

[MAMBO NYALA]

I own two left-hand Montana rifles, and I am waiting on a custom .404 being built on a bare action. There was a long wait on the delivery of my .264 Win Mag due to production shortfalls. I think it is a bit premature to assign motives as to why this closure has happened. In the current business climate a modest sized firearms manufacturer will be facing some serious challenges securing funding for a major production capacity upgrade. Either they will return to business or they won't. I hope that they can make it happen. It is too good of an action to fall by the wayside.

 

[mark-hunter]

They have been advertising on this forum (recently), they had their rep as member here. It would be nice from him to make some comments on situation with this company.

 

[MAMBO NYALA]

They have been advertising on this forum (recently), they had their rep as member here. It would be nice from him to make some comments on situation with this company.

 

[MAMBO NYALA]

They have been advertising on this forum (recently), they had their rep as member here. It would be nice from him to make some comments on situation with this company.

I have a friend who might be able to get in contact with them. I will see what he says and get back to you.

 

[mark-hunter]

For me no problem, i dont have their rifle on pending order. I just gave suggestion to other concered members. Thanks.

 

[Bonk]

Agreed, very good videos. The new one on Africa writers and their rifles is fascinating.

I agree. I watched that last night. Very interesting and a good resource for learning about a few authors I hadn't yet read.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

If your friend was thinking of a Montana action then he can afford a Deviant Hunter action from Defiance Machine.

https://defiancemachine.com/actions/deviant/deviant-hunter/

CRF and 3-position safety are options.

Are the Defiance actions true CRF? I thought the actions, while exceptional, are based on Rem 700 and have a Sako type extractor.

Another option, although expensive, are the Granite Mountain Arms actions. I checked with them about a 404 Jeff, barreled action (Krieger barrel) and the lead time was about a year. GMA has several custom rifles available now: https://granitemountainarms.com/finishedrifles.html

 

[Tanks]

Are the Defiance actions true CRF? I thought the actions, while exceptional, are based on Rem 700 and have a Sako type extractor.
...

That's why it is a $150 option to have CRF.

 

[TTundra]

Are the Defiance actions true CRF? I thought the actions, while exceptional, are based on Rem 700 and have a Sako type extractor.

Another option, although expensive, are the Granite Mountain Arms actions. I checked with them about a 404 Jeff, barreled action (Krieger barrel) and the lead time was about a year. GMA has several custom rifles available now: https://granitemountainarms.com/finishedrifles.html

Yes, you can add a true CRF option on some of their actions. Still based on a 700 platform, so plenty of trigger options, stock options, etc. Not a bad way to go to for a build

 

[MPD61]

There are a few Montana Rifles left for sale on GB..............
Couple left in "African" calibers like .416, 375, and 458 Lott
https://www.gunbroker.com/Bolt-Action-Rifles/search?Keywords=montana&PageSize=96&Sort=13&View=1&Ch-manufacturerName=Montana Rifle Company

 

[BeeMaa]

There is also the competition from European rifle makers, some of which are multi caliber. Some members of this forum have bought those and sing their praises as better than sliced bread.

I am one of those members with a Blaser R8.

It is unfortunate that MRC is (possibly temporarily) out of business.
They made a very nice rifle at a reasonable price.
Changes like this along with CZ stopping the 550 and Ruger not making the RSM says something.
The rifle business is going through a major change.
Adapting to the high production numbers and lower prices needed to stay competitive.

Let's face it, safari calibers are a niche at best.
For a company to make a living on selling big bores is almost ridiculous.
The cost involved doesn't allow for the quality required at the quantity needed.
In short, the juice isn't worth the squeeze.

The beautiful CRF's with curly wood at reasonable prices are going away.
Keep what you have or adapt to an ever-changing landscape...the choice is yours.