Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Express Rifles and Big Bores Only Montana Rifle question

Been wanting a classic stainless 375 but wanted it cut down to 20" and another stock put on. Found the Montana XVR-SS and it seems it would be cheaper to go that route based on the prices of classic stainlesses these days. What are ya'lls opinions on these rifles. Are they as good or better than the Winchesters? I want an all around do anything Africa/Alaska/elk/hog rifle. I already have two 375's but they don't fill the need of bulletproof bet my life on. Thanks fellas

I dont know from first hand but they seem well respected and offer a good value product.

The only major snafu was a long delay in release of their big bolt action designed around the 505 Gibbs. A lot of guys left deposits and in the end all got actions at what turn out to be 1/2 price. It is larger than magnum Mauser actions like the cz. It got done and will handle really big rounds like 577Trex. That 505 or (special order)Trex look like a heck of an offering. it takes a "for real" operation to develop product like this.

I hope someone can speak better to your question. Obviously the 375 is a smaller action.

The new rifles they're making are really nice. I've owned one and handled several. In my opinion, you can't go wrong.

I have Win 70s and a Montana and like them both. Have you considered a Ruger Alaskan or Guide gun? I know it's not in the H&H round but the .375 Rug is it's ballistic twin. The Ruger already has a short 20" barrel, rugged banded front and fixed V rear sights plus integral scope base. For .375s I have a Ruger SS lam Alaskan and 2 Win 70s (Super Safari & Safari Express), but if I suddenly found myself in need of a "bulletproof bet my life on" rifle, I'd grab the Ruger. Just my 2 cents.......

Ive had 3 ruger bolt guns and frankly im not a fan. The ones ive had didnt feed well and one had to be sent back because it was shaving the brass off the case Ive made them jam up way easier than i ever could have made my savage or remington. Ive never shot a CRF winchester or even handled one. I had a coyote in 300wsm and it was smooth as glass

As factory guns go, I dont consider Ruger in the same class as Winchester. Based on myself and my small circle of friends. Besides the feeding, accuracy can also be an issue with some Rugers. I think the QC is not what it used to be. And, Barrels not floated with wood stocks. I just got a NIB funky No1 and maybe nothing to do with anything here, but the fact that this gun continues to have issues after god-knows how many years does not speak well to a company taking pride in the product.

Admitted Winchester does not offer a 20" bbl Alaskan, but no longer does Ruger either. The Ruger was the new 375Ruger, one source ammo and while the gun was a great concept not exactly the same as an H&H in caliber choice.

Now is fairness it not reasonable to even compare a stock Ruger to a semi-custom such as Montana.

My thoughts on the ruger as well. My number one is a shooter though

Buy the Montana Rifle co. rig. I have handled and fired several of their models, they are well built and fairly priced. I already have a stainless 375 or I would have bought theirs, I do however have a strong desire to buy one of their 505 gibbs and will be test driving it again at a big bore shoot in July.

M70 Stainless Classic 375 H&H on GB now.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=344093773

Darrik,

Has your LGS had one in 375 on the rack yet?

Not yet. They currently have a 243, 260, 25-06, 270 and 30-06.

You want one? I'm sure they could have it in about 120 days....

Probably need one for bears in '15, right?

They do have a couple of the Kimber big bores on the shelf....

We going to Alaska or Canada?

I have a bunch of the Big Montana PHs
They feed my 585HE just as well as a Gibbs
using the Gibbs mag box. I even made one
in my 700HE. I got in on the base order for
about half price. Perfect for 585HE
doing 13,000 ft lbs. Ed

The XVR-SS has caught my eye as a possible next purchase in .35 Whelen. Seems really reasonably priced for the features. Having a tough time finding many reviews of this gun.

Justs for sh*ts and giggles you may want to look at the Sako Kodiak rifle

Anyone picking up a Montana Rifle, I'd also love to hear a review of the XVR or DGR as well! As much as I love my new M70 Safari Express in .375H&H, it would appear that MCR has resolved some of the shortcomings of this rifle right out of the box- i.e. poor bedding job, questionable quality stock, etc.

-John

I agree with you. This is a lotta bang for the buck.

The M-70 SS Classic .375 H&H barrel is too heavy. I cut mine to 21" and added NECG irons. It ballances perfectly and handles much better than it did out of the box.

I like Tupperware more than I thought I would. I jerked the hot glue bedding out with a pair of pliers, Steel Bedded the recoil lug. I drilled several holes so the Steel Bed would lock itself in, as nothing sticks that well to Tupperware. Worked out OK.

DF

Ed,

I thought Gunner500 was a recoil nut...

But you got him beat by a mile...

You da man...

Gunner's just a lad...

DF

I'm always gonna be, a wanna be aint never gonna be.

Gunner