Ive been wanting a Winchester classic stainless in 375 H&H but they are hard to come by. Wondering if the Montana Extreme Vantage rifle is worthy of buying as an all around rifle and how do they compare to the Winchester? They seem to be about the same price as a Winchester when one can be found. Thoughts?

I own a Winchester Classic Stainless in 375 H&H but after receiving my 260 Remington from Montana Rifle Company and looking the action over and comparing to the Winchester I would purchase the Montana 1999 in a heartbeat.

Thats great to know. Ive got a few options now.

Funny, I found the opposite. A friend is ready to throw his in the lake too.

The word "too" implies one of the above posters was wanting to throw his Montana in the lake.

If I ended up with one that bad, I'd send it back to the maker or send it down the road.

"In the lake" seems a bit histrionic.

Just saying.

DF

"Too" implies that he, as well as myself would like to toss our respective rifles in the lake. "The lake" being the lake that borders my private shooting range.

Returning it to the manufacturer is a drawn out process involving import and export permits both ways, which usually means paying a broker who specializes in such things. Re-barrelling is cheaper.

Sending it down the road can involve screwing over the next guy. That's not something I care to do, and full disclosure on a POS makes for a hard sale.

OK.

Hadn't notice you were in Sas...

Beautiful country.

DF

I have never actually seen or handled a Montana rifle, so take this for what it is worth.

Some rave about them. I'm sure that they can be fine. However, it is my understanding that the actions are cast, using the lost wax method. Aside from the claimed strength of forged steel actions and unlikelihood of flaws that might exist in a casting, about which some gunmakers are vehement, equivalent strength would have to come from bulkier actions using more steel. I would guess that the added weight (or less strength, if the same size) would be a disadvantage.

I have several Model 70s made in different eras. They all balance beautifully in my hands, even the heavy post-64 push feed .458 Win Mag, compared to most other bolt actions I know or own. I am very sold on them.

I realize that Montana says its CRF bolt action design adds a couple of improvements. However, unlike one major competitor, I have never heard of any Winchester products having safety-related design flaws. For me, they are the best. And most of them are quite beautiful, even the simple standard 70s with plain wood.

It is my understanding that Pine Tree Castings (Ruger) casts MRC actions. I'm sure MRC takes it from there with final machining, fitting, etc. No one questions the strength and quality of Ruger firearms.

And MRC adds a gas blocking device in the left raceway, addressing an issue occasionally raised with the M-70 design.

I don't own a MRC rifle, have never shot one. I'd for sure take a Pre-64 over an MRC, if given the choice...

Would probably take a CRF M-70 with New Haven trigger over a MRC.

DF

I have an MRC in .375, built by Hill Country Rifles. It's an excellent rifle so far. Probably helps that Hill Country finished and tuned it.
Bob

I have a 585 Hubel Express on a Montana PH action. It is a very early action based on the serial number. The action internals are pretty rough, my gunsmith smoothed it out a bit when he crowned the barrel. It was a bit sticky at first too but with some use and a little oil it has become quite smooth. I have no doubts about its strength. Newer Montanas look to be a little more refined than mine was.

Finally bought a model 70 classic stainless without paying arm and leg. Guess montana is out for me now

Sounds good. New Haven or South Carolina?

DF

New haven made in 1998. Now to get it cut down

My buddy had his left hand 458 Lott built on a MRC action. The smith cleaned it up a little bit but now that its done its a great looking and handling rifle. There aren’t a lot of left hand options out there and the MRC fills that void.

Model70Guy,

What issues are you and your friend having with Montana rifles?

I'm asking because while I haven't had any problems with Montana actions, their barrels seem to vary in quality.

Should probably also add as a general comment on the thread that the original CRF Montana actions were rather rough. This wasn't due to shoddy work, but because the actions were specifically intended for professional gunsmiths who would finish them, and adjust the feeding for whatever cartridge the rifle was chambered for. As a result of not trying to smooth the finish (which most custom riflesmiths do anyway), the cost was considerably less than some other actions.

However, many shooters didn't understand this, so bought Montana CRF actions and had them barreled without any smoothing or feeding work, then bitched because the action was "inferior."