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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,585
Campfire Tracker
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OP
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,585 |
I am thinking about a rifle build and am looking for ideas. I will do the wood work myself with an unfinished blank. I was looking at the Montana Rifleman website and was wondering what if any experience any of you have had with them?
Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most. - Mark Twain.
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 7,578
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 7,578 |
Get a Winchester 70 instead. The cost of the MR actions has gotten high enough that they are no bargain. They are heavier/bulkier than need be. And I don't think they would help you on the resale end. But don't get me wrong--they can be worked into a fine finished product. But a M70 can be built into one that I prefer.
Just no advantages that I see.
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,105
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,105 |
I've got 1 and I wouldn't do it again.
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,887
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,887 |
I have one and love it, but then I didn't have to many choices for a short action Left Hand action. As a right hander you may have better options. Look for a good used older model 700's.
"The older I get, the better I was"
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 32,044
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 32,044 |
A Doe walks out of the woods today and says, that is the last time I'm going to do that for Two Bucks.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,759
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,759 |
You're going to get mixed reviews on the MRC actions.
I have a magnum action here, unbarrelled and in the white. Every now and then I'll take it out and play with it. I just can't find any of the things that guys complain about. Some day, I'll build it.
I also have had about five more of their actions in various flavors that I eventually sold. I returned one to MRC and swapped it for a different version (stainless for CM) with not a bit of trouble from them. Not a thing wrong with any of them, just changes of plans (I've been known to sell a M700 action or rifle as well, so it's not that I "unloaded" the MRC actions).
A buddy bought a barrelled action in 30-06. Loves it and it shoots great.
These are my only hands-on experience, but every bit of it has been good.
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,499
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,499 |
I have 2 and love 'em. Only thing I dont like is the price and the wait time on the second one was looooong!
There is no way to coexist no matter how many bumper stickers there are on Subaru bumpers!
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,110
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,110 |
how long does it take to get them nowadays??
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,743
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,743 |
Coolbore is right when he said you'd yet mixed reviews on the Montana 1999. I have one. It'll be the last one. Also, I understand that they have gotten better but have become more expesive. So, maybe you'd be ahead to by a used M700 or used Mod.70.
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 894
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 894 |
Had a barreled action in 300 WSM. I finally replaced the barrel and had the action squared and the trigger worked over. It is great now. I will never have another as I feel that they cheated me. (Cheat me once, shame on you, Cheat me twice, shame om me)
If you want to go with their action do so but do not get the barrel installed by them. Have your smith true it and install a quality barrel.
8mmwapiti
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,499
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,499 |
Originally ordered the second one from Iraq, Sep 06, was supposed to be done when I got home. I was only home for 4 months before I left for another year overseas. The last time they told me it wasnt ready, they told me it would be May, and I was leaving in Mar. Ordered it again from Honduras, Sep 07, was supposed to be done in May 08, didnt get it until July. The thing is so friggin accurate though, I really dont care that it took a little longer.
There is no way to coexist no matter how many bumper stickers there are on Subaru bumpers!
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 553
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 553 |
I have two actions, both stainless, one barreled (other barrelmakers) and chambered to 270 Winchester, one 375 H&H. The 270 developed a problem with misfires after about 120 rounds. It was to have been a backup rifle on this year's deer trip, but it's staying home until there's time to address the problem. Otherwise, no real complaints.
Even without the misfires, I'd go for a used Winchester Classic M70 as the basis for a wood stocked custom rifle. Do a search on this site and you'll see a pattern of comments on QC and late deliveries on the M1999's. With the used Winchester, you know pretty much what you are getting right away.
Last, I'd stay away from any Montana barrel. As I understand it, the barrel company ("Montana Rifleman Inc.") is, or at least has been, under separate ownership from the action company. I ordered a Montana barrel in 270 caliber, and they sent one so labeled, but it turned out to be 7mm. No damage except to my wallet, but there are a lot of barrel makers out there, and I woun't go back to Montana.
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 17,119 Likes: 2
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 17,119 Likes: 2 |
I had a 458 Lott barrelled action I bought from someone else spruced up into a DGR by Roger Ferrell. IT works very well. But I don't know the relative prices of the MRC products compared to others and I'm also a lefty with limited options.
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,954
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,954 |
Coldbore, If you will take notice you will see that the gas jet is below wood line if properly stocked, that could blow out a chunk of nice custom wood unless one cuts a U shape in the stock to allow the gas to escape...That tells me someone didn't know what they were doing to start with...
I had one and I sold it as it had some issues, but to each his own on such things, that what makes a horserace.
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