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A Top-Notch Working Rifle: David Petzal Reviews the Montana Rifle Company Model 1999 Ridgeline
In the beginning (1990), there was Brian Sipe, and he dwelt in the town of Kalispell in the land of Montana, and he labored as a gunsmith. And then sayeth he, “I could use a good source of barrels, so I might as well make my own,” and the people who used them made a joyful noise, but yea, it was not enough, for there was a shortage of good, controlled-feed actions abroad in the land, so once again did Sipe do it himself, and thus the Model 1999 action came to be. And in that year of 19 and 99 was born the Montana Rifle Co.
And eight years passed, and MRC was fruitful, but his labors lay heavy on Brian Sipe, who spake unto his son Jeff, saying, “It’s all thine now.” And scarce had one year passed but Jeff Sipe spake unto me, saying, “We know thou lovest Satan and his works, but would thee like to try out a rifle anyway?”
“Verily,” I said, “thou hast come to the right geezer.”
And that is how I made the acquaintance of an MRC High Country Series Ridgeline rifle in .270 Winchester.
Say amen.
The Action
The Model 1999 (montanarifleco.com) looks like a Winchester Model 70, but it’s actually a hybrid incorporating safety features—such as the elimination of extractor cuts and cone breeching in the barrel, which promotes strength—found on the Model 98 Mauser action. It retains the original Model 70 trigger, which is the best ever made for a sporting rifle, and can take scope bases made for the Model 70. A flat-bottom design with a massive recoil lug, the Model 1999 comes in chrome-moly or stainless steel, in right- or left-hand configurations. You have a choice of four sizes: Long Action (up to .458 Lott), Short Action (.243, .308), Professional Hunter (up to the .505 Gibbs), and Mini (.223).
What this does not indicate is that the Model 1999 is about the slickest, greasiest action of its type that I have ever used. It is slicker than deer guts on a doorknob. It is slicker than frog snot. It is slicker than Bubba Clinton.
The Lineup
Montana builds rifles in three series. First is the Classic, which means AA- and AAA-grade walnut stocks and no sights. This includes the Woodland, the Wilderness Supreme (very fancy wood), and the Safari Supreme, which has express sights and a barrel-band swivel and is chambered for large, horrifying cartridges. Second is the High Country series, which is the synthetic-stocked line. It comprises the Ridgeline (shown above), Timberline, Alpine, and Summit models, all made with blind magazines. There is also an Ultra Lite rifle (5 pounds 2 ounces without scope), a Princess Rifle in non-manly colors, and the Summit Alaskan (a synthetic-stocked dangerous-game gun in big calibers). Finally, the Tactical series includes the Marksman, Sniper Scout, and NATO, with all the appropriate bells and whistles.
The Ridgeline
The rifle I got last fall was a Ridgeline. It’s a pure working rifle with a tan synthetic stock and a good recoil pad. (Lone Wolf and Oregunsmithing make the stocks for MRC; each builds high-quality, pillar-bedded Kevlar–carbon fiber stocks.) The barrel is 24 inches long, not the standard 22 inches for a .270, and is somewhat heavier than usual. Even though the barrel and the action are stainless steel, they go out to Falcon Gun Finishing for a coat of flat black Teflon. The triggers are stainless steel as well, but because Teflon tends to get in the way on close-tolerance parts, it’s omitted. Weight is 6 pounds 7 ounces, and with a Leupold VX-3 3.5X–10X scope in Talley mounts, the whole package comes to 8 pounds. The trigger breaks at an ounce or two under 3 pounds, and like all old-style Model 70 triggers that are properly adjusted, it is a thing of beauty and a joy forever.
Accuracy
Because I got the Ridgeline so close to hunting season I did not do lots of accuracy tests. I simply whomped up a handload with 150-grain Hornady SSTs that grouped into .913 inch and took four deer. I also cooked up a load with 150-grain Swift A-Frames that went into 1.024.
Money
At $2,890, the Ridgeline is not cheap. But that’s $400 to well over $1,000 less than rifles of equivalent quality. If you’re looking for a be-all and end-all working rifle, verily I say unto thee, I don’t see how you can do any better.
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Comments (91)
or you could spend $600 on a new Savage that will shoot 1" groups
and spend the other $2200 on a hunt or two
probably a great rifle but not many i know will fork out the money
not sure i would call it a working rifle, more of a luxury rifle
I'm going to have to agree with 3MATTC on that one. It's probably worth the money, but who has that kind of money these days? Nobody I know.
I'm interested in buying a rifle, my FIRST rifle, and I keep going back to the Marlin XL7. $400 for that one (and it has received excellent reviews) vs. almost four times that much for this rifle? I'll take the Marlin, thanks.
Good review, though, Mr. Petzal.
Dotcomaphobe (great name btw), get yourself a Marlin XL7 and rejoice. I recently bought one and have been more than pleased. Mine is in 270, and with 150 grain Fusions it shoots sub-MOA @ 100 yds. It shoot a little over an inch with 150 grain Core-Lokt's (yeah, the cheap stuff). I just got a reloading kit and I can't wait to see what it can really do!
On the other hand, there is something to be said about super greasy actions, teflon coating, Kevlar-carbon fiber stocks. The Ridgeline and it's siblings probably last forever and on into infinity. Thanks for the post Mr. Petzal.
Good review on a very nice rifle. But to call this $3K model a working rifle that is a 'be-all, end-all' and good value is almost annoying.
Especially when there are working rifles available for a small fraction of this price that are every bit as accurate and very slick.
I appreciate fine rifles and own a few. Including a Kimber 7mm-08 with very fancy wood. It cost about what the plastic model in this review lists for in the article.
But I also own a Finnish-made working rifle (plastic) that costs under $600, and it is every bit as good (and has an even better trigger) than my Kimber.
There are amazing factory rifles available these days. Don't be fooled that you've got to pay more than $1K to get one.
Great review. The "be-all" part is awesome, I'm not so sure about the "end-all" part though...half the fun of hunting is playing with new toys! =D
$2,890 for a working rifle, lost me on what is a working rifle kinda like slick willies what's the definition of is, is! LOL!!
You can spen $2,890 for a rifle, but as for my 03-A3 30-06, I'll stack it up against it any day shot for shot with the origanal barrel only cut 3/4 inch and recrowned polished and if you look close enogh, you can still see the armory squid.
My top two picks of a working rifle, my Swedish Mauser Naval rifle with a 16 inch barrel chambererd in 6.5x55 and of course my 03-A3. By the way, my 03-A3 total cost including sporterized, less than a $100.00 but of course that was when gas was 17-20 cents pergallon!
Expensive guns are like Hummers, nice to look at, but not worth a flip.
Acurate guns interest me the most and they are like the old M38 Wilys, dependable, maintainable, easy on the pocket book and your bound to sooner or later get your first brush pinstriping! So no big deal, a light sanding and a can of spray paint and presto, good as new!
TUMS?
Isle 5 next to the Prilosec OTC!
A "working" rifle that is out of the price range for most working class people!!!!!!
Know what a California and many shooting clubs have in common? To much arrogance and snob attitudes about their product of choice. Last time I checked a decent $15 dollar bottle of wine will get you drunk just as well as a $200 bottle Last time I checked a decent $400 rifle seems to shot as well as a $2,600 dollar one.
Sorry, meant to say California wine club, left out wine club part
While driving home this evening it dawned on me David subject was you pay “$2,890 for a working rifle was perhaps the wrong angle to look at this; So if you don’t mind Sir David Petzal, please allow me to put this another way.
Many moons ago, a European Firearms Manufacturer came to visit an American Firearms Manufacturer. After touring their facility they truly believed they have impressed this distinguished visitor they asked him this question.
What do you think about American Made Firearms?
The visitor instantly replied,
Unfinished!
This single word statement is true even today. However it really looks like The “Montana Rifle Company Model 1999 Ridgeline” has stepped out of the closet to the forefront to show those European Boys what true American Ingenuity can really do!
When I think of “UNFINISHED”, I think of my Springfield products especially my XD45 which I’ve been told by Springfield Customer Service a lot of people are having trigger problems causing the shot low and left for right handed and low and right for left and I should send it in for a $210.00 trigger job! And my Savage Muzzleloader which has the worst bedding job I ever witnessed! Is this unfinished or what!!
Coops bottom Line
For the “Montana Rifle Company Model 1999 Ridgeline”?
I got to say my hats off to these guys!
Now if someone can redesign the barrel and keep the cost down for the 264 Win Mag to increase the barrel life of this fine cartridge! Burning out barrels trying to work up several loads really? Go figure!
Sounds like a very fine rifle, indeed. I won't cast my lot with the sour grapes crowd and whine about how expensive it is until I can pay my 1874 Shiloh Sharps into production! I think I have bought my last big game rifle anyway, but I could be tempted to sell a couple of the ones I own to grap one of those Ridgeline's!
I just didn't realize that you were a satanist. Perhaps that explains a couple of things! LOL
DP does the wing safety feel like it has some substance on this rifle? The last Model 70's out of New England were crap off the floor. The new wing safety on the FN model 70's feels sturdy but the detents on the rifle I have picked up were not positive. It felt like it was very easy to leave the safety in the space between safe and fire. My next rifle is going to be something along these lines. I already kinda have a working mans rifle(its a early model 700 in 270Win) thats killed nearly everything thats walked on four legs in North America, its was made the year I was born and has been hunted hard. If it gets replaced it will not be by an ugly, boring, or unfinished gun.
I appreciate a gun of this caliber, I just can't afford one. I agree, a working rifle must be reasonably affordable to a working man. I'm okay with taking my 700 in 30-06 anywhere in north america, for anything less than grizzly. Paid $400 for it with a Redfield 3-9x40 about 10 years ago. I haven't looked back since...
There are many excellent rifles with similar components in the $600 price range that will shoot sub-MAO out of the box. I love my Remington 700 in 308 and it's shoots lights out. Marlin makes the best $300 gun out there, but you can't get blood from a stone. You are giving up something at that price range. I wouldn't pay $3000 for a "working 270" but if you have the money more power to you and if I wanted an heirloom gun I'd check this company out.
It sounds to me that Petzal favors the high end rifles over anything. These are only working rifles to those who don't know what a woking rifle is.
Dave, I thought the Shaw Rifle would be my be-all, end-all...and for a lot less money, or is this not a fair comparison? Could be the difference between walking in the cotton or struting in the tall cotton.
For those who make a 6 digit figure income sounds goon but for this poor guy I'll stick to my Remington and Browning!
It's that Ol'fart with that Old Winchester or Marlin 30-30 who gets the "BIG ONE" every year!
03-A3 once was the most sought after rifle for it's action and the one I have is so sweet!
one of the new FN model 70's would give you the same 8 pound weight and the accuracy in these new M70's is said to be good. Me I don't tote 8 pound rifles anymore. A working rifle for me is a 6.5 pound .257 Roberts or 308 winchester. Show me a deer you cannot kill with a 100 grain TSX at 3000 FPS from a Roberts.
Working rifle??? I can get the same work done for a whole lot less $$$$$. I am sure it is a great rifle and likely worth the money,if you have the money, but most do not.
A working rifle could be interpreted as a professional's rifle, one a guide, or anyone who hunts for a living, would use. It would be rugged, dependable and accurate. It may be expensive, but if it gets hard use and pays for itself in fees, it's worth it.
Canon EOS-1s and Nikon D3s are also expensive. Pros use them. Not all pros use them, but many pros. They're not that much better cameras picture-taking wise than less expensive models, but they will survive the abuse pros give them.
Luxury is relative to the taste and means of the consumer, but to me a working rifle is a Marlin XL7, Savage 110 or Stevens 200. This rifle would be an extreme luxury item to me and would only end up in my safe if it was a gift or there was some sort of windfall. Nice one though.
Lately for my own reasons just watching and listing.
But this subject is worth a line or two,.. yuk yuk
Many very (reveling) posts here,.. VERY intersting
It also apeaears our U. S "gun nuts: at least most of those who spoke up here are also a practical bunch. Refreshing !
Paraphrazing ,.as many of you say UUUUFDA !!! and then some.
3k +/- for a deer rifle ?? ,.. or elk or moose.
Must say I agree ,.. having gone the route of what the "add people" and psychology majors call conspicious consumption.
Owning firearms worth more than the house I grew up in,.. Which in the grand scheme of things (I guess) isn't really all that much. But 15K for a shot gun no matter how you cut it is a fair amount of money. Only justification is that I made moeny when I sold it.
Finally ( it took a while) figureing out I was trying to prove something ,..both to myself and others, by this conspicuous consuption ,. ( dont do badly now but I started out broke ) it became (overnight ) unimportant and to be honest embarrassing
Now as something of a minimalist. No,.. not a "mini me" .
Yet certian there is at least one ( mini me) slinking,and skulking around this blog
Minimalist in my dictionary means not using more than necessary.
Still,.. my go to "working" rifle is an 8 x 57 from the BRNO armory circa pre WWII, seems in most cases way more than enough.
Devestating deer,. eliminating with terrible dispatch, any elk that has stepped in front of its muzzle and simply dumping moose
on thier A$$es. No bears tho (intentionally ) one I couldn't avoid,.. but I kinda like bears,. so dont hunt em.
It 8 x 57 came with a laminated stock and an arctic trigger guard,.so it was meant for cold weather servce. It was new (never seen service) and full of cosmoline ( sp?) when I came to own it.
I had the bolt polished (not slicker than "frog snott but " ) pretty smooth . free floated barrel ,. Itaian walnut stock etc etc ,.
The ole girl (original barrel,.did not machine out the step) nicley reblued ,. will seldom stray out of a 3 inch cir at two hundred yards.
Beyond which I seldom consider shooting anyway
(Why they call it hunting,.. not shooting )
Truth is,. the gun will shoot better than that but thats about as good as I can shoot it.
Total cost ( over the years ) $300 maybe $375
Origional cost $32. Hell ,..I have musky lures that cost that much.
That said some people drive a prius others drive Hummers,.. don't identify with either bunch,. but repect there right to do so.
Unless and or until the consumptions or actions of one grouop so affect others that it begins to cause unballance in the system . Ay which point ( like a Madoff or a Bush ) you thow em in jal or thow em out of office .
Still,. the likes of Clay Cooper one of the more opinionated people I have ever come acrosss,. and conservative to boot.
Which puts he and I at odds right off the git-go ,.
Yet apparently not a raging righter which means there is hopfuly hope for humainity.
Based on his recent posts here in,..addresses it well ( I think )
Ole Clay appears to be looking at it now from both sides of the horse. Congrats CLay,. I knew you had it in you .
The MCR guys are or appear to be the techno-minded inovative type that will for ever be looking to tweek the known.
No doubt combining a modified Model 70 and Mauser 98 action is as good as it gets.( in my opinion )
The accuracy while by todays stabdards is good ,..as many of you point out ,. dosen't much improve on the $300 Marlin or the $500 Savage ( prices vary depending on locaion yuk yuk )
But the 24 inch barell is nothing short of one of the best practical elements in a bolt rifle there is .
I have always wondered why the magor manufactures dont use 24 inch barell as the standard .
If we didnt have the MRC 's of the world it would be less intersting ,.. weather we can afford it or not.
Hopefully in the coming years we all can .
I’m still using an R. G. Owen built 30-’06 on a Springfield action with an ancient Zeiss scope and a Lyman #48 peep sight. The card in the buttstock says Owen sighted it in at 100 yds back in the 1920’s and it still shoots to about 2” which isn’t bad considering the scope is rudimentary by today’s standards. Beats spending close to 3 grand.
Lemesee...
I'm 47, and hope to hunt another 20 years or so.
This truly remarkable rifle costs $2890.00 plus taxes.
That works out to about $150.00 a year.
That seems cheap for a chance to not have my gun fail when I meet up with the bull of a lifetime.
No disrespect to any who take the cheapest gun and ammo they can find into the field. I'm sure they work okay too.
None of us have over 2 grand to spend on a custom gun, ya the idea is neat, but realistically it's not going to be something i spend that much on!!!
Between all the deer rifles I have the 2 most expensive i've got:
Browning A-Bolt 7mag and scope:bout $1000.00
Weatherby Vanguard 257 WBY Mag and scope:bout $800.00(2"grp300yrd
several 30-30's
Browning BAR 30-06
JC Higgins 270
I keep em clean and working parts lubed and haven't had one fail when I needed it.I'll put any of them up against a $3000.00 gun anyday.
And WA_Hunter a buddy of mine has a single shot 243 that his daughters hunt with that kills em just as dead
ya most eople don't just have $2000 kickin' around its not realistic
Back to the crazy priced gear again? Oh sorry, Field and Stream never left. My Howa Model 1500 shoots one inch groups at 200 yards with boring regularity.
Cost of Howa Model 1500 .270 Winchester in 2001: $320.00
Cost of my 130 grain Hornady SST handload: 62 cents per shell
Watching Field and Stream continue to push this overpriced nonsense: Priceless
Mike Montague
In a world of imported garbage being sold through big-box retail outlets, we see a man offering a one-off custom rifle at a fair price.
Instead of tearing him apart, we should be glad to know that America still has the will to keep a guy like that in business.
Thank you, Mr. Petzal for reminding us that in 2010, there are other places to buy guns than Walmart, and that they don't all come from Japan, China, or Spain.
Great looking gun,love reading about well built guns or anything built better than it needs to be.Could'nt buy one but someone needs to set the bar high or everything will go to crap.This is one of the greatest things about living in our country.We all do'nt have to have the same things of the same value. I choose to drive old trucks with new guns in them.To bad that many vote for socialist that believe everyones possessions should be of the same value.[health care,car, houses, food, schools ect,as long as they can opt out.
They say a $9 bottle of wine tastes better if you are told it costs $90. I wonder if the same applies to rifles? Jack the price up a few grand, and even before you shoot it side by side with a cheaper rifle (the XL7, for instance), the odds are that you will be prejudiced in its favor....
I'm not saying the Ridgeline is the same as the XL7, of course, obviously it has a lot more features, but I do question whether the $3000 price tag is worth what you get.
What David has failed to clarify is that what he means by "working rifle" is that you have to "work your a@# off" to buy one!
I have to agree with the others, a working rifle should cost a whole lot less than that! I guess when you review hundreds of rifles, it all gets lost in the print after awhile, but $2800 these days is alot of cash.
Call it what it is, a real nice rifle, but NOT a working rifle for the average working stiff.
cool!!!!
Just a few comments. I have never posted on one of these so bear with me. I have sereral rifles of different brands, but my favorite is a M98 action 257 Roberts that my grandfather made years ago. It has taken game of all sizes from coyotes to deer, speed goats, elk and even moose. My father hunts with a pre 64 Win. I like both rifles and have been looking at a MRC 1999 rifle for some time and it's because they are meshing together two great actions. The price of a MRC 1999 rifle might be high, but these guys should be rewarded for what they have done. That is what is great about the country we live in. They are entrepreneurs and have taken the risk to build a high quality rifle that incorporates the best of the M98 and pre 64 actions and if people are willing to pay them for it, good for them. I've allways believed you get what you pay for, to a certain extent.
Seriously, a "working" rifle for $2890? - I guess I need to ask what exactly is the definition of "working rifle?"
This IS a beautiful rifle and I am certain that it is one that will WORK when you need it. To me a working rifle is one that you can count on in all conditions and it will be tough enough to withstand continued hard use regardless of its price. I applaud the MRC folks for making a rifle the way I would if I could. The price is high since it is not mass produced and American labor aint cheap. I certainly hope the accuracy improves with handloading though. For $2890, I would also expect it to shoot better than a half inch since that is one of the most important aspects of a working rifle for me. The rifle looks a lot like my Weatherby Mark V Feather Weight except the barrel isn't fluted. The features are similar to my M98 action/Lothar Walther barrel and chamber "working rifle" except that mine shoots in the .1s and cost less than $1000 all in. I have drug that rifle through sleet and snow, dropped it down mountains and out of trees and it keeps shooting their eyes out. I have only missed one big game shot because of a malfunction... that was a weak bolt shroud detent spring after 40,000 shots causing the bolt shroud to rotate and lock on a very fast follow up shot. By the way, the same thing may happen to the Montana rifle in 2060 or so if it gets lots of work. Great article though Mr. Petzal... it is nice to hear about the good things being done in America. By the way, I got an un-American CZ 550 in .375 new for $650 and that action cycles so smooth it makes frog snot feel like sandpaper. It shoots .75 with monster clunky hunting bullets. WIth a $50 coat of teflon, it may be my next working rifle for high end work (the bluing is thin).
I can see both sides in this case...Quick side story for background....when I was racing dirtbikes, it was nothing to spend $100. per weekend on entry fees and gas, not to mention the $6,000. cost of a bike that becomes worth $3,000 in 2-3 years....but that was when the economy was better....since going nuts on deer hunting(mostly crossbow) the last couple years, I love that I can EAT my trophies, I can harvest deer repeatedly for the same investment in a weapon........
NOW TO THE RIFLE INVESTMENT ISSUE: at my age (45) If I were to buy a $3000. Rifle and ACTUALLY use it for 30 years, at $100/ year..not too bad! AND IT will be worth a decent dollar any time I may chose to sell or trade! ......but in todays economy, I need and love a REAL VALUE... I am leaning toward the Marlin XL7, if I can learn to shoot it well, then I will get a couple more as gifts or to loan ...for a $1,000.for example, maybe the kids may be willing to learn to shoot/hang out with dad to tryout a .243, while I go for my Elk/Deer rifle, and I still have one to loan or GIVE AWAY....NOW THAT IS VALUE!!!
Dear Field & Stream Readers,
CFG7613 has succeeded in accomplishing what they set out to do - which is get everybody arguing about the uselessness of semi-automatics.
We, as serious & knowledgeable hunters and shooters, know that the AR is one of the best hunting rifles around. I personally prefer my Weatherby .223 bolt action any day but I also still enjoy shooting my AR.
Let's talk about what we all like to do which is responsibly & safely hunt, shoot, collect firearms, archery gear - whatever is legal for us to do as sports, shooting & hunting enthusiasts. Let this be the VERY LAST POST ABOUT CFG7613. THEY HAVE HAD THEIR 15 MINUTES OF FAME. We should and/or will as a group ignore any further posts by he/she without commenting and maybe they'll go away - forever.
Peace Through Superior Firepower - Always,
dthomas
Chicago, IL
if i were to spend that much $$$ on a rifle, i would have it custom made to MY specs.
I'm a lefty who doesn't want to shoot the same calibers as everyone else. Finding quality bolt action guns outside of the standard calibers of 270-'06-7mm-300 etc is almost impossible. What Montana Rifle Company offers is incredible to say the least. If I were to go to a gunsmith I'd have to find an action, barrel, and stock and then wait about a year to get my "new" rifle. What Montana Rifle Co offers is incredible for we the shooters in our right mind. Sure the up front cost appears to be alot, but when you factor in finding all the components and waiting for your gunsmith to put them all together, it would be money well spent. I will be having them make me a 6.5WSM here in the near future...as soon as my wife lets me...and for those concerned with paying taxes...Montana has no sales tax. Keep up the great work Sipe family, I liik forward to doing business with you in the future.
yep, too pricey for needing to hit a deer at 100 yards.
Nice rifle but I would expect accuracy in the 1/2" range for that price. It would be nice to see some more loads worked up to see how accurate or finicky it may be. My factory rifles shoot 1 moa or better and my custom half that. And that is with more than one load.
Save your cash for hunting the species and time to get in the field. Buy a Savage Model 16 with the accustock and accutrigeer in one of the calibers they offer. Also the Howa made Weatherby Vanguard is a real working man's rifle as well. I have one in 300 WSM , the sub MOA model that shoots with my Remington 40X for five shot groups at 200 yards. Neither my Savage model 16 or the Weatherby cost me over $400. so I could spend a bit more on optics; the Leupold European scopes, to get a stiffer, 30 MM tube on top of theses rifles. Leupold also provided a customized mil dot reticle on the 4-12x40 Euro scope for $75 plus shipping and handling. A grat combo that provides me confidence to extend my range to 400-500 yards when coupled with my proven handloads and a haris bi pod. My handloads are RL 22, 190 grain Hornady SST's ,and Federal nickle brass.
3MATTC, i agree.
You would figure for that price it would be more accurate.
woo hoo kalispell montana!!! thats where im from. one of the reasons i love field and stream is they reference montana alot more than any other hunting magazine. we truely are blessed to live in this beautiful state. prime hunting and lots of it! woo hoo kalispell!!
I have been using a Ruger M-77 since Hector was a pup, I don't know any reason to need anything more. For some reason the many shooters and hunters don't seem to respect the M-77, but I'll never willingly let it go.
Nice rifle but if $2800 is a WORKING RIFLE WOW! I agree with all the rest way to high priced. Seems as the economy gets worse the sporting goods industry keeps going up on prices. They have forgotten the common sportsman the weekend guy or gal that put them were they are. And it seems that the Sprting Mags have forgotten to. Why not tell us about good gear at a good price I guess they are tailoring toward the BIG WIGS in congress.
So, what you're saying is...if I spend $110 under 3K, for a working rifle, I'll be happy. But my rifles work just fine and I don't have to WORK TWO JOBS to afford his working lead thrower.
Dave, If that is a good working rifle then how about you buy me a "piece of garbage" (since a $3000 rifle is a hard working rifle then i assume that must be what everything less is) Weatherby Vangaurd synthetic in 257 weatherby. After all if a $3000 rifle is a hard working meat gun then it should be no problem to buy me my dream rifle which will probably out shoot your montana ridgeline. I'm sure the ridgeline is a nice rifle but its NOT a cheap "hard working rifle"
Pretty good article. How do you get me to test it out. Lots of money to shell out on your word.
Pretty good article. How do you get me to test it out. Lots of money to shell out on your word.
That is pretty pricey for an over the counter hunting rifle. I had a fully custom Match grade sniper rifle build [From a Remington 700 300WM], with the military style Remington MARS rail [$350], a Leupold M4 [$1100], and custom 22" heavy match grade stainless steel barrel done up by Robar [Phoenix, AZ] for only $6000 [see photo under my profile page], so a base rifle for half of that is pretty expansive.
Note Rifle was build because I will hopefully be attending a sniper school [www.sniperschool.com GPS Defense Scottsdale, AZ] when the economy starts back up, and the rifle has to be match grade quality for the school.
Does anything beat a Remington 700?
I own a couple of very expensive HSP's in .257 WBY and .338 Lapua. I invested the money a long time ago when I could afford it. Would I do it again? Probably not...I have Savages that will perform as well as both for a 1/4 of the cost.
Petzal is like all the other elite gun writers...he has lost touch with the working individual. Sure he has to pay for ammo and occasional shipping to write about a particular project but I am sure he hasn't forked out a penny for a hunt other than maybe a license in 20 years.
this is a sweet rifle but a little bit out of most people's price range.
and verily i say unto thee oh children of the boomstick, if breaketh thy coffers doeth this rifle, then worketh it does not. and there for i call upon thee to pay homage to this, thy rifle of choice but decide thee anon a new horse of working grade.
Awesome rifle! BUT My Winchester 94 30-30 does the job even out to 200 yds. with the Hornady Leverevolution bullets. I have had it since 1986. Heck, I have an old Mossberg 410 bolt action that my Dad got when he passed the 6th grade and it will take deer at 100 yds. with slugs. Neither gun cost more than $300.
I agree that customization and innovation keep things moving forward, but I will be just as happy (and well fed) if I can never afford such a rifle as the Ridgeline.
So all you gun smiths and tweakers/inventors keep up the great work, and all you high income hunters please keep them in business. Who knows, one day maybe a Ridgeline will trickle down to me.
Safe and happy hunting to all!
its a goog gun but where am i gonna get that kinda money
i have a custom .270 wsm with a montana action, they make the best action for a left handed rifleman such as myself. the action performs flawlessly, keep up the good work montana.
I always want another rifle/different caliber and would love to spend $2-3,000+ on one. But, rationally, I have more rifles than I can fire now (that's anything more than one) and I have decided that I am much better off spending the money for a new rifle on a hunt somewhere I have never been.
for that much money i wouldent take it out of my house id be afriad to scratch it
For a really good working rifle get a Remington 770-------they make excellent BOAT ANCHORS! Biggest piece of junk ever made and Remington is doing nothing to fix the problems. They told me they would send a shipping label and box so I could send it back to have it repaired and that was months ago. I have e-mails from them saying they were sending it but I never get them. I'll never buy a Remington anything again after seeing how they back their products. There is so much play in the bolt that it wedges when you try to close it. Bought this rifle for my grandson to use thinking it would be a good starter rifle but now I see I would have been better off to have gotten him a slingshot. At this point I just want my money back. Remington told me to take it to the gunsmith at Gander Mountain to have it fixed but they said it would cost a LOT OF MONEY to do it and I would be better off to buy a more expensive rifle. They also said that the problem I'm having is inherint of all 770's. Guess they'll wait till someone gets seriously hurt or killed and a lawsuit comes up before doing anything about them. BUYERS BEWARE!!!!!!!!
I would rather take that $3k and pay my next semester of college.
I guess a working rifle is different then a "working man's rifle". $2,890.00 is alot of money for a rifle, for an average worker. My pickup cost $3000.00 and my Winchester 94 30-30, $125.00 in 1977. To me that would be a working man's rifle.
I'd give my left n** for one....oh wait, already did that on my truck.
The bottom line.....Like most markets today there are many to choose from costing little,costing alot.In the end you'll get mainly what you can afford.But it's always nice to dream alittle or alot.
NO matter how many different bolt guns I look at and shoot I always come back to the Remington 700. Ruger however makes a close second.
That look like it is a nice rifle, but for that kind of money it ought to be. I'm not at that level yet.
OK, lots of responses here so as a brand new member of this forum, today, I'll put in my 2 cents worth. I'm sure this gun is worth every penny to those who purchase it so I won't knock it. Instead, I'll keep my model 99 .300 Savage my Dad left me. I put a Leup. 2x7/28 on top, and it's an accurate 200ydr. with 150s that will put down any deer that walked. Personally, I think that the 99 is just about the prettiest rifle ever, so do some others. The Montana rifle just looks like another bolt action to me, and is not nearly so good looking as my Weath. Vang. 3006 deluxe sporter which set me back $500 with very nice walnut. Just one more opinion.
Bob
OK, lots of responses here so as a brand new member of this forum, today, I'll put in my 2 cents worth. I'm sure this gun is worth every penny to those who purchase it so I won't knock it. Instead, I'll keep my model 99 .300 Savage my Dad left me. I put a Leup. 2x7/28 on top, and it's an accurate 200ydr. with 150s that will put down any deer that walked. Personally, I think that the 99 is just about the prettiest rifle ever, so do some others. The Montana rifle just looks like another bolt action to me, and is not nearly so good looking as my Weath. Vang. 3006 deluxe sporter which set me back $500 with very nice walnut. Just one more opinion.
Bob
BTW, my Weatherby Vanguard shoots Rem. Core lokt sub moa. First group fired was a .7. Walnut is so much prettier than green plastic.
Bob
There are so many good production rifles on the market now that shoot around or under a MOA, and start around $500 - on up to $1,000. For the $500 group - Weatherby's Vanguard or a Thompson Center Venture are very good -as is the Mossberg 4x4 I just bought for under $500 - with a decent 3x9 scope and a muzzle break (came with - and have to say - never had a muzzle break before - and it only kicks about like a .308 - and you can take off the break if you so choose. I will probably put a Vari X II scope on it - but it's fine for now, and shoots about an inch with factory ammo.
Going up a bit in price - you can get Savage, Tikka, even the new entry level Sako - for less than $1,000 - as well as the usual good/decent shooters - Remington, Winchester, and Browning, or maybe just a bit more than $1,000.
Ergo - I would agree: Spend $500 to $1,000 on the rifle - and put the rest toward a great hunt. :)
And BTW - Savage with their Accu-trigger seemed to pave the way for a lot of these very reasonably priced rifles to improve the quality of their triggers. The one on my mossberg - is very much like the accu-trigger and can be easily adjusted. It's just amazing how much production rifles have improved as of late.
Uno Mas. Do love reading about such fine rifles as the Montana - much like I appreciate reading about Ferraris. Just normally - don't think about buying such upscale gear.
Uno mas: Do love reading about such fine rifles as this one Dave writes about - much like I enjoy reading about new Ferraris and the like. Just don't ordinarily consider purchasing such upscale gear.
It looks like a nice gun, but quite a bit out of my price range. He said it looks like a Model 70, but I could buy a 70 for half the price.
It looks like a nice gun, and I'm sure it is, but quite a bit out of my price range. He said it looks like a Model 70, but I could buy a 70 for half the price.
I tend to associate the word "working rifle" with hard use, and this one seems up to the task.
As someone who deals in custom for a living I am not offended by the price. The words cheap and custom don’t belong in the same sentence. I say if you don’t mind cookie cutter buy of the rack and brag to everyone what a great deal you got. If you want guaranteed precision and excellent craftsmanship when it comes to fit and finish then you’ll quickly come to learn that quality cost extra.
does this guy ever recommend anything that doesn't cost a fortune. for the average guy ,( and i guess im one )my remington semi auto does the job.when im old and worn out it will be too :)
I've had this action in my hands and here's my thoughts. I would rather own a Savage rifle than this overpriced hunk of cast action. I don't think that many writers actually write what they think of the item. In my personal opinion a lot of the writers will write anything the company that is "giving" them something for free wants. It would be nice to read a honest review of just about anything, but if the writers got a reputation as writing what they really think then all of these companies wouldn't be sending them free stuff.
I like to hunt with classics when I can, I have a couple of 30's era Winchesters in bolt and lever action that fill that bill. Some collect these oldies, I lie to shoot them judiciously. I also own one of the Weatherby Vanguards in a short mag that shoots great, has a custom trigger but other than that is a standard model Sub MOA Vanguard. Same for a Browning A bolt in a heavy magnum round. All together they did not cost what the featured rifle costs.I agree with quality speaks for itself, and good value does as well.
expensive top of the line guns have their place in international shooting competions, where a sponser is supplying it, but most of us have to work hard and save to buy a good quality gun. Then there is the issue of getting your wife to buy off on a $3,000.00 gun when your daughters room needs to have the carpet removed and new wood flooring to be put in. My suggestion is a Ruger #1 shoots like a dream. They come in a all different calibers and you can afford to deal with your wife when its bought. it is a single shot rifle so now you really have to know shot placement and be confident in shooting. but when one shot counts why spend $3,000.00 when an $800.00 dollar rifle works just as good
Dave must have either been paid for saying that or got to keep the rifle. A top notch working rifle would be an old 722 in .300 Savage that rides with you,not a pretty girl that dosn't like the dirt.
Let's face it, this is a semi-custom rifle, just about guaranteed to shoot eye popping groups and it is all about the pride of ownership.
Personally, I loathe stainless and synthetic on a gun, be it rifle or shotgun. I have hunted with guns that many would not, but I like nice.
I would love to have a Wilderness Supreme, because I like pretty and have a wife who understands the necessity of me having nice guns, or has in the past. The gun you hunt with is an extension of your personality, so always put your best foot forward.
a grand rifle i'm sure, but will the extra dollars realy kill what your shooting at more? all it takes to shoot great is a good, not nessesarily expensive, gun, and lots and lots and lots and lots of practice.
Lots of interesting comments regarding this topic. I had to take a step back and think about this whole debate before engaging. Currently my "go to" rifle is a savage 116, plain Jane factory, with a bushnell elite on top. For the steal of a deal I got it for, and the scope too, it does a remarkable job. Never had even the slightest hiccup from it. It consistently shoots sub MOA, with a variety of ammunition, although my custom tailored handloads do best.
Now,
If I had more money to pilfer away nice firearms the 99 would be at the top of my list. As it is I can't afford to buy myself a rifle that nice, and won't be able to for some foreseeable future. However I do see the light at the end of tunnel, and if I have my way I will own one of the model 99's.
Many have made comments about the cost, and is it really worth it? That depends on what a particular person wants from their rifle. I enjoy quality craftsmanship and a rifle that is beautiful to the eye. If you do as well, then the model 99 would find itself right at home in your safe. If you're a budget hunter and gun owner, then most likely the extra care taken to produce such a fine rifle won't excite you.
i like to think of a rifle as like buying a car you spend the money and get what you want some people like the expensive high quality ones and some like the ones that get the job done good enough. i think i could be both one that cares about a rifle enough to pay ridiculous prices for because you only need one
It's a hobby. Some of us are willing to invest more in their hobbies than others. Looks like an awesome rifle. Maybe some day after the kids are out of the house....
i bought one in .223 cal for yotes and it worked wonder full
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or you could spend $600 on a new Savage that will shoot 1" groups
and spend the other $2200 on a hunt or two
probably a great rifle but not many i know will fork out the money
not sure i would call it a working rifle, more of a luxury rifle
I'm going to have to agree with 3MATTC on that one. It's probably worth the money, but who has that kind of money these days? Nobody I know.
I'm interested in buying a rifle, my FIRST rifle, and I keep going back to the Marlin XL7. $400 for that one (and it has received excellent reviews) vs. almost four times that much for this rifle? I'll take the Marlin, thanks.
Good review, though, Mr. Petzal.
A "working" rifle that is out of the price range for most working class people!!!!!!
Know what a California and many shooting clubs have in common? To much arrogance and snob attitudes about their product of choice. Last time I checked a decent $15 dollar bottle of wine will get you drunk just as well as a $200 bottle Last time I checked a decent $400 rifle seems to shot as well as a $2,600 dollar one.
Dotcomaphobe (great name btw), get yourself a Marlin XL7 and rejoice. I recently bought one and have been more than pleased. Mine is in 270, and with 150 grain Fusions it shoots sub-MOA @ 100 yds. It shoot a little over an inch with 150 grain Core-Lokt's (yeah, the cheap stuff). I just got a reloading kit and I can't wait to see what it can really do!
On the other hand, there is something to be said about super greasy actions, teflon coating, Kevlar-carbon fiber stocks. The Ridgeline and it's siblings probably last forever and on into infinity. Thanks for the post Mr. Petzal.
Great looking gun,love reading about well built guns or anything built better than it needs to be.Could'nt buy one but someone needs to set the bar high or everything will go to crap.This is one of the greatest things about living in our country.We all do'nt have to have the same things of the same value. I choose to drive old trucks with new guns in them.To bad that many vote for socialist that believe everyones possessions should be of the same value.[health care,car, houses, food, schools ect,as long as they can opt out.
Good review on a very nice rifle. But to call this $3K model a working rifle that is a 'be-all, end-all' and good value is almost annoying.
Especially when there are working rifles available for a small fraction of this price that are every bit as accurate and very slick.
I appreciate fine rifles and own a few. Including a Kimber 7mm-08 with very fancy wood. It cost about what the plastic model in this review lists for in the article.
But I also own a Finnish-made working rifle (plastic) that costs under $600, and it is every bit as good (and has an even better trigger) than my Kimber.
There are amazing factory rifles available these days. Don't be fooled that you've got to pay more than $1K to get one.
It sounds to me that Petzal favors the high end rifles over anything. These are only working rifles to those who don't know what a woking rifle is.
I appreciate a gun of this caliber, I just can't afford one. I agree, a working rifle must be reasonably affordable to a working man. I'm okay with taking my 700 in 30-06 anywhere in north america, for anything less than grizzly. Paid $400 for it with a Redfield 3-9x40 about 10 years ago. I haven't looked back since...
$2,890 for a working rifle, lost me on what is a working rifle kinda like slick willies what's the definition of is, is! LOL!!
You can spen $2,890 for a rifle, but as for my 03-A3 30-06, I'll stack it up against it any day shot for shot with the origanal barrel only cut 3/4 inch and recrowned polished and if you look close enogh, you can still see the armory squid.
My top two picks of a working rifle, my Swedish Mauser Naval rifle with a 16 inch barrel chambererd in 6.5x55 and of course my 03-A3. By the way, my 03-A3 total cost including sporterized, less than a $100.00 but of course that was when gas was 17-20 cents pergallon!
Expensive guns are like Hummers, nice to look at, but not worth a flip.
Acurate guns interest me the most and they are like the old M38 Wilys, dependable, maintainable, easy on the pocket book and your bound to sooner or later get your first brush pinstriping! So no big deal, a light sanding and a can of spray paint and presto, good as new!
TUMS?
Isle 5 next to the Prilosec OTC!
While driving home this evening it dawned on me David subject was you pay “$2,890 for a working rifle was perhaps the wrong angle to look at this; So if you don’t mind Sir David Petzal, please allow me to put this another way.
Many moons ago, a European Firearms Manufacturer came to visit an American Firearms Manufacturer. After touring their facility they truly believed they have impressed this distinguished visitor they asked him this question.
What do you think about American Made Firearms?
The visitor instantly replied,
Unfinished!
This single word statement is true even today. However it really looks like The “Montana Rifle Company Model 1999 Ridgeline” has stepped out of the closet to the forefront to show those European Boys what true American Ingenuity can really do!
When I think of “UNFINISHED”, I think of my Springfield products especially my XD45 which I’ve been told by Springfield Customer Service a lot of people are having trigger problems causing the shot low and left for right handed and low and right for left and I should send it in for a $210.00 trigger job! And my Savage Muzzleloader which has the worst bedding job I ever witnessed! Is this unfinished or what!!
Coops bottom Line
For the “Montana Rifle Company Model 1999 Ridgeline”?
I got to say my hats off to these guys!
Now if someone can redesign the barrel and keep the cost down for the 264 Win Mag to increase the barrel life of this fine cartridge! Burning out barrels trying to work up several loads really? Go figure!
Sorry, meant to say California wine club, left out wine club part
Sounds like a very fine rifle, indeed. I won't cast my lot with the sour grapes crowd and whine about how expensive it is until I can pay my 1874 Shiloh Sharps into production! I think I have bought my last big game rifle anyway, but I could be tempted to sell a couple of the ones I own to grap one of those Ridgeline's!
I just didn't realize that you were a satanist. Perhaps that explains a couple of things! LOL
DP does the wing safety feel like it has some substance on this rifle? The last Model 70's out of New England were crap off the floor. The new wing safety on the FN model 70's feels sturdy but the detents on the rifle I have picked up were not positive. It felt like it was very easy to leave the safety in the space between safe and fire. My next rifle is going to be something along these lines. I already kinda have a working mans rifle(its a early model 700 in 270Win) thats killed nearly everything thats walked on four legs in North America, its was made the year I was born and has been hunted hard. If it gets replaced it will not be by an ugly, boring, or unfinished gun.
There are many excellent rifles with similar components in the $600 price range that will shoot sub-MAO out of the box. I love my Remington 700 in 308 and it's shoots lights out. Marlin makes the best $300 gun out there, but you can't get blood from a stone. You are giving up something at that price range. I wouldn't pay $3000 for a "working 270" but if you have the money more power to you and if I wanted an heirloom gun I'd check this company out.
Dave, I thought the Shaw Rifle would be my be-all, end-all...and for a lot less money, or is this not a fair comparison? Could be the difference between walking in the cotton or struting in the tall cotton.
For those who make a 6 digit figure income sounds goon but for this poor guy I'll stick to my Remington and Browning!
It's that Ol'fart with that Old Winchester or Marlin 30-30 who gets the "BIG ONE" every year!
one of the new FN model 70's would give you the same 8 pound weight and the accuracy in these new M70's is said to be good. Me I don't tote 8 pound rifles anymore. A working rifle for me is a 6.5 pound .257 Roberts or 308 winchester. Show me a deer you cannot kill with a 100 grain TSX at 3000 FPS from a Roberts.
Working rifle??? I can get the same work done for a whole lot less $$$$$. I am sure it is a great rifle and likely worth the money,if you have the money, but most do not.
Luxury is relative to the taste and means of the consumer, but to me a working rifle is a Marlin XL7, Savage 110 or Stevens 200. This rifle would be an extreme luxury item to me and would only end up in my safe if it was a gift or there was some sort of windfall. Nice one though.
None of us have over 2 grand to spend on a custom gun, ya the idea is neat, but realistically it's not going to be something i spend that much on!!!
Back to the crazy priced gear again? Oh sorry, Field and Stream never left. My Howa Model 1500 shoots one inch groups at 200 yards with boring regularity.
Cost of Howa Model 1500 .270 Winchester in 2001: $320.00
Cost of my 130 grain Hornady SST handload: 62 cents per shell
Watching Field and Stream continue to push this overpriced nonsense: Priceless
Mike Montague
They say a $9 bottle of wine tastes better if you are told it costs $90. I wonder if the same applies to rifles? Jack the price up a few grand, and even before you shoot it side by side with a cheaper rifle (the XL7, for instance), the odds are that you will be prejudiced in its favor....
I'm not saying the Ridgeline is the same as the XL7, of course, obviously it has a lot more features, but I do question whether the $3000 price tag is worth what you get.
Great review. The "be-all" part is awesome, I'm not so sure about the "end-all" part though...half the fun of hunting is playing with new toys! =D
03-A3 once was the most sought after rifle for it's action and the one I have is so sweet!
A working rifle could be interpreted as a professional's rifle, one a guide, or anyone who hunts for a living, would use. It would be rugged, dependable and accurate. It may be expensive, but if it gets hard use and pays for itself in fees, it's worth it.
Canon EOS-1s and Nikon D3s are also expensive. Pros use them. Not all pros use them, but many pros. They're not that much better cameras picture-taking wise than less expensive models, but they will survive the abuse pros give them.
I’m still using an R. G. Owen built 30-’06 on a Springfield action with an ancient Zeiss scope and a Lyman #48 peep sight. The card in the buttstock says Owen sighted it in at 100 yds back in the 1920’s and it still shoots to about 2” which isn’t bad considering the scope is rudimentary by today’s standards. Beats spending close to 3 grand.
Lemesee...
I'm 47, and hope to hunt another 20 years or so.
This truly remarkable rifle costs $2890.00 plus taxes.
That works out to about $150.00 a year.
That seems cheap for a chance to not have my gun fail when I meet up with the bull of a lifetime.
No disrespect to any who take the cheapest gun and ammo they can find into the field. I'm sure they work okay too.
Between all the deer rifles I have the 2 most expensive i've got:
Browning A-Bolt 7mag and scope:bout $1000.00
Weatherby Vanguard 257 WBY Mag and scope:bout $800.00(2"grp300yrd
several 30-30's
Browning BAR 30-06
JC Higgins 270
I keep em clean and working parts lubed and haven't had one fail when I needed it.I'll put any of them up against a $3000.00 gun anyday.
And WA_Hunter a buddy of mine has a single shot 243 that his daughters hunt with that kills em just as dead
ya most eople don't just have $2000 kickin' around its not realistic
In a world of imported garbage being sold through big-box retail outlets, we see a man offering a one-off custom rifle at a fair price.
Instead of tearing him apart, we should be glad to know that America still has the will to keep a guy like that in business.
Thank you, Mr. Petzal for reminding us that in 2010, there are other places to buy guns than Walmart, and that they don't all come from Japan, China, or Spain.
What David has failed to clarify is that what he means by "working rifle" is that you have to "work your a@# off" to buy one!
I have to agree with the others, a working rifle should cost a whole lot less than that! I guess when you review hundreds of rifles, it all gets lost in the print after awhile, but $2800 these days is alot of cash.
Call it what it is, a real nice rifle, but NOT a working rifle for the average working stiff.
Just a few comments. I have never posted on one of these so bear with me. I have sereral rifles of different brands, but my favorite is a M98 action 257 Roberts that my grandfather made years ago. It has taken game of all sizes from coyotes to deer, speed goats, elk and even moose. My father hunts with a pre 64 Win. I like both rifles and have been looking at a MRC 1999 rifle for some time and it's because they are meshing together two great actions. The price of a MRC 1999 rifle might be high, but these guys should be rewarded for what they have done. That is what is great about the country we live in. They are entrepreneurs and have taken the risk to build a high quality rifle that incorporates the best of the M98 and pre 64 actions and if people are willing to pay them for it, good for them. I've allways believed you get what you pay for, to a certain extent.
This IS a beautiful rifle and I am certain that it is one that will WORK when you need it. To me a working rifle is one that you can count on in all conditions and it will be tough enough to withstand continued hard use regardless of its price. I applaud the MRC folks for making a rifle the way I would if I could. The price is high since it is not mass produced and American labor aint cheap. I certainly hope the accuracy improves with handloading though. For $2890, I would also expect it to shoot better than a half inch since that is one of the most important aspects of a working rifle for me. The rifle looks a lot like my Weatherby Mark V Feather Weight except the barrel isn't fluted. The features are similar to my M98 action/Lothar Walther barrel and chamber "working rifle" except that mine shoots in the .1s and cost less than $1000 all in. I have drug that rifle through sleet and snow, dropped it down mountains and out of trees and it keeps shooting their eyes out. I have only missed one big game shot because of a malfunction... that was a weak bolt shroud detent spring after 40,000 shots causing the bolt shroud to rotate and lock on a very fast follow up shot. By the way, the same thing may happen to the Montana rifle in 2060 or so if it gets lots of work. Great article though Mr. Petzal... it is nice to hear about the good things being done in America. By the way, I got an un-American CZ 550 in .375 new for $650 and that action cycles so smooth it makes frog snot feel like sandpaper. It shoots .75 with monster clunky hunting bullets. WIth a $50 coat of teflon, it may be my next working rifle for high end work (the bluing is thin).
I'm a lefty who doesn't want to shoot the same calibers as everyone else. Finding quality bolt action guns outside of the standard calibers of 270-'06-7mm-300 etc is almost impossible. What Montana Rifle Company offers is incredible to say the least. If I were to go to a gunsmith I'd have to find an action, barrel, and stock and then wait about a year to get my "new" rifle. What Montana Rifle Co offers is incredible for we the shooters in our right mind. Sure the up front cost appears to be alot, but when you factor in finding all the components and waiting for your gunsmith to put them all together, it would be money well spent. I will be having them make me a 6.5WSM here in the near future...as soon as my wife lets me...and for those concerned with paying taxes...Montana has no sales tax. Keep up the great work Sipe family, I liik forward to doing business with you in the future.
yep, too pricey for needing to hit a deer at 100 yards.
There are so many good production rifles on the market now that shoot around or under a MOA, and start around $500 - on up to $1,000. For the $500 group - Weatherby's Vanguard or a Thompson Center Venture are very good -as is the Mossberg 4x4 I just bought for under $500 - with a decent 3x9 scope and a muzzle break (came with - and have to say - never had a muzzle break before - and it only kicks about like a .308 - and you can take off the break if you so choose. I will probably put a Vari X II scope on it - but it's fine for now, and shoots about an inch with factory ammo.
Going up a bit in price - you can get Savage, Tikka, even the new entry level Sako - for less than $1,000 - as well as the usual good/decent shooters - Remington, Winchester, and Browning, or maybe just a bit more than $1,000.
Ergo - I would agree: Spend $500 to $1,000 on the rifle - and put the rest toward a great hunt. :)
It looks like a nice gun, and I'm sure it is, but quite a bit out of my price range. He said it looks like a Model 70, but I could buy a 70 for half the price.
Seriously, a "working" rifle for $2890? - I guess I need to ask what exactly is the definition of "working rifle?"
I can see both sides in this case...Quick side story for background....when I was racing dirtbikes, it was nothing to spend $100. per weekend on entry fees and gas, not to mention the $6,000. cost of a bike that becomes worth $3,000 in 2-3 years....but that was when the economy was better....since going nuts on deer hunting(mostly crossbow) the last couple years, I love that I can EAT my trophies, I can harvest deer repeatedly for the same investment in a weapon........
NOW TO THE RIFLE INVESTMENT ISSUE: at my age (45) If I were to buy a $3000. Rifle and ACTUALLY use it for 30 years, at $100/ year..not too bad! AND IT will be worth a decent dollar any time I may chose to sell or trade! ......but in todays economy, I need and love a REAL VALUE... I am leaning toward the Marlin XL7, if I can learn to shoot it well, then I will get a couple more as gifts or to loan ...for a $1,000.for example, maybe the kids may be willing to learn to shoot/hang out with dad to tryout a .243, while I go for my Elk/Deer rifle, and I still have one to loan or GIVE AWAY....NOW THAT IS VALUE!!!
Dear Field & Stream Readers,
CFG7613 has succeeded in accomplishing what they set out to do - which is get everybody arguing about the uselessness of semi-automatics.
We, as serious & knowledgeable hunters and shooters, know that the AR is one of the best hunting rifles around. I personally prefer my Weatherby .223 bolt action any day but I also still enjoy shooting my AR.
Let's talk about what we all like to do which is responsibly & safely hunt, shoot, collect firearms, archery gear - whatever is legal for us to do as sports, shooting & hunting enthusiasts. Let this be the VERY LAST POST ABOUT CFG7613. THEY HAVE HAD THEIR 15 MINUTES OF FAME. We should and/or will as a group ignore any further posts by he/she without commenting and maybe they'll go away - forever.
Peace Through Superior Firepower - Always,
dthomas
Chicago, IL
if i were to spend that much $$$ on a rifle, i would have it custom made to MY specs.
Nice rifle but I would expect accuracy in the 1/2" range for that price. It would be nice to see some more loads worked up to see how accurate or finicky it may be. My factory rifles shoot 1 moa or better and my custom half that. And that is with more than one load.
Save your cash for hunting the species and time to get in the field. Buy a Savage Model 16 with the accustock and accutrigeer in one of the calibers they offer. Also the Howa made Weatherby Vanguard is a real working man's rifle as well. I have one in 300 WSM , the sub MOA model that shoots with my Remington 40X for five shot groups at 200 yards. Neither my Savage model 16 or the Weatherby cost me over $400. so I could spend a bit more on optics; the Leupold European scopes, to get a stiffer, 30 MM tube on top of theses rifles. Leupold also provided a customized mil dot reticle on the 4-12x40 Euro scope for $75 plus shipping and handling. A grat combo that provides me confidence to extend my range to 400-500 yards when coupled with my proven handloads and a haris bi pod. My handloads are RL 22, 190 grain Hornady SST's ,and Federal nickle brass.
You would figure for that price it would be more accurate.
That is pretty pricey for an over the counter hunting rifle. I had a fully custom Match grade sniper rifle build [From a Remington 700 300WM], with the military style Remington MARS rail [$350], a Leupold M4 [$1100], and custom 22" heavy match grade stainless steel barrel done up by Robar [Phoenix, AZ] for only $6000 [see photo under my profile page], so a base rifle for half of that is pretty expansive.
Note Rifle was build because I will hopefully be attending a sniper school [www.sniperschool.com GPS Defense Scottsdale, AZ] when the economy starts back up, and the rifle has to be match grade quality for the school.
I own a couple of very expensive HSP's in .257 WBY and .338 Lapua. I invested the money a long time ago when I could afford it. Would I do it again? Probably not...I have Savages that will perform as well as both for a 1/4 of the cost.
Petzal is like all the other elite gun writers...he has lost touch with the working individual. Sure he has to pay for ammo and occasional shipping to write about a particular project but I am sure he hasn't forked out a penny for a hunt other than maybe a license in 20 years.
this is a sweet rifle but a little bit out of most people's price range.
Awesome rifle! BUT My Winchester 94 30-30 does the job even out to 200 yds. with the Hornady Leverevolution bullets. I have had it since 1986. Heck, I have an old Mossberg 410 bolt action that my Dad got when he passed the 6th grade and it will take deer at 100 yds. with slugs. Neither gun cost more than $300.
I agree that customization and innovation keep things moving forward, but I will be just as happy (and well fed) if I can never afford such a rifle as the Ridgeline.
So all you gun smiths and tweakers/inventors keep up the great work, and all you high income hunters please keep them in business. Who knows, one day maybe a Ridgeline will trickle down to me.
Safe and happy hunting to all!
its a goog gun but where am i gonna get that kinda money
BTW, my Weatherby Vanguard shoots Rem. Core lokt sub moa. First group fired was a .7. Walnut is so much prettier than green plastic.
Bob
And BTW - Savage with their Accu-trigger seemed to pave the way for a lot of these very reasonably priced rifles to improve the quality of their triggers. The one on my mossberg - is very much like the accu-trigger and can be easily adjusted. It's just amazing how much production rifles have improved as of late.
I like to hunt with classics when I can, I have a couple of 30's era Winchesters in bolt and lever action that fill that bill. Some collect these oldies, I lie to shoot them judiciously. I also own one of the Weatherby Vanguards in a short mag that shoots great, has a custom trigger but other than that is a standard model Sub MOA Vanguard. Same for a Browning A bolt in a heavy magnum round. All together they did not cost what the featured rifle costs.I agree with quality speaks for itself, and good value does as well.
expensive top of the line guns have their place in international shooting competions, where a sponser is supplying it, but most of us have to work hard and save to buy a good quality gun. Then there is the issue of getting your wife to buy off on a $3,000.00 gun when your daughters room needs to have the carpet removed and new wood flooring to be put in. My suggestion is a Ruger #1 shoots like a dream. They come in a all different calibers and you can afford to deal with your wife when its bought. it is a single shot rifle so now you really have to know shot placement and be confident in shooting. but when one shot counts why spend $3,000.00 when an $800.00 dollar rifle works just as good
Lots of interesting comments regarding this topic. I had to take a step back and think about this whole debate before engaging. Currently my "go to" rifle is a savage 116, plain Jane factory, with a bushnell elite on top. For the steal of a deal I got it for, and the scope too, it does a remarkable job. Never had even the slightest hiccup from it. It consistently shoots sub MOA, with a variety of ammunition, although my custom tailored handloads do best.
Now,
If I had more money to pilfer away nice firearms the 99 would be at the top of my list. As it is I can't afford to buy myself a rifle that nice, and won't be able to for some foreseeable future. However I do see the light at the end of tunnel, and if I have my way I will own one of the model 99's.
Many have made comments about the cost, and is it really worth it? That depends on what a particular person wants from their rifle. I enjoy quality craftsmanship and a rifle that is beautiful to the eye. If you do as well, then the model 99 would find itself right at home in your safe. If you're a budget hunter and gun owner, then most likely the extra care taken to produce such a fine rifle won't excite you.
cool!!!!
3MATTC, i agree.
woo hoo kalispell montana!!! thats where im from. one of the reasons i love field and stream is they reference montana alot more than any other hunting magazine. we truely are blessed to live in this beautiful state. prime hunting and lots of it! woo hoo kalispell!!
I have been using a Ruger M-77 since Hector was a pup, I don't know any reason to need anything more. For some reason the many shooters and hunters don't seem to respect the M-77, but I'll never willingly let it go.
Nice rifle but if $2800 is a WORKING RIFLE WOW! I agree with all the rest way to high priced. Seems as the economy gets worse the sporting goods industry keeps going up on prices. They have forgotten the common sportsman the weekend guy or gal that put them were they are. And it seems that the Sprting Mags have forgotten to. Why not tell us about good gear at a good price I guess they are tailoring toward the BIG WIGS in congress.
So, what you're saying is...if I spend $110 under 3K, for a working rifle, I'll be happy. But my rifles work just fine and I don't have to WORK TWO JOBS to afford his working lead thrower.
Dave, If that is a good working rifle then how about you buy me a "piece of garbage" (since a $3000 rifle is a hard working rifle then i assume that must be what everything less is) Weatherby Vangaurd synthetic in 257 weatherby. After all if a $3000 rifle is a hard working meat gun then it should be no problem to buy me my dream rifle which will probably out shoot your montana ridgeline. I'm sure the ridgeline is a nice rifle but its NOT a cheap "hard working rifle"
Pretty good article. How do you get me to test it out. Lots of money to shell out on your word.
Pretty good article. How do you get me to test it out. Lots of money to shell out on your word.
Does anything beat a Remington 700?
and verily i say unto thee oh children of the boomstick, if breaketh thy coffers doeth this rifle, then worketh it does not. and there for i call upon thee to pay homage to this, thy rifle of choice but decide thee anon a new horse of working grade.
i have a custom .270 wsm with a montana action, they make the best action for a left handed rifleman such as myself. the action performs flawlessly, keep up the good work montana.
I always want another rifle/different caliber and would love to spend $2-3,000+ on one. But, rationally, I have more rifles than I can fire now (that's anything more than one) and I have decided that I am much better off spending the money for a new rifle on a hunt somewhere I have never been.
for that much money i wouldent take it out of my house id be afriad to scratch it
For a really good working rifle get a Remington 770-------they make excellent BOAT ANCHORS! Biggest piece of junk ever made and Remington is doing nothing to fix the problems. They told me they would send a shipping label and box so I could send it back to have it repaired and that was months ago. I have e-mails from them saying they were sending it but I never get them. I'll never buy a Remington anything again after seeing how they back their products. There is so much play in the bolt that it wedges when you try to close it. Bought this rifle for my grandson to use thinking it would be a good starter rifle but now I see I would have been better off to have gotten him a slingshot. At this point I just want my money back. Remington told me to take it to the gunsmith at Gander Mountain to have it fixed but they said it would cost a LOT OF MONEY to do it and I would be better off to buy a more expensive rifle. They also said that the problem I'm having is inherint of all 770's. Guess they'll wait till someone gets seriously hurt or killed and a lawsuit comes up before doing anything about them. BUYERS BEWARE!!!!!!!!
I would rather take that $3k and pay my next semester of college.
I guess a working rifle is different then a "working man's rifle". $2,890.00 is alot of money for a rifle, for an average worker. My pickup cost $3000.00 and my Winchester 94 30-30, $125.00 in 1977. To me that would be a working man's rifle.
I'd give my left n** for one....oh wait, already did that on my truck.
The bottom line.....Like most markets today there are many to choose from costing little,costing alot.In the end you'll get mainly what you can afford.But it's always nice to dream alittle or alot.
NO matter how many different bolt guns I look at and shoot I always come back to the Remington 700. Ruger however makes a close second.
That look like it is a nice rifle, but for that kind of money it ought to be. I'm not at that level yet.
OK, lots of responses here so as a brand new member of this forum, today, I'll put in my 2 cents worth. I'm sure this gun is worth every penny to those who purchase it so I won't knock it. Instead, I'll keep my model 99 .300 Savage my Dad left me. I put a Leup. 2x7/28 on top, and it's an accurate 200ydr. with 150s that will put down any deer that walked. Personally, I think that the 99 is just about the prettiest rifle ever, so do some others. The Montana rifle just looks like another bolt action to me, and is not nearly so good looking as my Weath. Vang. 3006 deluxe sporter which set me back $500 with very nice walnut. Just one more opinion.
Bob
OK, lots of responses here so as a brand new member of this forum, today, I'll put in my 2 cents worth. I'm sure this gun is worth every penny to those who purchase it so I won't knock it. Instead, I'll keep my model 99 .300 Savage my Dad left me. I put a Leup. 2x7/28 on top, and it's an accurate 200ydr. with 150s that will put down any deer that walked. Personally, I think that the 99 is just about the prettiest rifle ever, so do some others. The Montana rifle just looks like another bolt action to me, and is not nearly so good looking as my Weath. Vang. 3006 deluxe sporter which set me back $500 with very nice walnut. Just one more opinion.
Bob
Uno Mas. Do love reading about such fine rifles as the Montana - much like I appreciate reading about Ferraris. Just normally - don't think about buying such upscale gear.
Uno mas: Do love reading about such fine rifles as this one Dave writes about - much like I enjoy reading about new Ferraris and the like. Just don't ordinarily consider purchasing such upscale gear.
It looks like a nice gun, but quite a bit out of my price range. He said it looks like a Model 70, but I could buy a 70 for half the price.
I tend to associate the word "working rifle" with hard use, and this one seems up to the task.
As someone who deals in custom for a living I am not offended by the price. The words cheap and custom don’t belong in the same sentence. I say if you don’t mind cookie cutter buy of the rack and brag to everyone what a great deal you got. If you want guaranteed precision and excellent craftsmanship when it comes to fit and finish then you’ll quickly come to learn that quality cost extra.
does this guy ever recommend anything that doesn't cost a fortune. for the average guy ,( and i guess im one )my remington semi auto does the job.when im old and worn out it will be too :)
I've had this action in my hands and here's my thoughts. I would rather own a Savage rifle than this overpriced hunk of cast action. I don't think that many writers actually write what they think of the item. In my personal opinion a lot of the writers will write anything the company that is "giving" them something for free wants. It would be nice to read a honest review of just about anything, but if the writers got a reputation as writing what they really think then all of these companies wouldn't be sending them free stuff.
Dave must have either been paid for saying that or got to keep the rifle. A top notch working rifle would be an old 722 in .300 Savage that rides with you,not a pretty girl that dosn't like the dirt.
Let's face it, this is a semi-custom rifle, just about guaranteed to shoot eye popping groups and it is all about the pride of ownership.
Personally, I loathe stainless and synthetic on a gun, be it rifle or shotgun. I have hunted with guns that many would not, but I like nice.
I would love to have a Wilderness Supreme, because I like pretty and have a wife who understands the necessity of me having nice guns, or has in the past. The gun you hunt with is an extension of your personality, so always put your best foot forward.
a grand rifle i'm sure, but will the extra dollars realy kill what your shooting at more? all it takes to shoot great is a good, not nessesarily expensive, gun, and lots and lots and lots and lots of practice.
i like to think of a rifle as like buying a car you spend the money and get what you want some people like the expensive high quality ones and some like the ones that get the job done good enough. i think i could be both one that cares about a rifle enough to pay ridiculous prices for because you only need one
It's a hobby. Some of us are willing to invest more in their hobbies than others. Looks like an awesome rifle. Maybe some day after the kids are out of the house....
i bought one in .223 cal for yotes and it worked wonder full
Lately for my own reasons just watching and listing.
But this subject is worth a line or two,.. yuk yuk
Many very (reveling) posts here,.. VERY intersting
It also apeaears our U. S "gun nuts: at least most of those who spoke up here are also a practical bunch. Refreshing !
Paraphrazing ,.as many of you say UUUUFDA !!! and then some.
3k +/- for a deer rifle ?? ,.. or elk or moose.
Must say I agree ,.. having gone the route of what the "add people" and psychology majors call conspicious consumption.
Owning firearms worth more than the house I grew up in,.. Which in the grand scheme of things (I guess) isn't really all that much. But 15K for a shot gun no matter how you cut it is a fair amount of money. Only justification is that I made moeny when I sold it.
Finally ( it took a while) figureing out I was trying to prove something ,..both to myself and others, by this conspicuous consuption ,. ( dont do badly now but I started out broke ) it became (overnight ) unimportant and to be honest embarrassing
Now as something of a minimalist. No,.. not a "mini me" .
Yet certian there is at least one ( mini me) slinking,and skulking around this blog
Minimalist in my dictionary means not using more than necessary.
Still,.. my go to "working" rifle is an 8 x 57 from the BRNO armory circa pre WWII, seems in most cases way more than enough.
Devestating deer,. eliminating with terrible dispatch, any elk that has stepped in front of its muzzle and simply dumping moose
on thier A$$es. No bears tho (intentionally ) one I couldn't avoid,.. but I kinda like bears,. so dont hunt em.
It 8 x 57 came with a laminated stock and an arctic trigger guard,.so it was meant for cold weather servce. It was new (never seen service) and full of cosmoline ( sp?) when I came to own it.
I had the bolt polished (not slicker than "frog snott but " ) pretty smooth . free floated barrel ,. Itaian walnut stock etc etc ,.
The ole girl (original barrel,.did not machine out the step) nicley reblued ,. will seldom stray out of a 3 inch cir at two hundred yards.
Beyond which I seldom consider shooting anyway
(Why they call it hunting,.. not shooting )
Truth is,. the gun will shoot better than that but thats about as good as I can shoot it.
Total cost ( over the years ) $300 maybe $375
Origional cost $32. Hell ,..I have musky lures that cost that much.
That said some people drive a prius others drive Hummers,.. don't identify with either bunch,. but repect there right to do so.
Unless and or until the consumptions or actions of one grouop so affect others that it begins to cause unballance in the system . Ay which point ( like a Madoff or a Bush ) you thow em in jal or thow em out of office .
Still,. the likes of Clay Cooper one of the more opinionated people I have ever come acrosss,. and conservative to boot.
Which puts he and I at odds right off the git-go ,.
Yet apparently not a raging righter which means there is hopfuly hope for humainity.
Based on his recent posts here in,..addresses it well ( I think )
Ole Clay appears to be looking at it now from both sides of the horse. Congrats CLay,. I knew you had it in you .
The MCR guys are or appear to be the techno-minded inovative type that will for ever be looking to tweek the known.
No doubt combining a modified Model 70 and Mauser 98 action is as good as it gets.( in my opinion )
The accuracy while by todays stabdards is good ,..as many of you point out ,. dosen't much improve on the $300 Marlin or the $500 Savage ( prices vary depending on locaion yuk yuk )
But the 24 inch barell is nothing short of one of the best practical elements in a bolt rifle there is .
I have always wondered why the magor manufactures dont use 24 inch barell as the standard .
If we didnt have the MRC 's of the world it would be less intersting ,.. weather we can afford it or not.
Hopefully in the coming years we all can .
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