Here is a good choice for a custom rifle especially if you are building a big bore. It would be super for a 375H&H or a 416Rigby. It is a cast/machined action that follows the Mod70 lines. It uses an inner ring breach instead of the cone breach of the Mod70. It is a true double square bridge design. The floorplate is one piece. I don't paticularly like the looks of the bolt release but you can't please everyone. They will be building these actions later this year. I have no connection with them but think they have a good action for the money.

Frank



http://www.montanarifleman.com/picts/PH%20right%20side.JPG

http://www.montanarifleman.com/picts/PH%20left%20side.JPG

That is a good looking piece of machining and I've got to agree with you on the bolt reliese. What kind of money are they projecting for these?

Have you looked at the FN copies of the Winchester that's being sold. That also looks like a copy of the Win model 70 action. I don't think thay are being marketed as anything but finished rifles. I believe they were in the 1300 buck plus range.

That is a good looking piece of machining and I've got to agree with you on the bolt release. What kind of money are they projecting for these?

Have you looked at the FN copies of the Winchester that's being sold. That also looks like a copy of the Win model 70 action. I don't think they are being marketed as anything but finished rifles. I believe they were in the 1300 buck plus range.

Hi Bob,

If you buy one of the initial run they will be $525.00. After the initial run they will be in the $700 to $900 range. That bolt release is a solution to a non-problem. Here is a link (http://www.montanarifleman.com/prohunter.htm)to their site.

No I have not seen the FN copies of the Mod70. Are you talking about the FN Sniper rifles? They were built in the Winchester plant and used the Mod70 action.

Frank

Frank and everyone,
I caution about investing in the Montana PH action at this time. According to Montana, the PH action has been put on hold indefinitely. From Dan at Montana on November 6, 2006:
http://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/4711043/m/316107365?r=990107565#990107565

Jon F and I have received a lot of phone calls and emails concerning the production of the PH action.

So this morning we sat down with the owner of the Montana Rifle Company to discuss this action and the future of the project.

Here is the result of the meeting. The owner has made the decision at this time to put the PH and the Mini actions on hold until further notice. He stated "Until we get to a point where all of our in house orders for the actions that are already being produced are filled and we have inventory on hand for those actions he is unwilling to even consider starting the PH"

Please understand that this is neither mine nor Jon's decision, but we also at the same time felt it was necessary to get this out there so that all of those who had put either on order could have the time to locate other actions for their projects.

Also I've read quite a number of the posts concerning the molds. You would basically for the right hand have 2 molds. 1 for the receiver and 1 for the bolt. They are not interchangeable with left hand as they are completely different molds.

Dan

Frank and everyone,
I caution about investing in the Montana PH action at this time. According to Montana, the PH action has been put on hold indefinitely. From Dan at Montana on November 6, 2006:
http://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/4711043/m/316107365?r=990107565#990107565

Thanks alyeska338,

Well that is true but if Montana can get a handle on their back orders this picture could change. I wish them the best of luck and if I wanted a mag. action, I would be in line for $525.00.

Frank

As I see it, that bolt release is of the Sako type. Nothing wrong with that.

The action is an upgraded design of the pre-64 M70 type action (with the Sako type bolt release). The action is cast by Ruger at the Pine Tree casting facility. It would be a tough decision to hand over my money without a guaranteed timeline, indeed wihout even a guarantee that I would even get an action, though. I'm sure Montana's intent would be to refund your money if they decided not to deliver the action.

I have shot two of the 1999 guns, one in 7-08 and one in 30/06. Not bad shooters, guns balances pretty well.

For a "custom" rifle (by this I mean one built to your specs, your choice of finish, you provide the stock/barrel) its not a bad option. Price is definately more friendly than some other custom/semi-custom makers.

I think the route they are taking with their PH actions is a responsible one. You don't want to have too many irons in the fire, or it may start more fires than you can put out.

ordered one quite a while ago so think I'll just hunker down and wait them out. Have several of the other actions and like them. Current favorite of theirs is a SS short action in 6.5x55. Only debate is to AI it or not.

As I see it, that bolt release is of the Sako type. Nothing wrong with that.
Nothing wrong except that the Mod70 style bolt release/ejector is a great design that did not need to be changed. A standard mod to the Mod70 was to contour and checker the bolt release. With the Mod70 style you do not have to make a stock cut to accommodate the release. You will have to with the Sako type. To my mind it is a step backwards.

Frank

OK, you don't want to wait for the Montana PH here is an alternative. It is a Brevex mag action with a straddle floorplate and has been surface ground to true up everything. Price: $4500.00.

Frank

http://www.dressels.com/105db6d70.jpg

Now that is pretty Frank, just well beyond my price range. Now that would make a dandy 8mm Ultra-mag. 28 inch tube, good brake, 220 grain Sierra boattail spitzer, 3250 fps, long range elk rifle. Now if the wolves here in Idaho would just leave us some elk.

OK, you don't want to wait for the Montana PH here is an alternative. It is a Brevex mag action with a straddle floorplate and has been surface ground to true up everything. Price: $4500.00.

Frank




No thanks, I would rather have a good condition used car...

Or an Alaskan fishing trip....

Or five of just about any other rifle!

OK, you don't want to wait for the Montana PH here is an alternative. It is a Brevex mag action with a straddle floorplate and has been surface ground to true up everything. Price: $4500.00.

Frank

http://www.dressels.com/105db6d70.jpg

That's a tad more expensive than the handful of Turk mausers that I may make a rifle or two out of.....

Course I'd rather start my gunsmithing adventures on something I have less than $50 in!

Can always buy a CZ and tear it apart for the appropriate parts? Just an idea.