"The African" Rifle from Montana Rifle Company

Earle said:

That sounds a little more realistic. I'll take another look at them. Montana should perhaps clarify the weights on their website. The long actions are listed as 6lbs-15oz and the ph models at 9lbs-11oz. Anyone interested in one would, like me, check their web-site and perhaps dismiss them because of their weight.

Click to expand...

I dismissed them for a bit also, but decided to call them. Glad I did, even though a bit more heft would be nice.

Bignut said:

I dismissed them for a bit also, but decided to call them. Glad I did, even though a bit more heft would be nice.

Click to expand...

I totally agree. I was quoted 8.5 lbs on a 458 Lott...would rather 9.5lbs...

Bignut said:

I was quoted by mrc 8 pounds with no scope for the 404 Jeffery. Just ordered mine in left hand. Under $1800.00 in left hand anything is a great deal! Sling swivels and lop can be specified.

Click to expand...

@Bignut , MRC confirmed on the phone with you that the .404 is 8 lbs and not 6lb 15 oz?

cpr0312 said:

@Bignut , MRC confirmed on the phone with you that the .404 is 8 lbs and not 6lb 15 oz?

Click to expand...

Yes, I don't recall the gentlemans name. My biggest concern was weight and swivel placement, he stated the weight was 8 pounds and swivel can be barrel mounted. Incidentally length of pull can be customized to a certain degree

I own the V2 in .458 Lott. It weighs in at 7 lb 10 oz (3.5 kilos) and I think is manageable for recoil. I don’t know the pound force of the felt recoil but I would put it close with my 870 shooting a 3” slugs while standing. Off a bench of course it is more but still possible depending on your own ability. I know it’s not an African but maybe help out a little bit.

I'm glad to hear the weight of the 404 is 8 lbs instead of 6.9 lbs like the brochure says. 6.9 lbs is awfully light for that caliber. Anxious to get mine so I can verify weight and recoil.

My 458 Lott weigh 8.2lb .

Johnny reb said:

My 458 Lott weigh 8.2lb .

Click to expand...

Wow! That’s a bit light! Ok for you?

Can't help but wonder why there is such a difference between the "real world weight" of the rifles and the numbers advertised on their web site.

Newboomer said:

I'm glad to hear the weight of the 404 is 8 lbs instead of 6.9 lbs like the brochure says. 6.9 lbs is awfully light for that caliber. Anxious to get mine so I can verify weight and recoil.

Click to expand...

Look forward to hearing from you what the actual weight is once you receive your .404

Earle said:

Can't help but wonder why there is such a difference between the "real world weight" of the rifles and the numbers advertised on their web site.

Click to expand...

I think it is because they more or less list the "base weight" for the specific action. Obviously barrel contour, length, LOP on the stock, etc will all impact the total weight.

Actually, that makes sense. Never thought of it that way.

Anyone have their 404 Jeffery yet? I’m about to either pick up the MRC 416 or 404 from a well known dealer. 416 on PH frame is $2899 and the 404 with upgraded stock is $2699

MRC closed their doors - looking for new investors. They cancelled my order so I had to go a different route to get my 404.

Yes they did. I was told by the dealer the business is for sale. He has the two rifles I mentioned above i stock.

I just ran across this thread while researching the Montana Rifle. I have a perfect condition African model in 375 H&H that I am on the fence about keeping vs selling. This thing sure does handle well, but I have not fired it.

Take it out a fire it, if you don’t like it you can send it to me!

This African 375 H&H is new and unfired. I need to thin out my gun collection and based on how sweet this rifle handles I am afraid that if I shoot it I will want to keep it!
I’ve posted it for sale. If anyone is interested let me know and I can send you pictures and info.
Thanks,
Jeff

I have a MRC .416 Rigby, it is an extremely accurate rifle, I had it built in 2016 I think. It may be my favorite rifle, I had them add a barrel band, ceracote and shorten the barrel from 24” to 22”. I hated to hear they went out of business. I understand they have reopened in Michigan.

Bignut said:

I was quoted by mrc 8 pounds with no scope for the 404 Jeffery. Just ordered mine in left hand. Under $1800.00 in left hand anything is a great deal! Sling swivels and lop can be specified.

Click to expand...

I think the almost 7 lb weight in the ad would have to be "average" for the long action. A 404 barrel will by necessity have a lot more meat to it than 30-06. An 8 lb 404 will still be on the light side in my opinion but the extra pound should make a significant difference. My 404 weighs ten pounds and it's all that my fragile eyes can handle. My concern is more about balance than weight. I can carry my ten pounder all day because it's balanced perfectly. On the other hand, I have hunted with my brother's 300 Win Browning BAR about the same weight and carrying that grossly out of balance muzzle heavy monster is an absolute bitch. Kills my back and shoulder.

Perhaps it's possible to order a heavier barrel profile for the 404 long action? Lilja cut my 24" barrel to their bulkier #5 profile and the gun balances perfectly just ahead of the floorplate.

Looking at the image in the ad it's fairly obvious these are 4+1 magazines if the long action and PH models are the same in that department. However, the lightweight of long action does make me wonder if it's not 3+1. This should be clarified in ad.

I think Montana Rifle Company is filling a notable gap in the market since CZ stepped back. A good looking (albeit not drop dead gorgeous) African hunting rifle at a good price. It's not "classical" but not far off the mark. People who want classic works of art can get those elsewhere and pay the price tag. In my opinion, MRC should stick to that slot and let anyone who wants to dress the guns up, do it themselves or farm it out. Dipping into customizing will cut into profitability. Anyway, that market is already filled up with plenty of old established firms/craftsmen.