Montana Rifle Company TSAVO in .375 H&H - Shooting!!!

[Mark A Ouellette]

Has anyone heard of an update on these rifles? I have emailed Montana multiple times without any response. Sounds like a great way to promote a new rifle.

I've been wondering the same. I sent @Imac45acp of https://montanarifleco.com/ a text asking this.

The TSAVO in .375 H&H https://montanarifleco.com/rifles/tsavo/ is scheduled for release for public sales right about now. Getting all the bugs out of any first production takes time. I think that may be the delay but we should find our soon.

 

[illini]

Has anyone heard of an update on these rifles? I have emailed Montana multiple times without any response. Sounds like a great way to promote a new rifle.

I was asking the same question. I finally got a response about finishing up some details, supposedly late November they could start shipping orders. He said don't hold him to that. I had already bought a model 70 375 by the time I got my response.

 

[samson7x]

Has anyone heard of an update on these rifles? I have emailed Montana multiple times without any response. Sounds like a great way to promote a new rifle.

I never got an answer after emails and calls to them. Ended up buying an M70 instead.

Seems like a sweet rifle but I’m not impressed with their CS or communication.

 

[Alex38]

I also wanted to buy one to take with me to Africa next year. I've been waiting since I handled the prototype at SCI Nashville at the beginning of the year. I was under the impression that they'd be out by now. I may still get one, but at this point it's probably too late for me to get it set up and worked out to feel comfortable with taking it next year.

 

[Imac45acp]

Hi All, Mark's text this morning made me realize I need to post an update.

We've done a lot of changes in our manufacturing process that's delayed the production of the Tsavo and it's all weather sibling the Brooks. First and foremost, we had to flip the order of operations on what side we machine first. We previously started off machining the top/picatinny side of the receiver, then gripped said pic rail to complete the receiver in the 2nd mill operation. With the prototype Tsavos, our fixturing required a third operation to remove the picatinny rail and drill/tap the mount holes. Obviously this isn't the most efficient method, so all new fixturing had to be made to accomplish this.

Another major change of note is the bolt raceway. Previously, we started out with a steel blank, punched a hole through it, and broached the raceway prior to machining. The broach tools are wearing and I wasn't happy with the surface finish they produced, so we're now cutting them with an EDM in between the two 5axis milling steps described above. It's a much slower manufacturing process, but gives much better control of the geometry and surface finish compared to the broached raceway. The change in processing also avoids the $18k to replace the broaches.

We're in process of programming the CNC code, and hope to start cutting test parts in the next few weeks.

Long story short, they're coming, just not as fast as anyone would like. I'll try to keep everyone posted as things progress. @Mark A Ouellette and @Altitude sickness will get to play first obviously

-Ian

 

[Jefferry404]

Ian,
Thanks for the update.

 

[sureshot375]

Hi All, Mark's text this morning made me realize I need to post an update.

We've done a lot of changes in our manufacturing process that's delayed the production of the Tsavo and it's all weather sibling the Brooks. First and foremost, we had to flip the order of operations on what side we machine first. We previously started off machining the top/picatinny side of the receiver, then gripped said pic rail to complete the receiver in the 2nd mill operation. With the prototype Tsavos, our fixturing required a third operation to remove the picatinny rail and drill/tap the mount holes. Obviously this isn't the most efficient method, so all new fixturing had to be made to accomplish this.

Another major change of note is the bolt raceway. Previously, we started out with a steel blank, punched a hole through it, and broached the raceway prior to machining. The broach tools are wearing and I wasn't happy with the surface finish they produced, so we're now cutting them with an EDM in between the two 5axis milling steps described above. It's a much slower manufacturing process, but gives much better control of the geometry and surface finish compared to the broached raceway. The change in processing also avoids the $18k to replace the broaches.

We're in process of programming the CNC code, and hope to start cutting test parts in the next few weeks.

Long story short, they're coming, just not as fast as anyone would like. I'll try to keep everyone posted as things progress. @Mark A Ouellette and @Altitude sickness will get to play first obviously

-Ian

Thanks for the update.

I think I’m probably going to need to acquire one of these units.

Taking orders yet?

If not, it would sure be nice if you would give all your good buddies here at AH first dibs.

Good luck with all your spinny, cutty, computer stuff.

 

[mitch4570]

Would love to order one. Maybe get on a waiting list. It's been hard to get any ordering info.

 

[illini]

Would love to order one. Maybe get on a waiting list. It's been hard to get any ordering info.

Good luck.

 

[RedTag]

Reading up on this whole thread and checking out the company website, I can honestly say that I like everything I see about this rifle. It’s almost like the pre-‘64 Winchester 70 has been reborn in the modern day! This is very exciting. The controlled round feed is great, of course, but this excellent trigger design is a rare and beautiful thing to find in a new production rifle. Every aspect of this rifle seems to be exactly what it should be. I really appreciate the traditional design, the impeccable style, and the conservative approach they seem to be taking; I earnestly hope they will be successful in this endeavor. I for one will plan on buying at least one of these rifles when it’s available.

 

[Shootist43]

Imac45acp, do you guys have a booth at the upcoming SCI Convention in Nashville? If so, what number? I hope you will have some more positive Tsavo production information available.

 

[Mark A Ouellette]

Imac45acp, do you guys have a booth at the upcoming SCI Convention in Nashville? If so, what number? I hope you will have some more positive Tsavo production information available.

One needs to place the @ symbol in front of a member's web name to notify them. Otherwise a busy person will never see that someone addressing them.

MRC will have a booth at SCI. One could look up the number using the SCI Convention app, it is # 1117.

 

[Shootist43]

Thanks Mark, I've often wondered why the @ appeared in some posts but not in others. Now I know.

I've got my ticket to the SCI Convention for Friday the 20th, but I haven't looked up any of the booth numbers yet.

 

[HoosierHunter]

Thanks for this thread. I just inquired on ordering a Tsavo. It looks like they will be at SCI Booth # 1117

 

[hawkhunts]

Hopefully they keep the 416 and 458 Lott in the same price point. Nice looking rifle, but wish it had a classic style stock instead of the Monte Carlo.

 

[HoosierHunter]

I asked a couple questions regarding different calibers. I will update the thread when I hear from them.

 

[hoytcanon]

I would be all over a Tsavo in .458 Win Mag, but would grudgingly buy a Lott too...

 

[Mark A Ouellette]

Gentlemen,

I know our AH friend Ian, chief design engineer of Montana Rifle Company ( @Imac45acp ) is currently busy with both multiple hunting conventions and refining the manufacturing process of the TSAVO. The parent of Montana Rifle Company (MRC) is a 50-year old family owned business Grace Engineering. Grace and MRC are manufacturing companies, not a custom gun maker such as Parkwest. Currently they are not interested in providing custom rifles. I provide this information because Grace Engineering has stayed in business by providing quality parts and components for larger concerns such as the big three auto manufactures and the aerospace industry. Grace is going to get the rifle and its manufacturing correct before releasing the .375 H&H TSAVO.

The next planned chambering for the TSAVO is the .458 Lott. This should be a model that sells well which is what any company needs to be profitable. The third cartridge planned will be the .416 Remington. Once again, it is a popular cartridge currently offered in off the shelf dangerous game rifles.

We as enthusiasts would love if MRC offers those boutique cambering’s such as .404 and .500 Jeffery, .505 Gibbs and gosh, maybe one of my favorites, .416 Taylor! Grace and MRC are however very careful in entering into new endeavors. Remember, we are still waiting for first production of the TSAVO’s and we will continue to wait until MRC has an efficient manufacturing process for this rifle.

The good news is that MRC is going to offer actions for custom builders. Perhaps in future years MRC may follow Ruger’s example of limited runs of certain rifle chambering’s to create a collectors’ market? Remington offered their M700 Classic rifle in a different cartridge every year which also created a collector market. Collector markets are also great marketing for companies’ name recognition and brand loyalty. Time will tell with MRC.

For those AH members who will be at the open house for Tally Ho Safaris at my home in southeast Michigan on 15 February, MRC is trying to provide a production TSAVO for show and tell. Keep your fingers crossed!

 

[mitch4570]

Hope they can provide one. Would love to handle one. Would love to order a Tsavo but still don't see how to do that.

 

[Mark A Ouellette]

Hope they can provide one. Would love to handle one. Would love to order a Tsavo but still don't see how to do that.

Montana Rifle Company will not offer direct sales. Rather, they will only sell via FFLs. My receiving FFL is only two miles from MRC. I'll discuss with him about becoming a MRC dealer. I think that would be easy for both concerns.

MRC has a Become a Dealer webpage so discuss with your local FFL.

BECOME A DEALER

montanarifleco.com