Montana Rifle Co or Weatherby

mthillrunner · Dec 14, 2016

Hello, I am looking at getting a new rifle. I am looking at 2 specific guns: Montana Rifle Company x2 & Weatherby Wilderness, in 25-06. I have narrowed it down to these 2 for several reasons. Neither of these are what I would call common guns. I was curious if anyone who has handled or fired these guns could give me any insight. Like/dislike about the gun or any issues encountered. Thanks very much.

pookiebar · Dec 15, 2016

I don't have any experience with either brand of rifle, but I do have a 25-06 in a Winchester Model 70. My dad surprised me with it earlier this summer. The gun is a total tack driver. I consistently shoot sub 1.5" groups out to 300 yards and at 100 yards a group of three usually looks like mickey mouse.

Price tag is about the same, so I thought I would throw a plug in for another great option.

BIGJOHNT · Dec 17, 2016

I have been looking at the new 6.5 300 Weatherby. I was thinking I don't know many gun smiths that like to work on them. That maybe a problem with buying a Weatherby. Maybe others that know better can post up. I am curious.

2f350s · Dec 22, 2016

I bought a used Weatherby in 300 Wby Mag, last fall and took it to hunt elk this year. I also hunted bear with it in rocky canyons and am totally impressed. They are high quality rifles, I hunt hard and don't treat my rifles gingerly. From my experience I recommend the weatherby.

Like anything else, there might be some that have flaws, but not sure you'll need a gunsmith unless you elect to have it modified for personal preference. My opinion on the Montana is, its too much like a Win Model 70, which you could buy for less.

El_Matador · Dec 22, 2016

The Weatherby in question here has the Vanguard action, which is very similar to a Remington 700. I doubt you'd have issues finding a gunsmith to work on it if you ever needed to. I can't give too much insight into the OP's question except to say that I like the stock on that Weatherby. I believe it's the same one used on the Accumark.

Both of these rifles are a step up from a standard factory gun but aren't going to be on par with a Cooper or a custom. If you have reasonable expectations I'm sure you'll be happy with either one. If possible try to get your hands on them before you decide. One might fit you better than the other.

Ltsheets · Dec 23, 2016

I have a MRC X2 in 28 Nosler. So far I'm very happy with it. The only thing it needs right now is to tune the trigger a little but that shouldn't be difficult as it's an old M70 style trigger. Very simple. All I've shot through it so far is factory Nosler ammo and it's been proving to be sub-moa so far with 3 shot 100 yd groups. This gun also has MRC's 4 port muzz break which has been nice so far too. Recoil is on par with a 308 or so. If you have any other questions, let me know.

deadibob · Dec 24, 2016

The MRC 1999 action is just a poor mans winchester model 70. By that, they copied the model 70, made a couple tweaks and then went cheap by using cast steel receivers which are made by Pine Tree castings(a division of Ruger) instead of forged steel receivers like the Winchester.

I am very familiar with MRC rifles and have owned a few. They built the CZ model 3 which was basically a 1999 in WSM chamberings. I bought and sold over 50 of those when they were on closeout. Good rifles but if it were me I'd just go with a Winchester model 70.

I like the Weatherby but there again, it's just a Howa 1500.