New Montana Rifle Company x2

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WV MTNR

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Let me preface this question by saying that I really like this rifle. The stock is amazing, trigger is light and crisp, and initial accuracy is excellent. Now to my question. The finish in the action is a bit disappointing. Am I over reacting a bit about this? See the attached picture. The actions on the MRC are cast, but I would expect to see better than this for a $1,300 rifle. What's your thoughts? 20170306_194833.jpg
 
WV MTNR said:
I really like this rifle. The stock is amazing, trigger is light and crisp, and initial accuracy is excellent.
Click to expand...

..... Hmm, a nice stainless rifle that shoots well, has a comfortable composite stock and a crisp trigger, sounds like an apex hunting tool to me. If the only defect is that rough finish on the non-functional portion of the raceway, I'd hit it with a little emery cloth and get back to the main show. For comparison's sake, my last two M70 EW's which are around the same price as your rifle couldn't hold a consistent group... I'd have traded your defect for mine in a heart beat.

Is it perfect? No. Are you willing to send it back and run the risk of getting a replacement with a less minor issue? I wouldn't be.
 
I have been eyeballing the X2 for some time; I have not yet taken the plunge due to my readings - about half good and half bad overviews of their rifles and especially their customer service. When you read the nomenclature of the X2 it reads like a wonderful rifle, especially for the money. I am in the yes column that the roughness would bother me - I would expect a smooth casting surface from a descent mold and not what I see in your photo. Sadly absent the roughness, sounds like a great rifle. Ps, if it were mine, it would have to go back but that is just me.
 
I have went back and forth on it. It's a really nice rifle other than the rough casting surface. Had I not got such nice grouping with it I would have probably sent it back. I purchased it on gunbroker and did not do a good inspection prior to accepting. Lesson learned!

My buddy bought one at the same time in 308. Mine is 270. His action finish is much nicer, but didnt shoot as accurate as mine. I think i will try the emory cloth per gtsscotty. Just surprised QC would pass an action with that type of finish. Makes me question what type of barrel they will accept.
 
MV MTNR, since you have one in hand and your buddies' example, could I bother you for more detail in addition to above - like I stated, I would like to purchase an X2 in .308 but am uneasy about what I read. As I am very picky, could you review detail such as metal finish, butt pad fit, screw head crispness, bolt fit, safety fit, bolt lift fit, action square in stock, etc - any detail that you think was done well or could be improved. Again for the price, reads like a great rifle with lots of potential. Thanks for the help.
 
For 1300 id expect better finish work. BUT I also wouldnt let something that minor bother me. Id simply sand it out and re sand blast if i cared enough.
 
If you're not happy, that's what matters. If it bugs you that much, see what the company has to say about it.

I have several the some casting or machining visible. I'm more concerned with how they shoot and function.

Please post the same pic with the bolt closed, for a comparison.
 
I guess I would also be a bit disappointed in the rough finish but if it shoots lights out I wouldn't be all that concerned about it.
 
With the finish on the stock, does it really make a difference? It's not like you've got a piece of 10 coat hand rubbed furniture grade wood on it and expect a highly polished mirror quality action finish to match.

Think of it as a non reflective interior finish. lol Or get out the Dremel and some Simichrome polish and have at it.
 
I just got my X2 in 30-06 and I'm in the process of breaking the barrel in, so far I like what I see. The stock to receiver fit is tight, the trigger breaks like glass with zero creep at a hair over 3 pounds. The gap between the barrel and stock is just enough to allow clearance (floated barrel) but not so wide that it looks bad. I bore scoped the barrel and found no nicks or chips and it's smooth with consistent land and groove dimentions. I haven't tested groups yet but I will in the next day or so.
 
Closed bolt pic below. No issues there. Overall this is a really nice gun. The first and only time i had it at the range I was getting quarter sized 3 shot groups. Think i just need to suck it up as the rough action is only cosmetic. The action is actually pretty smooth when working the bolt. 20170307_190745.jpg Thanks for the comments!
 
No problems on the interior of the action, it would be unacceptable on the exterior. Lots of production rifles look just the same, especially Rugers which are also cast.. Honestly $1300 isn't really a high end rifle in today's market. The stock is worth $400, which leaves you with an $900 rifle. Right in line with Winchester or Remington. That $1300 today would have bought a $400 rifle in 1980 after you factor inflation. The $1300 only seems like a lot of money because of the number of budget guns selling under $400 that would have been a $100-$125 rifle in 1980.
 
$1k doesn't buy a lot these days. I'm still getting my head around that.
It is on the inside of the rifle so I wouldn't let it bother me and I wouldn't really ding the company either. Most modern weapons will have machine marks, etc internally if you take them down.

I would rather have an ugly 1 hole gun than a sweet looking show piece that doesn't shoot. To have a beautiful 1 hole gun may cost 2-3 times what you paid.

Close the bolt and enjoy it would be what I would do.
 
My understanding is cast and MIM is hard to finish, much harder than machined billet steel. Your rifle is probably the wave of the future with cast receivers. I usually don't pay much attention to the inside surfaces. Close the hood and light it up.
 
I like mine. Getting a new McMillan stock for it soon. I guess I am supposed to be using Talley lightweights like everyone else, but I missed the memo.
 
mshootnit said:
I like mine. Getting a new McMillan stock for it soon. I guess I am supposed to be using Talley lightweights like everyone else, but I missed the memo.
Click to expand...

I must have gotten your copy of the memo, I can't think of a hunting rifle I've owned in the last several years that didn't have either Talley lightweights or DNZ Game-reapers on it.
 
WV MTNR said:
Closed bolt pic below. No issues there. Overall this is a really nice gun. The first and only time i had it at the range I was getting quarter sized 3 shot groups. Think i just need to suck it up as the rough action is only cosmetic. The action is actually pretty smooth when working the bolt.View attachment 231140 Thanks for the comments!
Click to expand...


since were doing photos....can i see the whole rifle? thats really got a nice contrast with the blasted claw and polished body.....
 
OP, I went and looked into my M-99's action, and it appears to be similar to yours, maybe marginally smoother. Frankly, i've had the rifle since 2006 and never really noticed it.

imgp5485c.jpg
 
I like these. We all have our warts. Why should our rifles be any different?

1. A dremel, felt nib and some metal polish
2. then shoot the piss out of it

Or skip 1 and go directly to 2
 
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