I'm planning for a 458 Lott in my near future. Ideally, I want to find a used Winchester classic in 458 to rechamber and re-stock. If that doesn't pan out, I'll probably go with a Montana Rifle Co. 1999 action. I have had zero exposure to these actions, so I'm relying on your experiences. How was the fit and function? Does the bolt have a tendency to bind if you apply slight upward pressure when cycling(like my CZ550 does, it locks up tight)? Also, will bottom metal built for a Winchester 70 fit these actions? Your thoughts are appreciated. Thanks!

Id rather have a new Model 70 than a 1999 and I have them both. The 1999 is crude and rough, and my new (FN) Model 70s just keep getting better with use.

Some rifles are a disappointment. Such is life.

I had a couple 1999's, and won't have another. I found the rear ring of the receiver on my .375 cracked.

quote:

Originally posted by Dogleg:
Id rather have a new Model 70 than a 1999 and I have them both. The 1999 is crude and rough, and my new (FN) Model 70s just keep getting better with use.

Some rifles are a disappointment. Such is life.

I would have to agree that the FN made Winchesters are very, very nice. I have several New Haven made CRF models and several FN models to campare. I just don't understand why they had to go messing with the original style trigger. I admit the MOA trigger feels nice, but the original trigger had little to go wrong. If they would keep the quality of the FN made Winchesters and bring back the original trigger, you couldn't stop me from buying them. Thanks for your input!

quote:

Originally posted by Rhys:
I had a couple 1999's, and won't have another. I found the rear ring of the receiver on my .375 cracked.

Whoa! That's pretty serious. May I ask what Montana had to say about that? Regardless, that sucks!

I have a 500MDM built using a Montana 1999 LH action. Feeds fine, bolt is very smooth and no issues. So far two elephants and a black bear shot with it. Here is a finished picture of the rifle.

quote:

Originally posted by +Templar+:

quote:

Originally posted by Rhys:
I had a couple 1999's, and won't have another. I found the rear ring of the receiver on my .375 cracked.

Whoa! That's pretty serious. May I ask what Montana had to say about that? Regardless, that sucks!

I sent the info to them, and never got a reply. If I understand right MRC had changed hands between the time my action had been manufactured, and when the crack was found.

There is a Model 70 .458 Lott on Gunbroker right now offered by a member here (unless I am greatly mistaken) and you would not have to rechamber or restock, unless you have special LOP issues.

I have not purchased from him, so caveat emptor, but the rifle looks nice.

If I was right handed I'd jump on this. The Turkish walnut alone with the checkering, recoil pad, ebony tips etc. is worth at least $2500 from Accurate innovations. SSK industries build is usually $1500 on top of an action.

So, you are looking at about $4000-$5000 rifle for his buy it now price of $2,500.

I will also vouch for Michael, he will stand behind his rifle.

I agree, that is one heck of a deal, I have ZERO qualms with buying a rifle from Michael! Unfortunately it's more than my budget will allow. Unless Michael has one heck of a lay-away plan! My intentions were to piece one together a little bit at a time. Probably not the best approach, but I have my priorities.

I am left handed and have two Montana Rifle Company actions. One is a short action used to build a 257R and the other an in process 458 Lott.

Seems to me that you can get a better action and save on labor buying a better action to begin with. My gunsmith told me both actions required a lot of work to make smooth. But they did work right out of the box.

For the asking price, you ought to be able to do better, imo.

JPK

Owned two different lefty MRC's in 458 Lott. Never did a thing to them other than bedding them in McMillan stocks. Both fed and ejected fine. Never seen a need to smooth out any parts either.

The MRC actions seem a bit pricey at $750 bones. I asked if they would sell it to me without the bottom metal since I wasn't going to use there's anyways and they said no. They are still my contingency plan as of now. I'm pretty well decided on reworking a good ole factory winchester 458. Now to find one for 1k or less...

You might look for a Classic Super Express as well as the Safari Express rifles. Unlike the plain Super Express, they have the Classic action. The rear sight is a flip up but can be replaced. I picked one up in .458 a few years back as they are lighter than the Safari Express and then had AHR do an upgrade on it. I did not do the Lott conversion.

Sometimes you find them listed just as Super Express and have to look for the extractor in the pictures.

Edit: I have seen Model 70 Lott conversions for sale in the classifieds here on occasion.

One thing I learned is that having someone who really knows what they are doing go through the rifle is well worth while despite the cost. It is hard to tell what will run properly until the chips are down and I have some budget rifles that need more attention to be really right.

The one I had also was very roughly finished. I was going to use it as the basis for a Mountain Rifle in 300WSM as I appreciate the longer than normal magazine box (3.1 inches) for seating your projectiles out, but the action weight was going to exceed my rifle goal weight, so I sold it.