Just got my newest Brownells catalog. Was looking at the Montana actions, pretty darn affordable.

I really love pre 64 Model 70's and have been looking at a couple of non-collectable 300H&H's to buy and build my idea of perfect 375 H&H.

Had a CZ & sold a CZ, strong and all that but not my cup of tea. Same feeling toward M77's, not my cup of tea. Had a Kimber HS that I shot 7500+ rounds through and don't want their trigger on a gun I might have to trust my life with.

How do these actions (Montana) stack up to the venerable pre64 Model 70 action? Please leave the discussion to these 2 actions. Not looking at their/Montana's Professional but their "long" action versus the M70's Long action (both 375 h&h length).

Pete A.

Not as big of a fan of the pre 64 actions as most folk. They are a good action, but lack gas handling in case of case head rupture. This was fixed with the "Classic" post 64 actions, which I prefer.

The 1999 LAs that I have handled are a little rough, but otherwise quite nice and compare with the modern Winchester actions. I don't think you will have a problem with either

The Montana 1999 was built to handle gas leakage better than the winchester but like BBBH says they are not finished as nicely. If you buy it with the idea that it is a project action that requires the finish work to be done then you'll be happy with it.

My gunsmith really liked the one that he built my 6.5x284 on as he said that it was one of the straightest actions that he had ever worked on. The trigger is very well made in the style of the M70 and very easy to get nice.

I've got a 1999 Montana in .375 H&H. I have no doubt whatsoever about the accuracy of the action nor do I have any questions on the durability and strength of the actions.

On the other hand, my action is pretty rough even after being worked on by Jim Brockman. In his own words "Your's was one of the roughest Montana actions I've ever seen". On the other hand, it is 100% reliable, feeds very well, and when racked fast I don't have any issues with the roughness.

I'm seriously considering a second Montana action for a 7x57 project.

Owned four of em and sold one, all stainless. I hear a lot of people claim they are "rough".
All the ones I owned are hunting rifles and I never felt the need to do anything to them other than to adjust the triggers. Bolt cycling is smooth and feeding and ejecting is fine, even on the 458 Lott.
In my opinion they make a great hunting rifle.