Not to overlook the varmint crowd, Montana Rifle Company has decided to launch a second new model early because of exceptional demand. Dubbed the �skinny-mini� early in our program, the mini action is part of a two-pronged approach to the �Very-Short� cartridge shooter. Effective immediately, MRC will accept orders on a new �Charter Issue� program � LH or RH, stainless or Chrome Moly � all at one great price of $350.00. Delivery is 20-26 weeks after we start molds.

A few details on specifications: This is a .223-based design with a 2.45in magazine. This magazine is specifically long enough for the European 5.6x50 as well as .223 Remington with long bullets. Receiver ring is slightly more than 1.2in with an L.E. of .650 and .875V-20tpi. Total action length is just less than 5.7 inches, and the bolt diameter is very close to .600in. Those who wanted the WSSM based cartridges take heart...that one (short&fat) has our attention for several strategic opportunities and is planned for introduction later this year.

As in the previous programs, a minimum order quantity is required to begin mold production. For the Mini, that quantity is 700 units. We will not run credit cards or cash checks until we hit this milestone -- which could conceivably take place in a week! The program will deliver a maximum of 1200 units at this great price. Afterward, retail pricing starting at $465.00 will become effective. Serial numbers will begin with A03-0001 and run through A03-1200. Unique serial numbers are available at additional cost. To get on the list, call Dan at 406-755-4867. You can track progress at the forum below: go to gunsmithing and search for M1999 Mini Action.

Have you thought of offering this action with a 5 round detachable magazine?

You would own a sizeable chunk of the NRA highpower match rifle market.

How about a stripper-clip port on the rear bridge?

I must disagree with Orion 1. I believe that a stripper clip guide would be useful. Anyone wanting to build a "Cub Scout", i.e. a 223 caliber rifle with a forward mounted scope, would want a stripper guide.

I will admit that there are probably more target shooters than practical shooters who would want a DBM. Either would be appealing to me.

I think if you want to go after this market, you are going to need at least a 2.5 mag length. Even if he gained a sizable chunk of the NRA match rifle market, it would still be a pretty small number when compared to the Varmint shooter market. Not meaning to sound discouraging, but most HP shooters that move away from the AR do it for the express reason of gaining more wind bucking ability by going to a 6 or 6.5 caliber. I don't know how many HP shooters would move to a bolt gun without gaining something over the AR besides locktime.

John

This change from the WSSM to the Mini being next follows my interest which has been lost on the WSSM's.

After I see the M 1999 short actions I will consider a Mini.

Rod,
Have you considerd offering a variant with a .445 bolt face for the 7.62X39 and PPC class of cartridges ?

Is this a controlled feed design?

Does it use the mauser gas handling features?

Thanks

This mini bears the M1999 designation. It will be a pygmy version of the M1999 Long and Short actions. Controlled round feed, absolutely. Same style bolt release, Mauser collar, M70 safety - etc. It will use Mini-Mark X scope bases.

The bolt size is designed to limit the face to the .376 cartridge so as to make this entire action as small as possible. We did not want to compromise this design at all.

Short & Fat will take care of WSSM, 6BR, PPC, .50Beowulf and others.

[ 04-23-2003, 18:06: Message edited by: Rod@MRC ]

Rod,

What will the magazine length of Short&Fat be? If you just chop 0.5" out of the middle of the SA like you had mentioned previously, then it ought to work great for a 250 Savage or 6mmXC....

After 2 years of lurking...finally a post.

I don't know the dimesions, since I don't have one (yet), but if you are considering a DBM, why not make it AR-15 mag compatable, or at least optional with different bottom metal.

What stocks will work?

What type of bottom metal ?

Short&Fat is longer with a mag box of 2.65in.

The mini will use one-piece bottom metal that is a miniture of the current M1999 bottom metal. It is really two pieces that bolt together Sako style. Trigger guard is replacable. Scalloped guards ship with the product and an uncut gunmaker guard is available.

No stocks on the market today will work. But, experience has shown us this is not such a tough problem to solve as the stock makers are generally looking for new business. One in particular I can guarantee will have a solution. More on that in another post.

[ 04-24-2003, 08:27: Message edited by: Rod@MRC ]

Brian has expressed an interest in making detachable magazines for this new action. Please send ideas and suggestions to Brian1@montanarifleman.com

A detachable mag might be nice but I think the standard bottom metal would appeal to me for building a rifle of more classic design. Would it be possible for there to be a choice when ordering?

while I have the PH on order....

I'll have to wait on this one.. i REALLY want a 7br that will feed perfectly... Can you say "texas rook" gun?
jeffe

Rod how are sales of the mini going?

Any news as to when production will start?

Rod,

I keep pestering you guys for news on a Canadian distributor for these. Nothing new on your website. Any progress on this front?

Thanks,

Ian

All: you're going to have to send email to Dan (mtrifle@montanarifleman.com) for now. I've been training the new sales team and the prototyping techs in what few hours I can affort to spend at MRC. Haven't been able to keep up on the results so far.

I did hear today that a major development was in the works (600-1000 unit sale). That would sort of fast-track things I think

Hi Guys,
Here are the updated numbers as of 5/9/03 on the Mini Actions.

S/N Owner
0001 E.M.
0002 E.M.
0003 J.L.
0007 T.K.
0023 T.S.
0024 M.M.
0025 M.M.
0039 E.C.
0040 P.L.
0041 R.Q.
0042 J.Z.
0043 L.W.
0044 L.W.
0046 M.R.
taylor1l M.R.
0055 K.R.
0066 J.S.
0149 L.B.
0150 L.B.
0221 J.S.
0222 D.M.
0223 E.C.
0450 B.M.

If your initials are not here, please call or email me at mtrifle@montanarifleman.com and I will look into it. You will notice that there are a lot of low single numbers left, we have orders for most of these numbers from before the Charter Issue program and we are still contacting all of the people who have placed orders. Being fair, these people should have the first crack at the early numbers. Once they have all been contacted I will post here and let you know what is available.

[ 05-10-2003, 00:28: Message edited by: Dan@Montana Rifle Co ]

Dan, is the "skinny mini" going be offered in a Hornet bolt face/extractor/ejector?? Or is this .223 bolt face only??

- mike

[ 05-02-2003, 00:33: Message edited by: mho ]

Dan, I see you got one up there for me, will have to call again in the morning, must have another with ser#221, thanks jimmyd223

Jimmy another one? How many mini's does one guy need?

elim, long story, and lots of future projects

[ 05-02-2003, 13:52: Message edited by: jimmyd223 ]

The Mini action will be offered in the 223 bolt face, the problem with the Hornet is getting them to feed properly. Once we have that solved they will probably be offered in the mini also

Rod how are the sales of the mini's going?

elim,
You'll see my posting from Friday May 9th above that shows the serial numbers of the actions sold. The sales are slower than expected, but they will pick up.
Thanks,
Dan

Sorry everyone, I didn't have a chance to update the numbers on the Mini actions on Friday, but will try to get you some updated numbers on Monday or Tuesday.

Would a .422" boltface be completely out of order?

DOC

I had the same question as Jeffe. The 6BR is a full '06 bolt face. I am very interested in the answer to this, as I have been wanting to build a really small, repeating 6BR for quite a while. I don't want to sacrifice a Sako bolt to experiment, and Mini MarkX's are really not that common. My measurements on both indicate that you would be left with only a ghost of a ring for head support. Looks like the extractor would also be thinned extremely. Charles Daly was going to re-introduce the Mini and actually brought in a couple of hundred, but I missed the chance to get one from Brownell's. They actually advertise three of the Mini size actions, one of which supposedly has a 22-250 bolt face. This is odd in that their 22-250 barreled actions and rifles are on the short standard action.

Guys we may have the answer for you on the B.R. question. We are looking at adding a 5th action, a Super Short action for the BR cartridges as well as the Super Short Magnum cartridges. We have a customer who may be interested in several hundred of them, now it is just a numbers thing. Once we know where our customer stands we may start it some time this year