Montana Rifle Extreme X2: Worth the Wait and Horrible Customer Service?

[Netherman]

So I am strongly considering cancelling my order from Montana Rifle (left handed 300 RUM). From every review I have read about these rifles they truly are incredible, I am just “extremely” dissatisfied with their customer service. I placed my order this past December 2015 and was told that it would take 3-4 months to build, but it’s the end of August you say? That’s the problem.

My FFL and I have called 2-3 times per month with one of two responses. 1. Jeremy is your rep and you will need to speak with him let us take you phone number. Half the time I would get a call back the other half I would call again after three days. 2. Jeremy gives part backorder/delay as excuse promises the rifle will ship in 2 weeks.

This past Wednesday(8/17) I called again (Jeremy answered) and was told that it was “finishing up” and that it would ship on Thursday (8/18) or Friday(8/19). After not hearing anything I called this morning (8/22) and was told that Jeremy was at lunch at that he would call me back once he got back in the next 20-30 minutes. After waiting until 4:30 I called again and was told that Jeremy was handling my order and asked to take my phone number. At this point I asked for a manager and was told that there was no one higher that I could talk to. My representative then told me that my rifle was complete and just waiting on a stock which could take 2-3 weeks, but not to worry and that I “should” receive my rifle by October.

At this point I don’t know what I want to do. I have heard so many good things about their rifles, but I don’t know if they deserve my money after their horrible customer service. I have a Wyoming mule deer hunt planned for the first week of November and have been looking forward to using this rifle all spring/summer/hopefully not fall. The archery opener in Michigan is October 1st and I want to be sighted in and have loads worked up before whitetail season starts.

Anyone’s experience with their rifles and/or customer service would be greatly appreciated. I’m leaning towards trying to cancel my order and get my money back. I’m just incredibly irritated with their customer service and worried that I would get the same support down the road. What do you guys think I should do?

Nick

 

[Zoo Keeper]

I've had similar experience, but haven't been waiting as long (May). Last update was told there was only a couple in front of mine (LH X2 300 Win Mag) was 3-5 weeks. That was 7 weeks ago...

If I don't have it by Sept 1, I'll be same boat as you...


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[Wyatt G]

I like mine a lot but i wouldn't wait that long for it, i dont know how much money your order is but i found this on gunsamerica.
https://www.gunsamerica.com/984089059/Montana-Rifle-300-Ultra-Mag-Custom-X2-LH.htm

 

[Jon Boy]

Theres so many good semi custom guns in the same price range that I would cancel that order and go with a cooper, sako, nosler, kimber, hs precision etc I'm sure MRC rifles are great but not worth the BS when there are so many good guns to choose from.

 

[Josh Wright]

I wouldn't wait unless it's really the gun you have to have.

 

[Jimbo V]

I wouldn't care how "good" their guns are. With customer service like that they wouldn't get my money period. Remember that's the same customer service you'll have to deal with if you have an issue with the rifle....as Jon Boy stated there are many other companies that make great rifles in the same price point.


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[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

I can see single man operations dragging out a month or so at times but its pretty ridiculous for an operation to be 4mo behind the completion date they communicated to you and growing with what sounds like a constant run around. That is piss poor internal job estimation and obviously no urgency to expedite customers orders that are long delayed.

 

[GKPrice]

there's a long LONG list of guys dating back .... well, forever who've had the same experience from any one of hundreds of companies and gunsmiths - I waited a year for an MPI stock (a stock !)when Doc was early in the business ! All that said, in ANY business customer service is what separates the "big boys" from all the rest and rifle makers are no different - with the runaround you appear to have been getting I'd get my deposit back, say thank you and move on - Kimber has gotten a lot of bad press since they went to Yonkers but nothing like you're describing and I believe they eventually realized that it is a do or die business with customer service being the "do" part because I've not been hearing the bad stories of late Also, the over the counter rifles that one can purchase for anywhere from $700 to ??? have improved drastically in accuracy, reliability AND "in the hands appeal", maybe a look at some of these would be worth the time ? (Tikka comes to mind but I know of 2 guys with X-bolts who could not be happier and they can afford any rifle they want)

 

[JustOneMoreShot]

You are absolutely nuts to wait and stay with them. I would have jumped ship already and moved on to something better and not looked back. In the end it is your decision but I could not deal with the lies and delays that seem to be never ending especially considering there are so many great options available from full to semi custom builders who take so much pride in their work.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

there's a long LONG list of guys dating back .... well, forever who've had the same experience from any one of hundreds of companies and gunsmiths - I waited a year for an MPI stock (a stock !)when Doc was early in the business !

Lead times are one thing (I agree smith's often have long ones) its another thing entirely to drastically extend delivery from a stated lead time. Not sure if in the above MPI example they outright said it'll be a year (or didn't commit at all) but if they said 4mo and delivered in 12mo then that is unacceptable service in my mind.

My personal gun took 7mo to get back from the smith but I was told 6mo off the bat, his mom died during that period so that was a reasonable turn around to me based on our original deal.

A multi man shop striking a deal on 4mo lead time and they're currently at 8mo? That is just poor service.

 

[Shrek]

I have two MRC. One has a serial number in the low hundreds and the other in the teens. The one in the teens is an absolute POS and the other is less than impressive. I will never buy another. Maybe they've improved but the basic action design is too heavy. A lot of better rifles imo.

 

[GKPrice]

Lead times are one thing (I agree smith's often have long ones) its another thing entirely to drastically extend delivery from a stated lead time. Not sure if in the above MPI example they outright said it'll be a year (or didn't commit at all) but if they said 4mo and delivered in 12mo then that is unacceptable service in my mind.

My personal gun took 7mo to get back from the smith but I was told 6mo off the bat, his mom died during that period so that was a reasonable turn around to me based on our original deal.

A multi man shop striking a deal on 4mo lead time and they're currently at 8mo? That is just poor service.

My comment about MPI was only contemplative, I meant no diss toward them , Doc and I became good friends as a result of that - I should not have used the experience as a comparison because he never offered any lies or lame excuses for the lengthy wait as, apparently MRC has been doing

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

My comment about MPI was only contemplative, I meant no diss toward them , Doc and I became good friends as a result of that - I should not have used the experience as a comparison because he never offered any lies or lame excuses for the lengthy wait as, apparently MRC has been doing

I think the comparison showing that smiths often have long lead times and folks shouldn't expect to order a custom gun in Aug for a fall hunt type nature is a great one (talking in general since sometimes folks are surprised at the leadtimes). But a smith that gives you an accurate (even if long) lead time is a good one.

 

[Zoo Keeper]

Just got an update @Netherman & was told another 4-6 weeks due them waiting on bolts to build LH actions.

I'm headed a different direction I guess...


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[Netherman]

I just got in contact with someone at MRC that has promised to "get to the bottom of this and get back to me ASAP". I'll let you guys know where this goes.

@Zoo Keeper
Did you cancel your order yet? If I end up getting anywhere and get a hold of this guy again I'll bring up your case if you want.

Nick

 

[robby denning]

I'da moved on a long time ago. Not because of the lead time, but the broken promises and lack of follow through. It would be one thing if they were calling you to explain, but you're chasing them. Not fair. And just think if you have a problem with the gun and have to send it back?

 

[GKPrice]

I think the comparison showing that smiths often have long lead times and folks shouldn't expect to order a custom gun in Aug for a fall hunt type nature is a great one (talking in general since sometimes folks are surprised at the leadtimes). But a smith that gives you an accurate (even if long) lead time is a good one.

Yes, I am in agreement with that - The "other" logic in long lead times for gunsmiths doing a build (which is not a fair comparison to MRC since they appear to have multiple riflesmiths in their employ) is sort of the old saying that a skilled craftsman in ANY venue is busy for good reason - According to this story, MRC is not projecting trust or confidence in their product in any way that I can think of (and I've actually been considering one of their rifles but not now)

 

[Zoo Keeper]

@Zoo Keeper
Did you cancel your order yet? If I end up getting anywhere and get a hold of this guy again I'll bring up your case if you want.

Nick

Not yet, as I'm looking at other options, none of which are what I want in LH or do me any good for for this year.

I was basically given the "we are frustrated with the delays as well, but it's the nature of things."

I conveyed my irritation with being misled & their continued history of over promising & under delivering & in the process, F'ing me for this season as this was to be my primary rifle.

When I told him I was going to have my FFL cancel the order, he got uncomfortable, but could only offer to give me weekly updates. I asked if his current "4-6 week ETA" was worth anything considering they haven't met a timeline yet with mine & many other orders....nothing.

Good luck & let me know if you make any progress, but I am not holding my breath with these clowns.


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[Brian Stewart]

If you placed and order to MRC and used your credit card as payment just call your cc company and tell them that you feel like you've been a victim of fraud. I'm pretty sure things will straighten up real quick. Which is basically what has happened. They've kept giving you different times for delivery. I wouldn't get a rifle from them if it was the best shooting rifle in the world. Just how would they handle a problem if it arises with the function of the rifle. I'm sorry too many good rifles out there to sweat if over one bad job at customer service.

 

[Zoo Keeper]

If you placed and order to MRC and used your credit card as payment just call your cc company and tell them that you feel like you've been a victim of fraud.

They don't take direct orders, but my dealer is canceling the order & I am moving to either a Tikka T3 (or T3x) Lite Stainless.


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