Montana Outdoor Group Shutters Montana Rifle Company

by
posted on March 20, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
montana-closure-notice.jpg
Montana Outdoor Group, a private investor group that acquired Montana Rifle Company in early 2019, has closed the company's doors pending fiscal restructuring. 

“While sales of our popular calibers have been outstanding, production levels have not risen to a profitable level to continue, without additional investments,” CEO Calvin Bontrager explained. “New equipment would be required to reach a service level demanded by our dealers and conservation groups." Bontrager continued, “With sales of the popular M1999 control feed actions nearly doubling in 2019, Montana Outdoor Group is actively searching for restructuring opportunities."

Montana Rifle has been producing custom-grade rifles for nearly 25 years, and was  awarded the Friends of the NRA “NRA’s Gun of the Year” in 2016 and 2018. Montana Rifle has also produced limited editions for California Waterfowl, SCI, RMEF and many other conservation organizations.

For updates on Montana Rifle Company, please visit montanarifleco.com/developments.

Additional Reading:
#SundayGunday: Montana Rifle Co American Standard 
#SundayGunday: Montana Extreme X2 Bolt-Action Rifle

Latest

Olmsted Shooting BAR MK4 Hunter 2
Olmsted Shooting BAR MK4 Hunter 2

New for 2026: Browning BAR MK 4 Hunter

One of America's favorite semi-automatic hunting rifles is back, in the Browning BAR MK 4. In this video, American Hunter Editor in Chief Scott Olmsted checks out the Hunter model, with a beautiful walnut stock, and aluminum alloy receiver.

New for 2026: Remington 7mm Backcountry Offerings

The 7mm BackCountry came to light last year this time, utilizing a Peak Alloy steel case to raise the pressure limits from the traditional 65,000 psi all the way up to 80,000 psi. For 2026, Remington has joined the party with three offerings for the 7BC: Core-Lokt, Core-Lokt Tipped, and Speer Impact.

Landmark Cougar Reproduction Confirmed in Michigan

Late last month, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) verified a Dec. 6 photo of an adult cougar being followed by two kittens down a snowy trail in central Ontonagon County. The last time the kittens were documented—in early March 2025—they were only about two months old and alone, raising concerns about their survival.

Report: Private Landowner Investments in Conservation Hits Staggering Number

Private lands play a central role in the well-being of people and wildlife throughout the West, but the economic pressure increases each year. A new, groundbreaking report sheds light on the efforts and investments landowners continue to make, despite that challenge, to conserve and steward remaining intact lands and natural resources.

White Label Armory Launches Full Suppressor Lineup

White Label Armory, a manufacturing and supply subsidiary of VKTR Industries, is launching a new budget friendly, duty-capable suppressor line available to dealers exclusively through Sports South.

New for 2026: CVA Scout Spur 28-Gauge

CVA has unveiled its new Scout Spur in 28-gauge with fresh patterns. The Scout Spur is lightweight, handy and now in .28-gauge gives hunters more options in the field.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.