created in 1999
- created by gunsmith Keith Sipe
– Kimber employee - 2019 acquired by private investor group Montana Outdoor Group
- 2020 the Montana Rifle Company ceased operations
Montana Rifle Company
3178 Mt Highway 35
Kalispell, MT 59901
406 756 4867
About Montana Rifle Company
Montana Rifle Company was founded in Kalispell, Montana, in 1999 by gunsmith Keith Sipe, who set out to build a high-quality controlled-round-feed bolt action. The result, the Model 1999 action, became the foundation of the business and earned a following among hunters and custom riflemakers who valued a Mauser-style claw extractor for reliable feeding in the field. The company also made barrels in more than 20 calibers, barreled actions, and complete rifles in Classic, High Country and Tactical configurations, and offered gunsmithing services.
Ownership passed to Sipe’s son, Jeff Sipe, in 2007, and in 2011 the company introduced a production rifle line built on the Model 1999 action. A private investor group, Montana Outdoor Group, acquired the company in early 2019. In March 2020 the group announced an immediate shutdown pending financial restructuring, stating that production had not reached a profitable level without further investment even though M1999 action sales had nearly doubled in 2019. In November 2022 a former executive told American Rifleman the company planned to return, and in January 2024 Grace Engineering acquired Montana Rifle Company.
Key Facts
- 1999: Founded by Keith Sipe in Kalispell, Montana; Model 1999 action introduced
- 2007: Ownership passes to Jeff Sipe
- 2011: Production rifle line on the Model 1999 action introduced
- Early 2019: Acquired by Montana Outdoor Group
- March 2020: Operations shut down pending financial restructuring
- January 2024: Acquired by Grace Engineering
Sources
- Montana Outdoor Group Announces Shutdown of Montana Rifle Company – Soldier Systems Daily
- Montana Rifle Company Returning In 2023? – American Rifleman
- Montana Rifle Company – Wikipedia
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