Montana Rifle Company Returning In 2023?

by
posted on November 2, 2022
** 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 Rifle Company

Montana Rifle Company, established in 1999 by gunsmith Keith Sipe in Kalispell, Mont., specialized in modern controlled-round-feed bolt-action receivers and complete rifles. It didn’t take long for the firm to establish an enviable reputation for guns that looked every bit as good as they performed.

Orders were steady, actually increasing, when the company closed its doors in early 2020, according to a report in Kalispell’s Daily Inter Lake newspaper. A company spokesman told the reporter that, “…while sales were at a record level and [there were] many new offerings, production levels never reached demand levels. This was primarily due to older equipment and [a] lack of funds to purchase new machinery.” In January of that year, Ron Petty, who was CEO of the firm before the decision to close, told the newspaper that 2019 was a banner year for the company.

When American Rifleman contacted Petty this month, he had good news. The company is “coming back in 2023,” he responded in an e-mail.

Sipe’s Model 1999 receiver, with its Mauser-style controlled-round-feed system of operation, laid the firm’s foundation solidly on performance, timeless function and looks to match. It ultimately became available in three versions—classic, high country and tactical—in different finishes and even wearing synthetic stocks.

Jeff Sipe, his son and former Kimber employee, took over the firm’s reins in 2007. He maintained that dedication to quality while methodically heightening the company’s efforts to help non-profit organizations dedicated to preserving the Second Amendment and hunting. In 2016, for example, Montana Rifle created a limited run of 1,150 American Legends Rifles that raised funds at Friends of NRA banquets nationwide. The generosity heightened the firm’s reputation and popularity.

In 2019, Montana Investment Group acquired the company. The next year, the doors shuttered.

The decision’s timing may be coincidence, but the first states in the U.S. to enact COVID-19 restrictions did so on March 15, 2020. Painful raw material shortages and shipping backlogs followed. The Daily Inter Lake article has a March 29, 2020, dateline—two weeks later.

Montana Rifle Company had only 22 employees at the time of its closure, a modest number that likely made it a low priority among suppliers already feeling the pinch. Add increased raw material prices, processed by outdated equipment, and it was the kind of economic storm many larger companies failed to survive.

Thankfully, things have changed. American Rifleman will let you know when a planned re-launch date is announced.

Latest

Sellmark Ranch Entrance
Sellmark Ranch Entrance

Sellmark Ranch Opens, Offers Hunting & Shooting Opportunities To The Public

Sellmark Corporation, the parent company of several notable firearm industry brands, opened its 6,800-acre ranch to the public, which provides dedicated hunts, mile-long shooting ranges and more.

CZ Recalls All-American Trap Combo Shotguns

CZ-USA has identified a manufacturing defect affecting the barrel of certain CZ All-American Trap Combo shotguns.

I Have This Old Gun: Japanese Type 94 Pistol

Among the pantheon of World War II military sidearms, the Japanese Type 94 stands out for a number of undesirable reasons. Aside from its ungainly look, many regard it as one of the most dangerous firearms ever made.

New For 2025: GForce Arms 12Hammer

The latest option in the diverse lineup of GForce Arms shotguns is the 12Hammer, an AR-style platform chambered for 12-ga. shotshells that feeds from detachable box magazines.

Tips & Techniques: DIY Fire Bluing

Is there anything prettier than fire bluing? This bright, “peacock” blue color is one of the world’s oldest firearm finishes and can be found on guns dating back as early as the 16th century and is still used on some of today’s high-end custom arms.

Rifleman Q&A: Eddystone Bayonets

"I recently started collecting World War I U.S. military firearms. I want to obtain a Model 1917 rifle made by each contractor—Winchester, Remington and Eddystone—along with bayonets for each. However, I can only locate bayonets made by Winchester and Remington. Why are bayonets made by Eddystone so hard to find?"

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.