Rifle review: The Rocky Mountain from Quebec’s Antler Firearms is made for hunting our elk and moose

TEST RESULTS

The Rocky Mountain is one handsome rifle. The fit and finish on my test model were spot on, and I loved the Prairie camo, one of the best rifle patterns I’ve ever seen. On my postal scale, the rifle weighed in at six pounds eight ounces, just a tad more than the advertised weight. As for the trigger, it broke consistently at two pounds 14 ounces without any creep or overtravel—just a great trigger.

I also really like the integrated Picatinny style bases, which made it easy to mount my test scope, a Conquest V6 2-12×50 from Zeiss. They also surely made for a much more solid foundation than attachable bases. For mounts, I used Browning’s Picatinny-style Precision Scope Rings, which were a perfect fit, and looked great. The combo of rifle, scope and mounts weighed exactly eight pounds, allowing for a comfortable carry. It also balanced well, and was quick on point.

On the range, the rifle cycled nicely, while the scope presented a bright, sharp image and optical clarity with its uncluttered reticle (see “Zeiss Conquest,” below). As promised, the muzzle brake offered a reduction in recoil and muzzle jump, and I really appreciated the angled port holes directing the blast and sound away from me. My only minor complaint was having to lower the cheek piece when either inserting or removing the bolt. That task paled in comparison, however, to the eye-to-scope alignment the cheek piece provided when raised.

In all, I tested six handloads and 13 factory loads from seven different companies, with almost identical averages of 0.828 and 0.824 inches, respectively. (I dropped one factory load and one handload from the test due to signs of high pressure.) The rifle also delivered on its half-inch accuracy guarantee with factory loads at 0.305 and 0.425 inches, and one handload at 0.418.

For hunting elk- and moose-sized game at longer ranges, Hornady’s 200-grain ELD-X Precision Hunter and Nosler’s 190-grain AccuBond Long Range would top my list. For shorter ranges or hunting in heavy cover, it would be hard to beat a handloaded Hornady 220-grain bullet with H1000 powder. All three of those loads shot into less than 0.75 inches, with two bettering 0.5.

There’s little question this rifle lives up to its billing in every respect. Not only is it a very well-made and robust rifle that would handle the rigours of any elk or moose hunt, it’s also an excellent shooter. Big game beware, the Rocky Mountain is headed your way—and it’s made in Canada!

For the complete test range results, go to www.outdoorcanada.ca/rockymtntest.

THE RIFLE SPECS

• Calibre: .300 Win. Mag.
• Barrel length: 24″
• Total length: 46¼”
• Weight: 6.1 lb (plus 5 oz with adjustable cheek piece)
• Length of pull: 13½”
• Drop at comb: Adjustable
• Rate of twist: 1:10″
• Magazine capacity: 4 rounds