One of these in 280AI is staring me in the face at a LGS. I know they are new but are the as good or better than the Montana's?

Never seen one in the flesh...but how can it be "bad"?

Hard to find a lighter rifle for the money....kinda funky "cool" in a 21st Century sorta way.

I don't think the cartridge is the ballistic miracle its' quivering disciples claim, but it'll do.

Life's an experiment.Buy it!

If you've got the jingle, I'd buy it just to see how well you can shoot a rifle that light. I'll bet it'd teach you a lesson once or twice, but you'd be a better rifleman for it. And who knows.... Sucker might just bughole.

Is the break removable?

Yup. Works too. Mine in 280 AI has the recoil of a 243. Never had a rifle with a weed burner before. Had a couple that were Magnaported. I'd say the weed burner works very well. I've only shot mine with 140 factory Accubonds so far but it's very pleasant to shoot. Also have had a Montana in 300 WSM since they came out. No accuracy problems here. The Ascent has a different feel than the Montana. If you can get over the digital camo the stock feels nice and soft not at all like the Montana. Haven't shot mine enough to see if it will shoot MOA but I could damn sure kill something with it after shooting it about 8 times to sight it in. As with any light rifle you have to pay attention to what you are doing to shoot it well. I've had an Ultra Light Model 20 for over 20 years and when I haven't shot it for a while it reminds you to concentrate on what you are doing.

Just me, and having never laid eyes on one, I think it might be too much of a good thing... my technique isn't good enough to wring the most out of it... I'd just as soon have a Montana and the extra cash in my pocket.

What the heck, I'm still carrying 320+ pounds even after significant weight loss... a half pound off a Montana isn't going to make that big of difference.

I hear ya. Boys and toys you know how it is.

I do think the light rifles make you a more aware shooter. A better shooter? That depends on if you improve. But they do make you more aware of trigger pull and everything else that comes with shooting accurately.

If I had the coin, I would buy one, just might wait until I could get it in a 7mm-08. I really do not see a bad thing about except the digital camo which can be fixed if so desired. Not a fan of muzzle breaks but it is easily removable and can be shot at the range on and in the field off. As for the 280 ai, I am a big fan of the 280, nothing wrong with the ai version but personally do not need it.

Ugly camo
Even worse threaded muzzle and a break

Despite being incredibly ugly, they're too light.

I handled one a month or so ago. The action was gritty and I am not a fan of the stock. At $1895 I bought a Montana instead put the difference toward a Leupold 6X.

I can't imagine an uglier rifle....

Here, I'll help...

If that one doesn't convince you, I'll pull out my trump card...

Winner winner chicken dinner!

Personally, I'd wait.

I hear Kimber is coming out with the a new "anti-gravity" rifle next fall.

Described as incredibly light and whispy and weighs nothing at all!

I'd buy $2000 worth of used hub caps before I spent money on one, but that's just me- I've been blessed physically and can carry 6 3/4 lb. rifles a fair distance...

Ditto on my take

Dober

That one is due to be banned here soon! Its got TWO military features *gasp*