Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Kimber Montana 280ai or 300wsm?

I'd probably keep the 300 WSM that you already have if its proven and you like it. If you're just wanting another rig then maybe something a big step in one direction or the other. Big honking thumper or something light and tight.

My 280 AI is (WAS) a 270... I had it converted.

280ai for sure. The only thing the 300wsm will do is kick harder. I've had plenty of both, I've only got the 280ai's now.

My WSM is okay at best. Not super consistent, shoots .5 moa sometimes, MOA most of the time. Sometimes 1.2 moa.

I'm still torn about how much I rely on it. Not sure what to do to be quite honest.

If you're looking at a Montana because they're light, make sure you notice the difference between the 84L and the 8400. Montana is 5-10 in 280AI and 6-3 in 300 WSM. I replaced my beautiful 8 pound M70 270 in Supergrade stock (still for sale...) with a Montana 270 wsm. I just assumed the wsm was ''shorter, faster, lighter'', and later realized the much larger action diameter makes it 9 oz heavier than the 84L. Then before I got it set up, they came out with the Hunter line, so I ended up with a Hunter in .280ai at 5-12 at $700. The 84L has a longer bolt throw, and the longer chamber is more likely to intersect large objectives. But I like the slimmer lines and lighter weight. Some folk also don't realize the ai is now SAAMI. Factory ammo isn't common, but brass is easy to get.
Had my first elk hunt last year, and was very glad I went with the lighter rifle.

Ha! A very Good question, I have dealt with both CS dept and would rate them as equally chitty...These two companys have by far the worst CS of any gun company I have dealt with.....Hb

This is exactly my advice......Hb

Very wise man.

I have both & like both. But, I also have 308’s. 🤓

I have the 300WSM in a Montana. Rifle and scope weigh about 7lbs. Recoil is brisk off the bench. I love the rifle but wouldn't have bought it if the 84L was available at the time, also, the price was too good to pass up.

Well the magazine does create somewhat of a belly, it is a lot less noticeable than the 8400 long action.

I currently have three Kimbers and all are shooters if I do my part. I have shot several more with no complaints.

IMO, they are the best designed rifles on the market. They are too light for some uses. But perhaps the Open Country meets some of those needs?

I picked up an Open Country in 6.5CM for use when stand-hunting.

The rifle is really amazing when you handle it.

It has a deep fluted bull barrel (basically) that measures .860 at the muzzle, and the rifle weighs under 7 pounds naked.

With a light-ish scope in Talleys, it wouldn't be too heavy for hunting on the move.