Have you ever had one in your hands? I have handled them. They are cute. Like a baby Winchester model 70. Too small for my hands though. A lot of guys love them. Good luck with it.
Originally Posted by raybass
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style.
Originally Posted by Pharmseller
You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole.
Hanco, Try one before you buy it. A buddy had a Hunter he had won. I had the opportunity to put 20 rounds through it. The magazines absolutely suck. I found it to be finicky to hold full capacity. It was light and fairly accurate. Trigger was OK. Feeding was the sour note for me.
Love mine. All mine are Montanas, a classic and a classic select. Never handled a hunter, but I’d definitely opt for the Montana or Classic/Classic Select models. Good luck finding anything other than a Hunter though.
L-61's are pieces of fhuqking schit,in comparison. Hint.
I live in the highest per capita density of Montuckys,on fhuqking The Planet and patiently await to see my first "bad" one. Hint.
Pardon actually shooting. Hint.
Fhuqking LAUGHING!............
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
I'd take a Sako over a Kimber any day. Even a CZ or Weatherby over a Kimber. I have not been impressed with Kimber in the last 10 years. Seems their quality has gone downhill, or perhaps better said it's a 50/50 chance you'll get a great one vs. a horrible one. Buddy has a Kimber Hunter and shoots three shots great, then opens up to 3 MOA at 100 yards as soon as the barrel gets above room temp.
Fhuqktards,routinely do stupid schit and very typically botch ALL things The Rifle. Hint.
Do tell about the PARTICULARS,of said pard's "bad" Kimber. Ammo,mounts,rings and glass,if only for fhuqking HILARIOUS starters. Hint.
Dangle pics,for more oblivious HILARITY. Hint.
I 've easily shot 100+ Kimbers and patiently await the FIRST "bad" one. Hint.
Fhuqking LAUGHING!..............
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
I have had a 270 Montana for a number of years and it is a great rifle. Last summer I came across a 30-06 Subalpine NIB at a shop up north fairly priced so it came home. I had it out a few weeks ago for the first time and it is also a shooter. Great rifles all around IME.
Sure some get lucky and get a good one, but kimbers are notorious for being junk. I played "Kimber Roulette" twice. Lost both times. Never again.
You’re wrong, boy
Define wrong. Kimber roulette isn't a thing? I coined the term outta thin air? You Kimber fanboys are something else.
Or wrong as in my brand new Kimber 84M wouldn't/couldn't chamber a factory round of ammunition; and that no amount of force could get the bolt to go into battery? Or am I wrong that the 5" 1911 couldn't make it through a single mag of 230g ball without choking?
Sooo...which wrong am I?
What would someone with a 17,000 post count know about anything? "AlwaysIndoors" seems a more appropriate handle for you.
Sure some get lucky and get a good one, but kimbers are notorious for being junk. I played "Kimber Roulette" twice. Lost both times. Never again.
You’re wrong, boy
Define wrong. Kimber roulette isn't a thing? I coined the term outta thin air? You Kimber fanboys are something else.
Or wrong as in my brand new Kimber 84M wouldn't/couldn't chamber a factory round of ammunition; and that no amount of force could get the bolt to go into battery? Or am I wrong that the 5" 1911 couldn't make it through a single mag of 230g ball without choking?
Sooo...which wrong am I?
I’m not a Kimber fan necessarily. But you’re still wrong, boy.
I have had a 270 Montana for a number of years and it is a great rifle. Last summer I came across a 30-06 Subalpine NIB at a shop up north fairly priced so it came home. I had it out a few weeks ago for the first time and it is also a shooter. Great rifles all around IME.
We all know Ed can afford any brand of rifle he chooses. Take note here .
Sure some get lucky and get a good one, but kimbers are notorious for being junk. I played "Kimber Roulette" twice. Lost both times. Never again.
You’re wrong, boy
Define wrong. Kimber roulette isn't a thing? I coined the term outta thin air? You Kimber fanboys are something else.
Or wrong as in my brand new Kimber 84M wouldn't/couldn't chamber a factory round of ammunition; and that no amount of force could get the bolt to go into battery? Or am I wrong that the 5" 1911 couldn't make it through a single mag of 230g ball without choking?
Sooo...which wrong am I?
I’m not a Kimber fan necessarily. But you’re still wrong, boy.
Originally Posted by alwaysoutdoors
Originally Posted by Ky221
Originally Posted by alwaysoutdoors
Originally Posted by Ky221
Junk.
Sure some get lucky and get a good one, but kimbers are notorious for being junk. I played "Kimber Roulette" twice. Lost both times. Never again.
You’re wrong, boy
Define wrong. Kimber roulette isn't a thing? I coined the term outta thin air? You Kimber fanboys are something else.
Or wrong as in my brand new Kimber 84M wouldn't/couldn't chamber a factory round of ammunition; and that no amount of force could get the bolt to go into battery? Or am I wrong that the 5" 1911 couldn't make it through a single mag of 230g ball without choking?
Sooo...which wrong am I?
I’m not a Kimber fan necessarily. But you’re still wrong, boy.
Boy? Gotta fascination with young boys or something? That's twice.
Sure some get lucky and get a good one, but kimbers are notorious for being junk. I played "Kimber Roulette" twice. Lost both times. Never again.
You’re wrong, boy
Define wrong. Kimber roulette isn't a thing? I coined the term outta thin air? You Kimber fanboys are something else.
Or wrong as in my brand new Kimber 84M wouldn't/couldn't chamber a factory round of ammunition; and that no amount of force could get the bolt to go into battery? Or am I wrong that the 5" 1911 couldn't make it through a single mag of 230g ball without choking?
Sooo...which wrong am I?
I’m not a Kimber fan necessarily. But you’re still wrong, boy.
Originally Posted by alwaysoutdoors
Originally Posted by Ky221
Originally Posted by alwaysoutdoors
Originally Posted by Ky221
Junk.
Sure some get lucky and get a good one, but kimbers are notorious for being junk. I played "Kimber Roulette" twice. Lost both times. Never again.
You’re wrong, boy
Define wrong. Kimber roulette isn't a thing? I coined the term outta thin air? You Kimber fanboys are something else.
Or wrong as in my brand new Kimber 84M wouldn't/couldn't chamber a factory round of ammunition; and that no amount of force could get the bolt to go into battery? Or am I wrong that the 5" 1911 couldn't make it through a single mag of 230g ball without choking?
Sooo...which wrong am I?
I’m not a Kimber fan necessarily. But you’re still wrong, boy.
Boy? Gotta fascination with young boys or something? That's twice.
I have two Montanas, in 7-08 and 257 Roberts, and a Classic Select in 7-08. All three function and shoot very well. The Classic Select is one of the most accurate rifles I own.
OP, if you can find one, go for it...
My heart's in the mountains, my heart is not here. My heart's in the mountains, chasing the deer.
I have two 223’s. My brother and a friend has them too. Everyone really likes them. I had a 270wsm that shot well and my stepdad had a 280AI that was real accurate with 120’s. I wish I would have picked up a couple 243’s when they could be had for $8-$900 used.
Though there are plenty of better used choices out there, I suppose that's all the justification you really need. Very much regret selling my Kimber of Oregon .22 rimfire.
Good luck. Hope you get a good one.
"There's more to optics than meets the eye."--anon
"...most of us would be better off losing half a pound around the waist than half a pound on our rifle."--dhg
Heck my Savage shot better than my Kimber Montana 270. I no longer own the Kimber....they sure feel good though. The hunter model has a chitt magazine for sure.
I have 2 Montanas, 223 and 270, 257 classic select. I've had others about 10 total. The 257 is the only one I couldn't get to shoot less than an inch but I really liked the wood so I had a new barrel put on it little heavier contour I really like it.
I only have the hunter. Bought if for my boy. It had to go back to kimber to get the chamber polished as it would scratch the brass and the chamber is very tight. To where I had to get small base dies to reload for it. Kimber told me they doesn’t recommend to use re loads, only premium factory ammo. Won’t lie, left a bad taste in my mouth.
All of them do something better than the 30-06, but none of them do everything as well.
I’ve had three. A std grade 308 that I bought when they first came out. It’s one of my absolute favorite rifles. It shoots under MOA ALWAYS. I’ve hunted with it a lot, deer, elk, africa two or three times.
A 30-06 select grade that was VERY accurate, like in the .3-.4” range but they changed something in the wrist or trigger geometry and it just never fit me the way my 308 did so I let it go.
A Montana 7/08 that is also well under MOA but I haven’t hunted it yet. Something I hope to change next year.
Zero complaints for me on any of the ones Ive had.
Fhuqktards,routinely do stupid schit and very typically botch ALL things The Rifle. Hint.
Do tell about the PARTICULARS,of said pard's "bad" Kimber. Ammo,mounts,rings and glass,if only for fhuqking HILARIOUS starters. Hint.
Dangle pics,for more oblivious HILARITY. Hint.
I 've easily shot 100+ Kimbers and patiently await the FIRST "bad" one. Hint.
Fhuqking LAUGHING!..............
The Fieldcraft is twisted right and wears the magbox. FC's have killer twist rates. Hint............
Brad says: "Can't fault Rick for his pity letting you back on the fire... but pity it was and remains. Nothing more, nothing less. A sad little man in a sad little dream."
Yea for me. They go well with my Model 70's and Ruger Hawkeyes. The firing pin had to be adjusted on the Montana after about three years. Only problem I have had with any of them.
I have three. A Kimber Hunter in 6.5 Creedmoor, a Montana in .30-06 and a Talkeetna in .375 H&H.
I had iron sights installed on the Hunter. It wears a 3.5-10 x40 Leupold.
I had the Montana barrel shortened to 22 in and iron sights installed.It wears a 2.5-8x36 Leupold but I have a 2-10 Vx5 HD Leupold to put on it.
I had the Talkeetnas barrel shortened to 21 inches and taller NECG sights installed. I put a Heavy Duplex 1.75-6 on it but it will be changed to the 2.5-8 x36 that will come off the Montana.
I sometimes think if I could get one in .223 and one in .338 Win Mag I wouldn't need any othe cf bolt guns.
Have a Mtn. Ascent in 280AI and a Hunter Pro Desolve Blak in 6.5 Manbun. Neither have any issues whatsoever and both will hold 1/2-5/8" groups. As I get older, I've come to appreciate lighter weight rifles. Kimbers work for me and are my primary hunting rifles.
Had a Longmaster .308. Likely the most accurate rifle I ever owned. Lost it to a pressing need….
It did scratch brass, a simple fix that I didn’t address before I sold it as the new owner didn’t care.
My son has had a Hunter 6.5 from very early on. No issues at all, including the magazines. I might’ve followed him with a .308, but I found an M70 EW first. Not as light of course, which is probably a good thing as the Hunter is pretty bouncy off a rest, even in 6.5.
My LGS is a Master Dealer, and has had Selects on occasion. I’ve seen stunners, and ones that looked a bit plain for the dough. If pretty wood is your goal, better get pics. Finding any at all might be challenging though.
I only have the hunter. Bought if for my boy. It had to go back to kimber to get the chamber polished as it would scratch the brass and the chamber is very tight. To where I had to get small base dies to reload for it. Kimber told me they doesn’t recommend to use re loads, only premium factory ammo. Won’t lie, left a bad taste in my mouth.
I don't know of any mfg that would recommend reloads over factory ammo.
I have had a 270 Montana for a number of years and it is a great rifle. Last summer I came across a 30-06 Subalpine NIB at a shop up north fairly priced so it came home. I had it out a few weeks ago for the first time and it is also a shooter. Great rifles all around IME.
We all know Ed can afford any brand of rifle he chooses. Take note here .
223, 243Win, & 7-08 Montanas, a gen-1 Pro-Varmint 223, as well as a 375 H&H Talkeetna all as-issued from the factory.
22-250 and 270Win Montanas both have 1:8 Lilja factory dupe contours @ 22".
A .224 1:7 Lilja Montana dupe on the way and a .204 Varmint will become a 1:7 223Rem "Frankentana" blued action/SS bbl in a spare Montana stock I had set in a corner a while back.
I like Kimbers.
I can walk on water.......................but I do stagger a bit on alcohol.
I've got an Adirondack .308. It scratched the heck out of brass when it was new, and the dipped finish on the stock was garbage. The rifle is very picky about loads but the ones it likes are easily less than 1". Another issue I discovered is this light rifle is pretty sensitive about bag and hand positioning when shooting from the bench. Inconsistent technique yields inconsistent results with such a light rifle.
Based on the experience of a friend who's Montana's chamber was cut wrong and their refusal to do right by my garbage stock finish I'd say Kimber's customer service is suspect. I'd even go so far as to say they are a douchey company.
The weak points for Kimber rifles are the magazine system of the Hunter models, and based on the experiences of others it's apparent to me their enclosed trigger is susceptible to failure in dusty or silty environments.
I've got an Adirondack .308. It scratched the heck out of brass when it was new, and the dipped finish on the stock was garbage. The rifle is very picky about loads but the ones it likes are easily less than 1". Another issue I discovered is this light rifle is pretty sensitive about bag and hand positioning when shooting from the bench. Inconsistent technique yields inconsistent results with such a light rifle.
Based on the experience of a friend who's Montana's chamber was cut wrong and their refusal to do right by my garbage stock finish I'd say Kimber's customer service is suspect. I'd even go so far as to say they are a douchey company.
The weak points for Kimber rifles are the magazine system of the Hunter models, and based on the experiences of others it's apparent to me their enclosed trigger is susceptible to failure in dusty or silty environments.
Please send me a pm if you may be interested in selling the Adirondack.
I bought a Kimber Montana in 270WSM about 10 years ago, for a sheep hunt. Accuracy was poor, 2” at best. Sent it back to Kimber. They returned it unaltered, with a three shot target, 1.25”, at 50 yards, and said “it’s in spec.” Sold it and had Jim Kobe build me a 270WSM on a R700 action, McMillan stock, and Shilen barrel. It shot about 3/4” five shots at 100 yards. Killed a sheep and mountain caribou, one shot kills.
I bought a Kimber Montana in 270WSM about 10 years ago, for a sheep hunt. Accuracy was poor, 2” at best. Sent it back to Kimber. They returned it unaltered, with a three shot target, 1.25”, at 50 yards, and said “it’s in spec.” Sold it and had Jim Kobe build me a 270WSM on a R700 action, McMillan stock, and Shilen barrel. It shot about 3/4” five shots at 100 yards. Killed a sheep and mountain caribou, one shot kills.
Most likely there were a few small tweaks that you could have done and that kimber would have shot quite well.
I only have the hunter. Bought if for my boy. It had to go back to kimber to get the chamber polished as it would scratch the brass and the chamber is very tight. To where I had to get small base dies to reload for it. Kimber told me they doesn’t recommend to use re loads, only premium factory ammo. Won’t lie, left a bad taste in my mouth.
I don't know of any mfg that would recommend reloads over factory ammo.
I don’t know any of my guns that are so picky when it comes to brass as this thing. What about the fact it had to go back in even before I ever shot it just to be told It’s in spec and not to use reloads. You re load ?
Last edited by Dre; 02/24/23.
All of them do something better than the 30-06, but none of them do everything as well.
Had a Montana in 325WSM when they first came out, early 2000’s ?? Real low serial number. Wonderful rifle for the mountains, shot little tiny groups. But, I’ve shot mostly Remington rifles for most of my life and I just couldn’t get used to the 3 position safety.
take a look at a stainless classic select before you buy something else. those things are just beautiful.
I own just one Kimber - a Classic 84L in 280AI. it shoots good, but nothing "special".
First teach a child to love God, second teach him to love family, third teach him to fish and hunt and by the time he is in his teens no dope dealer under the sun can teach him anything. Cotton Cordell
I owned 2 Montanas when they first came out. They both had considerable chambering issues and 1 wouldn't shoot better than 3 or 4 in groups. I've never sent a gun back to the manufacturer simply because I expect more from a new rifle. Sold them both and won't buy another. Others have been well satisfied with them and I have no problem with that. Just not my cup of tea.
I’ve collected several Montanas over the years. 84s and 8400s. They are my favorite hunting rifles and all have performed and shot well. I had my smith bed my 8400 in 300 WSM and it tightened up the groups nicely. Also like the model 70s but they are a bit on the heavy side. Planning on selling a few rifles but I like them all.
After seeing so many complaints about their quality control I never bought one. Winchester M70’s and Ruger Hawkeyes became my go to brands. It’s highly possible you’ll get a good Kimber if you really like the looks and feel just be aware that others have had poor experiences from them.
A know a guy who collects Kimber rifles. He says they aren't as accurate as some of his other rifles, but he just loves the looks and feel of them.
I'm not sure about the newer Kimbers, but I bought Kimber of Oregons in 22LR, 22WMR, and 222 Remington at the same time once. None of them met my accuracy expectations, so I sold them off. They were beautiful rifles though. I also had a couple of the Kimber Government model 22's, they didn't shoot that great either.
I’ve always wanted one, my 70th birthday is soon, might get wifey to buy me one. Select grade, don’t know anything about Kimbers??
As you can see there are those that love the Kimber, and those that hate them.
Put me deeply in the latter category...I wouldn't have one if it was free.
What kind of problems did you have?
I worked in the LGS for a long time.Without exception EVERY SINGLE Kimber rifle we sold had to be returned to Kimber. Pick a problem...any problem. Kimber also offered us a 50% off any model Pro form...no one ordered one. We quit carrying them.
"...the left considers you vermin, and they'll kill you given the chance..." Bristoe
David I have a 89 BGR in .280 Rem that I have never shot. It is just too nice for me to carry around. I was going to list it in the classifieds if you want to take a look. I have 4 Montana’s and an Open Country that I shoot and carry all the time. No problem with any of them. Just let me know and I’ll be happy to meet you somewhere in the area. Thanks Dave
David I have a 89 BGR in .280 Rem that I have never shot. It is just too nice for me to carry around. I was going to list it in the classifieds if you want to take a look. I have 4 Montana’s and an Open Country that I shoot and carry all the time. No problem with any of them. Just let me know and I’ll be happy to meet you somewhere in the area. Thanks Dave
I’ve always wanted one, my 70th birthday is soon, might get wifey to buy me one. Select grade, don’t know anything about Kimbers??
As you can see there are those that love the Kimber, and those that hate them.
Put me deeply in the latter category...I wouldn't have one if it was free.
What kind of problems did you have?
I worked in the LGS for a long time.Without exception EVERY SINGLE Kimber rifle we sold had to be returned to Kimber. Pick a problem...any problem. Kimber also offered us a 50% off any model Pro form...no one ordered one. We quit carrying them.
I imagine you can understand why this is hard to believe since a lot of guys posted on having multiples and never a problem.
100% failure rate at one lgs would make me question if maybe it's just the clientele.
I’ve had two Kimber 84M rifles. A classic and a montana, both in 308. Both shot and carried well and didn’t have any issues with function. I have a couple friends that always drooled over them, so I sold them. They still use them with no issues.
I am happy with the 7-08 and .325 WSM Classics I own. Never had the first issue with either one. Only owned their rifles, two Clacks (82 classics) and three of the Yonkers rifles. Never had any interest in the their handguns.
Grumpy old man with a gun.....Do not touch . Better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6. Don't bother my monument and I'll leave yours alone.
David I have a 89 BGR in .280 Rem that I have never shot. It is just too nice for me to carry around. I was going to list it in the classifieds if you want to take a look. I have 4 Montana’s and an Open Country that I shoot and carry all the time. No problem with any of them. Just let me know and I’ll be happy to meet you somewhere in the area. Thanks Dave
That sounds like a sweetheart.
It is, Dave sent me some pics, gave me a good price, gonna meet up with him next week, never owned a 280.
I only have the hunter. Bought if for my boy. It had to go back to kimber to get the chamber polished as it would scratch the brass and the chamber is very tight. To where I had to get small base dies to reload for it. Kimber told me they doesn’t recommend to use re loads, only premium factory ammo. Won’t lie, left a bad taste in my mouth.
I don't know of any mfg that would recommend reloads over factory ammo.
I don’t know any of my guns that are so picky when it comes to brass as this thing. What about the fact it had to go back in even before I ever shot it just to be told It’s in spec and not to use reloads. You re load ?
Yes I do for my Kimber. And the head stamp doesn't match the barrel marking either. Zero issues.
Again, I know of no mfg that would recommend reloads. Regardless of how good/bad the rifle shoots with/without them. Which is all I said.
I'm 46 years old, started hunting when I was about 6. Of all the guns I've owned, my dad has owned, brother has owned a grand total of 1 gun has ever been "sent back". A Browning 425 whose wrist cracked. Browning replaced the wood and it shot 10's of thousands of rounds after. 1 gun out of 100+?
Had a 325 WSM Montana that shot half inch groups with factory ammo and a 300 WSM 8400 classic that also shoots factory ammo in half inch groups at a hundred yards. Sold the 325 to my brother who fell in love with it. still have the 300 and love the thing.
I’m 12 for 12 on Kimbers (Montanas, Mountain Ascents, Adirondack & Classics) - not a single one with any problems. I still own most of them and wouldn’t hesitate to add another.
One issue with one of the earliest production runs of the Montana 325 WSMs. The feed ramp was cut at the wrong angle. The rifle shot so well, before I had it fixed I bought another of later production. It had/has no issues. No issues with my wife's 7mm-08 or 338 Winchester either. We still have all 4 and no plans to part with them.
I just sold the only one I ever had. It was a mid-2000s Montana 325. No real complaints. It could have feeding issues, but it wasn’t what I’d call chronic. It did its job, it was light and tough.
I can’t speak for other Kimbers, but the Montanas are workhorses. They can be very solid guns. Don’t expect custom quality fit and finish and you should be happy. I think you’d only ever be disappointed if you expected something incredible from it when that’s not what it’s suppose to be. It’s more of a Chevrolet that gets unfairly measured against Ferraris.
If you have a problem with occasional flyers, but it otherwise shoots great, rather than chase your tail for, oh, over a decade 😂 put some sharpie on the end of the front action screw, run it in fully tight, take it back out and make double-damn sure it’s not contacting the barrel shank. If the sharpie is marred, it it contacting. Shorten it if it is.
I am a tinkerer by nature so I have a well-slapped forehead. Anyone who actually “does” things, occasionally does STUPID things <grin>. My forehead is still stinging from not checking this many years ago. I used up at least half the life of a very good Pac Nor 7 WSM rebarrel chasing ghosts caused by this. D’oh!
I have had 7 Kimbers all shot good after i learned how to shoot them from the bench. They do have thin barrels that heat up quickly. Fire 3 shots and let them cool. Also at the bench make sure you hold done the forearm. If you just let it set like a heavy barrel groups will go all over the place. I had a 257 Roberts select classic the after I held it down it would shot 3 shots almost touching. Sold it because the stock was to nice to be bouncing around a truck or utv coyote hunting. Still have 2 Montana's 22-250 and a 257 Roberts if I do my part they take a coyote every time. Had a Model 7 Remington that had a thin barrel and no matter what i did would not group. Changed the stock to H-S Precision, bedded the action, still wouldn't shoot. My vote is for Kimbers
David I have a 89 BGR in .280 Rem that I have never shot. It is just too nice for me to carry around. I was going to list it in the classifieds if you want to take a look. I have 4 Montana’s and an Open Country that I shoot and carry all the time. No problem with any of them. Just let me know and I’ll be happy to meet you somewhere in the area. Thanks Dave
That sounds like a sweetheart.
It is, Dave sent me some pics, gave me a good price, gonna meet up with him next week, never owned a 280.
I've had five Montana's and only ever had issues with one, a 7mm-08 that shot patterns not groups. I sent it back to Kimber and rather than fixing it they offered any other rifle as a replacement so I chose a .223 Montana. I still have it and a .300 WSM. The one I regret selling most is a Kimber 84M .338 Federal in a Montana stock. It was either coated in Cerakote or Black Ice, can't remember which, but it was a great rifle and I never should've let it go.
David I have a 89 BGR in .280 Rem that I have never shot. It is just too nice for me to carry around. I was going to list it in the classifieds if you want to take a look. I have 4 Montana’s and an Open Country that I shoot and carry all the time. No problem with any of them. Just let me know and I’ll be happy to meet you somewhere in the area. Thanks Dave
That sounds like a sweetheart.
It is, Dave sent me some pics, gave me a good price, gonna meet up with him next week, never owned a 280.
I got the 280 from td4570 yesterday, doesn’t have a mark on it. I got to check with the Talley boys, find a pair of bases. I have a set of split rings and a 4.5x14 Leupold scope. I know the Leupold’s ain’t worth a big cshit but I like them. I’d take more pics, but we have company coming, I’m cleaning house today, Yee haw!!
Yea...I have had a few Kimbers over the past 11 years. They are hunting rifles, not benchrest rifles, and to be honest, 1.5" vs 0.75" groups at 100 yards is not going to mean much in the vast majority of big game hunting situations. A brief rundown of my Kimbers....
Kimber Montana 308 Winchester- First one I bought. I’ve hunted the heck out of this rifle. Moose, bears (brown and black), sheep, caribou, small game. This would be the last of my Kimbers to give up. Shortened the barrel to 18" to hunt suppressed. Wish I hadn't. Will likely rebarrel. Kimber Montana 223 rem- I've shot this one more than any other. Shoots everything into tiny little groups. Fox, coyote, wolf, caribou, otter, wolverine, beaver, spruce grouse, etc., etc. Shortened the barrel to 18" to hunt suppressed. Wish I hadn't. Will likely rebarrel. Kimber Classic Select 308 win- So pretty, I couldn't pass it up. It's my wife's gun now. Kimber Montana 270- I've had two of these. The first one I traded to a friend for an outboard jet motor. He needed a light rifle; I needed a jet for a new flatbottom. Missed it so much, I bought another. An oldtimer gave me an ammo can full of over 1500 .277 bullets that I am still working through. I've shot more moose with these two rifles than the others, along with some caribou. Kimber Montana 243- Bought off a younger friend who was having a baby and needed cash. This was a finicky rifle before I came across 90 grain ballistic tips and RL22. Now it's the most consistently accurate Kimber I own. Haven't shot much with this, although my friend did. I've shot some fur and a moose with it. Kimber Montana 300 wsm- Plenty accurate with 175 LRXs. This is the "big gun" in my KM lineup, but haven't shot anything with it. The standard 270/308 do everything I need, and are very common in these parts, so just haven't used it much. Kimber Varmint Pro 22-250- Incredibly accurate. Purchased off the same friend as the 243, then found out it used to be his grandfather's gun. Made him take it back, and told him to never sell it. Kimber Varmint Pro in 223- This has been the one true lemon in regards to accuracy, and I have worked it over. Given its intent (being able to shoot otter in the head on the ice, pick off a coyote or fox at 300 yards, shoot beaver in the head from a boat, and pick off ground squirrels from a couple hundred yards), it has failed. I’ve checked and shortened the front action screw, ground the box magazine so it won’t bind, scrubbed the heck out of the barrel and in other cases let it foul, bedded the action, tried different powders/bullets, etc., etc. Irregardless, it won’t hold better than 1.5” which Kimber says is acceptable. In my view, this is perfectly acceptable for shooting at moose/caribou/etc, but not for this particular gun’s intent and purpose. I keep it around for the kids to shoot, and will rebarrel it eventually. I pull it from the safe once in a while to try a different load, but still haven’t found one that will work. Perhaps one of you out there with the same rifle know of the silver bullet with this specific model. Kimber Montana 338 win mag- I shortened the barrel to 23”. It was a good shooter, and held four in the magazine. It just didn’t fit right in my hand. I sold to a friend who is an outfitter, is infatuated with 338s (rightly so as they work), and have never missed it.
So…there you go. A longwinded answer to your question of yea or nay on a Kimber. I love them for what they are, and see more and more in these parts as time goes on, which is proof of their abilities as a hunting rifle. They have their quirks (or maybe I should say the shooter often does given poor technique with a light rifle), but for what they are, they are worth every penny. I would say go for it!
I won't go into details but have a 308 that is my primary rifle, like you, it will be the last t go. The reason I mention it? It struggles to keep 5 shots inside of 1.25" these days. I've shot lots of sub-MOA 3-shot groups - or innanet groups as I call them. But day in/day out, its a 1.25" gun and 1.5" gun on some days.
You are also spot on when you say these are hunting guns, not benchrest guns. I'll never frown at better groups be they 1.5" to some measured in the 'tens'. I like accurate rifles as much as the next guy.
Where I've morphed in my old age is in a couple areas. First, I need a rifle to hit where I'm pointing it. There is way more to this then shooting nice tiny groups from the bench. I've yet to shoot a critter from a bench, maybe some day but not yet. I gain alot of confidence in an accurate rifle from field positions. I get the argument that a 1.5" rifle off the bench won't shooter better groups from field positions - and agree. If I'm being honest, the game I've missed is not because my gun was a 1.5" gun from the bench. It was either shooter error or "stuff" in the way, more of the former than later. Plus, I keep everything inside 400 yards, unless its wounded.
Second, I want a lightish weight rifle. I have 3 primary guns I hunt with, all Kimber, all syn/SS. The heaviest weighs right at 7 lbs. I know me and I shoot a 6.5 to 7 lb rifle better than anything under 6 - from field positions. I'm sure I'm a woos because I don't want to carry an 8+lb rifle up the side of a mountain, or to my treestand 300 yards away. I'm getting old and decrepit.
Third, I don't want alot of recoil. The tradeoff with a lightweight rifle is increased recoil. I hate muzzle brakes and won't use one for hunting. With today's bullets, I don't need a 300 win Mag to kill an elk. I've shot a few with 300 mags and they all seem to die about the same with a 308, 270, 30-06 - at least for me. I bought one of the first Kimber Montana in 300 WSM when they came out. Elk rifle nirvana. Right? It weighed a shade less than 7lbs. A 180 Partition lit by a WLRM primer and 65 gr H4350 leaves the muzzle about 2950-2975. To me in my woosified state, it was too much of a good thing. Same thing with a Kimber 30-06 shooting 180s at 2800. My current elk killers are 308 with 150 etips at an honest 2900, 270 win with 129 LRX at 3075, 338 Fed with 185 TTSX at 2700. The 338 Fed recoils the most and is about like an 8 lb 30-06 - or very tolerable in other words.
I did get a bit long-winded but suffice to say the Kimber Montana is my rifle of choice for all of the above reasons.
Yea...I have had a few Kimbers over the past 11 years. They are hunting rifles, not benchrest rifles, and to be honest, 1.5" vs 0.75" groups at 100 yards is not going to mean much in the vast majority of big game hunting situations. A brief rundown of my Kimbers....
Kimber Montana 308 Winchester- First one I bought. I’ve hunted the heck out of this rifle. Moose, bears (brown and black), sheep, caribou, small game. This would be the last of my Kimbers to give up. Shortened the barrel to 18" to hunt suppressed. Wish I hadn't. Will likely rebarrel. Kimber Montana 223 rem- I've shot this one more than any other. Shoots everything into tiny little groups. Fox, coyote, wolf, caribou, otter, wolverine, beaver, spruce grouse, etc., etc. Shortened the barrel to 18" to hunt suppressed. Wish I hadn't. Will likely rebarrel. Kimber Classic Select 308 win- So pretty, I couldn't pass it up. It's my wife's gun now. Kimber Montana 270- I've had two of these. The first one I traded to a friend for an outboard jet motor. He needed a light rifle; I needed a jet for a new flatbottom. Missed it so much, I bought another. An oldtimer gave me an ammo can full of over 1500 .277 bullets that I am still working through. I've shot more moose with these two rifles than the others, along with some caribou. Kimber Montana 243- Bought off a younger friend who was having a baby and needed cash. This was a finicky rifle before I came across 90 grain ballistic tips and RL22. Now it's the most consistently accurate Kimber I own. Haven't shot much with this, although my friend did. I've shot some fur and a moose with it. Kimber Montana 300 wsm- Plenty accurate with 175 LRXs. This is the "big gun" in my KM lineup, but haven't shot anything with it. The standard 270/308 do everything I need, and are very common in these parts, so just haven't used it much. Kimber Varmint Pro 22-250- Incredibly accurate. Purchased off the same friend as the 243, then found out it used to be his grandfather's gun. Made him take it back, and told him to never sell it. Kimber Varmint Pro in 223- This has been the one true lemon in regards to accuracy, and I have worked it over. Given its intent (being able to shoot otter in the head on the ice, pick off a coyote or fox at 300 yards, shoot beaver in the head from a boat, and pick off ground squirrels from a couple hundred yards), it has failed. I’ve checked and shortened the front action screw, ground the box magazine so it won’t bind, scrubbed the heck out of the barrel and in other cases let it foul, bedded the action, tried different powders/bullets, etc., etc. Irregardless, it won’t hold better than 1.5” which Kimber says is acceptable. In my view, this is perfectly acceptable for shooting at moose/caribou/etc, but not for this particular gun’s intent and purpose. I keep it around for the kids to shoot, and will rebarrel it eventually. I pull it from the safe once in a while to try a different load, but still haven’t found one that will work. Perhaps one of you out there with the same rifle know of the silver bullet with this specific model. Kimber Montana 338 win mag- I shortened the barrel to 23”. It was a good shooter, and held four in the magazine. It just didn’t fit right in my hand. I sold to a friend who is an outfitter, is infatuated with 338s (rightly so as they work), and have never missed it.
So…there you go. A longwinded answer to your question of yea or nay on a Kimber. I love them for what they are, and see more and more in these parts as time goes on, which is proof of their abilities as a hunting rifle. They have their quirks (or maybe I should say the shooter often does given poor technique with a light rifle), but for what they are, they are worth every penny. I would say go for it!
I like mine (7 WSM). My sample of one has a superb trigger, after the obligatory 15 minute kitchen table tuneup. In fact it’s my all-time favorite hunting rifle trigger, better than Jewell, Timney CE, worked-on M700 Walker triggers... I wish I could drop that trigger into all my non-Kimber rifles. Running it just over 2 lbs.
Define wrong. Kimber roulette isn't a thing? I coined the term outta thin air? You Kimber fanboys are something else.
Well, you didn't coin it out of thin air, I coined it here probably around 2007, maybe before. Funny as hell when I still come across it bandied about all over the internet.
FWIW, the ""Kimber Roulette" remark I made was only about feed issues some early Montanas had. They redesigned the feed rails somewhere between SN 21XXX (last one I had with the issue) and 25XXX (added the cut in the forward part of the rail). I've never come across any feed issues on any Kimber post 25K. As far as issues people have with accuracy, all I can say is I've never have had one that wouldn't shoot - really well. My 25XXX is still my favorite bolt rifle and has killed more stuff than I can remember.
So, feed issues long ago resolved, never have seen an accuracy issue, I officially retract "Kimber Roulette".
I picked a NIB 30-06 Subalpine last summer. I mounted a Vortex Razor scope in Talley LW's, grabbed a couple of boxes of 165 gr PPU SP's and headed to the range. Sight in was quick and the rifle liked the inexpensive ammo pretty well grouping right around an inch or so. The combo worked fine last week.
I really like my Hunter, light, accurate. The safety is the only negative. Works fine, but stiffer than hell. I’m pushing retirement age and really like my 6.5 lb set up.
I picked a NIB 30-06 Subalpine last summer. I mounted a Vortex Razor scope in Talley LW's, grabbed a couple of boxes of 165 gr PPU SP's and headed to the range. Sight in was quick and the rifle liked the inexpensive ammo pretty well grouping right around an inch or so. The combo worked fine last week.
Nice setup, but I think you need to check your scale for accuracy. A Subalpine 30-06 has a listed weight of 5lb-10oz, the scope is listed as 13.5oz and the Talley lightweight may add another 3oz or so. The weight should be closer to 6lb-10oz.
Kimber is good enough I will not order them for people, period. 34 of the last 35 I ran through my books dumped them inside of 18 months. Great deals did not turn into great guns.
Mark Begich, Joaquin Jackson, and Heller resistance... Three huge reasons to worry about the NRA.
Kimber Montana 7/08 My go to Whitetail gun. Cerakoted. I had to polish the feed rails, and changed out the follower and spring for a Rem. I've had a few with glitches, but if your a looney, or know someone who is, they are usually pretty easy to iron out. I know some would say why bother, but I absolutely love the way the stock fits,and the light weight. I look at them like a Harley. If your a died in the wool biker,and don't min a little tikering their the bike for you. If your a looney, you might love a Kimber.
So you don't actually want to know the true accuracy? I wouldn't either if I owned a kimber...
Here’s a 10 shot group from a Kimber of Oregon Custom Classic Varmint in 223 Rem that I bought as new. It’s been a problem child figuring out what it wanted to eat.
About to give up, I decided to feed it some Federal 50gr HP and let it chew or I’d amputate the barrel and spring for a Lilja tube to correct all my woes.
It seems to have finally settled down with the last 4 shots being stacked after a windage correction. I can live with that group of 4.
🦫
Curiosity Killed the Cat & The Prairie Dog “Molon Labe”
Shot the Kimber 280, half to 3/4 groups were easy with 120 Barnes
Cherry picked or 10 shot groups?
That was the first 5 shots. I began sighting it in after that. I shot a couple 3 shot groups after I got it an inch and a half high at a hundred, both about 3/4”. It’s plenty good for deer hunting.
No doubt, Scott! If a guy likes natural furniture, some of them older KoO are nice eye candy.
I remember an old thread that DogZapper did on his first hand experience troubleshooting Kimber rifles that would get sent back to the factory for various ailments. DZ said that he’d seen more issues with K-hornets than other chambered rifles.
Basically, the take away from his thread was KoO rifles were a gamble, depending on the year they were manufactured. I don’t own a lot of wood rifles, and being sexy to me also means the rifle needs to come with a level of consistent accuracy or I start looking for remedies, loss of OEM parts be damned. Grins
🦫
Curiosity Killed the Cat & The Prairie Dog “Molon Labe”
I’ve always wanted one, my 70th birthday is soon, might get wifey to buy me one. Select grade, don’t know anything about Kimbers??
I had a select in 270 WSM that shot 5 in 1". It was a nice rifle, but I already had a MT 325 WSM that was a good rifle with a great trigger, so I sold the 270 WSM to a good friend who loves it.
My MT 257 Roberts shoots just a tad over 1.25"/5 shots with 115 Nosler BTs over IMR 4831. IMO, 3-shot groups are for guys afraid of how their rifles really shoot.
Hunt with Class and Classics
Religion: A founder of The Church of Spray and Pray
Acquit v. t. To render a judgment in a murder case in San Francisco... EQUAL, adj. As bad as something else. Ambrose Bierce “The Devil's Dictionary”
well I have 4 kimbers 308. 6.5cm. 257 roberts. 25-06. Have not shot 308.yet. The others all average 1” or less. I have shot 5 deer with 25-06 and 257 roberts,100 gr balistic tip.(not many). Not one of them have lived long enough to form an opinion whether they love or hate a kimber DRT. Rifles are like dancing,some love a nice arm full some a little less but at the end of the day you think, I am glad I got you, and don’t care what someone else has. Have a good day and blessed life
Have had 3 Kimber 84Ms and all shot very close to the factory targets, but they need to be held very firmly. For shots past 200 yards I keep my left index finger over and around the barrel to limit recoil jump.
So you don't actually want to know the true accuracy? I wouldn't either if I owned a kimber...
Save up. Maybe in 10 years or so you can report on it?
I don't buy garbage.
So, what is all of your hands on experience with Kimber with your real world results? Because when you say you don't buy garbage you insinuating that you don't even own one and are just talking out your ass.
I have a 308 Montana that has been shortened to shoot suppressed, it’s need a great gun. Black bears, black tail, caribou, sheep and moose have all been taken with it. It easily shoots sub 1” groups with my hand loads. I ended up getting a trigger tech trigger on a trade and installed it which was a great upgrade, well worth the money.
It will consistently shoot sub 1” 5- shot groups even with the “cheap” factory ammo.
"Allways speak the truth and you will never have to remember what you said before..." Sam Houston Texans, "We say Grace, We Say Mam, If You Don't Like it, We Don't Give a Damn!"
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Anyone who actually “does” things, occasionally does STUPID things <grin>. My forehead is still stinging from not checking this many years ago. I used up at least half the life of a very good Pac Nor 7 WSM rebarrel chasing ghosts caused by this. D’oh!
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