Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Express Rifles and Big Bores Only Kimber Talkeetna

I've owned a couple 375's, but not for years. Never needed them, and still don't, as I have a very nice whelen, but lately I've had the wants for one. I was all set to buy a 375 Ruger AK, ditch the obnoxious Hogue stock, replace w/ a short forend Bansner and add a barrel band sling swivel. Add some action slicking up and I should be good to go for around $1300.
Well, just a few minutes ago, I was browsing SHOT show spy photos over at AR, and saw the new Kimber TALKEETNA .375 H&H. Looks like a SS version of their Caprivi w/ a Montana style stock, bb sling swivel, blind mag (my fave), and simple rear sight like the Ruger, which I really like. Don't know if it has a bb front sight (gotta have) or how long the bbl is, 22"-23" would be perfect. Anybody know more info? MSRP of $2108 should make for a street price of what, $1600 or so? I handled a Caprivi at Cabela's, and was pretty impressed w/ how it felt. A little clubish compared to a Hawkeye African, but lots better than a RSM. Hope the Talkeetna is even a little trimmer. I realize the Kimber is twice the price of the Ruger, but by the time you put a decent stock on the Ruger???????????????

I handled one in Dallas. It's heavier, thicker and just more massive than the Ruger. It's more along the lines of the RSM, not quite as heavy. It has a ramp front and island rear like the Caprivi, which I think is an abomination in a $3k rifle. Ruger does it right for 2/3 the price on the RSM.

Those sunza... Now I gotta see one of these!

And let's face it... Talkeetna is a way better name than Hawkeye!

"Talkeetna"....huh!.....they probably won't come out with a "Delta Junction" model....it would have a nice ring to it.

Kodiak is over used, how about "Prince of Wales" or "Dutch Harbor"

Can you get a Bansner for a Ruger MKII or Hawkeye? I thought they only offered stocks for the MKI? If they do, that would make for a great elk hunting rig...

Bansners and McMillan Edges aren't available for Ruger Mark II's. I've considered a painted Borden Rimrock with a flip flop pad (I'd estimate in the mid 20's (ozs.)), for my Mark II, but too many other projects get priority since the factory boat paddle is light enough and works. I think the new factory synthetics are only about 30 ozs. fairly stiff and feel pretty good in my hands.

Only light stocks I've been able to find for MKII's are Brown Precision (not listed on websit, but handled on at a show) and MPI.

Good points about he Bansner for the Mark II. Didn't know you couldn't get 'em. I like a real short forend, especially w/ a 20" bbl, and a bbl mounted sling swivel. Personally I think the Hogue sucks, so maybe a boat paddle and forget about the bbl band sling swivel.

I'd do a Phil Shoemaker........just ditch the Hogue stock and use a current standard Ruger synthetic......around 60 bucks I think and imo not a half bad stock.

I handled it at the Reno show and these comments pretty much echo mine!

I still like the Little Sky Kimbers, now the rest of their stock designs suck rocks by my way of thinking.

Dober

the DJ model is too much gun for average folk, it's only available around back in the alley and you gotta know the password.

do like the Talkeetna name though, haven't seen the rifle, but if it's odd shaped, seldom used or visited and has some oddball characteristics such as sights or sumpthin....I'd say it's aptly named.

Wonder if it comes with a bag of weed, and a tie-dye shirt?

Jeff

I can only assume that the gun will be a little lighter. What do you think this will do to the recoil?

Good points, but I just can't warm up to the factory tupperware.

and don't forget the dreadlocks....

Too bad Yakatat isn;t a more popular name....anyways I bought the Ruger Hawkeye African and am totally delights...but could be even happier if it had a 26inch barrel rather than the 23inch..
but that is just me...the Hawkeyes are what Ruger should have been making for years....