Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Mountain Rig complete...Kimber Montana and Leupold VX6

I've also noticed most of my super groups from hunting weight rifles were three shot groups. When I started shooting five shot groups (which is a much better measurement statistically), reality set in that my sporter weight rifles weren't going to be winning any benchrest matches.

I understand what you are saying but it seems that you are comparing apples and oranges. I've never seen any need for a hunting rifle to group more than 3 shots. That's why target rifles have heavy barrels. They are expected to be consistent over multiple shots in a relatively short amount of time. The target rifle and hunting rifle are designed differently to accomplish different things.

I would consider multiple 3 shot groups spread over several days to be a better gauge of a hunting rifle's consistency and accuracy than it's ability to shoot tight 5 shot groups. I would much rather own a 6 lb. rifle that could put 2 shots in the X ring on any given day than a 9 lb. rifle that can do the same with 5 shots.

You still better turn that back ring around! The square portion of the bolt will rub the bottom of your base. The Kimber bolt has too much play for it not to make contact. The bottom of the base slightly over hangs and there isn't enough clearance to be trouble free.

Trust me, I've owned a few....and I use Talley LW's on them all.

No, not even close to touching. Now you are making me take needless pics. There is about 1/8"-1/4" clearance between the Talley mounts and my bolt. I am even pushing it forward with my finger to take up any bolt play. Talley mounts are drilled symmetrically for my rifle. Thats one of their selling points that they can be turned universally to adapt for different scopes. I called them about this before I ordered mine directly from them. I was worried about not getting the scope back far enough. They recommended to turn the mounts around if needed and added they were designed that way. You cant even screw these mounts up even if you tried. The front and the rear are even drilled in different places so you cant mix that up. Perhaps the Kimber is different? The way I have them turned now keeps a nice wide grip onto the scope and they both are pointing in the same direction. I know my OCD could never live with it rubbing.

Mystro,

I'm not trying to be confrontational. I'm just trying to help. I'm on my 20th Kimber and the Talley LW's are my preferred mount. In fact, they're the only thing I'll use.

I pulled a scope and turned the base around for illustration.

Your picture depicts the bolt at full throw. This isn't the problem, because after it cams the bolt moves slightly rearward. The problem is getting there. The picture below illustrates my reference.



You can actually feel the upper portion of the bolt handle making contact with the base. After I worked the bolt about five times, I removed the base for inspection. Note the shinny aluminum. The bolt is making contact with the bottom of the base -- enough to remove the finish and get to bare aluminum.



I've never owned a Kimber that didn't share this common trait. A picture is worth a thousand words. As the bolt is raised, the upper portion of the handle is slightly higher than the action. Any base that overhangs will make contact. Maybe I've been unlucky...like 0 for 20.



This is the last post I'll make on the subject and I wish you the best with your rifle. Bolt handles and bases don't mix well, nor do large scopes on flyweight rifles in my opinion. I try to eliminate potential issues before they arise.

Why do you dislike the scope and cartridge?

What would be your ideal setup?

Spot on. Three shot groups is the way to go for a hunting rig in my opinion. Nice Rig and great accuracy Mystro.

and I was a forum moderator on a few forums.

Moderators generally don't know how to mount scopes correctly, measure groups correctly, or weigh rifles correctly.

VX6 for a light rifle? You must not climb very big mountains.