I haven't fired one but I have handled many at gander Mountain. They are extremely nice guns. The fit and finish is excellent. I've read many threads about these rifles being very accurate. I understand about budgeting your money. I'm a believer in buying something outstanding once and not buying something to get you by until you can afford better. When you buy something to get you by you have to sale it later and take a loss when you could have saved longer and bought what you wanted upfront. If you have the money to spend I would get the Kimber.