KIMBER: MONTANA???
12-06-2005 | 12:41 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2005
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From:
KIMBER: MONTANA???
Just wondering if anyone has any experience with the Kimber rifles, (the synthetic Montana version). I would probably go for the 308 in the short action model but was also thinking of maybe the 270 WSM in the magnum version.
The cost is not the issue i was wondering about the accuracy, handling ( i know its light weight) functionality etc.
Thanks.
The cost is not the issue i was wondering about the accuracy, handling ( i know its light weight) functionality etc.
Thanks.
12-06-2005 | 06:40 PM
#2
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 55
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RE: KIMBER: MONTANA???
I bought a .300WSM Montana a few weeks ago. Out of the box it needed a trigger job and the bolt was sticking a bit. After I got those taken care of I took it to the range for barrel break-in. Accuracy was about 1.375" with factory ammo during my break-in shooting. I consider that pretty good for the first day. However, the rifle won't feed cartridges from the magazine - period. After reading quite a bit on line, I discovered that this is a common problem with the Kimbers. I have considered my options and plan on showing it to my gunsmith this Saturday. He is a great "smith" & if he thinks he can fix it I'm going to leave it with him.
I am confident that I can get this gun working good. When I do get it fixed I will be working up some handloads this winter. I plan on using it for dall sheep next August. Even after these initial problems, I believe that I will still be happy I bought it. I will let you know what my gunsmith says.
I am confident that I can get this gun working good. When I do get it fixed I will be working up some handloads this winter. I plan on using it for dall sheep next August. Even after these initial problems, I believe that I will still be happy I bought it. I will let you know what my gunsmith says.
12-06-2005 | 09:13 PM
#4
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Posts: n/a
RE: KIMBER: MONTANA???
ORIGINAL: swisslake
I bought a .300WSM Montana a few weeks ago. Out of the box it needed a trigger job and the bolt was sticking a bit. After I got those taken care of I took it to the range for barrel break-in. Accuracy was about 1.375" with factory ammo during my break-in shooting. I consider that pretty good for the first day. However, the rifle won't feed cartridges from the magazine - period. After reading quite a bit on line, I discovered that this is a common problem with the Kimbers. I have considered my options and plan on showing it to my gunsmith this Saturday. He is a great "smith" & if he thinks he can fix it I'm going to leave it with him.
I am confident that I can get this gun working good. When I do get it fixed I will be working up some handloads this winter. I plan on using it for dall sheep next August. Even after these initial problems, I believe that I will still be happy I bought it. I will let you know what my gunsmith says.
I bought a .300WSM Montana a few weeks ago. Out of the box it needed a trigger job and the bolt was sticking a bit. After I got those taken care of I took it to the range for barrel break-in. Accuracy was about 1.375" with factory ammo during my break-in shooting. I consider that pretty good for the first day. However, the rifle won't feed cartridges from the magazine - period. After reading quite a bit on line, I discovered that this is a common problem with the Kimbers. I have considered my options and plan on showing it to my gunsmith this Saturday. He is a great "smith" & if he thinks he can fix it I'm going to leave it with him.
I am confident that I can get this gun working good. When I do get it fixed I will be working up some handloads this winter. I plan on using it for dall sheep next August. Even after these initial problems, I believe that I will still be happy I bought it. I will let you know what my gunsmith says.
12-07-2005 | 05:04 PM
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
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RE: KIMBER: MONTANA???
Out of the box it needed a trigger job and the bolt was sticking a bit. After I got those taken care of I took it to the range for barrel break-in. Accuracy was about 1.375" with factory ammo during my break-in shooting. I consider that pretty good for the first day. However, the rifle won't feed cartridges from the magazine - period. After reading quite a bit on line, I discovered that this is a common problem with the Kimbers. I have considered my options and plan on showing it to my gunsmith this Saturday. He is a great "smith" & if he thinks he can fix it I'm going to leave it with him.
A cheap rifle out of the box should need nothing more than "maybe" a trigger job, let alone anupscale priced rifle!!Your'sshould need NOTHING out of the box, let alone paying even more to your smith to get it right!
Drilling Man
12-07-2005 | 07:03 PM
#7
Typical Buck
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 604
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RE: KIMBER: MONTANA???
I would not take a dime out of my pocket to get any newly purchased gun worked on because of poor workmanship, much less one with a $1,000.00 sticker price. Have you tried to take it to the dealer and address this with Kimber??? If so what was the feedback you got?
12-08-2005 | 02:17 AM
#8
Giant Nontypical
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 5,514
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From: Port Neches, Texas
RE: KIMBER: MONTANA???
ORIGINAL: VAhuntr
Durn, you do have a lot of patience! I had Kimber on my short list for my next rifle. I think I may reconsider now and look a little closer at aTikka.
Durn, you do have a lot of patience! I had Kimber on my short list for my next rifle. I think I may reconsider now and look a little closer at aTikka.
At their prices, it shouldn't even need a trigger adjustment! Much less all what you've had wrong with it!
I've been thinking about a Kimber pistol, if this is an indication of their quality, I'll look elsewhere!
12-08-2005 | 07:02 PM
#9
Fork Horn
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 494
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From: Altadena CA
RE: KIMBER: MONTANA???
I have one in .308. It sure is light to carry, but other than that I haven't been too excited about it. I have to really work to get 1.5 MOA, which is not what I expected for $1000,"match trigger," "match barrel," and pillar bedding. The bolt is sloppy, the forearm is2" shorter than most rifles (harder to shoot offhand for most most guys),and the front sling stud pulled out of the stock. I also wish it had a 3-position safety instead of only 2-position.
12-09-2005 | 09:34 AM
#10
Fork Horn
Joined: Oct 2005
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RE: KIMBER: MONTANA???
I recently purchased a Kimber in the .300WSM. I experience the opposite of what you have stated. I couldn't believe how smooth the bolt worked and how pleased I was with the trigger. I would definitely contact Kimber and see what response you get. I'm curious as to what they may do for I have had no dealings with them.