Browning A-bolt--
 

I can't add a thing about the Kimbers, never had one, but I was under the impression they were a well made gun. I will say my new Browning A-bolt Medallion in .204 has accounted for several groundhogs and a coyote at various distances, possibly the most accurate rifle I've ever owned and I've had some real shooters over the years. It is not only extremely accurate, but also solid "eye candy" with the contrasting fore end tip, pistol grip, gloss finish etc. so I'm thinking why not consider the Brownings? Of course the Bushnell 3200 series DOA reticle helps with the accuracy---these .204's are little screamers and if you hit the groundhog just right it'll gut it and pretty much skin it with one shot. I know, I've done it. I can say it's the flattest shooting rifle Iv'e ever shot, period------might not be a bad choice, something to think about-------John

I've had two Kimbers. One was great but the other was a little bit problematic. I'm hearing they have gotten their QC in better order so that the late (higher serial #'s over 10000 or such) are better. I'd say give em' a try. Worse case scenario, sell or trade it off if you can't get the performance desired.

Starts with hunting down a real cheap Winchester or Remington Action. I can get a Winchester PF action around these parts for $300 including the stock and barrel. Sell both for $50 and you only have $250 in the action.

Send off to Hart Barrels and they will square the action, threads and lugs with a new tube for $650. Now you're in for eight.

Pick up a used sythetic stock for $100. Now you're at $900.

Pick up an glass kit from brownells and do the glass work and float the barrel. Now you're in around $950.

Might take more time but very possible. Heck there was a guy on the fire that built his daughter one heck of a custom for $750. Took him a while but wow was it pretty.

Tom