Kimber Rifles, any opinions?

adrock1978

adrock1978

Joined
May 30, 2009
Messages
2,538
I've been looking for a bolt action .300wsm for a while. I may even have posted a few threads here about it. I had pretty much settled on a Remy 700 SPS stainless just because of sheer popularity and availabilty when my bro mentioned seeing a Kimber model 84. He was blown away by the finish and attn to detail. That totally screwed me up. I knew a mauser type action was second to none so it wasn't a question of performance. The problem is though, I can't find one anywhere. I mean, I know there's a gun grab going on, but I'm seeing plenty of 700s everywhere. I can't find one single M8400 wsm Montana rifle.

Anyway... Does anyone own a Kimber rifle? Specifically the Montana version in any calibre? Would it be worth the 9 month wait time I'm being told? The few I've held were amazing. Felt great, bolt cycled smooth... bla bla
 
Friend has one and he loves it, Ive handled a lot of kimber 1911, there stuff gives you good bang for your buck.
 
I owned one several years ago and it was junk! I bought it new from a local gun shop and had trouble with the bolt and trigger from day one. I sent it to Kimber twice to have it fixed and it started doing the same crap two days after i got it back both times. I sold it back to the gun shop and never looked back! I know three other people that had trouble with Kimber rifles and have read numerous other complaints online. I would look into Montana rifles or a Nolser rifle or maybe a Remington 700 Sendero. I own a Remington Sendero 300Win mag and a Sendero 7MM Rem. Ultra Mag and haven't had a lick of trouble from either of them. Both have aftermarket triggers and and muzzle breaks. I I would definitely give these three brands a look before i bought a Kimber.
 
No idea on the rifles but I have three friends that have had problems with brand new Kimber 1911 pistols. That is more problems than any other reputable brand I have had experience with.
 
2nd on the Kimber unrealiable thoughts. I passed on a few rifles and 1911's due to QC issues.
 
You can't beat the Remington 700 Sendero in my opinion. I have pretty much every caliber they made in a sendero and have never found myself wishing for more than what the senderos have to offer.

Garth
 
I wouldn't compare the Kimber rifles to the 1911s. I have no personal experience with either. I heard the Kimber action is supposed to be based off the old Winchester and very reliable. Then again, the Remington 700 may be the most popular for a reason. I was considering getting a Kimber Montana at one point. They can be kind of pricey, and there are always lots of options in their price range which is why I don't own one. That being said, Kimber does have a lot of fans and I believe their firearms hold their resale value pretty well. I wouldn't be afraid to try one out.
 
Garth Reckner said:
You can't beat the Remington 700 Sendero in my opinion. I have pretty much every caliber they made in a sendero and have never found myself wishing for more than what the senderos have to offer.

Garth
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I have/had a Sendero 25-06 that i gave to a buddy after his gun collection was stolen about a year ago and i was told they are rare. It is a sweet shooter for sure! I have only seen two others like it in 25-06 for sale.
 
A winchester Model 70 is a good budget gun. My next one will be a Gun Werks rifle. I almost pulled the trigger on one last year but backed out last minute and bought another LWRC SPR and a Springfield TRP instead. Awesome rifle builder though if you have $4000 dollars to blow!
 
infocus2006 said:
I have/had a Sendero 25-06 that i gave to a buddy after his gun collection was stolen about a year ago and i was told they are rare. It is a sweet shooter for sure! I have only seen two others like it in 25-06 for sale.
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I do not shoot the 25-06 much but I have one. Pretty much got it sighted in and then put it away. Just looking for the right hunt to take it on.

Garth
 
Never had a lick of trouble from either Kimber 1911 I owned, but even if I had, I wouldn't judge a rifle from a handgun's performance. I've never owned a Kimber rifle, but I have shot a few. I've been pleased to impressed with them.
 
Garth Reckner said:
I do not shoot the 25-06 much but I have one. Pretty much got it sighted in and then put it away. Just looking for the right hunt to take it on.

Garth
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I have killed a few deer with mine and two pigs and didn't shoot it much after I bought my 257 Weatherby mag.. It is a sweet shooting Sendero though. I originally bought it for my wife and she shot about 4 rounds through it and decided she would stick with here .243.
 
The few Kimber rifles I have seen looked very nice but the only one I ever shot did not seem to feed very well. Nothing that could not be remedied but could have been better. Bolt ran butter smooth with no round in the gun but as soon as you tried to load one it got very stiff and clunky.

Garth
 
Mine has issues with the firing pin punching the primer centered. It would punch outside the primer most of the time.
 
I think the best thing to come out of the Kimber factory is their rifles. I have the 8400 Advanced Tactical and its a solid rifle.
 
bob190e said:
I think the best thing to come out of the Kimber factory is their rifles. I have the 8400 Advanced Tactical and its a solid rifle.
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Thats good to hear. Seems like the only positive review here. I was looking at a 8400 wsm model. If i dont get a Kimber, a 700 would be my choice. The only annoying thing about the line of 700 rifles I find is the lack of features across the board. Only one or two come with a detachable mag. And unlike Kimber or Browning, you have to spend a fortune to get a model with glass bedding or a free floated stock. Why is that? I really like how every model Kimber has a free float stock and the same mag function. I dont lose a standard feature just because I choose a different stock or barrel finish. How important is free float on a hunting rifle? Especially one that may see varying climates and temperature on the same hunting trip. Unfortunately my decision may come down to availability. I cant find a Kimber anywhere, let alone the specific model I want.
 
In my opinion, the Sako 85 is the nicest production rifle out there. There is of course many others that are very nice. I know a guy who has hunted for 30 years who swears by his Kimber. He loves it but because they are so light, they kick like hell.
 
I lusted over a Kimber rifle for years. Then I spoke with a gunsmith a Hill Country Rifles and they refused to accurize them as they could not get them shoot well with any consistency. These guys have done 4 of my rifles and a few for friends. All will shoot under 1" at 100yrds with the ammo they recommend. This with the numerous internet issue I have read turned me off of them.

The 1911's are a different story. Two seperate gun shops in Austin I frequent stopped ordering new Kimber pistols due to QC issues and customers bringing them back to be sent to back to the factory. To many other options out there at that price range to deal with QC concerns.
 
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