I don't own one nor have had the pleasure of shooting one,but the ones I've looked at... well if they do shoot half as good as they look,feel and handle Heck YES thier worth the $.

They look to be a real good rifle but I will be surprised if they feed as well as a Tikka T3 does in the WSM calibers.

I have just bought a T3 in 300WSM and cannot believe how well it feeds from the mag to the action.

But I do like the look of the Kimber.

OK,

Here's a group with the new Kimber Monatana in 260...


Now, this is pretty awesome, right? Factory ammo to boot! BUT this was my first 3 shoot group after 3 shots of shoot/clean. I let the barrel cool around 5 minutes between shots. Subsequent groups were shot with only short barrel cooling intervals. Groups opened up to as much as two inches...So was this one just an anomoly? Brass and dies should be here this week, so we'll have to make some handloads and see!

R

MLG, I'm curious about the Tikka. What is the appeal to the short mags in that rifle? It is a long action so there is no real weight/length/compactness advantage over a standard .300 Win mag for which there is much better ammo availability. I debated whether to get two Tikkas (.270 and .338) or one Kimber and went with the Kimber Montana in .308 hoping that someday there is a factory .338 or .35 WSM produced in the 8400. The Tikkas look great but I just love the looks and feel of the Kimber plus the extra pound I save in weight.

The main appeal of a WSM in a Tikka would be that the rifle is supposed to be made right for a low price and that the WSM's are new and different. It's obvious that some like a unique item and attribute mystical benefits to it because they have one and you don't.



As to hunting with the WSM's vrs the conventional belted cartriges one could say that the WSM's will have better case life and more positive headspacing. The belted cases have no advantage except to say that they are all moved in and everything. This comment does not apply to those belted rounds without adequate or no shoulders as they are in effect easy to cycle rimmed cartridges.



On the Kimber 84M's. My 260 Rem continues to be outstanding in both groups and staying sighted in. I have settled on just one load for it and it hits in the same spot every time with a two shot group usually less than 1/2" at 100 yds. I have not cleaned the barrel now in over 75 shots and don't intend to ever if it keeps shooting the way it is.



The Kimber 84M is in a unique position offering a lightweight rifle with Mauser features that is made to advanced rifle features. The stocks and bedding alone on them set them apart from all but the $2000 NULA's which are their nearest competition.



Kimber now has a rifle manager/engineer in place who not only knows way, way more than most of do about rifles but has a passion for doing things right the first time. This combination of such a design and attitude will be a benefit to us all.



Fed. Ex. just came with the Talley mounts that I ordered for the new 84 Montana I ordered. While I don't like the old Redfield design on the Kimbers at all these Talleys are not all that attractive either. I can't wait for Weaver style bases so I can use Signature rings.

Be careful with the 8400s, and really look them over before you buy...we've had TWO 8400s in 300WSM that slammed the firing pin upon closing the bolt. The standard trick of holding your finger on the trigger while slowly releasing the bolt resulted in a 1/2-1 second delayed slamming of the firing pin. They are the only two 8400s that we have gotten in the store, so Kimber's track record is not looking so good for us so far. As far as fit and finish, overall smoothness of the action, etc...they are great. But mechanically they are "iffy" at best in my limited experience with them. Buyer Beware!!!!

I've not seen this in any of the 8400's I've examined including the one I bought. Mine in 270 WSM has had exactly Zero problems and shoots very well. Sounds like someone (at the factory) misadjusted the trigger on the two you saw and should be an easy fix........DJ

Savage 99, Any word on when one might expect a steel Weaver type base for the Kimbers? Perhaps from Warne? I went with the factory bases because the Talley's are kind of high for my VX-II 1x4. I'd really like to see the Gentry mounts available for the Kimber.

On average what will a Montana, 84M or an 8400 cost, and does anyone know with any degree of certainty if Kimber plans on producing the 84M rifle in more potent calibers than .308 in the not to distant future? or will kimber chamber eithor in a caliber such as .270, .280, or 30-06, and if so anyone have any idea what Kimber will charge to preform this?

I apologize if Kimber is doing so, or if these questions are a bit dim, but their website does'n't seem to list anythig bigger than .308, and which rifle did Kimber make just for the WSM family, its the Montana correct? this is a rifle in stainless steel with synthetic or it a wood stock?

These rifles seam to be exactly what Im looking for, except for caliber.

I've seen Montanas between $890 and $950 retail with a couple over $1,000. The 84M action is sized down for the .308 family of cartridges and won't easily lend itself to anything larger. They would have to come out with a longer action for .30-06 etc. and I'm guessing they feel they have the "more power" crowd covered with the 8400 series that is built for the Winchester short magnums. They make the 8400 in the Classic variety with wood stock and blue finish. I don't think they have brought it out in a Montana version in stainless/synthetic but somebody correct me if I'm wrong on that. I'm sure that option is not very far down the road, if it isn't a reality already. Kimber is not having any trouble selling these rifles so I would expect them to work on filling current orders and bringing out variations of existing models before they launch a new action. Be nice to see an 84M Montana in .358 Winchester and that wouldn't take much in the way of re-tooling!

CCH,

I am really not on the inside much with Kimber but I am trying to stay up to date. Nor am I any mount or ring expert at all. However I don't think anyone likes the old Redfield style rear base on them with the opposing screws these days.

So lets all do what we can to get someone to make Weaver style bases. That's all we really need and then many rings will fit.

Marshall over on Hunt America emailed me that Talley now makes the new lightweight one piece mount for the Kimber 84's. Since I had just called Kimber this week and all they offered was the standard mount and base I wonder. I put a call into Marshall but it's a holiday.

Art338,



I think the present priority at Kimber is making things right. Later this year the Kevlar stock may be out on the 8400's and then there is a left hand version coming after that.



I emailed them on the .358 Win in the 84M and don't really expect a reply but it might help if we all chimmed in. I suggested a little heavier contour barrel as the wall thickness would be so thin. Also a barrel length of less than 22" would be enough.



Some dealers are asking as much as $999 for the 84M Montana. Others are at about $960. These prices should include the bases which are about $40 retail.



I asked a local dealer how sharp a deal he could cut with the bases included and he said $932 with the bases but a deposit was required. The thing is that at the moment they are in short supply so you can't blame some dealer for asking a little more for a rifle that he has been waiting for and can't replace from stock.

I paid $869 for my 8400 in 270 WSM. We usually have excellent gun prices here. Kimber essentially makes 2 actions. The 84M is for 308 lengh and comes in Std, Super America, Montana, Varmint, and 3 Longmaster variants. The 8400 is for the Winchester Short Mags and currently is planned in Classic, Montana, Super America, and Classic Left Hand.
The Classic is a standard matte finished metal rifle with AA Claro and a Floorplate. The Montana has a synthetic stock developed by Melvin Forbes and no Floorplate. The Super America's have Nicer wood, a Cheekpeice, Walnut forend tip and gloss metal.
Every Kimber I've ever tried had an excellent trigger and even some of the classics have pretty nice wood. The forend gap seems to be a little large on some and I've seen a couple starting to warp, so if you can look over several and pick the best of the bunch.
I have 2 Kimber's now and plan on a few more. I love em.........DJ

Thanks to both CCH and Savage99 for the info. I figured them to cost close to a Sako. I am in no great need of another rifle right now, but if Kimber (and I fairvently hope thay do)maintains their present level of quality (and I will take all who posted here at their word concerning this) I am more than willing to wait until thay produce a rifle I want, thay will definately get my money.

If all that everyone has posted here concerning Kimbers is accurate, then I have finally found a rifle maker that produces a rifle that has a near perfect ballance of quality and afordability. For the last year I have been trying to deside on who I shoud by my next rifle from, as I have not bought a rifle in over six years. I at present am quite lucky in that all of the rifles I own are quite accurate. This includes a Remington 700, Ruger MKII, a Savage 116, and a sporterized 1906 Swedish Mauser, an Encore and an A-Bolt.
But durring my surch of the past year I have become increasingly concerned about, if not down right scared of the nearly overwhelming amount of posts that state the over all quality of Remington, Ruger, Weatherby, and Ruger have taken a turn for the worse. Even CZ has not remained unscathed, and I have seen far to many posts about Tikkas poor customer service for it not to be a factor in buying a rifle. Its a damn shame Tikkas CS isn't the equal of their fine afordable rifles, or so it seems thst way.
So what I am hoping for with Kimber that it is far more likely than not that getting a good solid rifle will be the rule, not the acception, as it seems to be a crap shoot with all the rest.

Thats why if Kimber is as good as you all say thay are, I would be more than willing to pay $300 more for a rifle than I had planned. Hopefully a year from know I will be posting a steller review of my new Kimber rifle in the caliber and configuration I want.

Savage 99, I'm no fan of the factory Kimber mounts either and would have liked the new one piece Talley but their idea of "low" would probably accomodate a 40mm scope. Kind of higher than I want to mount a 20mm objective so for now I'm going with the factory bases and super low Leupold rings. The dealers I've talked to have said the bases are optional (i.e. cost extra). The nice gent I swapped with to get mine on its way said the same thing. He had to order the bases extra. So figure in an extra $45 or so if you go the factory route unless the dealer cuts you some slack.

I've got an idea, the .338 Kimber (.338-08) and/or .338 KSM (.338-300 WSM). Either of those made into factory rounds in those rifles would make me a very happy elk hunter. I'll chime in on the .358 though since that's a bit more likely scenario. When the Classic came out I immediately asked about a synthetic version and they told me to be patient. Hopefully we get a response on these requests. Actually next on my list might be another .308. I really liked the Longmaster I handled and it would be a lot more fun to shoot than the Montana.

They are in stock but you have to look around and it depends on caliber. I found three in 7mm-08 in the same gun store in Grand Junction, CO going for $950 (with three, they might cut a deal) but none in any calibers on the front range. Mine is coming from a distributor in Georgia.

ART338,

Don't be left with the impression that Kimber is the center of the rifle quality world today. What I ment to convey was that Kimber now has in place someone who may make it that. Also that Kimber intends to upgrade any rifles returned in addition to fixing the specific complaint. I have had two 84M Classics since last October and when I brought one of them back for a couple of small complaints they offered and did more than I expected. They also had the rifle completed in three working days. What the Kimber 84's offer that others do not in lightweights is the Mauser features along with pillar bedding, adjustable crisp trigger, free floating etc. A Ruger Ultra Light may look just as good but I just don't see it's potential to always put the first shot right there like this Kimber does. The Ruger might cost $250 less but what's the cost of a adequate trigger, pillars, glass and a better barrel and chambering job?

CCH,

The steel Talley mounts that I have here measure .525" from the bottom of a base to the bottom of an attached ring. Perhaps this information will help in some way. These are the first steel Talley mounts that I have seen. They must have other height combinations but I don't know if there is a lower one. It's very hard to beat the Weaver system for low mounts.

I would use scopes with 32 to 36mm on my Kimber 84's. Right now one has a Leu 2-7 on it and the other a 3-9 Conquest. The Conquest is too big for such a neat little rifle but the optics are so good it staying on there til something better comes along. The mounts on that one which is the 260 are factory bases and Leu. Extension rings which are another iffy design.

The factory bases are about $40 over the counter and $37 cost to the dealer. The fact that the bases are extra does not make anyone happy.

Savage99,
I understand what you are saying and thanks once again for you information. Basically what I ment is, given the fact that buying THE TYPE of RIFLE I want THESE DAYS from Remington, Ruger, or Winchester seems to be too much of a crap shoot on wether or not you wind up with a shooter or a tomato stake. And as I said even CZ, Tikka, and Weatherby have been getting alot of bad internet press these days. So I am left with eithor buying a Winchester Super Grade or Sako, both cost the same as the Kimber, more or less.

At least with the Kimber I know I will:
A-Get my $moneys worth
B-Get a rifle that is put to gether from the ground up with far more attention to detail than the above mentioned rifles, and therefore hopefully be all the rifle I have a right to expect for the $$$ I am paying.
C-And lastly, in the event of a problem with my rifle, Kimber won't treat me like a lepper when I call.

Again, thanks Savage99

.308. Want to go the "one gun, one load" route and mainly backpack hunt for deer and elk. Also want to do a lot of shooting, so the .308 seems like the best all around caliber to do it all. It's sitting in my lap right now. I'm somewhat pleased. It's a VERY nice rifle. I thought the 22" barrel might seem long on such a petite rifle but it seems to balance very well. I'll know for sure once I get my scope mounted but it definitely "feels" good.

Savage99, I emailed Kimber on the .358 as well as my suggestions for proprietary cartridges. The response to both was no so I wouldn't count on a big bore Kimber in the near future.

Thanks CCH. The time may come for that suggestion. Right now they have the priorities mentioned.

What is selling hot for Kimber is their Montana stocked rifles. That stock may be cutting edge for a factory rifle.

Mine came in today. 5 lbs. 1 ounce WITH the bases installed. Less than advertised. If it shoots half as good as it looks, I'm in good shape.

CCH,

What caliber did you get?

A friend of mine finally shot the 84M Classic 308 that he bought last winter. It was a gun that sat in a shop for a while. Somehow the dealer had marked the barrel length as 24". Maybe that slowed the sale.

He says it shot cloverleaf three shot groups at 100 yds. The barrel is 22".

I just got my 7mm wsm today and I must say that it is a thing of beauty. I had seen one other rifle and it had very dark wood, almost no grain. This one is not as dark, shows alot of grain and has some curl in it also.

The bad news is they didnot ship the bases so it will still be a little while before I get to shoot, but life coould sure be worse.

Simdow

On HA Brad says Warne makes Weaver style bases for the 8400. I would rather have those as it opens the options for rings and is a better design than the rear base Kimber uses.

I could not find them on Warnes site. Perhaps I over looked them or one must call Warne.

http://www.huntamerica.com/wwwthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB8&Number=538461&Forum=All_Forums&Words=savage99&Match=Username&Searchpage=0&Limit=25&Old=3weeks&Main=535063&Search=true#Post538461

Savage

Thanks for the info. I've never been a big fan of Weaver style. Not any particular reason, just what I was exposed to when younger. So I'll just wait, it should not be very long, couple of weeks on the outside. This gives me time to collect dies and other assorted necessary items.

Simdow