The Accurate Reloading Forums
Kimber 89 Bgr?
22 January 2004, 09:27
MarteriusKimber 89 Bgr?
My gun dealer has a Kimber of Oregon 89 Bgr in 30-06, second hand, mint condition, that have been standing there for a while. In particular I like the stock, a reddish warm color, but I also like the idea of a CRF of the good old style. They are rather uncommon in Sweden, and this one is priced a little below a similar Sako 75 (which are very common here) which means about $1.300 in the current exchange rate.
The serial number is 3170. The only drawback I can notice is that the safety did not work as silent as I would like but that is a matter of learning how to operate it.
Now I understand that Kimber guns have had their ups and downs, but I don't know what models or years to look out for. I should very much appreciate any input!
Regards,
Martin
22 January 2004, 16:58
Dr. LouMarterius, most BGRs were very well made. I have owned a few of them and was very impressed. I only sold them because someone wanted to pay me more than I wanted to keep them. Value depends on the model. $1,300 USD is average for a 30-06 deluxe. Super America well run more as well as rare calibers. Although I am a hardcore Sako fan, but I would buy a Kimber BGR before a Sako 75 any day of the week. Do you know the model? Does it have integral square bridge scope bases, or are they drilled and tapped? Lou
22 January 2004, 21:33
MarteriusThank you very much for the information! It is drilled and tapped and fitted with two piece Millett bases.
Regards,
Martin
24 January 2004, 02:10
<eldeguello>A friend of mine has one in .416 Rigby. It is beautiful, well made, and rare in that caliber!

25 January 2004, 11:51
Dr. LouMarterius, it sounds like a deluxe. Anywhere between $1000 and $1300 would be a fair price. In the states, $1300 would be on the high end. Look on
www.gunsamerica.com under Kimber of Oregon and look for M89 BGR deluxe and compare. Lou
27 January 2004, 07:11
MarteriusThanks Doctor!
As to the price, just a few months ago the price would have been $ 1000, the dollar are rather weak compared to the Swedish currency at the moment...
It would perhaps have been a good affair to import a gun from USA, if it was not for the paperwork...
/Martin
28 January 2004, 05:32
mhoSo Martin, are you going to get it, or are you still dithering?? Hey come on, why should we be the only ones wasting money on toys we don't *strictly* need

Get it and tell us how the thing shoots. It will be *just* the thing for your next moose season, believe me!

- mike
28 January 2004, 05:37
mhoBtw, you US gun wheelers and dealers, is this BGR Super America overpriced??
BGR at Cabelas Nice looking toy, if you ask me.
- mike
28 January 2004, 07:04
<JOHAN>Marterius
I have seen some of them that came to Sweden and they are not near the quallity of a good mauser. I think the rifle you have been looking on is the same as I have seen

Some have trouble with the feeding and the magazines.
I have seen a few the Kimbers are poorly built and spare part are hard to come across. Kimbers are not well sought rifles in Sweden and the price should be a bit lower.
/ JOHAN
28 January 2004, 07:31
Dr. LouMHO, $1995 is a little high for a 95% rifle. However, for a Super America in 280 you're looking at least $1400+. Lou
28 January 2004, 20:33
mhoThanks Lou. Nice wood though - good that I don't have any $$$ left

- mike
31 January 2004, 00:38
MarteriusI have made up my mind, and I will not get this one. I have searched on the model in older posts here, and found some AR-member having great trouble with their BGR:s, in particular one also i 30-06 with a serial number close to this one.
Further, I was talking to JOHAN on the phone the other day, and he almost made iit sound as if it was a Blaser...

I can only congratulate Dr. Lou for being lucky with his BGR:s!
So I will go on and I have decided that my next project will be to make my own stock. I had an idea of bulding it on a Husqvarna 98, fixing it up with M70 saftey and stuff, but my latest idea is to build it on an old Sako. A Forester or a Finnbear from the sixties. A stock in classical American design and with with good bedding etc. I have never done it befor, but I think it could be really fun!
Regards,
Martin
01 February 2004, 04:44
MarteriusNo Johan, no Blaser for me.

I am very satisfied with my Sako Vixen and I think I could do well with a bit heavier rifle build on the same kind of action.
Regards,
Martin
01 February 2004, 06:58
Dr. LouMarterious, I have see a couple of BGRs that look like they were put together by a freshman in shop class, but most of them are first class. Also, I have never shot one so I don't know how they shoot. Overall I think they're fair investment if you find a nice one at a good price. It should hold its value. Nevertheless, you definitely won't go wrong with the Sako. Lou
01 February 2004, 10:10
<JOHAN>Marterius
I was just testing soo you haven't gone crazy. I doubt you are the typical blaser buyer

Look well at gun shops, auctions etc. I bought a sako L61R in 9,3X62 two years ago. The stock was nothing to brag about and it was badly treated. But the action and barrel was fine. It is now re-stocked and the new owner praises it everytime I meet him.
Good luck
JOHAN