I have 2 8400 classics. One in 270 WSM and the other in 7 WSM. I loved the 270 so much that I bought the 7 WSM to have something a little more suitable for elk. Yesterday the 7 WSM using Federal Factory Ammo shot 3 160 Grain Accubonds into .585 inches (pictured on another post). Average velocity for the 160 Federal Accubond loads was 3162fps. My 270 WSM shoots 140 Accubonds at 3200+ and 130gr Triple Shocks at 3300+. It has shot 1&1/2 inch groups at 300yds.

Most of the kimbers I've had and or shot tend to want to put two shots very close and then open a bit for the third if you are shooting fast. If you take you time I have shot 3/4 inch groups or better at 100yds with all of them.

The Sako Finnlite is another fine rifle and certainly worthy of consideration. I was giving my credit card number to buy a 300WSM Finnlite when the dealer told me that it was on a standard long action instead of the new "SM" action that Sako is making. It's probably still an excellent rifle but I want a short action for a WSM rifle. As soon as the "SM" action ones hit locally I'll have to seriously consider one of these also.

I would select the Kimber Montana if you prefer American Made, Control-Round-Feed, Classic Style stocks or Blind Magazines.

I would choose the Sako Finnlite if you prefer Removable Magazines, Monte-Carlo Stocks and/or Fluted Barrels.

I don't think you can go wrong either way........DJ

douglast-let me get this straight, you saw a Montana (the one with the glass stock and silver barrel action) in a 300 WSM in a gun shop in Madison Wis?


Dogz

Does anyone know what the LOP is for the Kimber 8400? I would really like to get one in 300 WSM for an Ibex rifle, but I need a long LOP for my gorilla arms.

Sevens

I just bought a montana in 308. So far I'm very happy with it. The trigger is better than most factory guns and I like the blind mag. I also like the CRF and stainless finish. I put a 2.5 Leupold on it. I haven't put many rounds through it yet, but plan on shooting it alot this summer and using it for Elk this fall. I had considered a Rem. mod 7 in stainless, but by the time I put a better stock on it I would surpass the cost of the Kimber.

Sevens, The LOP center of trigger to center of recoil pad, on my 8400 7WSM is 13 & 7/16". The recoil pad is 1" thick, so if you need longer than 13 1/2 you will probably have to add a wood spacer.
While looking at the WSM's you might check into the 7WSM also. With Federal loading the 160gr Accubond 7 WSM has more energy at 300yds than the 180gr Accubond 300 WSM and the difference increases the further out you get. The 7 WSM appears to be a more efficient long-range round than the 300 WSM. Look at the charts closely and I think you'll agree.
Plus of the several 300 WSM's that I've shot and/or Chronographed all were just about spec on as far as velocities are concerned but the 2 270 WSM and 1 7 WSM I've shot and chronographed all exceeded advertised velocities with factory ammunition.
Good luck, hunting Ibex should be one of the great experiences of your life!........DJ