I need recommendations for a competent gunsmith that can replace the barrel on my Kimber African in 416 Rigby. I want a Krieger barrel contoured like the original and the sight and sling barrel bands and the quarter rib attached.

No one around here, central Ohio, does this that I know of and I really want someone who knows what he is doing.

Thank you,

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RC

I'd give the nod to one of our resident gunsmiths, John Ricks star@olypen.com (360) 457-6931.

Paul,
Thanks for the phone number.

I found this rifle this past summer. Beautiful and unfired, I could not say no.
It fits me very well and handles much better
than my Ruger M77 in 416 Rigby. However, over 100+ rounds, I was unable to get a group under 4 - 5"! My Ruger generally will group around 1" with any load I give it.
I finally decided to check the twist:
1 in 10! Way too fast. No wonder it wouldn't group. I don't know what the guys in Oregon were thinking when they did this. Oh well, a new Krieger should fix this just fine.

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RC

I wouldn't solely blame the fast twist as the problem, as several folks seem sold on fast twist tubes for enhanced performance with solids. I've also yet to see accuracy complaints.

I will also add that the barrel seems to be very rough. Even after proper break-in and 100+ rounds, a mere 10 rounds will produce so much copper fouling that 3 applications of Barnes CR10 and 100 strokes of JB won't remove. A bad barrel all around I think.

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RC