Had one. Sold it. It was fine. Shot well. No real issues. Nice fit and finish. Recall it felt a little clunky in my hands but nothing that would move it outside the box. Reverted back over time to my old Win M70 out of historical respect.....

Perhaps it was something I overlooked and should have kept?

Don't see much said on the net about them these days....

I too had one. As you said, a great rifle in all respects, fit, finish, great wood, accuracy, etc. And also like you, it was too 'clubby' in the forend for me, but the grip was perfect. I have small hands, so I appreciated the small grip, but the forend ruined it for me. I sold it.

I have never seen one. They always have the Talkeetna in stock in Anchorage at Bass Pro and Cabelas.

Is the forend something that could be reshaped? or is it somehow unforgiveable?

Kimber rifles are nice, and when they actually shoot they are really nice.