Talked to the guys at Kimber at the NRA convention in Milwaukee. According to them, they have started work on their Safari rifle, chambered for the 375 and the 458 WM. I told them they should chamber for the 416 Rem Mag and the 458 Lott. Got a blank stare.Also mentioned the 404 Jeffery. Same blank stare. Begged them not to put cheesy, cheap iron sights on it.Yup, blank stare.Sure hope they don't drop the ball, I get the feeling they are out of their league on this one. ETA late this year, no pricing yet.

If they are reading this, I'd like to see a 404 jeffery also.

What else Kimber stuff did you see there and find out?

The Kimber Model 89 African from a few years back looked great and if I remember correctly came in various classics like .404J, .416 Rigby and .505 Gibbs.

They also had their long action rifle (30-06 length action ), the one there was a 270. Very nicely done, a reasonable alternative to a Win M70.

Don't expect the new Kimber Safari to measure up to the superior looks, function and handling of the Kimber of Oregon African Rifle. You will probably be disappointed.

Head Trauma,

I talked to them in detail and was told nothing of the sort? They were very enthusiastic about the coming Super America versions of the 300 and 338 Win but told me that even these would be offered only next year and that the higher grade would extend to the 30-06 a year later. I specifically asked about the 375 and they said that they had no plans to produce one at the moment.

That said, they were very happy to show their guns off and their guns are nice. I did enjoy talking to them.

Mehul Kamdar,

Odd we got such different info. I should have gone back and talked to a different person for a second opinion. Woodrow S is right, the Kimber of Oregon African Rifle will be a hard act to follow. Guess we will just have to wait and see what happens.

I am a big Kimber of NY fan and have bought five new rifles from them in the last three years.

Now that the Montana versions are out in the 84M and WSM's I have completed my rifle battery.

I have read rumors of a pending Kimber 'Express' rifle and know that the 8400 long action with handle the 375 H&H length cartridges.

I have no plans to buy another African suitable rifle and am satisfied with the ones that I have.

It seems that Kimber of NY has won many fans on 24 hr with the demise of Winchester.

To me they have a niche and are a value if thats what you want.

9.3x62?


Okie John

quote:

Originally posted by okie john:
9.3x62?


Okie John

Can you say "re-barrel job"? Probably the only way you can get that number.

quote:

Can you say "re-barrel job"? Probably the only way you can get that number.

I agree. I do think the Kimber Montana long action will be a nice replacement action for the Model 70 lover to build a custom big bore rifle on.

know what you all mean, about wanting a recreation of the old M89. I owned a 375, that is still floating around Boise somewhere. I had one on loan from them in 505 Gibbs at the same time and could not afford both. Sadly, I chose the 375 because of brass, etc. The 505 would probably buy me a pretty good African safari these days.

I would like to see one at anywhere near the old prices and quality. I could have had the 505 for $1000, paid $600 for the 375. I would really like to see perhaps Miroku bring a decent DGR boltgun into the country. It could sell for less than $2K and make building your own for twice that history.

Sigh.................

Rich