Narrowing options for my next rifle any input on Browning or Kimber Hunter?

[Westside88]

I'm not someone who buys very many guns. I tend to pick what I like and then stay with it. My first hunting rifle was a Remington 721 30-06 I received from my Great Grandfather. My next hunting rifle was a Browning A-bolt 2 stainless stalker in .338 Win Mag I purchased primarily as an elk rifle. As time went on I started carrying it for everything, even though it's usually overkill I just plain trust it and shoot it well. I always wished I'd picked up the same rifle in a 270 Win or 06 that I could set up essentially the same.

I am looking to set up a lighter weight rifle in a lighter caliber that will be primarily a deer rifle. I've pretty much narrowed it down to three choices and intend to use a Leupold Vari-x 3 3.5-10 40mm scope that I already have. I'd love to hear feedback from those who have experience with the Browning X-bolt or Kimber Hunter. I have a few criteria that are important to me. Synthetic stock, Stainless Steel or Ceracoat, 22 inch barrel length ( I believe Kimber is 24" but keeping open mind), detachable magazine and most likely 270 win or 30-06.  I'm also still considering the A-bolt 2 in stainless if I can find a super clean example.  Thanks for any input you may have.

[h20hunter]

Imo my Kimbers shoot great but hear reports here and there about one that doesn't.  I believe my 25 06 is a hunter and my 6.5 creed is a Kimber Ascent.  If nearby you are welcome to look them over.

[MADMAX]

I have the Kimber mountain ascent
270 WSM
Love it
Light
Shoots great
I do wish it had a detachable mag
Otherwise A+

[Bob33]

I've owned two X Bolts: one in 270 WSM and one in 300 WSM. Both were shooters. I got rid of the 270 because the 300 does essentially the same with larger bullets. The 300 has taken a lot of animals. It is surprisingly pleasant to shoot.

Either would be an excellent all around rifle.

[Magnum_Willys]

You have an elk gun,  so no need for 30 cal.

Step up to a modern long bullet cartridge - 6.5 CM or PRS variant.

Or get an xbolt 300 wsm and use for everything. 

[Wetwoodshunter]

I don't think you can go wrong with either of those rifles. I have an X-bolt in 7-08 that will be my son's first rifle when he starts hunting. Great lightweight good feeling gun.

My friends that I hunt with all use mountain ascents, none of them have had issues with them shooting once you find the ammo they like. They shoot great and are lightweight, cycle smooth.

I currently use a Christensen Ridgeline .300 wsm which I honestly like more than both of them, but it has a floor plate not detachable box mag. I think the mountain ascent is a lighter gun.

All that to say, what gun fits you better? Shoulder both of them and take home the one you like in a caliber you like. You can't go wrong with .270 or .30-06, I wish I still had my old .270.

[jrebel]

Given the choices you list o would go with the kimber.   With that said if you want light weight and weather resistant, I would look hard at the savage ultralite in any caliber that fits your liking.  I have a 300wsm and it is a shooter. 

[300rum]

Don't by a factory rifle, have a custom rifle built the way you want, as you said you don't run through them anyway.  Find the person you like that knows what they are doing and go with it.   

[Westside88]

Imo my Kimbers shoot great but hear reports here and there about one that doesn't.  I believe my 25 06 is a hunter and my 6.5 creed is a Kimber Ascent.  If nearby you are welcome to look them over.

Thanks, I appreciate the offer. I live in Grays Harbor, but have a couple kids that live up near you. I'll message you sometime if it looks like I'll be in the area.

[h20hunter]

For sure.

[Westside88]

I appreciate all the feedback, thank you

[Buzz2401]

Hunted with a Kimber for years and never let me down.  Wish I could say the same for my hunting partners ABolts. Two different rifles had frozen firing pin issues.  One it fired the second time.  Two other times he missed a spike elk and the Blacktail of his lifetime as he puts it.

[Magnum_Willys]

Hunted with a Kimber for years and never let me down.  Wish I could say the same for my hunting partners ABolts. Two different rifles had frozen firing pin issues.  One it fired the second time.  Two other times he missed a spike elk and the Blacktail of his lifetime as he puts it.

rusted ? not lubed or ?

[fishngamereaper]

Absolutely love my xbolt hells canyon in 6.5 PRC...

Even with a big ziess scope it's still what I consider mountain light.

[Magnum_Willys]

Absolutely love my xbolt hells canyon in 6.5 PRC...

Even with a big ziess scope it's still what I consider mountain light.

   or any of these all under $1100.

https://gundigest.com/rifles/tactical-rifles/8-affordable-6-5-prc-rifle-options-for-precision-work