Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: grousegetter on December 11, 2014, 01:00:15 AM

Title: kimber Montana 84l
Post by: grousegetter on December 11, 2014, 01:00:15 AM: So I'm thinking about purchasing a kimber Montana 84l in a 25-06. It's a substantial investment, and I'd like to hear opinions about the rifle itself. I'm thinking for a lightweight deer and yote gun.Thanks
Title: Re: kimber Montana 84l
Post by: smdave on December 11, 2014, 01:52:39 AM: You can not go wrong for a light weight gun, Mine is in 338 Federal I tnink it is the lightest rifle in my safe.
Title: Re: kimber Montana 84l
Post by: grousegetter on December 11, 2014, 01:58:27 AM: My thoughts exactly, ands I dint want a cheap piece of junk lol
Title: Re: kimber Montana 84l
Post by: ellensburgpo on December 11, 2014, 07:23:02 AM: I have two 8400's, a classic in 7mm wsm and a Montana in 300 wsm. Relatively lite, but well put together. Working the bolt is vastly more smooth then on a factory Ruger, Remington...etc. I don't have an 84l but wouldn't hesitate to buy more kimber rifles. Both of mine are accurate if I do my part.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi160.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ft176%2Fkoreacop142%2FDeer%25202014%2FIMG_3033_zps5b4835d5.jpg&hash=c29a22415f4f4b46999ab5c0fbe82f76006ab6b5)
Title: Re: kimber Montana 84l
Post by: BLR 243 on December 11, 2014, 07:29:04 AM: I went through 2 model 84's 7mm-08 neither one could shoot. Both made returns to Kimber for rebarrel recrowning still shot minute of clay pigeon. Nice rifles otherwise.
Title: Re: kimber Montana 84l
Post by: coachcw on December 11, 2014, 07:35:11 AM: for the money sako ! :twocents:
Title: Re: kimber Montana 84l
Post by: ellensburgpo on December 11, 2014, 07:45:54 AM: Quote from: BLR 243 on December 11, 2014, 07:29:04 AM
I went through 2 model 84's 7mm-08 neither one could shoot. Both made returns to Kimber for rebarrel recrowning still shot minute of clay pigeon. Nice rifles otherwise.

I hear that a lot. I got both mines from people who said they didn't or couldn't shoot them well. Not saying that's the case with you at all with a small cartridge. I think many people struggle with a very light rifle in powerful rounds which is something to consider before buying.
Title: Re: kimber Montana 84l
Post by: elkoholic1 on December 11, 2014, 07:46:16 AM: :tup:
Title: Re: kimber Montana 84l
Post by: slm9s on December 13, 2014, 08:56:25 AM: 84L are great rifles.

25 cal bullets aren't great for long range if you'd like to eventually use it for any LR hunting. The BC just pales compared to 24/26/28.

I think I'd try to find a 84M in 243 or 260, but again, I'm not a 25 fan.

Another option you might at least look at is the Forbes rifle for a tiny bit more, or a Tikka Superlite for a couple hundred less.
Title: Re: kimber Montana 84l
Post by: Westside88 on December 13, 2014, 09:04:16 AM: I've been looking at these also. They sure seem like the type to keep forever and pass down to family. I'm also looking at the Forbes lightweight. I'm still torn between the two, but I sure do like the classic look of the Kimber
Title: Re: kimber Montana 84l
Post by: grousegetter on December 13, 2014, 11:37:13 AM: Yeah, from what I've been reading most of the issues people have with these rifles is finding the right bullet, and learning how to shoot them because they're super light. I'm about 90% on this being the rifle I want.
Title: Re: kimber Montana 84l
Post by: 400out on December 13, 2014, 11:51:05 AM: I have it in 300 wsm and am still looking for a bullet that will be consistant! have heard that they don't like the mag rounds do to lighter barrels! kinda kicking myself for not getting the sako honestly! :twocents:
Title: Re: kimber Montana 84l
Post by: splitshot on December 23, 2014, 10:18:38 PM: n have a tikka 3 in 25-06 that will hit a paper plate 5 times of 5 at 400 yards. over and over. and I cant see very well. have a good scope on top. mike w
Title: Re: kimber Montana 84l
Post by: huntnphool on December 23, 2014, 10:33:06 PM: I think JJ shoots a Montana, I've heard nothing but good things from him. :dunno:
Title: Re: kimber Montana 84l
Post by: Nature Boy on December 27, 2014, 11:38:56 AM: I purchased a Montana in 280AI last spring but have had limited time for load development. I've only tried one bullet/powder combination and with a ladder test found a sub-MOA load. Not too bad. I plan to tinker with more load development this winter. I used the rifle to take a big bodied mule deer buck this year in Eastern WA. From my experience so far I give the Kimber a thumbs up.
Title: Re: kimber Montana 84l
Post by: Buzz2401 on December 27, 2014, 11:51:15 AM: I have the montana in 325 wsm and love it. Its killed six elk so far and no problems. My wife has the Sako Finnlight and it is honestly a way nicer gun but I would not trade her if I had the chance. Her gun weighs 8 ounces more then my gun but I think most of that comes from the difference in rings. Which was one thing I hate about the Finnlight is that you only have two choices of rings and the factory ones are crazy expensive and really heavy.
Title: Re: kimber Montana 84l
Post by: M_ray on December 27, 2014, 10:52:50 PM: Quote from: huntnphool on December 23, 2014, 10:33:06 PM
I think JJ shoots a Montana, I've heard nothing but good things from him. :dunno:

JJ isnt the only one that shoots it! :chuckle:

7mm wsm and yes it shoot lights out!!! this year at 481
Title: Re: kimber Montana 84l
Post by: addicted on December 28, 2014, 11:46:52 AM: A lot of people have problems getting tight groups out of ultralight rifles because they are... Ultralight rifles. They are difficult to shoot but definitely show any poor bench form you have since It doesn't take much to move POI. Obviously every company makes a lemon at some point but the kimbers I've had in my hands felt and shot nice.
Title: Re: kimber Montana 84l
Post by: netcoyote on December 28, 2014, 05:25:35 PM: I've got the Montana 8400 in 7mm WSM also. Got a helluva kick but with decelerator pads it's bearable. I've got several other rifles I always say I'm going to use, but when it comes time to take one out of the safe for a hunt, it's almost always the Kimber. It's way more accurate than I'll ever be with a nice, light trigger and just feels good to carry a well balanced rifle. Never regretted spending the money on it.
Title: Re: kimber Montana 84l
Post by: grousegetter on December 28, 2014, 05:45:59 PM: Well, pulled the trigger on a 84m Montana in a .243. Should have it in a couple weeks. Thanks for your input.
Title: Re: kimber Montana 84l
Post by: cem3434 on December 28, 2014, 06:16:26 PM: Quote from: 400out on December 13, 2014, 11:51:05 AM
I have it in 300 wsm and am still looking for a bullet that will be consistant! have heard that they don't like the mag rounds do to lighter barrels! kinda kicking myself for not getting the sako honestly! :twocents:

I have a Montana is 300 wsm that loves 180 accubonds. I have a 3 other 300 wsm rifles and the Kimber will out shoot my Tikka and Remington. My old trusty Savage FSS 16 will still give the Kimber a run for its money, but the Kimber is 3.5 lbs lighter.

A lot of people badmouth Kimber's, but I have found that the 3 Kimbers I own are excellent shooting firearms and they will all out shoot my abilities. Put a good piece of glass on most rifles and they will out perform 99% of the shooters. :twocents:
Title: Re: kimber Montana 84l
Post by: addicted on December 29, 2014, 05:40:09 AM: Quote from: grousegetter on December 28, 2014, 05:45:59 PM
Well, pulled the trigger on a 84m Montana in a .243. Should have it in a couple weeks. Thanks for your input.

:tup:

Careful, that little cartridge it might just float away.
Title: Re: kimber Montana 84l
Post by: RadSav on December 29, 2014, 06:25:42 AM: Definitely need to learn how to hold the Montana on the bag when shooting! But, mine when done right are real accurate. Next to the discontinued Ruger RL (pillar bedded) they are my favorite guns in the safe. Only one gun I have shoots better than the Kimbers. And that is a heavy push feed model 70 in 338. My Sako is nice and favors more variety of ammo, but does not shoot anywhere near as nice as the Montanas'!

I would like to see the Kimbers offered in a more classic barrel taper. Maybe even a barrel similar to the fluted Ascent or the fluted Finnlight. I think that would allow for more variety of load and bullet weight. But I am certainly not complaining at the end of the day after hiking into the high country!
Title: Re: kimber Montana 84l
Post by: Jaques Bonet on December 29, 2014, 07:57:57 AM: My Kimber Montana 7wsm shoots clover leafs at 100 yds with my hand loads. I did have a 300 wsm that would slam the trigger guard into my fingers, not acceptable sold it. Looking to have a custom 300 wsm built, alway's wanted a custom rifle made to fit me.
Title: Re: kimber Montana 84l
Post by: addicted on January 01, 2015, 01:53:21 AM: As I've learned to have a smart love for euro rifles over the years here in Germany, there are only a few American rifles that I'm willing to pay asking price for. Rugers and winchesters investment cast themselves into cheesy results. Remington mass produced their process into shotty products around about 2001. Savage still keeps all the metal work appropriately straight and symmetrical but they let their stocks fall into the mass produced "still kinda fits everyone" style but still a better product than the previously mentioned with great price options and from what I understand their barrel nut allows them to use sako barrel seconds(anyone else see an accuracy relationship).

Then you have Kimber;
They build each action size closely to the cartridge size to keep them light weight, Hence you shouldn't run a 284win barrel into their 308 sized action. Their stocks although lacking any fitting comb to keep their fit generic or any palm swell to keep an American finger tip grip still have a fairly deep very sharp checkering and stout wood choice. If they changed their stock style a bit, I bet they would be notably easier to shoot and more people would get better groups from them.

Anyone afraid of the price plunge of a Kimber but still wants the traits should look into a savage lightweight hunter. Savage didn't "customize" their actions to fit so the did a few other things to keep weight down which some might find aesthetically pleasing. I mean, who doesn't like a spiral fluted bolt?

http://www.chuckhawks.com/savage_lightweight_hunter_6-5mm.htm (http://www.chuckhawks.com/savage_lightweight_hunter_6-5mm.htm)
Title: Re: kimber Montana 84l
Post by: Rickyrebar on January 04, 2015, 11:57:17 AM: Quote from: 400out on December 13, 2014, 11:51:05 AM
I have it in 300 wsm and am still looking for a bullet that will be consistant! have heard that they don't like the mag rounds do to lighter barrels! kinda kicking myself for not getting the sako honestly! :twocents:
What weight / brand of bullets have you tried? I ordered a 8400 .300 WSM recently and am curious about your comment. I have 2 .300 WSM M70's they shoot 180 Accubonds like there is no tomorrow.