Going custom with a Kimber Montana, any naysayers?

[RyeDaddy]

Decided it's time for a lightweight hunting rifle. Handled a couple Kimber 84M Montana's and I think they're perfect. I can't find one in 260 and I have read all the internet reports of some having accuracy problems, so I've decided to buy a used one and have GAP true and rebarrel it with a Bartlein T-Rifled 1 in 9" to 1 in 8" twist barrel at 22" as close as I can get to factory contour. Before I go through with the expenditure is there anyone that can think of a reason not to? Asking specifically about the Kimber actions, I'm sure on caliber and all that, I love my current Savage in 260.

(Wishing NOBODY was still around to rant and wax about Kimber Montanas

)

 

[Alaskaman11]

Re: Going custom with a Kimber Montana, any naysayers?

I like my 375! Good shooter, good Trigger for a hunting rifle. Don't know what you can do to customize it.

 

[RyanScott]

Re: Going custom with a Kimber Montana, any naysayers?

Sounds fine to me. May want to go a shade heavier on the barrel though, if anything they are too light.

 

[captain zeke]

Re: Going custom with a Kimber Montana, any naysayers?

Love my Montucky 7whizzum !! Nobody (aka stick ) sent one of his 223 montana to mike rock had him do the same thing but chambered it to 223ai its a one hole shooter for sure ! I think you have a great idea ...Isaac

 

[darrenk75b]

Re: Going custom with a Kimber Montana, any naysayers?

Just an FYI, Mike Rock did not do the work to Stick's 223ai. It is a rock barrel, but started with something like a #7 contour. He had his smith recontour the barrel to match the factory contour, and punch it 223ai.

To the OP, I think a custom Montana is awesome. I would not change anything about the barrel contour (why make it heavier if you are looking for a lightweight?). I know Pacnor and Lilja both will make Montana contour barrels - not sure about Bartlein. Have it chambered like you want, and rock on.

 

[XTREM HTR16]

Re: Going custom with a Kimber Montana, any naysayers?

+1. Either the .260 or a 243AI would be cool.

 

[mattlewis]

Re: Going custom with a Kimber Montana, any naysayers?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RyeDaddy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have read all the internet reports of some having accuracy problems</div></div>

just an aside, a lot of internet reports are worth exactly what they cost.

my montana in .308 "wouldn't shoot", until i learned how to shoot a 5 1/2lb rifle. no bedding or other gymnastics involved, and with one reload recipe.

obviously, if you want a .260 and can't find one (and are willing to spend the $$), that would be up to you. but don't do it because you think it won't be accurate out of the box.

 

[bushido2222]

Re: Going custom with a Kimber Montana, any naysayers?

I had KK Jense put an ABS carbon barrel on my Montana in 7mm08...had to open up the stock a little...added a few ounces to the original weight...I can run 60 rounds through it in a prairie dog town without POI shifting..used it to take 2 does last year at 560 and 600 yards...the best all around rifle I have for the mountains right now...it will hold 1/2 MOA out to 600 yards pretty easy...Love it now...Hated it for the first 2 barrels though... Had to much into it to give up...If your plan is to go into it knowing you might have to put a barrel on it I think you will be happy.

 

[RyeDaddy]

Re: Going custom with a Kimber Montana, any naysayers?

Thanks everybody. Almost had the rifle last night, was about 10 mins too late, but I'm going to keep looking. It was an almost brand new Montana in 338 Federal with dies and brass and Talley's for $825 shipped. It's going to take a while to get the barrel in, so my plan is to shoot it as-is in whatever caliber I can get reasonably until it's ready to be sent in. The timelines I got from talking to the vendors involved indicate that I'll probably not have it in time for deer season next year, but I'll keep my fingers crossed anyway.

I got what I wanted here, was just making sure there weren't any downsides to Kimber actions, like: "oh, Kimber actions are sneaky and will finger you in your sleep", or any inherent design flaws.

 

[bushido2222]

Re: Going custom with a Kimber Montana, any naysayers?

With low rings and a Mark 4 in 2.5-8 it is possible to take the skin off your thumb on the power ring when you cycle the bolt really fast Not really the actions fault though