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Kimber's tactical rifles?

jeep505090

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Oct 12, 2009
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New York
Tried a search but most came up refrencing 1911's, So does anyone have any of the Kimber Tactical rifles and what are your feelings on them? For thos who don't i still want your input and the honest opinion of the tactical shooting communities feeling on this company as a legit runner in the tactical rifle world? ie : Quality, materials, reputation, the good the bad and the ugly, all info is appreciated.
 
Re: Kimber's tactical rifles?

Hit or miss with the Kimber tactical rifles. Some shoot good, some shoot like shit. There was a post a while back of someones that had a bedding job that looked like a blind and twitch ridden person did the bedding job. Id spend my money else where. But i dont own one so its purely what i have read about them
 
Re: Kimber's tactical rifles?

Yes i do remember reading that post awhile back about the bedding job, but im looking for an and all info your opinion is appreciated, now i just need some more.
 
Re: Kimber's tactical rifles?

Yes i do remember reading that post awhile back about the bedding job, but im looking for an and all info your opinion is appreciated, now i just need some more.
 
Re: Kimber's tactical rifles?

Yes i do remember reading that post awhile back about the bedding job, but im looking for an and all info your opinion is appreciated, now i just need some more.
 
Re: Kimber's tactical rifles?

Yes i do remember reading that post awhile back about the bedding job, but im looking for an and all info your opinion is appreciated, now i just need some more.
 
Re: Kimber's tactical rifles?

Yes i do remember reading that post awhile back about the bedding job, but im looking for an and all info your opinion is appreciated, now i just need some more.
 
Re: Kimber's tactical rifles?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Poke</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The post about the bedding was my post.
Here is one about 100yard groups
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...260#Post1380260

and the original post about the bedding.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...102#Post1230102

I have a rem XCR LR tactical with McM A-5 setup identical and badger M-4 bottom metal and still come in 1200 bux less than the kimber and shoots as good or better

</div></div>

My point exactly. Well said.
 
Re: Kimber's tactical rifles?

holy crap my computer went nuts when trying to post my previous response and i see why dam i think i have a good old ".308 anti- computer be stupid software" around here somehwere.... thanks for the replies again hopefully this one dosnt repeat itself, itself, itself....
 
Re: Kimber's tactical rifles?

They are a sweet looking rifle. But for the money, you can build a sweet "f" ing rifle. The reviews that I've read (forums and magazines) make me think getting a 1/2 moa gun would be very unlikely. The good ones tend to me more like 5/8-3/4....and those are the good ones.

For that price you could build exactly what you wanted and be at the 3/8-1/2 mark.

I will say this, I wonder why their so hit and miss. "Each features a trued bolt face, hand-finished chamber, hand-lapped lugs, custom glass bedding and a McMillan stock." They look awesome paper.
 
Re: Kimber's tactical rifles?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: USACS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just ordered the 8400 Advanced Tactical today. When I get it in August, I'll let you know. After having long discussions with Kimber's LE division, I feel pretty confident that I'll be getting a quality rifle. </div></div>

Really..what did they tell you, that has you so convinced?
 
Re: Kimber's tactical rifles?

LOL! Let me get this straight, you asked a question and received several "there is better out there" answers from actual consumers and they were all thrown out because you talked to an employee of Kimber?

I have a great 1984 Yugo to sell you...
 
Re: Kimber's tactical rifles?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: USACS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just ordered the 8400 Advanced Tactical today. When I get it in August, I'll let you know. After having long discussions with Kimber's LE division, I feel pretty confident that I'll be getting a quality rifle. </div></div>

For the money that they are charging, I certainly be thinking about other, and other and other and more other rifles before Kimber, but that's my personal opinion.
 
Re: Kimber's tactical rifles?

I originally talked to Kerry Kinder, the lead gunsmith, last year in person at a LE expo, and he went into great detail about the rifle and how they go about building it. I liked the overall build quality and features of the rifle, and it was nice to learn how the rifle came about. I also like how the rifle is built with all proprietary parts (except the McMillan A5-Adj stock and exterior accessories), to include the barrel.
Then, over the past couple weeks, I've talked to Kimber LE division and they've stated that they have never been made aware of the small issues, like the bad bedding jobs or the way the rifles won't hold .5MOA. They go outside and actually shoot their rifles on a 100yd outdoor range by hand to get those .5MOA or smaller groups (a requirement to leave the factory). They assured me that if a rifle won't shoot .5MOA, that they won't sell it and they'll fix it and test it again. They said if there are any problems with the rifle, they will take the rifle back and fix it, but that they haven't had any come back that are being tested by LAPD, FBI or NY Dept of Corrections (among others).

Then, I've read legitimate shooting reviews online where people are getting average groups of .25-.46MOA That's pretty good.

My decision for the rifle is based off of a set list of very specific policy parameters and a firm budget.
To each their own, but I've been researching this rifle for a long wile, and I think it meets my needed criterion.
 
Re: Kimber's tactical rifles?

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Re: Kimber's tactical rifles?

Everything I've read except what I've read here gives the Advance Tactical model GREAT reviews. I've seen them on auction sites for as little as $2100. The A5 alone is almost $800 and given the way it appears to be built, I don't think it's overpriced. Not to mention the $200 case it comes with. I've been seriously looking at it too.
 
Re: Kimber's tactical rifles?

I need to clarify my opinion is based on things derived from other instances/Kimber experieces having never owned or shot one of their tactical rifles so it is very subjective.
 
Re: Kimber's tactical rifles?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: USACS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I originally talked to Kerry Kinder, the lead gunsmith, last year in person at a LE expo, and he went into great detail about the rifle and how they go about building it. I liked the overall build quality and features of the rifle, and it was nice to learn how the rifle came about. I also like how the rifle is built with all proprietary parts (except the McMillan A5-Adj stock and exterior accessories), to include the barrel.
Then, over the past couple weeks, I've talked to Kimber LE division and they've stated that they have never been made aware of the small issues, like the bad bedding jobs or the way the rifles won't hold .5MOA. They go outside and actually shoot their rifles on a 100yd outdoor range by hand to get those .5MOA or smaller groups (a requirement to leave the factory). They assured me that if a rifle won't shoot .5MOA, that they won't sell it and they'll fix it and test it again. <span style="color: #FF0000">They said if there are any problems with the rifle, they will take the rifle back and fix it, but that they haven't had any come back that are being tested by LAPD, FBI or NY Dept of Corrections (among others).</span> <span style="color: #3333FF">Gimme this Cats phone number I can send him a couple duds</span>Then, I've read legitimate shooting reviews online where people are getting average groups of .25-.46MOA That's pretty good.

My decision for the rifle is based off of a set list of very specific policy parameters and a firm budget.
To each their own, but I've been researching this rifle for a long wile, and I think it meets my needed criterion. </div></div>

Smoke and mirrors, <span style="color: #FF0000">When I called Kimber about the poor accuracy and poor job they did on my rifle I was told there was no accuracy guarantee.</span> If I wanted it to be evaluated by them I would have to pay shipping back to them. For a little more than I would have to had spent on shipping I sent it to a professional to have it bedded right. As far as not hearing of any problems with their rifles. That's BS. between my friend and myself we have 3 Advanced tactical. 1 308 and 2 300WM's. All 3 had issues from bedding to tan finish in the bore on both ends and on all 3 the issues were discussed in a phone call with the Kimber Custom shop.

The 1/2" MOA guarantee is kinda like Bigfoot people have pictures of it but does it really exist? Drop the cash on these things and see what kind of service you get after the fact.

It does have one of the nicest factory actions/triggers on the market. This rifle with a trip to GAP for some barrel work would make a nice shooter

 
Re: Kimber's tactical rifles?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: USACS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Then, I've read legitimate shooting reviews online where people are getting average groups of .25-.46MOA That's pretty good.
</div></div>

I hope you get a good rifle, they should be tack drivers (just tend not to be). Having said that, where are you seeing these reviews.
 
Re: Kimber's tactical rifles?

I saw a review in Shooting Times, and I read one a while back somewhere else, but I can't think of it. It was a law enforcement review. Add to that people that I've talked to and know have shot the 8400AT, and they have all said it's a tack-driver.

I understand the price-point issue, but I'm also getting it for $400 under MSRP. And like oneshotonekill pointed out, you get a Hardigg case and a McMillan A5-Adj stock. Add to that the action-which I love-and I'm a happy camper. Compare that to many other rifles on the market, and I think it's pretty affordable.

My purpose for buying this rifle is for evaluation for future operational usage. I have to purchase and evaluate rifles and equipment based off of certain non-negotiable criteria, which the 8400AT and only a select few other rifles meet. I don't have the ability to spend $4k on a GAP or Nighthawk Custom or Surgeon for this particular rifle project, and I can't (and WON'T) get a used rifle. If some people have had negative experiences, I can't and won't discount their claims. Anything mechanical has a propensity to break or malfunction. When I juxtapose this to the other people who have ones that they like, all I hear is that they're absolute "laser beams" and "tack drivers". To each their own.
 
Re: Kimber's tactical rifles?

USACS I think you are missing out on some great values with a lot of life left by refusing to buy a used rifle. The way the average Hide member takes care of his gear you can pick up some very well taken care of rifles for very good prices. Its pretty easy to tell by talking to the seller or knowing their history. A look through the classifieds will turn up GAP, Patriots, etc. for 3/4 or less of new with 300 rounds or less through the pipe.

Here is just one example from a quick look through the for sale section. 2250 for a Gap with a lot of life left. It is a better rifle...better built and will resell much better in the future. Proven shooter that has 3/4 of its barrel life left and then would be a realatively cheap set back and keep shooting. This and ones like it pass through here every week. http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1784120#Post1784120
 
Re: Kimber's tactical rifles?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: USACS</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><span style="color: #FF0000">I saw a review in Shooting Times</span>, and I read one a while back somewhere else, but I can't think of it. It was a law enforcement review. Add to that people that I've talked to and know have shot the 8400AT, and they have all said it's a tack-driver.

I understand the price-point issue, but I'm also getting it for $400 under MSRP. And like oneshotonekill pointed out, you get a Hardigg case and a McMillan A5-Adj stock. Add to that the action-which I love-and I'm a happy camper. Compare that to many other rifles on the market, and I think it's pretty affordable.

My purpose for buying this rifle is for evaluation for future operational usage. I have to purchase and evaluate rifles and equipment based off of certain non-negotiable criteria, which the 8400AT and only a select few other rifles meet. I don't have the ability to spend $4k on a GAP or Nighthawk Custom or Surgeon for this particular rifle project, and I can't (and WON'T) get a used rifle. If some people have had negative experiences, I can't and won't discount their claims. Anything mechanical has a propensity to break or malfunction. When I juxtapose this to the other people who have ones that they like, all I hear is that they're absolute "laser beams" and "tack drivers". To each their own. </div></div>

I read that article myself but it lost a lot of credibility when it stated the M40A3 had a McMillan A5 stock... It's an A4. I find that once an article makes a glaring error like that I'm less inclined to take it seriously. However, I did read other positive reviews. Just google it.
 
Re: Kimber's tactical rifles?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: oneshot onekill</div><div class="ubbcode-body">it lost a lot of credibility when it stated the M40A3 had a McMillan A5 stock... It's an A4. I find that once an article makes a glaring error like that I'm less inclined to take it seriously..</div></div>

I couldn't agree more. When I read a article and it has a error like that I don't know whats true in it....
 
Re: Kimber's tactical rifles?

"I saw a review in Shooting Times"



It sounds like your set on the kimber. From a current owner I would never buy another one. Your experience can and will vary