Anyone shot a RECENT Kimber M84?

[Grey Morel]

I'm looking at a Kimber 84 Montana in 223 as the "general "rifle" for a new rifle battery I'm building.

While doing my research I came across the poor accuracy and light strike reports on 24 campfire, Cabelas talk, and other internet forums.

Problem is, these reports are all from 3-5 years ago when Kimber was flooded with Back orders. Having actually done industrial work, I can see how tired workers could let something like a poor crown or maladjusted striker slip through the QC cracks; especially when business is slammed day after day.

What is the consensus NOW, For a NEW gun? I would hate to send a $900-1,000 rifle back to the factory for an accuracy problem, especially when everything else about the gun seems so nice.

 

[jmr40]

I've had my 308 for 1.5 years. Once I found a load it likes mine has been consistent MOA. Based on lots of posts on 24hourcampfire it seems the 7-08 is the caliber that they are having problems getting to shoot well. Most of the other calibers seem pretty solid.

If you have a problem with light primer strikes it is easily corrected with the Kimber. I briefly thought mine was giving light strikes until I realized I had some primers set too deeply.

If you do have problems with this there is an adjustment screw that allows you to adjust how far the firing pin protrudes from the bolt face. It is as simple as loosening a set screw and turning the adjustment screw so the pin comes out a hair farther. Re-tighten the set screw and put the bolt back in the rifle.

Most of the accuracy problems are caused by people who cannot shoot a 5 lb rifle well. It does require more attention to technique because the lighter weight is less forgiving. Once you get used to it I have found them to be plenty accurate.

 

[Geno]

I have a 6-month-old Kimber M84 LPT in .308 Win. It is blistering-accurate even with ball ammo. With Blackhills ammo, it will place 5 shots in a tight little cluster.

Geno

 

[deadeye1122]

Not what the OP asked but I have to agree with jmr40 on accuracy. Different people shoot different. I have a 84M .260 rem 5 years now that shoots 1 inch or less@200 yds off a rest with hand loads. Is that .5 MOA ? I get confused. Anyway my reloader/shooting /fishing friend can hit pop bottles off hand off the target rest at 200. I can't do it. Never had a miss fire with factory or reloads. I would really like to own a Montana in 338 Federal.

 

[Grey Morel]

I 'sling up', supporting arm dirrectly under the gun, when shooting ofhand. When I get the oprotunity I use field expedient rests such as tree trunks, in conjuction with the sling.

What is this 'technique' you use for shooting light rifles?

 

[jmr40]

When shooting for small groups on a bench with sandbags the lightweight rifles are far less forgiving of small errors. An 8 lb rifle will not move and shake nearly as much when you pull the trigger as a 5 lb rifle will. Think about it, a 3lb trigger pull can cause a 5 lb rifle to move around on the bags. An 8 lb rifle will be rock steady.

People who are used to shooting heavier rifles still get good groups with less than perfect form. With a light rifle you really have to concentrate and do everything right to get small groups. A lot of people blame the Kimber rifles for poor accuracy, when the problem is not really with the rifle.

When shooting from field positions the rifles balance is more important than weight. I've found the Kimber to balance well and is as easy to hit with from field positions as anything.

 

[Grey Morel]

Thanks for that explanation. I didn't consider the trigger pull .Vs weight.

I hardly do any bench shooting at all. Even for target practice, I shoot from field positions. I never really saw the benefit of bench shooting for hunters.

 

[jmr40]

Shooting from a bench is vital to find which load your rifle shoots well and for zeroing purposes. After that has been established practice from field positions is far more important. Most guys never get off the bench.

 

[Grey Morel]

I'm not particullarly interested in building pet loads.

I shoot a few rounds from the bench to make adjustments after I bore sight. After that it's all field shooting. This method has worked well for me for several years now.

 

[a-sheepdog]

I don't onw a Kimber, but my brother in law has one in 7mm-08 that is easily MOA all day long. It will sometimes shoot under 3/4" at 100 yards. He is a good shot and the rifle does its part. It is approximately 2 years old. I have used it on hogs a couple of times and put the bullet right where I wanted it. I have heard, however, that the quality is a hit and a miss. Sometimes you get a good one and sometimes not.