CMP Kimber Model 82's . . .

[Highland Ranger]

Contemplating a trip out to Ohio to get my first Garand. Still haven't decided which to get.

That aside, does anyone know anything about the target kimbers they are offering for sale?

Is the price good? (600?)

Link: http://www.odcmp.com/Services/Rifles/caliber22.htm

Might as well come home with another rifle for traveling all that way!

 

[Trebor]

I've seen the CMP Kimbers. They are nice rifles. As for the price, it depends. Do you really have a need for a dedicated .22 single-shot (I believe) target rifle? They are a specialized rifle and there are more economical choices for informal shooting. If you really want an accurate .22 or want to get into competition though, they'd work well.

Personally, I'd get one at $400. For $600 I really can't justify it for myself since I don't really have a need for a specialized .22 target rifle and I can put that money towards something I'd get more use out of.

 

[Highland Ranger]

Teaching the kids how to shoot - a bolt action 22 would be just the ticket.

Although I do realize there are much cheaper options . . . . . something to think about I guess.

 

[Trebor]

Teaching the kids how to shoot - a bolt action 22 would be just the ticket.

Although I do realize there are much cheaper options . . . . . something to think about I guess.

They are heavy rifles. IIRC, they are about 11 pounds. I'm not sure if they would be the best choice for kids. (I could be off on the weight though. They'd be worth checking out at the CMP store and deciding for yourself).

 

[Beemerguy53]

I bought my Kimber 82 from the CMP about three years ago.

You will notice that most of these rifles have a scar on the stock, from where a razor blade was used to slice open the bags to check the S/N some years ago. I repaired the scar on my stock with wet/dry emory paper and Arrow wood refinish, which made it just about disappear.

The Kimber is indeed a single-shot rifle. It is beautifully made, fits me well, has a great trigger and sights. Now for the bad news: It is a female rifle, and likes only the most expensive ammunition. Shoots nice, tight groups with Eley, inexpensive .22 is all over the target, and even some .22 labeled as "target" ammo does not group well. The best compromise I have found is Dynamit Nobel, which groups about as well as Eley in my rifle at a lower cost.

About 14 months ago, I bought an H&R Model 12, equipped with Redfield sights, from my local gunshop for $350. It is also a heavy-barreled, single-shot bolt-action milsurp .22. While it too, like many other .22s, is very ammo-sensitive, on balance it actually shoots better than the Kimber.

The Kimber is a fine piece, and I'm sure you will like it, but I think there are other choices to consider before you buy it.

 

[Trebor]

Beemerguy,

How much does the Kimber weigh? Was I close or am I off target on the weight?

 

[Sheldon]

From the description on the CMP site, "This single shot .22LR has an overall weight of 10.75 lbs, a length of 43 inches, an adjustable trigger, three butt plate spacers, and a hand stop assembly. Rifle is complete with a Kimber rear aperature sight, a front sight with ten inserts, and the original technical manual.

I've heard they can be good shooters, but that parts are just about impossible to get. They may or may not be competitive depending on what game you're interested in getting into. A used Anschutz is around that price and parts are around if needed.

 

[ball3006]

Look for a Mossburg M44.....

the one I got from the CMP will shoot less than dime sized groups at 25 meters with Federal Lightning cheapo ammo.........chris3