Thinking of selling Kimber 84M for pre-64 Winchester 70

[BluegrassDan]

I have a great Kimber 84M in .308 that drives tacks. However, I've been getting the itch for a pre-64 Winchester model 70. I don't see myself saving up to buy the Winny in addition to the Kimber.

Should I do it? Pros/cons?

 

[cmb3366]

I have a 1958 featherweight chambered in 243 that came to me by way of my grandfather. Simply the fact that it was one of my grandfather's favorite rifles (and he was quite a gun crank) makes it special to me and one I will never sell. That said, I really do not understand the huge premium they bring. Quite frankly the sins of 1964 have been righted for over 20 years now with the classic model 70's, I am a major fan of my New Haven classic, and from what I have heard the FN produced rifles are some of the finest ever.

I would not trade a rifle that you know is a shooter to chase an unknown quantity in a vintage rifle if the object of the game is accuracy and reliability. If you want a pre-64, by all means save and buy one, but don't hawk the Kimber to make that happen.

 

[Fremmer]

Keep the shooter.

 

[jmr40]

Any rifle with family history is worth keeping. Buying a pre-64 Winchester is like walking through a mine field unless you know what you are doing. Most are over priced and over rated. Others well made and worth a fortune, subtle differences in the guns make huge differences in value. Most of the really good ones are in the hands of folks who aren't selling.

The Winchester Classics made between 1992 and 2002 are better rifles than anything made prior to 1964. They were actually made until 2006, but the closer you get to a 2006 made gun the greater the odds of getting one with a few issues. Nothing major that some minor tweaking wouldn't correct, just not as good as the early Classics. These are a little easier to find at fair prices and know you're getting a quality rifle. But they are starting to increase in value as people understand how good they are.

I'd keep the Kimber if you like it.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

I got nothin' for the poll.

Were you talking about a particular Winchester with prices, I'd have something to consider for comps.

To simply sell a Kimber you're pleased with in hopes of finding a Winchester you can afford and which will at least equal the Kimber's known performance is asking a bit too much - I think.

Well, maybe that is in fact a qualified NO.
Todd.

 

[Savage99]

Dan,

Do you use the M70 308? Do you have other rifles that are more suitable in the rain and snow?

I have had all of the pre M70's I want for the half century and more along with Kimber's now.

I like both and use the Kimbers more and in particular in bad weather.

I would keep the M70 and save and work to build your collection.

 

[Bobson]

If the Kimber's as good as you say, seems kinda loony tunes to even consider selling it to fund a new rifle that would simply serve the same purpose. You don't say what you use em for, but I assume hunting. The Kimber is an excellent hunting rifle; the ONLY con it has is its cost - but you've already bought it.

Why sell it? That makes no sense to me.

 

[sage5907]

I think you need to buy the Winchester and keep the Kimber. That way you can evaluate one against the other and see which one you like the best. Then sell one of them at a later date. I bought my first pre 64 Model 70 in the early 1970's and that was a great decision for me, and I have bought several others since. To a hunter who loves his pre 64 Model 70 rifles nothing else will do!

 

[redneck2]

Sounds like you're dumping the prom queen to get the girl behind the curtain that you've never met or even seen

Might wanna take two steps back and ask yourself "What am I gonna gain?"

 

[Casefull]

I have a win mod 70 pre 64 in 06. It is an over weight, inaccurate rifle. Lots of nostalgia with that platform. I also own a number of kimbers. You can guess my advice.

 

[Gtscotty]

A bird in the hand... etc.


Aside from being somewhat iconic, what is it that you think the pre-64 will do better than your Kimber?

 

[MCMXI]

Sounds like you're dumping the prom queen to get the girl behind the curtain that you've never met or even seen

Hard to say it any better!

 

[MachIVshooter]

If you were stepping up to a Dakota or Cooper, I'd say go for it. But a model 70? No way.

 

[Rodman579]

i have a Kimber 8400 tactical that is a tack driver that i really like. on the other hand at one point i owned 12 Winchester model 70s pre 64s in all different calibers. they all shot great and were great rifles. i kept my 06 and 243 as they were worth the least plus would cover all my hunting needs. they both shoot lights out and are just beautiful rifles. i would go with your gut and get what rifle you really want as life is too short. just have both!

 

[P5 Guy]

Keep the Kimber and forget about that Winchester.

 

[ironworkerwill]

If a pre64 is really what you want then go for it. You will only be truly educated after the deal is done.

 

[matrem]

Have enough first hand on only one Kimber 84M to comment.
I do have more first hand experience with a few pre 64s.

Not one of the pre 64s I've shot are even in the same class as the one 84M as far as accuracy.

Nostalgia?
Only you can decide what that's worth.

 

[PabloJ]

I have a great Kimber 84M in .308 that drives tacks. However, I've been getting the itch for a pre-64 Winchester model 70. I don't see myself saving up to buy the Winny in addition to the Kimber.

Should I do it? Pros/cons?

My only hunting rifle is late 50s Winchester Model 70. It is heavy, durable, accurate well proven rifle. If I had to trade places with you I would keep the Kimber. Americans are fond of saying only accurate rifles are interesting.

 

[ironworkerwill]

In some folks mind the pre 64 mod 70 is like a classic car, insert your favorite. A new car goes faster, looks better, feels better, is more comfortable, and gets better fuel mileage. So why would you want a classic car?

The classics are a piece of history that can never be replaced regardless of any shortcoming. It is Americana.

 

[bushmaster1313]

The Kimber is a better rifle for taking game.
Much lighter and probably more accurate.

But it's a lot of fun to own and shoot a pre 64 Model 70

This Kimber 84M Classic Select in 257 Roberts was a tack driver:



I still have my Model 70's:

 

[browningguy]

I can't think of a single pro to doing it. An early Winchester will rarely be as good a rifle as your Kimber.

 

[Steve S.]

I am so pleased to read 84M praise rather than the ridicule I am so accustom to reading. I own an 84M CS Limited in .308 that I would not define as a "tack driver" but it will hold an inch at 1oo yards with Winchester PP 150 all day; excellent deer rifle as it is a pleasure to carry - very light. I love the gun but the model gets bashed quite a bit on other sites - thought mine was a beautiful, well made shooter but just thought it was me - thanks for the other opinions.