Author Topic: New Kimber Montana - mixed review UPDATE (Read 3837 times)

Zachary · « **Reply #30 on:** May 19, 2005, 10:01:18 AM »

Well, I just received 2 boxes of ammo for my .300WSM, one is Federal Premium 180 Nosler Partitions, and the other is 180 Barnes TSX. I thought I had ordered the Accubonds, but realized that I actually ordered the Partitions - not a big deal.

Anyway, as Headache suggested, I did in fact place one cartridge in the chamber and the rattling did in fact go away about 75% or so. When I put a round in the magazine only, the rattling did in fact go away about 90% When there was both a round in the chamber and one in the magazine, it was 100%.

I should note that I was really shaking the rifle pretty good to try and see if it would make any rattling noise. So although I could hear some rattling at the 75% mark, I seriously doubt that I would shake that rifle up that much in the field. Also, even at 75% it may be a little tick here or a little tat there - nothing too bad.

So I guess that when I go hunting in the field, whether on my way to a box blind, or just hunting while walking, I should have at least one cartridge in the magazine to make sure that the bolt won't rattle and make any noise.

Zachary

HuntingGuy · « **Reply #31 on:** May 19, 2005, 10:50:22 AM »

Zachary,

Shoot it and post pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Zachary · « **Reply #32 on:** May 19, 2005, 11:20:20 AM »

I just got the rings today and am waiting for the scope. I'll send pics as soon as I go to the range. :grin:

Zachary

Headache · « **Reply #33 on:** May 19, 2005, 11:26:09 AM »

Zachary,

The Kimber has a spring loaded ball detent that holds the bolt in the closed position to prevent the bolt from opening while you carry the rifle slung on your shoulder. This system adds a little drag on the bolt lift, but it is better then having the bolt opening and possibly loosing some ammo.

This is just one more feature added because of many complaints received while at Winchester.

Have a great day, :grin:
Headache

Zachary · « **Reply #34 on:** May 19, 2005, 04:29:19 PM »

Headache,

Yes, actually I just noticed that today. I must say that I was very glad to actually see that everything happened pretty much exactly as you said. Even your percentages were accurate.

Thanks again.

Zachary

Squeeze · « **Reply #35 on:** May 20, 2005, 03:38:55 AM »

Zachary,

OK, now that we are through the initial Kimber Adventures

,
I am waiting with great anticipation, to hear if it shoots itty bitty
groups. For all of this back and forth with Kimber, I sure hope
it does the actual function rifles are intended for...Shoot Accurately.

So far, if this were me, I'd still be a happy Kimber owner, but if
I couldn't get factory ammo into 1 MOA, my frustration would be
greatly amplified by the bolt issue, and the unexpected "features"
you have encountered. I wish you a 1 MOA rifle, sir...And I hope you
get that with this Kimber.

Drum roll please.....

Squeeze

Handwerk · « **Reply #36 on:** May 20, 2005, 10:51:30 AM »

so Zachary, I would be concerned about needing to carry a round in the chamber at all times just to keep your gun from rattling. For saftey reasons I usually don't have a round in until I need one. Is kimber going to say this is an acceptable thing to do? I for one have always told my kids this is not safe.

Zachary · « **Reply #37 on:** May 20, 2005, 11:03:34 AM »

I do not load a round in the chamber unless either I am in the field AND ready to shoot, or I am in a box blind and the safety is on. Headache/Kimber said that the if a round was in the chamber, then the rattling would go away by about 75% and if a round was in the magazine (and not in the chamber) then it would still go away by about 100%. When I received my ammo yesterday, I confirmed what Headache said, and his figures were accurate.

I normally walk around with rounds in the magazine anyway (notice I said magazine, NOT chamber) so it really doesn't affect me, and it doesn't appear to be a safety issue either.

Zachary

Headache · « **Reply #38 on:** May 20, 2005, 11:06:38 AM »

Handwerk,

You do not need to carry a round in the chamber, you only need to have a round in the magazine.

Headache

Handwerk · « **Reply #39 on:** May 21, 2005, 02:52:22 AM »

I am sorry Zachary and headache, I misunderstood you, I thought you were saying you also needed one in the chamber.

RodBuster · « **Reply #40 on:** May 24, 2005, 02:38:41 PM »

:cry:
I'm not one to jump in and bash a product, but I can't believe someone makes a $1000 rifle and they accept a rattle when no cartridges are in the magazine/chamber.

Some guided hunts don't allow cartridges in the chamber/magazine while moving about.

I would much rather have a bolt that is not as smooth as silk, and have a quiet rifle.

Zachary · « **Reply #41 on:** May 27, 2005, 05:08:09 PM »

I'm not thrilled with the idea of needing a live round in the magazine to make sure that the bolt in the action doesn't rattle, but at least it does go away.

I finally got the scope mounted on the gun. It is a Leupold VX-III 3.5x-10x-40mm. Hopefully I will take it to the range this weekend and give you guys an initial report.

Zachary

Ramrod · « **Reply #42 on:** May 28, 2005, 02:37:25 AM »

For me, it wouldn't be an issue. I put a round in the chamber and safety on as soon as I enter a hunting area. For me this is usually right after I leave my house :grin:, or my vehicle. I'm ready for whatever I come across. Safe gun handling will take care of the rest.

TScottO · « **Reply #43 on:** May 28, 2005, 05:54:30 AM »

I picked up a Montana in 7mm-08 yesterday and do not notice any rattling. The bolt and be moved on it's axis slightly if you desire to take your hand and move the thing but it doesn't rattle. Maybe there is a difference in the standard short action and the WSM actions.

Take Care,
Scott

Zachary · « **Reply #44 on:** May 28, 2005, 10:17:59 AM »

Good question. Kimber said that the actions used to be tight, but there was a redesign whereby the action is actually a little bit bigger than the bolt in order to make the action smoother. Perhaps your rifle was made before the redesign? I don't know. I'm sure that Headache (who works for Kimber) would know the answer to this question.

Zachary

DaddyPaul · « **Reply #45 on:** June 09, 2005, 05:05:45 PM »

Zachary,
You need to call in sick very soon and head out to the range and shoot the Kimber! I don't know how you can stand it. Please? :lol:

Zachary · « **Reply #46 on:** June 10, 2005, 02:04:03 AM »

Actually, I went last weekend and have some targets to show you guys. I have to upload the pics and prepare the post, but I can't do it right now. Maybe today or this weekend. Okay? :grin:

Zachary

HuntingGuy · « **Reply #47 on:** June 10, 2005, 06:48:39 AM »

Geez, the suspense!!!!!!!!!

HuntingGuy · « **Reply #48 on:** June 13, 2005, 05:42:31 AM »

Come on Zachary, don't hog the targets for yourself!! :-D

Zachary · « **Reply #49 on:** June 13, 2005, 08:00:15 AM »

Sorry but I got really tied up with Court all day today. Gotta finish a motion but I should have the pics up by tomorrow at the latest.

Zachary