How buy Kimber action/barrel for aftermarket stock ?

[lifeisgoodsteve]

Hi All,

Does anyone have experience or know if you can buy basically a Kimber Hunter or Montana without the stock?

I love the weight of the gun, the stainless components and kimber's fit and finish, but the stocks in 6.5 creedmoor are simply too small to get a good cheek weld without excessive bend of my neck. I know I can install an aftermarket cheek piece, which is one option, but integrated into the stock is just so nice and clean.

For reference, the Weatherby stocks fit wonderfully and the Kimber stock in the larger action .300 win mag felt much better, but there's a considerable weight gain of about 2 lbs. with the Weatherby.

Does anyone happen to know an aftermarket stock that is very similar in fit to the Weatherby?

I'm going to call Manners stocks tomorrow when they're open to check with them as some look similar, but photos are tough to judge by.

Thanks,

Steve

 

[HonkeyMcGee88]

I'm a little confused on what you are going to be calling Manners to ask but if it is weight questions they have a pretty well made chart on the website that shows all the stocks they offer with approx weights, and I believe dimensions as well.

If that what you are after?

To answer the first question I'm not sure you can get a barrel action of the kimber rifle and I'm not exactly sure what they go for but a custom barreled action is a great option if you are already planning on changing the stock anyway.

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[mt100gr.]

Do you already have the rifle and are looking for a stock? Are you dead set on a Kimber in 6.5? There are a lot of options that could be a more straight forward way to get this elusive rifle in your hands. The Kimber hunter has the box mag issue to address as well.

In any case, I have a kimber hunter in 6.5 that I am thinking about selling. PM me if you would like to chat about it.

 

[lifeisgoodsteve]

Thanks. Going to ask Manners which of their stocks is close to the dimensions/shape of the Weatherby stock, as that one fits me very well. So was asking if anyone knows an aftermarket stock that's similar to the Weatherby one.

Sorry for my ignorance, but you're talking about an aftermarket barreled action that is not from one of the major mfr.? What kind of price range for something of similar quality to the all stainless Kimbers?

Figure a Kimber Hunter is just $799 but hate to buy it then immediately toss the stock as not sure could sell for anything meaningful.

Thanks,

Steve

 

[mt100gr.]

Custom barreled action would definitely be more costly. Howa sells barreled actions but not sure on the stainless?? But that would just be a round about way to putting together a Weatherby.

I'm honestly not sure which other manufacturers sell just barreled actions and I doubt many would be in the neighborhood of the Kimber hunter, cost wise.

I'll be curious to hear what manners has to say....might make me want to keep my Hunter.

 

[tdhanses]

McMillian use to inlet for the Kimber, not sure if they still do. I’d contact wildcat composites and see what they can do. There is a company that makes lightweight composite stocks for the Kimber but for the life of me I can’t remeber the name, they were accused of using popsicle sticks in their stocks at one point, it’s out of WA or OR.

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Custom barreled action would definitely be more costly. Howa sells barreled actions but not sure on the stainless?? But that would just be a round about way to putting together a Weatherby.

I'm honestly not sure which other manufacturers sell just barreled actions and I doubt many would be in the neighborhood of the Kimber hunter, cost wise.

I'll be curious to hear what manners has to say....might make me want to keep my Hunter.

Truthfully after owning a Kimber 8400, I would rather get a howa barreled action or a used tikka as a starting point.

 

[mt100gr.]

McMillian use to inlet for the Kimber, not sure if they still do. I’d contact wildcat composites and see what they can do. There is a company that makes lightweight composite stocks for the Kimber but for the life of me I can’t remeber the name, they were accused of using popsicle sticks in their stocks at one point, it’s out of WA or OR.

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Truthfully after owning a Kimber 8400, I would rather get a howa barreled action or a used tikka as a starting point.

I agree. I want to like that little Kimber for what it is and it's weight but if I did it over, I'd buy another Tikka. I bought the Kimber entirely on impulse and can't get excited enough about it to work up a load for it. It shoots the 129 sst pretty darn good and that's been all I have needed for the assignments that rifle has been given. Which have been few.

 

[lifeisgoodsteve]

Thanks for all the input guys.

The reason I'm trying to go for the kimber are:
1. Light weight
2. Fit and finish experience with their 3" K6s revolver I love
3. Hunting buddy and I are both buying new rifles for backpack hunting, so would be nice (not essential) if same for:
a. shared backup parts / tools to work on them
b. reloading - better chance can use same bullet recipe for both guns
4. Reputation - I know Hunter's have had some bad experiences, but sounds like more towards the beginning and hopefully notably improved, plus we all know we are generally much more vocal when a negative experience vs. positive ones

If I didn't have to pay for the Montana stock, I'd be happy to get a Montana with an aftermarket stock, then not have the removable magazine.

Weatherby MarkV Ultra Lightweight is an option ( 6 1/4 lbs. vs. Hunter 5.5lbs) but it's $2300
Weatherby MarkV Weathermark another option ( 6 1/4 lbs. I beleive) at $1700 but has the chrome-oly cerakote barrel vs. stainless

I'm not a fanatic about weight but would not like to go above this 6 1/4lb..

Hunter option new= $799 + est. $600 stock = $1400ish and close to 5lb.
(looks like Hunter stock is 32oz. and the Manners stocks are quoted at 24-26oz)

Anyone have experience with the Cerakote barrels after miles and years of backcountry backpack hunting? ( I'm sure I can search but haven't yet as focused mainly on stainless)

Thanks,

Steve

 

[tdhanses]

Really for everything you want to share with your buddy you only need the same caliber rifle, not same rifle. If the $2300 option is next I’d look at a Christensen arms ridgeline rifles and save $400 over the Weatherby, but that a large diff in price between your options which there are many many great options to look at.

Manners inlets for Kimbers now? Been a few years but they didn’t last I’d checked. You could get a barreled Howa action and Wildcat composite stock and probably be at or around 6lbs bare for less then or around $1000 if you are handy.

HOWA 1500 6.5 CREEDMOOR 22" SPORTER BARRELED ACTION | Brownells

 

[lifeisgoodsteve]

I'll let you know what they say at Manners about the Kimbers.

Thanks for the link to the HOWA barreled action...very interesting indeed.

The Christensen Arms didn't fit me as naturally as the Weatherby when shouldered as I was open to it. Interesting key point I learned from shouldering many rifles is how much they fit differently and how much that effected the "feel" when shouldering.

Just saw I can pick up the Weatherby Ultra Lightweight locally at Sportsman's Warehouse for $1850 in 6.5 cm. Weighing 5 3/4lbs and fitting very well, might be the ticket.

 

[tdhanses]

Yeah that might be the way to go with the Weatherby, you never know if you’ll like the manners stock till you try it.

 

[HonkeyMcGee88]

Thanks. Going to ask Manners which of their stocks is close to the dimensions/shape of the Weatherby stock, as that one fits me very well. So was asking if anyone knows an aftermarket stock that's similar to the Weatherby one.

Sorry for my ignorance, but you're talking about an aftermarket barreled action that is not from one of the major mfr.? What kind of price range for something of similar quality to the all stainless Kimbers?

Figure a Kimber Hunter is just $799 but hate to buy it then immediately toss the stock as not sure could sell for anything meaningful.

Thanks,

Steve

Any decent aftermarket action will be as good if not better in most cases.

But they are significantly more than that, like probably in about the two grand range for a good barreled action with smithing fees Etc

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[lifeisgoodsteve]

Ok, McMillan and Manners do NOT make stocks for the Kimber action. Kimber does NOT sell just the barreled action either.

Wayne at Oregun Gunsmithing (Oregunsmithing LLC - Pendleton, OR) was very helpful confirming they make a variety of stocks for the Kimber with most weighing about 24 oz.(carbon, kevlar, etc.). It's my understanding that this price includes bedding, finish and all standard items. Very nice to have this option and from research have seen many positive comments about Wayne and his operation.

As I like the simplicity of the blind magazine, I'm seriously looking at buying the Montana, seeing just how it fits me and then in worst case scenario sell the Montana stock ($450 cost of new one) and get the Pendleton stock from Oregun.

Thanks guys.

Cheers

 

[Sled]

i know you mentioned you didn't want a cheek pad but...Triad Tactical, Inc. :: Triad Tactical :: All Triad Stock Packs™

that is the reason i'm able to shoot many of those small factory stocks. plus, i like having the extra ammo available and inside the zipper pouch.

if you are in it for the looks and some function, then spend the money and get the weatherby that fits you. otherwise, you have some options. build up the comb to the exact drop you want with filler material and paint it to match. get creative and enjoy the pride of a DIY job.

there are also adjustable cheek rests to look at. some require drilling the stock and some do not. here's one that doesn't Gear Review: Bradley Adjustable Cheek Rest - The Truth About Guns

good luck with your search. also look at the tikka superlite. you won't feel as bad when you modify the stock on one of those.

 

[lifeisgoodsteve]

Thanks for the tip. The Triad comb height pad/pouch looks like an interesting option.

Well, the Kimber Montana was going to be 2-3 month wait so I stretched and simply got the Mountain Ascent they had in stock. While I didn't need the lower weight or brake, they're certainly nice, but especially always loved the soft touch feeling on the stock. As I'll be carrying the rifle exponentially more than shooting it, feel good about the purchase. The fit may not be perfect, but it still feels pretty good.

I'll take it out for some practice sessions and see how it feels as is, then look into the triad comb raising kit.

Thanks guys for all the input.

Cheers!

 

[lifeisgoodsteve]

i know you mentioned you didn't want a cheek pad but...Triad Tactical, Inc. :: Triad Tactical :: All Triad Stock Packs™

that is the reason i'm able to shoot many of those small factory stocks. plus, i like having the extra ammo available and inside the zipper pouch.

Thanks for the tip, as it feels way more natural a fit with the Triad stock pad on there. I normally like to keep my rifle clean and simple, but so far this feels great and seems worth it.

Have you had the pad out hunting in the rain? If so, any issues?

Hoping to get out to the range and break in the barrel this week or weekend.

Thanks

 

[elkguide]

Sweet looking rig. What caliber did you go with?

 

[lifeisgoodsteve]

Sweet looking rig. What caliber did you go with?

Thanks, went with the 6.5 cm as it'll be my deer backpack rifle with hopefully an occasional antelope hunt squeezed in.

 

[Sled]

Glad you like the pad. I have had it in the rain, snow and other conditions. It gets wet but not water logged. I like that I can fit an extra mag, dope cards or loose rounds in the elastic loops. It hasn't hindered me in the woods and keeps what I need close. I bought one and have transferred it to several Sporter guns. Looks like it's time to buy another.

 

[lifeisgoodsteve]

Hi All,
Well, I've had a little time to carry this rifle in the hills and shoot it on the range. Inspires confidence with the improved natural fit with the raised cheek pad.

It took some practice to feel solid on the accuracy but I'm trying to keep equal pressure on my left hand, cheek, right hand and seems to be working. Rifle was plenty accurate out of the box and today was the first time shooting it at 200 and 300 yards, as the closest range usually just has the 100 yd. area open. (Ammo: Hornady Superformance 120gr. gmx bullet)

Feel great about the 200 yard groups which are shown in the attached photos, of 2 sets of 3 shots on the black target, a 3 shot group and a 2 shot group (last 2 bullets of the box).

At 300 yards I just shot 6 rounds experimenting with where to aim for bullet drop so was not consistent at all and wouldn't feel confident with this rifle yet firing at that distance to make an ethical shot (one I know I can hit 10 times out of 10).

Hopefully off to a buddy's property next week to practice shooting off the pack, and more field realistic positions.

Bottom line is I'm very happy with the purchase and would recommend a Mountain Ascent to anyone based on my experience so far.

Cheers,

Steve