Kimber for Custom Build

[nm.otter]

how much did that Pendleton LRH weigh? Not too many details on their site.

I don't recall the exact numbers, but the LRH was 2-3 oz lighter than the HCS on the samples I was sent. Some portion of that could have been due to being cut for different LOPs (challenging to measure without the action in place) but the forend was noticeably shorter on the LRH.

 

[nm.otter]

My Daystate PH6 has a walnut high-comb stock that fits beautifully for height, but it's an ambidextrous design with no cheek swell. When I lift it eyes closed and then open them, I reliably end up with a ~10° left cant.

Both the HCS and the LRH are handed and include a cheek swell, but the LRH just felt 'righter' to me. I'm not sure what this is called, but the LRH has much less drop from grip to toe than a sporter (though not as flat as a Rokstok). Bottom profile is similar to the Stocky's VG, but the comb is much better.

Graft the HCS cheek piece on an LRH stock and you're getting close to perfection (for me).

These stocks come in left or right hand, customized with inlet and LOP to your specs. Add swivel studs, QD cups, and Spartan Gunsmith Adapters where you want. Surprisingly affordable for all that.

 

[HNTR918]

Kimber needs aftermarket stock and chassis options with bottom metal or mags. In my option, the only reason they haven't grown in popularity.

 

[z987k]

This is all good info. I'm starting to watch some used sites for hopefully a decent deal on a Montana or Mt. Ascent. Any leads on bottom metal that will take AI mags?

The hunter and Montana lines(mt ascent, adirondak) are the exact same action and barrel. The difference is barrel length, threading and the stock between all of them. If you're doing a semi-custom based on a Kimber action, go get the hunter in your desired action length and save a ton of money. It's the exact same thing from your perspective.

 

[PathFinder]

Last night I mocked up some dummy rounds with the 115 DTAC seated where the BT is just above the neck/shoulder junction. Planning on the 112 MB for this build, which is .010 shorter. The 6 CM was around 2.83, and the 243 and 6 UM are just over 2.9". Probably the easiest and most straightforward solution is to build a Kimber Hunter 84M, modify the stock, use the factory magazines, and rebarrel to 6 CM.
The plan for the stock would be a few steps:

• Rambling rifle style chop in the front, maybe with some CF rods for reinforcement. Would drop a little weight and provide barrel clearance.
• Bed the action with chopped CF reinforced Marinetex gray. Does anyone have pictures of that area of the stock with the action removed?
• Negative comb, flat toe, and vertical grip in the rear.
  • This would include removing the gel and replacing with the Loctite foam. Basically cut the shell of the stock except for pivot points at the toe, comb, and grip, then move them into the desired position and fill the gaps with foam. Sand to shape, then apply CF over the outside to provide the structure for the new geometry. Should be pretty straightforward and end up lighter than the factory stock with the gel still in place.

 

[Thegman]

Questions from @PathFinder (the list part seemed to mess up the response format??)

**Does the Kimber action bring the same advantages a pre-64 M70 does in terms of reliability, or not? Is their trigger mechanically similar?**

I don't have much experience with M70s, but Kimber actions have been very reliable with a couple of caveats.

Early, pre-25K serial numbers commonly had some feeding issues, so avoid those if you’re buying a used donor. Kimber redesigned the feed rails somewhere between 21K and 25K and fixed that.

I've had light firing pin strikes on one. Kimber sent a stronger fp spring unit and that was cured. So very fixable if you were to run into it.

Their trigger is very different from a M70 trigger, especially the older M70 trigger. I think their triggers a very good. Their safety works a little different internally. They have a couple of patents on the changes they made.

**Any aftermarket detachable magazine bottom metal?**

Nothing aftermarket that I've seen, just their Hunter magazine.

**Any reasons to stay away from the Kimber? Certainly no prefits is one disadvantage, as is the lack of aftermarket support.**


None other than what you've listed, in my opinion. If you want lightweight, there's very little that competes with their actions.

 

[Thegman]

Last night I mocked up some dummy rounds with the 115 DTAC seated where the BT is just above the neck/shoulder junction. Planning on the 112 MB for this build, which is .010 shorter. The 6 CM was around 2.83, and the 243 and 6 UM are just over 2.9". Probably the easiest and most straightforward solution is to build a Kimber Hunter 84M, modify the stock, use the factory magazines, and rebarrel to 6 CM.
The plan for the stock would be a few steps:

I haven't messed with Hunter magazines, but I don't think either magazine option will allow those OALs, especially the 2 9". I haven't messed with Montana loads for awhile, but pretty sure 2.82" is max OAL, at least in older Montanas. So check that before you plan much further, especially if you need 2.9"; unless they've changed something, 2.82" will be ~max OAL

 

[S.Clancy]

My Kimber Hunter 6.5 Creed weighs 6lb 2oz scoped with the full 22-inch barrel. I carry 1800 fps to 850 yds at my elevation (5200') and that is with an under max load. If you cranked on one, you could get more. IMO, great little rifles.

For reference, I load to max mag length, which on the hunter mags is right around that 2.820"

 

[PathFinder]

I haven't messed with Hunter magazines, but I don't think either magazine option will allow those OALs, especially the 2 9". I haven't messed with Montana loads for awhile, but pretty sure 2.82" is max OAL, at least in older Montanas. So check that before you plan much further, especially if you need 2.9"; unless they've changed something, 2.82" will be ~max OAL

The 6CM looks like it would fit just barely in the 84M magazines. The 243 AI would definitely require going to an 84L. That's the next thing to decide; is the 243 AI worth fire forming and a slightly heavier action? Especially in a rifle that may be 6lbs scoped? I'm still crunching the numbers on that, haven't quite settled on one or the other. Barrel life is somewhat of a factor as well. Factoring in $1 of barrel for every shot isn't conducive to practicing a lot. I'd like at least 1500 rounds per barrel on whatever this ends up being chambered in.
It seems that CDI used to offer bottom metal for them, but they have been out of business for a while. I've poked around a bit but haven't been able to find any for sale.

 

[Thegman]

The 6CM looks like it would fit just barely in the 84M magazines. The 243 AI would definitely require going to an 84L. That's the next thing to decide; is the 243 AI worth fire forming and a slightly heavier action? Especially in a rifle that may be 6lbs scoped? I'm still crunching the numbers on that, haven't quite settled on one or the other. Barrel life is somewhat of a factor as well. Factoring in $1 of barrel for every shot isn't conducive to practicing a lot. I'd like at least 1500 rounds per barrel on whatever this ends up being chambered in.
It seems that CDI used to offer bottom metal for them, but they have been out of business for a while. I've poked around a bit but haven't been able to find any for sale.

And check the 84L against the 84M before you buy, if you haven't already. I personally don't like the 84L nearly as much as the 84M. For whatever reason, the bolt throw of the 84L almost puts the bolt in my face when cycling the action.

 

[HuntWyld]

 

[Levy_ken]

Kimber needs aftermarket stock and chassis options with bottom metal or mags. In my option, the only reason they haven't grown in popularity.

Say I were to design and build some sort of 84M chassis… how much interest would there be? Don’t have my own machines capable of this, so I would have to contract it out to someone (probably with a minimum part # requirement). Just trying to gauge interest and see if it would be worth it.

Have an 84M Hunter of my own that I’ve been trying to figure out what to do with so I might do it regardless.

 

[handwerk]

I'd be interested in a chassis if produced.

 

[HuntWyld]

Say I were to design and build some sort of 84M chassis… how much interest would there be? Don’t have my own machines capable of this, so I would have to contract it out to someone (probably with a minimum part # requirement). Just trying to gauge interest and see if it would be worth it.

Have an 84M Hunter of my own that I’ve been trying to figure out what to do with so I might do it regardless.

If you look at the stockys thread and the rokstock lite thread I think any aftermarket offerings for a Kimber 84m would do really well, the demand seems high for no real offerings other than a full custom.

 

[Levy_ken]

If you look at the stockys thread and the rokstock lite thread I think any aftermarket offerings for a Kimber 84m would do really well, the demand seems high for no real offerings other than a full custom.

Yeah my research for my 84M has led me down some of those threads and seems to be a common theme.

If I were to design one, what kind of features do people think are 100% necessities? Would like to keep it as minimal as possibly to keep with the “spirit” of the 84M action.

 

[HuntWyld]

Yeah my research for my 84M has led me down some of those threads and seems to be a common theme.

If I were to design one, what kind of features do people think are 100% necessities? Would like to keep it as minimal as possibly to keep with the “spirit” of the 84M action.

Has to be pretty light weight as the people that are passionate about the Kimber are so because of how light the actions are.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Bill of materials? You looking for what all went into the rifle parts wise?



All short actions are 84m and my understanding is the ascent has fluted bolt/barrel and carbon stock that’s dipped with blind magazine. Montana has standard components carbon stock and blind mag. Hunter/hunter pro is standard components and plastic stock with detachable magazine but this route gives you the ability to canabalize the stock and build a carbon stock using the detachable mags.

Pretty much, Montana and mountain ascent are basically the same the mountain ascent has a fluted barrel, bolt and then a milled bolt handle and extractor. The stocks are the same except the mountain ascent has that grippy soft touch paint.

A hunter is the same thing as a Montana but it has a plastic stock with the detachable magazine. The action, trigger, barrel is the same.

 

[Levy_ken]

Has to be pretty light weight as the people that are passionate about the Kimber are so because of how light the actions are.

Right - simple, light, not $1500

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Say I were to design and build some sort of 84M chassis… how much interest would there be? Don’t have my own machines capable of this, so I would have to contract it out to someone (probably with a minimum part # requirement). Just trying to gauge interest and see if it would be worth it.

Have an 84M Hunter of my own that I’ve been trying to figure out what to do with so I might do it regardless.

Dosent MPI make a nice ultra lite Kimber stock?

 

[mtwarden]

I'm pretty sure that no aftermarket stock could weigh any less than a Hunter stock ridded of it's gel and and replaced w/ spray foam. You could make it a chassis or change the shape of the stock, but would be really tough to get it any lighter.