Kimber Mountain Ascent Firing Pin Spring.

[Stid2677]

Let me first say,, that I'm totally happy with both my Mountain Ascents, I have had to work on both. The 280AI needed the most as I had to polished the follower and blind box to get it to feed right. Both are very accurate, but both would misfire every once in a while and was worst with factory than my handloads. I'm a very precise reloader and it caused me to be very exact. I started neck sizing was able to eliminate the misfires.

I had both these to a gunsmith and had the firing pin depth checked and it was good, we did discover that both firing pin set screws were loose. The other day I tried some factory loads to foul my barrel and again got a misfire. I decide to call Kiimber CS and after a long conversation convinced the rep to let me BUY 2 new springs, just so I could eliminate that as a cause. I did try to buy new ones from WOLF, but the springs they stock fit the regular Montana but are too big in diameter to fit inside the bolt on the MA.

This factory error, cost me both money, time and frustration.

So my new spring from Kimber arrived yesterday and I believe my issue is now resolved. The new springs are over an inch longer and they strike the primer with much more force and I can also tell a difference in the force it takes to recock the bolt.

So a picture is worth a 1000 words.

Primers,, new spring on left and old on the right.

 

[WestDan]

that's frustrating. especially with rifles that are supposed to be pretty high end. glad you found the problem and hopefully they work properly now.

 

[chippewawarrior]

Hope Kimber refunds your money and includes some swag for your time...

 

[Mjm316]

Any comments from Kimber on your findings? I really hope they make it right for you

 

[Stid2677]

Not even going to waste my time, trying to convince them. Just happy to have it fixed, stuff like that can make you question your rifle or reloading.

 

[Shrek]

Glad you got it fixed but you really shouldn't have to be doing things like polishing the follower and magazine box or replacing firing pin springs on that expensive of a rifle. Kimber would sell a bunch more rifles if they could get quality control right. They're a great design but too often poorly executed.

 

[luke moffat]

Bummer deal but glad you found the root cause! Gotta be ready for this fall!!

 

[SJ-AK]

I had the same issue with a Montana a few years ago. One and done for me.