What are my options?

[MuleyFever]

I think I have decided I will buy a 280AI. I have always wanted one so why not. So, what are my rifle options? I was looking at the Kimber Montana as that is about my budget. However, Kimber seams to have a love it or hate it reputation that makes me a bit nervous. Are there any other options for about the same money for a 6lb or so rifle?

 

[fightthenoise]

Dude. Bergara Premier, either Mountain or Stalker depending on what weight/barrel length you want. I lean Mountain. A 280 AI in that model is on my short list of guns to own in the near future. I need one like I need a hole in the head though.


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[handwerk]

If I were you I'd go with the montana if I couldn't spend the dough on a customized model 70.

 

[jspickar]

Savage makes 4 different models of the 110 in 280 ai.

My dad built me a 280ai and I am really happy with the cartridge performance

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[hunting1]

Love my Kimbers! Never had any bad ones though.

 

[mtmuley]

There's a pretty sweet custom for sale on OYOA. mtmuley

 

[belly-deep]

Don't fear the Kimber. Its amazing how long internet reputation survives...

 

[Formidilosus]

Don't fear the Kimber. Its amazing how long internet reputation survives...

I’ve seen a half dozen new ones in the last year. A couple shot ok out of the box, a couple couldn’t consistently hit a 2 MOA target- all needed the Kimber tweaks to make right.


They are a neat package, but they have issues and when seen in large numbers it becomes obvious.

 

[MuleyFever]

What are these Kimber tweaks?

 

[Formidilosus]

What are these Kimber tweaks?

Check action and barrel channel for stress
Bed the lug
Check front base screw and trim if contacting barrel threads
Check that mag box isn’t binding, and free to move
Check action screws for correct length
Check chamber
Check crown

 

[belly-deep]

I’ve seen a half dozen new ones in the last year. A couple shot ok out of the box, a couple couldn’t consistently hit a 2 MOA target- all needed the Kimber tweaks to make right.


They are a neat package, but they have issues and when seen in large numbers it becomes obvious.

That's funny because I now own 4 84Ms, 4 8400 WSMs, and one 84L. All but one were made in the last 4 years. I've only had issues with one of them, and it was a very early model .308.

All are shooting MOA, a couple of them shoot 1/2 MOA, including a 280 AI Subalpine.

I'd say 8 out of 9 is pretty good.

 

[WJS23]

I personally know quite a few people that own kimber and have never had a problem with them and my wife’s Montana 84m shoots just as good if not better than my tikka and is a bit lighter my next rifle will be a moss ma in 280ai

 

[6mm Remington]

If I were you I'd go with the montana if I couldn't spend the dough on a customized model 70.

I think the Montana Rifle Company product looks to be a good one! They tout it as having the best of the pre-64 model 70 and the Mauser 98. I just had a custom 280AI built on a Winchester Model 70 Classic Sporter with the wood stock. It has a 24" Shilen match 1-9 twist barrel and was coated in John Norrell moly resin. The action was trued and squared up and the trigger adjusted to 2 1/2 pounds. The stock was pillar and glass bedded. I love that thing and it shoots great!!

 

[mtswampfox]

have had three Kimbers 308 refused to fire bent firing pin repaired by Kimber by send in bolt 22-250 light hits intermittent firing repaired by Kimber sent in just bolt 45acp compact 1911 night sight lens out when received gun had to send slide back to Kimber for repair. Three Kimbers three returns but still carry the 45, still have the 250 the 308 sold and missed. My .02

 

[JO.]

I just bought a new Montana in 280ai and got it about 2 weeks ago. I picked up some factory nosler 140 bt to sight in and gather some brass. First box I fired I had two 3 shot groups that were .3 in. Average of 5 different 3 shot groups was right at .55 inches. I have been very pleased with the gun so far. Shot great out of the box and w/ a 2.5-10 nightforce it weighs 6.89 lbs. I would not hesitate buying a new Montana.

 

[MuleyFever]

So, I was looking at gun broker and I noticed a Kimber Subalpine listed for about $1100. I see the MA in Subalpine but the MA is a lot more expensive. What is the Subalpine? I don't see anything on the Kimber site that references Subalpine other than the MA. Are they really selling the MA for that cheap? Is it probably an older rifle?

KIMBER 84L SUBALPINE 280 ACKLEY IMPROVED 24" - Bolt Action Rifles at GunBroker.com : 792049172

 

[belly-deep]

So, I was looking at gun broker and I noticed a Kimber Subalpine listed for about $1100. I see the MA in Subalpine but the MA is a lot more expensive. What is the Subalpine? I don't see anything on the Kimber site that references Subalpine other than the MA. Are they really selling the MA for that cheap? Is it probably an older rifle?

KIMBER 84L SUBALPINE 280 ACKLEY IMPROVED 24" - Bolt Action Rifles at GunBroker.com : 792049172

The Subalpine is it’s own model. Lighter than a Montana but doesn’t have all of the machining of a MA

 

[2five7]

They are more money, but if I was buying factory in that caliber I'd look at the CA Ridgeline, personally I'd want a 26" tube in that caliber.

 

[MuleyFever]

Dude. Bergara Premier, either Mountain or Stalker depending on what weight/barrel length you want. I lean Mountain. A 280 AI in that model is on my short list of guns to own in the near future. I need one like I need a hole in the head though.


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A Bergara Mountain popped up on gunbroker. They look nice. I don’t know how I feel about a 22” barrel on an Ackley though.

 

[Muley Buck]

Too short for my liking.