The Kimber Mountain Ascent Review: The Lightest Production Rifle

Enjoyable read. You've hit on the big positive points I like on the Kimbers. That is: light, trim, minimalistic, yet somehow they just don't give anything up. They are still CRF, smooth and sport full length barrels. The mountain ascent takes that to a whole new level. When they first came out I figured "wow $1000 for just a few ounces over a Montana." However, after getting one in my hands during the last easter gun show I was impressed. It takes that Kimber minimalist style and expands on it to the limits. I still don't think I could justify it over the Montana, but the value is certainly there.
 
Ardent said:
Indeed I'm pretty pleased with the little rifle, and am growing into a Kimber fan to be sure. Pretty innovative that the lightest rifle you can buy is a full 22" barrelled, stainless, all steel CRF. :)
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With CRF yes - I think Lex Webernick of Rifles Inc. makes some pretty darned light Rem 700's -I believe the model is called the Strata. Those also have full length barrels.
 
wonder how much more weight they'd shave off if they dropped the barrel to 20", like the other 'Ultralight' targeted rifles.

anyone know anybody with one of these in stock at this time?
 
1899 said:
With CRF yes - I think Lex Webernick of Rifles Inc. makes some pretty darned light Rem 700's -I believe the model is called the Strata. Those also have full length barrels.
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Indeed, but at $4,000 for the Rifles Inc, plus import and taxes just shy of $5,000, this little Kimber looks pretty incredible I say. I also feel the Kimber is the better rifle as I prefer Kimber actions greatly to Rem 700's.
 
Mr. Friendly said:
wonder how much more weight they'd shave off if they dropped the barrel to 20", like the other 'Ultralight' targeted rifles.

anyone know anybody with one of these in stock at this time?
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Shooter's Choice had them when I was looking, and Backcountry in Fort St John BC has at least one. I agree, they could likely shave a half dozen more ounces off the Kimber. I like it as is, as it seems every bit the "real" rifle, just extremely light.
 
well, Shooters doesn't have any in stock, but Backcountry does, in both short and long action caliber's too. Expensive at $2400 though... :|

I mistakenly had Montana pricing in mind...$1500, when I called, so I had some sticker shock when they told me. LOL!!!

now I'm torn...Accent 4lbs 13oz vs the Savage 11 Lightweight Hunter at 5.5lbs, where I'd be able to afford all 3 short action caliber's it comes in! LOL!!! I know I know...it doesn't have the pedigree, but the Savage does shoot. that's been proven.
 
Mr. Friendly said:
wonder how much more weight they'd shave off if they dropped the barrel to 20", like the other 'Ultralight' targeted rifles.

anyone know anybody with one of these in stock at this time?
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It's all in the forward balance. Although I have owned and enjoyed my Model Sevens, they don't settle on target as quick as a 22" barrel.

As for "most ultralight rifles"...I'm not sure what you mean. The majority of the big players like NULA, Kimber, the old Remington Ti in .308 etc. use 22" barrels on their short action offerings. Anyone can hollow out a bolt-knob and hack a couple of inches off a barrel and lose ounces, it is the cheap and easy way out. Scalloped wood fore-end anyone? Savage #### the bed with that one IMHO, but hey, nothing shoots like a Savage right? ;)
 
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When I last talked directly with Melvin about the Forbes rifle he was dealing with production setbacks, it will be awhile before the supply comes close to the demand.
 
I've pretty much done it all from full custom to factory ultralights to everything in between. As much as I love my new Model 20, the scale don't lie.
With the mountain Ascent, you get it all, awesome balance, CRF the works. Nothing comes close in short action per dollar spent...period.
I've said it before but BEWARE of manufacturers claimed weights. Small variances are to be expected but I have seen them off by as much as 4-6 OZ's. If you are looking at weight specs and notice no change between calibers it's a dead giveaway.


 
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1899 said:
With CRF yes - I think Lex Webernick of Rifles Inc. makes some pretty darned light Rem 700's -I believe the model is called the Strata. Those also have full length barrels.
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It said "production" right? Lex and some machinery aint production :lol:

Sun_and_Steel_77 said:
I've pretty much done it all from full custom to factory ultralights to everything in between. As much as I love my new Model 20, the scale don't lie.
With the mountain Ascent, you get it all, awesome balance, CRF the works. Nothing comes close in short action per dollar spent...period.
I've said it before but BEWARE of manufacturers claimed weights. Small variances are to be expected but I have seen them off by as much as 4-6 OZ's. If you are looking at weight specs and notice no change between calibers it's a dead giveaway.


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I love old school NULA. And a .284 @ 5lbs.....damn it.
 
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