okay, being my own devil's advocate, does Remington have anything in the 700 or Winchester in their M70, to compete with the Kimber? In particular, I'm after the 84M Montana in 7mm-08.
already put in a few RFQ's with a few shops.
To compete how? If you're talking weight, nope not even close. Reliability? Accuracy?
I've followed you through numerous threads now and still don't quite understand what you're trying to achieve.
Search Kimber montana on here and you will find the naked truth and everything you need to know about them,myself and others with much kimber experience both good and bad have posted extensively on the subject.
The Kimber 84M Montana is a purpose built rifle,designed around the actual .308win cartridge with the bare minimum of material to function safely and reliably. They are tougher to shoot tiny groups with than a 7lb remington 700 with a sporter weight barrel. They THWACK way less than a model 70 when dry fired due to the miniscule firing pin and tiny trigger spring.
I can understand that you are apprehensive about laying down hard earned cash on the Kimber, from reading previous threads of yours it seems to me this causes you much anxiety.
Were you not able to see the physical difference in fit and finish between the Kimber and the Savage? Have you handled an 84M?
What attracted you to the Montana in the first place?
Forget about a new production Montana in 7-08 any time soon,they aren't currently producing them as far as I know.
Be very,very careful before purchasing a used 7-08 with a serial number under 11,000.
If you like the Savage lightweight and it fits your budget and feels good in your hands...bring it home!. It'll group and hunt just fine.
Look hard at the Tikka T-3 lite in stainless, might be the best choice for you...tons of rifle for the money and good in the mountains too.
I'm not trying to bust your balls here and if I come across that way I apologize. Just want to see you make a choice that works for you without regret.