lifeisgoodsteve
Well-known member
Hi All,
For those out there considering the Mountain Ascent (Montana or Hunter) like I was, just thought I'd share some brief feedback on the experience I've had with mine chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. Posted on another forum, but in case some guys here stay mostly here, will repost. I know some have had poor experiences with Kimber, which I respect and am not trying to dispute as I respect each man's own personal experience. I simply want to share my very good experience as when I was researching what to get on paper the Kimbers really checked all the boxes I was looking for. That said, on paper and in real life are often quite different animals. I'm no pro, so just a layman's sharing.
I've carried it for about 25 days in the field and shot a couple hundred rounds through it by now.
- Carrying it: As 99.9% of the time I'm carrying my rifle, what's not to love about a 4lb 13oz rifle! I also really like the soft touch feel of the stock which is actually why I stretched my purchase for the Mountain Ascent vs. Montana. In the heat of exercise and climbing hills I sweat a lot, though with this stock my grip still feels quite good. It's just so darn comfortable to carry.
- Shooting: Yes, it took some practice to get used to such a light rifle, but thanks to the phone support guy at Kimber and some practice I feel very good now. Turns out I later found out Kimber has a simple article with tips for shooting light weight rifles in general.
- Accuracy: Couldn't ask for more as you can see in the latest pics after remounting the sight. Took 3 shots to nail the windage, then shot these 3 groups to nail down 2.75" high at 100 yards. Bullet is Hornady Superformance (120gr GMX, 3050fps at muzzle).
- Critiques:
1. Fit - this is personal so can't expect all guns to fit all people. For me, the butt was too small as a raised cheek piece seems to fit me best. So had to put the cheek raised stock pouch, which I actually love now. With such a light rifle I was fine with a little more weight and by now it feels very natural. Also kind of like always having the bullets I need for the hunt with the rifle, so I don't pull a bonehead move and forget them at home.
2. Price - kind of steep for the Mountain Ascent over the Montana and the Montana would have normally been a lock for me as I'm a bang for the buck kind of guy. However, I couldn't get over how good the soft touch stock of the Mountain Ascent felt (Montana stock is different). Since I carry it so darn much I stretched for the MA and am glad I did.
3. Muzzle break came loose - this isn't really a critique as I've had revolver sights also come loose after lots of shooting. Just a simple note to potential owners. Mine came loose at the first couple range sessions, effecting accuracy, so I simply used some light loktite and it's been fine ever since.
In conclusion, I really love it as it's a joy to carry in the field and silly accurate. Now just waiting until I can truly justify getting a sibling in a larger caliber.
Cheers,
Steve
For those out there considering the Mountain Ascent (Montana or Hunter) like I was, just thought I'd share some brief feedback on the experience I've had with mine chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. Posted on another forum, but in case some guys here stay mostly here, will repost. I know some have had poor experiences with Kimber, which I respect and am not trying to dispute as I respect each man's own personal experience. I simply want to share my very good experience as when I was researching what to get on paper the Kimbers really checked all the boxes I was looking for. That said, on paper and in real life are often quite different animals. I'm no pro, so just a layman's sharing.
I've carried it for about 25 days in the field and shot a couple hundred rounds through it by now.
- Carrying it: As 99.9% of the time I'm carrying my rifle, what's not to love about a 4lb 13oz rifle! I also really like the soft touch feel of the stock which is actually why I stretched my purchase for the Mountain Ascent vs. Montana. In the heat of exercise and climbing hills I sweat a lot, though with this stock my grip still feels quite good. It's just so darn comfortable to carry.
- Shooting: Yes, it took some practice to get used to such a light rifle, but thanks to the phone support guy at Kimber and some practice I feel very good now. Turns out I later found out Kimber has a simple article with tips for shooting light weight rifles in general.
- Accuracy: Couldn't ask for more as you can see in the latest pics after remounting the sight. Took 3 shots to nail the windage, then shot these 3 groups to nail down 2.75" high at 100 yards. Bullet is Hornady Superformance (120gr GMX, 3050fps at muzzle).
- Critiques:
1. Fit - this is personal so can't expect all guns to fit all people. For me, the butt was too small as a raised cheek piece seems to fit me best. So had to put the cheek raised stock pouch, which I actually love now. With such a light rifle I was fine with a little more weight and by now it feels very natural. Also kind of like always having the bullets I need for the hunt with the rifle, so I don't pull a bonehead move and forget them at home.
2. Price - kind of steep for the Mountain Ascent over the Montana and the Montana would have normally been a lock for me as I'm a bang for the buck kind of guy. However, I couldn't get over how good the soft touch stock of the Mountain Ascent felt (Montana stock is different). Since I carry it so darn much I stretched for the MA and am glad I did.
3. Muzzle break came loose - this isn't really a critique as I've had revolver sights also come loose after lots of shooting. Just a simple note to potential owners. Mine came loose at the first couple range sessions, effecting accuracy, so I simply used some light loktite and it's been fine ever since.
In conclusion, I really love it as it's a joy to carry in the field and silly accurate. Now just waiting until I can truly justify getting a sibling in a larger caliber.
Cheers,
Steve