I have two Kimbers, one Montana in 308 and a Subalpine in 280ai. Both needed mag box relief, after that and turning the trigger down the 308 shot great. The 280ai, out of the box the barrel wasn't free floated. Called Kimber, got a shipping label and had it back in two weeks with a new stock and test target. Dealing with Kimber CS was easy.
Gotta love all the nay-sayers... its either "for that price id expect it to be perfect" or "i'd build a custom!" or "just go buy a tikka".
First off, Tikkas are great rifles no doubt... but the draw of the Kimber is the weight, and in short action they're **** near a full pound lighter. I think the stock on the Kimber is nicer as well - no, the stock isn't designed for long range shooting, but then again I doubt many are buying a ultralight rifle with shooting 1000+ in mind.
Building a 5lb custom for less than 3000 is laughable. Go ahead and give it a shot.
As far as expecting them to be perfect - its a factory rifle, and its the cheapest rifle available in its weight class. You can pay hundreds more and get a Fieldcraft(I hear they're awesome), or pay a thousand or more... with those, I'd say your expectation isn't misplaced as I'd expect a 3k rifle to be perfect.
What you can do, is buy your Kimber and see if it shoots. I'd bet it will - but lets imagine that it doesn't... so you take it and have it rebarreled. You're still in it for less than a custom and it'll for sure shoot then.
I'm not saying Kimber didn't have issues in the past - reading all the old reviews, I'd say they did. I've got two now that shoot great though... so did I just get lucky twice in a row? Nah my luck sucks lol.
