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I'm finally upgrading to a proper gun, and got the option to go for either a Kimber 84M or a Tikka T3x.
Both in 7mm08, both the same price at around $1100 for the bare rifle.
Both second hand
Any advice/opinions would be hugely appreciated.
I like the idea of the lightness of the Kimber, but it's hard to go past the Tikka name and all that brings
Cheers
I have a Kimber 84M in 7mm-08 and it's great. Shoots better than I can, it's lightweight, good stock. Only things that might swing your vote are a short blind magazine. If you value a removable magazine then you don't get that with the Kimber, one thing less to lose though. I load Hornady 162gr ELD-M in it and the projectiles are way off the lands but still groups nicely.
I have had both and still have a Tikka the main reason I sold the Kimber is the safety it's dam hard to get off quickly and quiet.
You should be able to get a suppressed Tikka for around that money.
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Actually that's a good point, the safety is the worst feature of the Kimber without doubt. It's functionally unusable for quick and quiet use in my opinion. I find I would have to take my hand out of the shooting grip position to release it quietly. I don't use it, Kimber needs a Tikka safety! My CZ has the problem of being backwards to the Tikka, another issue...
Kimber LOP is for midgets and small children. If you're over 4'6" they're terrible.
Thanks for the advice everyone, much appreciated. The Kimber is on trademe and haven't been able to view it so slightly more nervous about that.Quote:
Originally Posted by 25 /08 IMP
Tikka is actually secondhand from a store, and they would do me 1200 with Talley rings and set it up with my scope for me. Does that seem like a reasonable deal? I know I'm paying a little more from a shop, but it's pretty good condition, no suppressor though.
Ha, good point, it did almost feel like holding a .22 when I picked one up, and the action on the Tikka is so much nicer and smoother to use.Quote:
Originally Posted by kiwijames
I guess it's not cheap the last one I sold had Talley rings and a DPT for around 1100 I think if you are going to put a can o it get them to give you a good price first as some shops will do new Tikka for around 1400.Quote:
Originally Posted by funkin_d
I would also put the call-out on here you never know what people have hiding.
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I have both a kimber Montana in 7mm-08 & a couple of T3’s in various calibres.
Both are different
Kimber - Winchester pre 64 control fed action with internal magazine (no floor plate), lightweight rifle where I cut the barrel down to 20 inches and put on a DPT over barrel suppressor. Rifle shoots 1/2 inch groups.
Something to be mindful of is some years back Kimber had a bad run with .260 & 7mm-08 barrels but seem to have rectified this issue but no longer produce rifles in .260
Some people find Kimber’s too light and like a bit of weight in a rifle. These rifles also have pencil thin barrels so the barrels heat up quickly.
Kimber’s typically sell second hand at $1800 plus so if this is being offered for $1100 then it’s either a great bargain or there’s something a miss
T3 - well known accurate and dependable rifles which is probably NZ’s number one bought rifle, 3 shot box magazine.
$1200 is a fair price and there easier to sell second hand as their reputation is well known an dependable.
Also you’d be buying through a shop so I’m sure they’d look after you well if something wasn’t right with the rifle.
I own one of each, The tikka is nicer to shoot, the kimber is nicer to carry, both have decently stiff plastic stocks that can be shot accurately with a bipod. Both have detachable mags that cant be topped off through the breach (the kimber on TM in 7mm08 is a hunter so had detachable mag). Both have good crisp triggers. The tikka action is smoother but is only push feed
I would tend towards the tikka soley due to the fact it is through a shop and as such you get some consumer guarantee protection. Either rifle will be a fine and capable hunting rifle.
Awesome, thanks for the in depth advice!Quote:
Originally Posted by Seventenths
That's the way I'm leaning I think. Good to shoot and reliable, guaranteed through the store and easy re-sale.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick-D
I liked the idea of something nice and light to carry but it's hard to go past a Tikka!
I enjoyed my kimber for many years but what made me sell it was that I couldn't shoot it without a bipod due to the skinny stock profile. I don't like to carry a rifle with a bipod any more as they often get hooked up on your pack when you want to take a quick shot, are positioned where you're fore hand should be, add weight and all up they are gay!
Therefore my vote goes to tikka given that there is a multitude of after market stocks available.
It wasnt just 708s and 260s, Kimber were very hit and miss fullstop for a while. There was a Adirondack in 308 that did the rounds here between forum members and caused some problems and accusations before it was sorted by one member as the rifle being flawed from the start.Quote:
Originally Posted by Seventenths
Kimber have now stopped producing barrels and use Bergara barrels and even offer a 3 shot moa guarantee like most the other big brands since making the switch.
You could just buy a Bergara.... real happy with mine and that's coming from someone who's come from Sakos and Custom build rifles
It would be better to mount your own scope.Quote:
Originally Posted by funkin_d
+1 - eye relief needs to be right for you and too many gun shop workers really don’t know how to correctly mount a scope.
Looks like the Tikka dominates yet again and crosses the Finnish line twofold.
if it was the same money id go kimber every time
Im all about controlled round feed and actions made for
i own both but my tikka needs the action length
tikkas are a safer bet
but it feels like choosing a toyota camry
Yes, yes it does.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill999
Can you reload kimbers anywhere close to the lands?
That will depend on the projectile used. But in the case of my 7mm-08 and 162gr ELD-M I'm restricted by the magazine length, it's a long way off the lands. I'm away from home so I can't measure it. Shoots really well though, so the fact it's not close is a non issue for me. I doubt anybody is shooting a Kimber just to punch tiny holes in paper. The trigger on my Kimber is excellent too!Quote:
Originally Posted by Been Upto
[QUOTE=Sasquatch;943968]Looks like the Tikka dominates yet again and crosses the Finnish line twofold.[/Q
I'd go the Kimber - the Tikkas are heavy to carry by comparison. And you won't be driving a Camry.
Theres a reason why people drive Camry's.Quote:
Originally Posted by Low box
A kimber is like a skoda, you never know if it's going to work.
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I have a 7mm08 tikka now and like it a lot. It is ergonomic and plenty light for me. I see the long action as a good thing as with a long mag and bolt stop I will try some 150eld x which should be good medicine.
My only 'complaint' is that I prefer a top loading drop plate as I frequently unchamber a round when hunting with others or covering difficult ground.
Attachment 132225
This is my lads T3x 708 using Federal bluebox 150. He’d just got it back from having the barrel snipped abit and suppresser fitted. First shot low and right next one just left, and that’s 3 holes above the bull. I’ve never had a target look like this before, and I probably won’t again. The moons lined up for me.
No experience with Kimber.
NEVER used a safety on a bolt action EVERQuote:
Originally Posted by joelhenton
Kimber Montana in 7m-08
Best rifle I have ever owned in 55 years
Tikka - picked one up once - must of been a budget model - thought it was awful
shh I buy all mine second hand stop increasing the resale prices hahaQuote:
Originally Posted by Sarvo
As someone who owns both and without an axe to grind - Kimber quality control may have been patchy at times (my Montana 308 a laser), and shooting an ultralight rifle has a knack to it. The Kimber is designed around the cartridge, one of the finest proportioned ‘mini’ actions ever in my opinion. The safety (Win 70 style) I’ve only ever heard dissed here. Blocks firing pin and holds bolt closed, the finest custom hunting/dangerous game rifle builders fit them. The Tikka tolerances and barrels are amazing for the price. But it’s a one size fits all action. My Kimber trigger better than Tikka even with replacement spring etc in Tikka, but both excellent. Personal preference, but a good Kimber in my opinion has much more pride of ownership.
