Kimber America, originally of Clackamas, Oregon, but now of Yonkers, New York, has a reputation built largely on its fine M1911 style pistols. Kimber’s new for 2019 Mountain Ascent (Subalpine) rifle is an attractive, light-weight rifle wrapped in a faded fall leave colors digital camouflage pattern that covers the entire stock, while leaving the barrel, the buttstock, bolt, trigger, etc., in their more natural finished colors. Indeed, “Subalpine” refers to the camouflage pattern designed by W. L. Gore & Associates in Bozeman, Montana using their Optifade methodology.
The Kimber Mountain Ascent (Subalpine) design team was done extensive weight shaving work. That’s obvious from the fluted barrel, spiral fluted bolt body, skeletonized bolt knob, the muzzle perforations, etc. And, not surprisingly, the sporter stock is reinforced carbon fiber.
The Kimber Mountain Ascent comes in five versions: .308 Winchester (22” long barrel, 41.25” overall length, 4 pounds 13 ounces weight), .280 Ackley Improved (24” barrel, 41.25” overall, 5 pounds 6 ounces), .30-06 Springfield (24” barrel, 43.75” overall, 5 pounds 5 ounces), .300 WSM (Winchester Short Magnum) (26” barrel, 46.5” overall, 5 pounds 12 ounces) and .300 Winchester Magnum (26” barrel, 46.5” overall, 6 pounds 7 ounces).
In each case, the stainless steel barrel is threaded for optional suppressors or muzzle brakes to reduce recoil. The Type 84M stainless steel action is finished in satin. The trigger is adjustable, but factory set to 3.5 to 4 pounds. Also the buttstock ends with a black 1” Kimber recoil pad, drop at comb is 0.43” and drop at heel is 0.54”. Regardless of version, all come with a four round magazine.
The length of pull varies between the five versions, but it’s always either 13.75” or 13.80”. Overall length varies a bit more and goes from 41.5” to 46.5”. Rate of twist is 1 to 9” for the .280 Ackley Improved and 1 to 10 for the others.
Carmen –
Specialty firearms vary in size and shape, depending on their intended uses. Chassis rifles, short-barreled ARs, classic sporters, they’re all available. Seldom is one specialized version designed for one purpose also suitable for many others. A “one size fits all” approach is far from ideal.
Those hardy souls who trudge over high mountains and rough country for hours searching for a 40-inch ram or a 360-inch bull elk may carry their iron for many miles and shoot it only once or twice when the opportunity finally presents itself. The rifle must be absolutely reliable, chambered for an accurate and powerful cartridge, and lightweight—the lighter, the better.
Enter Kimber’s Mountain Ascent rifle, a highly specialized gun made especially for this select group of hunters. It fits all of the aforementioned criteria to a “T.”