Kimber's New .22 Rifles

Guns Magazine, Jan, 2001 by Charles E. Petty

We recently had a chance to compare the SVT and the Classic version of these Kimber rifles. Our test procedure was pretty simple. Each rifle was tested with the same ammo: three match, three standard velocity and three high velocity loads. The rifles were dressed out with scopes appropriate for their use. The Classic wore a 4.5-x10x Leupold Vari-x III; the SVT a Leupold 6.5-20x target scope. All benchrest shooting was done with the scope set at the highest possible magnification.

There were no mechanical malfunctions although we did have one balky magazine that wouldn't always feed the first cartridge. Kimber replaced it.

Kimber has earned an enviable reputation for good triggers on their pistols and the tradition continues here. The fully adjustable trigger on both rifles was set just a hair over 2 lbs. with a nice, crisp letoff. We didn't feel the need to change it, and really don't like triggers much lighter on this type of rifle.

Kimber .22s have always been renowned for their accuracy and always came with a neat little laminated test group. The standard was -- and is -- that no rifle will be shipped unless it can shoot at least 0.4" five-shot groups at 50 yards. The test ammo is Federal Gold Medal Ultra Match. Our Classic came with a group that measures 0.263". The SVT's was a stunning 0.120".

Our testing protocol was to fire each rifle with 50 rounds of standard velocity ammo (CCI Green Tag) for zeroing and to break in the barrel a little. Then record shooting was done from a solid benchrest.

The Results Are In

When discussing accuracy results it is often difficult to generalize. That is surely the case here. Looking at the two rifles on an individual basis, it's easy to see that it won't be hard to find a load either gun likes. One of the pleasant surprises was that both rifles shot well with at least one of the high velocity loads. Anyone who buys one of these little treasures would be well advised to try lots of different kinds of ammo.

The name Kimber has always been associated great guns and good value. In just five years Kimber's pistols have become the acknowledged leaders in both quality and value. The cheapest Kimber pistol has all the nice features that used to cost a ton of money when done by a custom gunsmith. And their success has brought the return of a rifle with the Kimber name. Only time will tell if the new exceeds the old, but odds are good that they will.