New Shooter needs opinion

[Whiskeyralph]

I have been playing the bpcr version of long range smallbore silhouettes for about 8 years now and I think I would like to try the NRA version as well. My reading has kind of made me decide to go with a Kimber HS as a starting platform and leaning towards a leupold 6.5-20x40 scope. (This is about as far as the budget will allow.)

I would like to stay in the Hunter class. I guess my question would be how good are the Kimber HS rifles "out of the box", and what's the best price a guy should look for approx on the gun and scope.

Thanks,
Whiskeyralph

[Jerry G]

I have heard many complaints as well as praise for the Kimber. I think I would go with a Bruno (CZ) that has had a trigger job. It is a very well built and accurace rifle. The scope is a very good choice.

[dave imas]

i was wondering which resources you found that indicated the Kimber HS to be a good starting platform? I agree with Jerry, the CZ is a good place to start. Next step up I'd try to find a used Sako Finnfire, after that I'd jump to an Anschutz 1700 series. A Remington 541 or 581 could be considered. Quality of the Kimber has been inconsistent. Nice scope but there are others of equal or better quality for less money. Take a look at the Bushnell 4200 Elite or the Sightron scopes.

[Evelio Mc Donald]

I agree with Imas, the CZ 453 would be the way to start. Kimber quit manufacturing the HS almost two years ago, it is a good rifle, but for the cost now a days, I would spend the extra money, and get a 1712. It does not matter what you start with, if you do decide to shoot this game, you will be always lusting after the 1712. My advise is to bite the bullet and get the best ( 1712 ) if you change your mind later, you can always get your money back.
As far as scopes, Weaver, Sightron or Bushnell are fine scopes, and half the price of a Leupold.
Evelio.

[kevinpagano]

I really like the Weaver v16 scope and the cz american or silhouette for a starter rifle.

[propwash]

I have been playing the bpcr version of long range smallbore silhouettes

I'm interested in knowing how you load black powder into a smallbore and have it shoot long range???????

I'm just Funnin' with yah!

The CZ gets my vote....any model is right around $325 new
The American, Silhouette, and varmint are all good choices...feel 'em and get the one you like, they're all accurate. Don't mess with "in-between" rifles, if you decide you like the sport go straight to Anschutz.

If you look hard you can find a new Bushnell Elite 4200 for around $400
I use a Sightron and paid about the same new...a Weaver will get it done too, just not as user friendly or as good as the afore-mentioned IMO.

[dave imas]

Weaver V16 is a good choice as well. I've got one on my air rifle and really like it. only complaint is the relatively short eye relief.

[cwdgun]

Just to let everyone know, I was at the shot show and Sightron is coming out with a new scope. It is the big sky series which they have had, but on this scope it has a 1" tube, 6x24, 1/2 min dot, 1/4 min clicks that go from 0 to 20 for 1 revolution, it still has the real good tracking system in it( which I guess was the old weaver system) and goes up to 60 mins total. That means you will never have to shim a scope again. It also has the anti fog on it. Cost is aroun $550 to $575. I looked thru it and optics look great.

[kevinpagano]

Great a man that has seen the scope. So how did the optics compare to a Leupold in your opinion?? Chicken said he would have these scopes for 500 . I talked to Sightron and they said the first of April they will be available.

Kevin

[BlauBear]

I agree with Imas, the CZ 453 would be the way to start. Kimber quit manufacturing the HS almost two years ago, it is a good rifle, but for the cost now a days, I would spend the extra money, and get a 1712. It does not matter what you start with, if you do decide to shoot this game, you will be always lusting after the 1712. My advise is to bite the bullet and get the best ( 1712 ) if you change your mind later, you can always get your money back.
As far as scopes, Weaver, Sightron or Bushnell are fine scopes, and half the price of a Leupold.
Evelio.

Is the set trigger in the 453 legal for Silhouette?

A tuned (bedding & Brooks trigger kit) CZ 452 (453?) is great, particularly with BKL rings and good glass. With Kimber out of the .22 business, a 1712 is your next stop.

[glen ring]

I have a Kimber HS and it shoots much better than I can. I put a leupold 6x18 on it with target turrents and it seems to be a very good scope. I had to hollow out the stock a little to get the rig to come into 8.5 lbs. I've only shot smallbore for one season, but this rig seems to be better than I am.

[cwdgun]

Kevin, I looked at the scope inside the shot show. As far as I can tell the optics are just fine. I did not see any problems with them at all. I shoot bushnell 4200 elete's and the kid has a leupoid. I think both of them are compatable and so is the new sightron. I think it is a great scope and it is what I think alot of us has been looking for. it fits all of our needs and does not cost you a arm and a leg to get it. I have made the comment before, if you took Sightron's tracking system and the optics from leupoid you would have agreat scope. Well here it is. That's my 2 cents worth. I know Sightron is going to try to get us one to door prize for The Sunshine Classic.

[Evelio Mc Donald]

Sorry, BOB
I really meant 452, the All American, or Silhouette model will do fine, but I still say, spend your money once, and get the best, in the long run it will end up cheaper, than starting with low cost guns, scopes, triggers etc. Take my word, I been there.
Evelio.

[kevinpagano]

CWD that is awsome. I am going to get one of these I think when they are available.

I suggested that they put meter marks on the scope and they told me that would not happpen this year but maybe next.

I started with a cz452 and weaver v 16 then when I got my 1712 I moved that gun to a son and use it as a loaner sometimes too.

[BlauBear]

Sorry, BOB
I really meant 452, the All American, or Silhouette model will do fine, but I still say, spend your money once, and get the best, in the long run it will end up cheaper, than starting with low cost guns, scopes, triggers etc. Take my word, I been there.
Evelio.

You're right of course, but most of us have to learn the hard way - I sure did.