Description
You’re glassing a ridgeline at dawn, the air thin and cold. A buck steps out at 300 yards, presenting a clean, ethical shot. In that moment, you need a rifle that’s an extension of your intent—light enough for the climb, steady enough for the hold, and chambered for a cartridge that gets there with authority. That’s the Kimber Montana .257 Roberts. It’s a purpose-built, lightweight mountain rifle chambered in the classic .257 Roberts cartridge, designed for the hunter who covers ground on foot and demands precision from a packable platform.
The Kimber Montana .257 Roberts answers the call for a serious backcountry hunting rifle. Its core identity is defined by a carbon-fiber reinforced Kevlar stock that shaves critical weight without sacrificing rigidity. The heart of the system is Kimber’s controlled-round feed Mauser-style action, renowned for its smooth operation and reliable feeding when you need a fast follow-up. Topped with a crisp, adjustable Kimber Match Grade trigger, this rifle is built to perform when the opportunity is measured in seconds and the walk-in is measured in miles. At just under 5.5 lbs without optics, this rifle makes the difference between a grueling slog and a strategic approach.
Key Features
This isn’t a range toy or a safe queen. The Montana is a tool for covering ground. The fluted, match-grade stainless steel barrel resists the elements and dissipates heat, while the pillar-bedded action ensures consistent contact with the stock for sustained accuracy. The classic .257 Roberts cartridge is the sleeper here—it delivers flat trajectory and manageable recoil, making it a superb choice for medium game like whitetail, mule deer, and antelope at extended ranges. It’s a cartridge that rewards handloaders but performs with quality factory ammunition from brands like Federal Premium or Hornady.
Here’s the thing—the rifle’s lightweight construction doesn’t mean it’s delicate. The action is glass bedded at the recoil lug and free-floated barrel channel, a combination that promotes reliable accuracy. The three-position safety allows for safe carry with a round chambered and quiet bolt operation. It fits out of the box with most standard scope mounting systems, requiring no gunsmithing for a proper setup. For a price of $1164.09, you’re getting a turn-key hunting system ready for the field.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .257 Roberts |
| Action | Bolt Action, Controlled Round Feed |
| Barrel | 24″ Fluted Stainless Steel, Sporter Contour |
| Overall Length | 43.5″ |
| Weight | 5 lbs 6 oz (approx.) |
| Stock | Carbon Fiber/Kevlar Reinforced |
| Trigger | Kimber Match Grade Adjustable |
Pros & Cons
Pros: Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio for long treks. The .257 Roberts is a highly effective and efficient medium-game cartridge. Premium features like the match-grade trigger and stainless construction come standard. The classic controlled-feed action offers proven reliability.
Cons: The lightweight design can transmit more felt recoil than heavier rifles. .257 Roberts ammunition, while available, is not as ubiquitous as .308 or .30-06. The slim, lightweight stock may not suit every shooter’s preferred ergonomics off the shelf.
Who It’s For
This rifle is for the mobile hunter. It’s for the Missouri whitetail hunter who still-hunts deep timber, the Western hunter pursuing mule deer in high basins, or the shooter who appreciates the balanced performance of a classic American cartridge. If your strategy involves putting boots on the ground to get away from roads and pressure, the Montana is your ally. It is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide to qualified purchasers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the .257 Roberts enough for elk?
A: With careful shot placement and appropriate premium bullets, the .257 Roberts can be used for elk, but it is generally considered a better fit for deer-sized game. Most hunters would opt for more cartridge for consistent elk performance.
Q: What scope mounting system does it use?
A: The Kimber Montana is drilled and tapped for standard scope bases. Popular one-piece or two-piece bases from manufacturers like Leupold or Warne are compatible, allowing you to mount a quality lightweight optic like a Leupold VX-3HD or similar.
Q: How does it handle recoil?
A: Due to its very light weight, recoil is more noticeable than with a heavier rifle. The .257 Roberts is a moderate-recoiling cartridge, but pairing the rifle with a quality recoil pad and proper shooting technique is advised for comfort during extended range sessions.
Ready to build your backcountry hunting system? See the Kimber Montana .257 Roberts in our online inventory and start the process.
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