Description
Picture this: you’re glassing a ridgeline in the Missouri Ozarks, a solid 400-yard shot across a clear-cut. The wind’s a factor, and you need a rifle that’s as much a precision instrument as it is a packable tool. That’s the exact scenario where the Kimber Montana 300 WSM 24″ Threaded Barrel earns its keep. I’ve put rounds through plenty of mountain rifles, and this one stands out for a specific hunter. It’s a purpose-built, lightweight hunting rifle chambered in the flat-shooting .300 Winchester Short Magnum, featuring a factory-threaded 24-inch barrel for suppressor or muzzle brake compatibility. It’s designed for the hunter who covers serious ground and demands long-range capability without the weight penalty.
So, what makes it tick? The heart of the Montana is its controlled-round feed action, a feature borrowed from more expensive custom rifles that provides reliable feeding and extraction when you need it most. The barrel is a match-grade, hand-bedded component that’s free-floated for consistent accuracy. At just around 5.5 pounds for the rifle alone, you feel that weight savings immediately—or rather, you don’t feel it. That’s the point. Carrying this rifle all day is a different experience than lugging an 8-pound bolt gun. The stock is a durable synthetic that shrugs off weather, and the overall package just feels handy. It’s a rifle that fits out of the box for most shooters, with a crisp trigger that’s adjustable down to about 3.5 pounds.
Let’s talk about that chambering: the .300 WSM. Here’s the thing—it delivers ballistics incredibly close to the full-length .300 Win Mag, but in a shorter, more efficient case. This means you can have a shorter, stiffer action, which contributes to the rifle’s overall lightness and potential accuracy. With the right handloads or premium factory ammo like Federal Premium or Hornady Precision Hunter, you’re looking at a cartridge that’s supremely effective on elk, moose, and large deer at extended ranges. The 24-inch threaded barrel gives you every bit of velocity the cartridge can muster and the option to manage recoil and report.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .300 Winchester Short Magnum (300 WSM) |
| Barrel Length | 24 Inches, Threaded (5/8″-24 TPI) |
| Overall Weight | Approx. 5 lbs 8 oz (rifle only) |
| Action Type | Bolt Action, Controlled Round Feed |
| Magazine Capacity | 3+1 Rounds |
| Stock Material | Composite Synthetic |
Pros: The weight is the headline. It’s a true mountain rifle. The threaded barrel is a huge value-add right from the factory. The controlled-round feed action inspires confidence on dangerous game. The accuracy potential, especially for a lightweight sporter, is excellent.
Cons: That light weight comes with a trade-off: recoil. The .300 WSM in a sub-6-pound rifle is stout. You’ll want a good recoil pad or a suppressor. The magazine capacity is limited to three rounds, which is typical for a hunting rifle but worth noting. The minimalist stock, while tough, may not suit every shooter’s ergonomic preference.
Who is this rifle for? It’s for the serious backcountry hunter. The guy or gal who measures elevation gain in thousands of feet and values ounces. It’s for the marksman who understands the .300 WSM’s capabilities and handloads to maximize them. If your hunting involves long stalks in steep country and shots that may stretch out, this Kimber is a compelling tool. At $1176.78, it sits in a competitive space, offering custom-level features at a production rifle price. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What thread pattern is the barrel, and what muzzle devices fit?
A: The barrel uses a common 5/8″-24 thread pitch. This is the standard for .30 caliber rifles, so you’ll have a wide selection of compatible muzzle brakes, compensators, and suppressors from brands like SilencerCo, Dead Air, and SureFire.
Q: Is the Kimber Montana a good rifle for a beginner?
A: Honestly, probably not. The combination of a lightweight platform and a potent magnum cartridge like the .300 WSM generates significant recoil, which can develop flinching in an inexperienced shooter. It’s a specialist’s tool, best suited for hunters who already have fundamentals down and are seeking a specific performance advantage.
Q: Can the stock be replaced or adjusted for length of pull?
A: The stock is a fixed, synthetic design. While incredibly durable, it is not adjustable. Kimber does offer some models with different stock options, but the classic Montana is built as a minimalist, fixed-stock rifle. Aftermarket options exist but may require fitting.
If the idea of a no-compromise, lightweight long-range hunting rifle speaks to you, the Kimber Montana 300 WSM deserves a close look. Check its availability on our site.
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