Talkeetna

FOsteology · August 19, 2011, 05:42:24 PM

Just became the proud owner of a Kimber 8400 Talkeetna .375 H&H

Krieger SS Barrel, NECG front and rear sights, and a Gentry barrel band. And of course, that phenomenal Kimber synthetic stock design that takes the bite out of recoil.
Good thing too, as the rifle trips my digital scale at 7lbs 10.9oz Light done right!

Going to chop off 3" from the barrel (currently at 24) recess the crown, pitch the current sights and replace with NECG Masterpiece banded front ramp with a night sight/ivory bead. Replace the rear with a NECG Classic one leaf expess sight with island base. Will have to move the barrel band back a bit too.

Talley stainless steel bases and QD rings. Cerakote all the metal (rings and bass too) graphite black, and probably paint the stock Olive.

Once done, this perro will hunt!

Mama has the camera right now, so pictures later.

HaMeR · August 19, 2011, 06:02:08 PM

Can't wait to see the final pics of this rig FOs!!

Hawks Feather · August 19, 2011, 07:11:52 PM

Yep, I will be waiting for the final pics as well. Sounds like a good firearm for jack rabbits and small rodents. One well placed shot and there would be noting left to pick up.

Jerry

KySongDog · August 19, 2011, 07:45:02 PM

That is a very nice rifle. The work that you are going to do to it...is that just for personal preference or does it actually enhance performance/accuracy?

FOsteology · August 19, 2011, 07:53:57 PM

Personal preference.

I prefer a shorter barrel as I'll be hunting in thick jess and alders with this rifle. Recessed crown adds a bit of protection. I also have a preference for the banded ramp and island base with classic leaf sight. Looks more "traditional". Coating the metal with Cerakote just makes even more weather resistant than SS alone, and no glare.

I will however install aluminum pillars and glass bed the rifle. That of course should help the accuracy remain consistent.

FOsteology · August 19, 2011, 10:07:12 PM

I must have gotten bite extremely HARD by the African bug.....

Just liberated this from another dark continent aficionado:

Winchester M70 Safari Classic .458 WM

22" barrel, NECG banded front sight with windowed sight hood and a fiber optic bead. D'Arcy Echols Legend (McMillan) stock that has been glass bedded.

Going to swap out the front fiber optic for a night sight/ivory bead and swap out the rear adjustable express sight for an NECG Classic one leaf express sight with island base. Will recess the crown and have Mark Penrod ensure it's ready for DG. Seller has assured me that the rifle feeds and extracts Barnes banded FP solids and North Fork FP solids slicker than sheit through the proverbial Christmas goose.

I have a Williams Oberndorf one-piece bottom metal on hand, so I think I'll replace the bottom metal as I prefer the release in the trigger bow.

Hawks Feather · August 19, 2011, 10:42:01 PM

Fos,

Do you think this is enough gun for hunting Texas?

Jerry

FOsteology · August 19, 2011, 10:47:09 PM

If one wants to "bowl" hogs over, might be a bit light!

I'm going back to Zimbabwe next year. Will more than likely dance with the Zambezi ladies..... or as their "affectionately" called, the bitches of the bush.

Figure a BIG bore would be prudent to keep the fat girls at bay.

FinsnFur · August 19, 2011, 11:10:35 PM

Quote from: FOsteology on August 19, 2011, 07:53:57 PM
Recessed crown adds a bit of protection.

I'm interested in learning more about that cause I'm not, I say I'm not following it.

FOsteology · August 19, 2011, 11:17:53 PM

The recessed aspect is to protect the crown from damage, which will affect accuracy, and ensures that the crown is true to the barrel.

FinsnFur · August 19, 2011, 11:25:07 PM

When you say recessed crown I think of the tip of the barrel being concaved verses domed like the majority....am I retarded and way off

And if I'm not how does it get damaged?

I'm doubting you in the least. I'm simply an idiot wondering

Okanagan · August 19, 2011, 11:28:45 PM

Hey, Fos, I am envious of that .375 as it is, let alone with your improvements! I'd hunt elk with it.

FOsteology · August 19, 2011, 11:36:38 PM

Recessed there's less chance of damage to the crown due to accidentally banging it up against something. Just added insurance and piece of mind. I also place a strip of electrical tape across the muzzle when hunting. Less chance of "stuff" getting in the barrel. Gases expelled rip/snap the tape off the end before the bullet reaches the end of the muzzle.

FOsteology · August 19, 2011, 11:38:45 PM

I got the camera back from Mama, so tomorrow I'll snap off a couple pictures of the Talkeetna.

KySongDog · August 20, 2011, 05:07:38 AM

Wow! That .458 ought to get the job done.

I've never shot one but have read it is a great elephant gun. I wonder how the recoil compares to a .338 win mag (the biggest hunting cartridge I've fired).

FinsnFur · August 20, 2011, 08:11:44 AM

Quote from: FOsteology on August 19, 2011, 11:36:38 PM
Recessed there's less chance of damage to the crown due to accidentally banging it up against something. Just added insurance and piece of mind. I also place a strip of electrical tape across the muzzle when hunting. Less chance of "stuff" getting in the barrel. Gases expelled rip/snap the tape off the end before the bullet reaches the end of the muzzle.

Very interesting.
And thanks.

FOsteology · August 20, 2011, 12:42:21 PM

A few quick snap shots of the Talkeetna

FOsteology · August 20, 2011, 12:48:53 PM

Looks promising as I've already run some 300gr. TBBC, 300gr. Trophy Bonded Sledgehammer, 300gr. Barnes Banded FP Solid, and 300gr. Swift A-Frames for giggles. Feed and extraction is slick as snot on a doorknob. Ordered my Talley stainless steel bases and a set of Talley QD stainless 30mm rings last night.

Next week I'll hand it over to my good friends Matt and Dave at Hill Country Rifles to "massage" it to my specs.

HuntnCarve · August 20, 2011, 03:02:19 PM

Way to go FOs! Are you going to be handloading for the pair? You'll be buying powder by the bucket for those big bores.

Great looking rifles for sure. Certainly won't have any objections to carryng one of those baby's when facing the big growlers!

Dave

FOsteology · August 20, 2011, 03:14:34 PM

I'll definitely reload for the .458 as I intend to shoot either 450gr. Barnes or North Fork FP Solids. Gentleman I bought the boomer from is including his load data, targets, brass, dies, etc.

I have an embarrassing amount of Federal .375 H&H ammunition (mainly the older Safari Premium TBBC & Sledgehammers) as I have another .375 H&H I had AHR build me back in 2005. If the Talkeetna shoots that ammo as well as my AHR, then I'll refrain from working up a load until my stash dwindles. Will be awhile..... yup, I have THAT much stashed away!