Non-Cataloged Kimber of Oregon Model 82 Custom Classic .22 K-Hornet Rifle
SOLD FOR: $2647.22
LSB#: 230727JC030
Make: Kimber of Oregon
Model: 82 Custom Classic, See Assessment.
Serial Number: KHCC175
Year of Manufacture: 1984
Caliber: .22 K-Hornet (Kilbourn Hornet)
Action Type: Bolt Action, Removable Magazine Fed Rifle.
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights / Optics: The top of the receiver is grooved for mounting optics (none included). There is no provision for iron sights.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is checkered walnut with darker wood nosecap, steel capped pistol grip, straight comb, checkered steel shotgun buttplate and sling studs front and rear. There is a light mark on the left side of the buttstock. The checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 13 5/8? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light handling wear. Overall, the stock is in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There is a ring of tool marks on the lands only at the muzzle. In my opinion, this bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The bolt is serial matching. There are light handling marks. There is faint operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a single 4-round magazine, serial matching box, test target, and manual.
Our Assessment: Founded in 1979, Kimber of America swiftly developed a reputation for high-quality rifles, predominantly due to their Model 82 rimfire rifles. Made in a variety of configurations, the Model 82 developed a well-deserved reputation for accuracy and was also introduced in some popular center-fire .22 and .17 calibers. Due to their accuracy and unparalleled build quality, even the U.S. Military had to see how good they were so they contracted with Kimber for training rifles. The rifles did not disappoint, they were so accurate that foreign ammo needed to be imported. After the success of the rimfires, Kimber went up and up, not only in terms of prestige but also action size, they developed the Model 84 for smaller centerfire rounds, and finally the Model 89 for large calibers. This example is a very rare Model 82 chambered for the .22 Kilbourne Hornet. Lysle Kilbourn was a prominent New York gunsmith who created this wildcat from the .22 Hornet by moving the shoulder forward to increase case capacity and achieve higher velocities and greater energies than the original .22 Hornet. The cartridge still has a dedicated following among varmint hunters and when married with a Kimber 82 it makes for a very cool rifle. This rifle is a rare non-cataloged model, non-cataloged models are designated with a “KH” prefix (P. 21 ‘Kimber Enthusiasts & Collectors Manual’). When you look up Kimber Custom Classic, do you see any stock that looks half as good as this? Answer: NO. This rifle is beautiful, the belle of the ball, my jaw dropped when I opened the box. It gets better though, one will take note of who the gun is addressed to, Earl Kelly. Earl Kelly was a big time, Kimber collector who had a collection of roughly two to three hundred Kimbers. They even reserved serial numbers for him, his favorites were 4, 14, and 32. Granted, his love of Kimber surpassed the availability of those three numbers so he also got serial numbers like this one, “KHCC175”. This is a breath taking rifle, Kimber really knew how to make a proper rifle back during their time in Oregon. For any die hard Kimber fans, or those looking for something completely unique to set your collection apart, this is that rifle. Please see our photos and good luck!
Some are hot, some are not, but thankfully most can be shot!
-Red
