Hey, you Kimber of Oregon Experts, a question:I own two K of O Model 82 Hornets. One has a serial number of 'Hxxx', while the other has a SN of 'HxxxxB'. They appear identical except for a very slight difference in the bolt handle and bolt shroud. Despite this difference, the bolts will interchange without difficulty (not that there would be any reason to do so.) Can someone tell me the difference in the one without the SN suffix, and the one with the suffix with the letter 'B'? I also own a Kimber Model 84 Classic with a SN in the 300's.
Serial Number: GM016744 During the late 1980s, Kimber of Oregon received a US Government contract to manufacture 20,000 to 25,000 (with later options) Model 82 single-shot target rifles in caliber.22LR.
Is there anything particularly unique about one with such an early number? I've been able to acquire several Kimber of Oregon rifles and like them a great deal, but I'm simply not up on the subtle differences within the model lines. 26 August 2012, 19:50 StonecreekYes, I had gathered that the one with the 'B' suffix was one of the 'B models'. As far as improvements, I haven't had either out of the stock to look at the triggers or other components, but the only difference I've been able to observe is in the bolt shrouds and bolt handle shape. Both have outstanding triggers (which is one reason I haven't bothered to look under the wood as there has been no necessity to access the triggers).
The magazines are identical and interchangeable. I own WAY too many Hornets and would consider selling one or the other of these. In terms of accuracy, they run dead even with one another. The early model is a Classic, while the 'B' model is a Custom Classic with its stock upgrades. Normally, I would keep the higher grade rifle and sell the other, but in this instance the early rifle may be as/more valuable?
Glad to have opinions. 27 August 2012, 10:59 Oz3006My understanding was that improvements to the B model was to do with a faster lock time and smoother and lighter cocking arrangement. There was also something to do with the bolt (on the Hornets) when it was withdrawn from the action.
In the early model if knocked it might move to the uncocked position??? Something like that. In the B model this was rectified.
There may have also been a different recoil lug fitted. I have a M82 Custom Classic Hornet in mint condition and am in no hurry to part with it. Beautiful triggers.
28 August 2012, 02:30 StonecreekI checked them and either model will uncock (and recock) with the bolt in the open and most rearward position. Without some kind of gauge it is impossible to say, but I don't seem to note any difference in the pressure it takes to lift the bolt of either to cock. The cylindrical bolt shroud of the earlier model gives the appearance of being sheet metal (although it may well be forged or machined), while the 'B' model gives the appearance of a forged or machined part, so of most of the difference may be cosmetic. As with you, I should be no hurry to part with either. 08 September 2012, 03:45 Alberta CanuckStoney - I don't know if this info is correct, but I found it on-line.
Radiometer abl 80 pdf. I also don't know if it will help any, but it might, so here it is: ------------------------------------------- 'Kimber 82 Notes: This is a primarily rimfire weapon, some versions of which also chamber centerfire cartridges. There are three broad categories of the Model 82: the Model 82, Model 82A and Model 82B. “A” models used a bolt mechanism which was improved over previous designs, and were built in left and right-handed versions. “B” patterns also improved the lock time by improving the striker mechanism and had a swept-back bolt handle. A-pattern rifles were built from 1986-88, and B-patterns were made from 1988-91. The basic rifle (Model 82 Classic) chambered two rimfire and two centerfire cartridges, used a walnut stock with a half-length fore-end, a pistol grip wrist with a polished steel cap, and a checkered steel buttplate. The safety is a radial switch behind the bolt handle.