Can anyone tell me the difference between a Kimber Mod 82 Custom Classic and the Super American?
Noticed one for sale locally, price looked rather high, are they that good?
Prices for any series of Kimber 82 tend to reflect their quality and some degree of collector value. All Kimber of Oregon Model 82s used very high quality components, so they're very accurate and durable. Differences come in the stock style, action series and barrel. The Custom Classic and SuperAmerica series were very limited production models that represent the "high end" of rimfire rifles produced in the 1980s. The difference between the two---the SA has a cheekpiece and is roll stamped on the action "SuperAmerica". SAs tend to have open sight packages installed as a factory option on a light sporter barrel, most often with a quarter rib on the rear sight. Heavy Barrel (HB) "varmint" models of the Custom Classic are very popular, and some, the "B" action models of the mid 1980s, often command higher prices than the SuperAmericas.
Some people compare the Kimber of Oregon Model 82s to the Coopers made today because of the quality, style, and use of very nice wood, usually Claro walnut. I'm biased, however. After owning both, I think the old KoO rifles are of much higher quality than the Cooper, and they sell for about half the Cooper's price.
One word of advice:
box! If you buy the Model 82, get the original box for it. If it's not available, negotiate the price down several hundred dollars because the collector value has been lowered substantially.
