You know, just as luck would have it....
I have been looking into getting that Tikka Continental, but I have also been looking at getting the new Kimber M8400 Montana in .300WSM. This particular Kimber is a stainless action and barrel with a custom slender McMillan stock that is glass bedded.
Anyway, this Kimber rifle is on back-order and won't be available until after Jan. 1st, AND it costs apprx. $1,085.00. As such, you would think that people could get them for less, but unfortunately that's not the case. I have contacted about 8 or 9 Kimber dealers. This gun is allocated, and each dealer that I spoke with already Pre-Sold these guns AT FULL RETAIL PRICE. Well, I don't pay retail - PERIOD.
Just as I was going to contact the dealer for the Tikka Varmint, I got a call from another Kimber dealer who agreed to sell me the rifle for $868 - NOW THAT'S A DEAL! Granted, I have to wait 6 months or so, but it's worth it.
Anyhow, I placed a deposit on the Kimber so I decided not to get the Tikka Varmint. Still, that gun is going to make a fine gun for someone, especially at that low price.
Yes, I agree that the Varmint model is very heavy. However, this was going to be just my paper-punching rifle - not my field rifle. As such, I didn't care about the weight. But if you want to ALSO take this rifle in the field, then YES, weight is a BIG FACTOR and thus the Varmint would not be an ideal choice.
In the meantime, I'm dreaming of this new Kimber 8400.
Zachary
