The word "classic" has been widely used to describe the Kimber Model 8400 since it was introduced a couple of years ago. Well, now that term has double meaning because the new-for-2006 longer action size for the Model 8400 allows it to be chambered for classic .30-06-length cartridges.

The Kimber Model 8400 bolt utilizes two opposing locking lugs and a Mauser-style claw extractor.

Prior to this introduction, the Model 8400 came with only a short action designed for the Winchester Short Magnums. And its predecessor, the Kimber Model 84, is also a short-action bolt gun available in .204 Ruger, .223 Remington, .22-250, .243 Winchester, .260 Remington, 7mm-08, and .308 Winchester. The new Standard and Magnum Model 8400s are being offered in .25-06, .270 Winchester, .30-06, .300 Winchester Magnum, and .338 Winchester Magnum chamberings.

What You Get In The Model 8400
A new action size that allows more chambering options is all well and good, but the real question comes down to "What do I get in the Model 8400?"

SPECS Kimber Model 8400 Standard Bolt-Action Rifle
Manufacturer:	Kimber
Model:	8400 Standard Classic
Operation:	Bolt-action repeater
Caliber:	.270 Win. (also available in .25-06, .30-06, 300 Win. Mag., .338 Win. Mag.)
Barrel Length:	24-inches
Overall Length:	44.5 inches (24-inch barrel)
Length of Pull:	13.75 inches
Weight, empty	7 pounds
Safety:	Three position
Sights:	None; receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mount bases
Stock:	American Walnut
Rifling:	1:10-inch twist rate
Magazine Capacity:	5 rounds (4 rounds for magnum chamberings)
Finish:	Matte blued steel; hand-rubbed oil walnut stock
Price:	$1087

Well, here's the answer.

The original short-action Kimber Model 8400 was designed to minimize weight by keeping the proportions as tight as possible. The new Model 8400 Standard carries on in that tradition. Actually, the Standard action is the same in diameter as the Short Magnum Model 8400 action, but the new action has been lengthened by 1 inch to accommodate the longer .30-06-length cartridges.

The Model 8400's walnut stock is glassed and pillar-bedded to the action, and the barrel is free-floated. The walnut stock sports handcut checkering on the forearm and the grip and is fitted with a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad and sling swivel studs. Length of pull is 13.75 inches, drop at heel is .54 inch, and drop at comb is .43 inch.

Barrel length for the new Standard Model chambered for .25-06, .270 Winchester, and .30-06 is 24 inches. Barrel length for the .300 and .338 Magnums is 26 inches. The barrel's contour is what Kimber refers to as "sporter." The barrel on the .270 Winchester-chambered sample rifle Shooting Times received measures .80 inch in diameter about three inches in front of the receiver and tapers to .56 inch at the muzzle. The muzzle is nicely done with an 11-degree muzzle crown. Twist rate for the sample gun is 1:10.

Other nice touches on the Model 8400 Standard and Magnum include the Mauser-style claw extractor, the Model 70-style three-position safety, the match-grade trigger, and the sculpted steel grip cap. The steel floorplate features a release button located on the inside of the trigger guard, and the bolt release is located on the left-hand side of the receiver. Steel scope mount bases are satin-blued to match the barreled receiver's matte finish. Weight for the walnut-stocked Model 8400 Standard with 24-inch barrel is 7 pounds; the synthetic-stocked Model 8400 weighs 6.5 pounds. Overall length with the 24-inch barrel is 44.5 inches.