[Eddie Southgate]

Kimber made the 82 in both centerfire and rimfire and I am assuming other than the firing pin and cut for the cartridge in the bolt that both are the same action . If this is true could an 82 in .22 rimfire be converted to .22 Hornet or .218 Bee? I have an early model 82 and have just about gave up on shooting rimfire due to ammo cost and lack of quality . If this conversion is workable I would like to know who could do it .

Thanks,
Eddie

 

[Rick in Oregon]

First off, I would NOT do that to a Kimber M82, especially an early example.
Secondly, the rimfire action does not have the locking lugs capable of withstanding CF pressures.
Third, the cost of such work would overrun the cost of a new Hornet or Bee rifle.
Lastly, you would completely ruin the value of that M82.

If you really want a Hornet or Bee, list that M82 for sale/trade and get the rifle properly chambered for the cartridge you want instead of bastardizing such a nice rifle.
If you want to get rid of the M82 and seek the rifle of choice, list it over on both Saubier and Accurate Shooter, it'll go in less than a week.

 

[Eddie Southgate]

Value to me is not and would not be an issue to me . The fact that there is a difference that would make the conversion unsafe would be the issue. I have asked this question several other places and never received any input , thanks for yours . I will take your advice and see if I can find a trade to suit my needs . Was always gonna buy an 82 in .22 Hornet but the quit making them before I could get one and the price went up so quick I got to the point that it was buy one used or feed the kids , feed the kids won . Retired now so play money is still at a premium . What would an 82 in very nice but not perfect condition with a serial number under 700 bring ? Just a rough opinion would be close enough. It's not one of the fancy models just the basic 82.

 

[Rick in Oregon]

Okay then, a 'rough opinion' would be in the $2,200~ range assuming condition is very good to excellent. Enough to cover the purchase price of a Kimber Hornet or Bee. I have a retired friend liquidating his collection, and has a mint Kimber Hornet. Want me to put you in contact with him? He's in Ft. Myers FL.

 

[Eddie Southgate]

Thanks Rick but I am in the process of a move and won't likely be able to do anything in the real near future. I would also not want to buy a mint condition rifle to hunt the rough stuff that I hunt . When I can get to it I will be looking for something that's in good shape but nowhere like mint .. I think my number is 606 but I will have to get my youngest son to bring it back to be sure . I had two but gave his older brother the one in the 3000 range and gave Parker , the youngest son , the Anschutz that he wanted . He loves the Anschutz but that doesn't keep him from borrowing the Kimber come Squirrel season.

Eddie