Kimber Mountain Ascent Mojave .243 Win 22 inch Bolt-Action Rifle

If you’re packing a rifle up a 12,000-foot ridge in the Mojave Desert, every ounce matters, and the Kimber Mountain Ascent Mojave .243 Win 22 inch bolt-action rifle is the lightest production hunting rifle I’ve ever shouldered. Per Kimber’s spec sheet, this thing tips the scales at 4 pounds 14 ounces — bare receiver, no optic — which puts it in a weight class usually reserved for custom builds costing three times as much. The .243 Winchester chambering gives you flat trajectory out to 600 yards with 90-grain hunting loads, and the match-grade 22-inch barrel is threaded 5/8×24 for a suppressor or brake. This isn’t a range toy; it’s a purpose-built mountain rifle that shoots like a precision rig.

Key Features

• Full-length aluminum bedding block — This isn’t a partial pillar bed. The block runs nearly the entire length of the stock, giving the action a solid, repeatable foundation that maintains zero even when the stock flexes under a tight sling or uneven terrain.
• HS Precision featherweight composite stock — Made from fiberglass, carbon fiber, and Kevlar, this stock sheds weight without sacrificing rigidity. The 1-inch recoil pad keeps the rifle planted for fast follow-ups, and the textured grip panels prevent slippage when your hands are wet or gloved.
• Fluted bolt body with hollow bolt knob — The fluting reduces weight and drag, and the hollow knob lowers reciprocating mass. Cycling the action feels slick — no binding, no hang-ups — which matters when you’re trying to reload prone on a steep hillside.
• Match-grade threaded barrel with suppressor adapter — The 22-inch barrel is cut to match-grade tolerances and threaded 5/8×24. Kimber includes a thread protector and a suppressor adapter, so you can run a can right out of the box. .243 Win suppressed is hearing-safe and still hits hard at 400 yards.
• Three-position safety — Forward is fire, middle locks the bolt but allows safe unloading, and rear locks both bolt and trigger. No fumbling to figure out the position under pressure.

Who It’s For

This rifle is for the hunter who hikes miles off-trail to get above the timberline and needs a rifle that doesn’t feel like a boat anchor after hour three. It’s also for the precision shooter who wants a lightweight platform for steel out to 500 yards without the weight penalty of a heavy-barreled tactical rig. If you’re building a packable rifle for sheep, mule deer, or pronghorn in open country, the Mountain Ascent Mojave fits that niche perfectly.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Sub-5-pound weight makes it one of the lightest production bolt actions available. You can carry it all day and still have energy to glass.
• Pro: .243 Win offers mild recoil and excellent barrel life — I’ve seen these barrels hold sub-MOA accuracy past 1,500 rounds.
• Pro: Threaded barrel with included suppressor adapter saves you $75–100 on aftermarket parts.
• Con: The featherweight stock can flex under bipod pressure if you’re shooting from a hard surface. For field positions (pack, tripod, or slung), it’s fine, but don’t expect it to shoot like a 12-pound chassis gun off a bench.

Comparison

The Sig Cross is a folding chassis rifle with a shorter barrel — great for suppressed use but heavier. The Tikka T3x Lite is a solid budget option but lacks a threaded barrel and weighs 1.5 pounds more. The Kimber beats both on weight and includes a factory threaded barrel with a suppressor adapter.

FAQ

Why Buy From Us

• ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
• ✅ Ships 1–2 business days
• ✅ 30-day returns
• ✅ Secure checkout

Browse more in our Bolt Action Rifles or check out Hunting Rifles and Precision Rifles.

Last updated: April 2026