Kimber made some big improvements to the Open Range rifle, and in 2020 released the Pro Carbon model. Kimber’s improvements are now perfectly suited to the Open Range Pro Carbon being my new mountain hunting rifle using innovative technology.

Science and technology are once again stepping forward to make some big changes to the best firearms on the market. The original Open Range rifles were designed with a 24” fluted steel barrel. Strong and accurate, for sure. However, almost two feet of steel comes with quite a bit of heft. Kimber saw some room for improvement and used the latest innovative technology to ditch the steel and carbon fiber wrap the barrel of the Open Range. The result is the Pro Carbon, an incredible 12 ounces lighter than the original.

The Open Range Pro Carbon is available in two calibers, the .308 Winchester or my 6.5 Creedmoor. Either way you go, light and ready is the name of the game. Only 6lbs for the .308 and a barely-there difference at 6lbs 3oz for the big Creedmoor. The change over from steel to carbon fiber makes such a fantastic difference in my pack for the time I spend living off of the grid. What’s even better is the carbon-wrapped barrel brings more to the table than an easier load to bear on the hunt. There is less vibration in the barrel and incredible heat dissipation. As a result, my Open Range Pro Carbon is more accurate on the follow-up and expected to last the test of time.

The tried and true Kimber action is a controlled round feed with a full-length extractor that is extremely consistent. An adjustable trigger comes from the factory with about a 3-pound pull. Snappy and responsive, my trigger control was easy to keep consistent for accuracy. The three-position wing safety is placed well. Clearly designed for mountain hunt use, Kimber has combined the best features into the Open Range Pro Carbon. The front of the Open Range Creedmoor has the optimum accuracy features of a long-range rifle, perfectly joined into the back and stock built to suit mountain hunting. Shipped with a muzzle brake and thread protector, the Pro Carbon is ready to suit my needs.

I had the choice of two patterns for my Creedmoor. Kimber’s “Open Country” pattern, which looks like a pixelated camo pattern. I went with the dark textured “Granite” stock that I’d say is closest to Charcoal in color. The quality of the unique texture is clear at my fingers. Perfect for wet days, the grip and feel of the stock is an unexpected standout feature.

At just over three grand, the Kimber Open Range Pro Carbon is one of my lifetime investment rifles. Kimber has ensured that with innovation and good quality construction, I’ll be able to pass this premium mountain rifle on to the next generation. In the meantime, I’ll be enjoying quite a bit of heavy shooting on the hunt for years to come.

Richard Douglas writes on firearms, defense, and security issues. He is the founder and editor of Scopes Field, and a columnist at The National Interest, 1945, Daily Caller, and other publications.