CUSTOMER REVIEWS

At Kilimanjaro Rifles, we know that it takes only one less than perfect rifle to destroy the hard-won reputation built by all those before it.  That is why we devote such intense attention to quality control and both in-house and independent testing of each and every custom rifle we build.  The most satisfying reward for this commitment to excellence is the response of our customers.  Here are a few:

Re: The .458 Lott

Gene,
I finally got sufficiently dug out from other tasks to play with my toys a bit. I have initially worked with the iron sights on the Lott you crafted, and they work well, although I do have to press my cheek fairly firmly on the comb, as expected. We planned the rifle primarily for use with a scope. I have now added a Leupold VX-3 1.5-5 scope. On a few words, the stock is magnificent for that purpose. I expected that the rifle would mount easily and be well aligned with minimum motion once on my shoulder. It is even better than that! For this rifle, I can glance rapidly at a target 30-40 yards away, close my eyes and throw the rifle to my shoulder, and every time, the crosshairs are on the target. I have never had to move the cross hairs more than an inch at that distance. Needless to say, that is best fit I have ever seen. The stock is a Kodiak, but with some modifications to make it slightly less angular and slightly lighter, and it is magic!

Thank you for great execution of my desires and careful attention to detail in crafting the stock!!

Cheers,

Dick M.
5/16/12

Hi,
Would you be so kind to price me out one of your rifles in 416 Rigby and how long it would take to produce. The last rifles I bought from you were wonderful.

Thanks,

Braden E.
2/26/12

Erik,
Last year I got a Browning A Bolt 7mm Rem Mag. White Gold Medalion, from you that you had reworked. It was my first bolt action rifle. Always used a brown BLR 7mm-08. After a lot of shooting and load development, I made my annual trip to Montana deer hunting to the Missouri breaks with my 27 year old son. We hunted 3 days, saw many good animals. On the 4th morning we put the stock on 3 bucks, two with good bodies, but at 1000 yards not sure. So, after closing the range to 530 yards, there was a 4 point and a 3x4, the 3x4 was in full velvet.

In November, wow, I always wanted a velvet wall mount. Well, at 530 yards and no chance of closing the gap across the canyon, the shot was made. I had done my homework and knew the load, gun and scope were accurate. Put the 500 line in scope, 2" high on shoulder and with my son spotting for me, I squeezed off my shot.... PERFECTION !!!! I now have a nice mule deer 3x4 in full velvet going on my wall.

Thanks to all that put the gun together. The tally mounts are great. And the gun really turns heads with its wood work.

Tim O.
2/05/12

Erik,
The 7mm Mauser Walkabout is perfect for south Texas whitetails. It is light and accurate with devastating terminal performance. The first buck I shot with it piled up within ten feet.
Five days later, my daughter Julia (age 14) used the same rifle to drop a buck in its tracks with a single shot through the heart. She shoots it easily without any fear of recoil. She really likes the rifle, too.
I may need another.
Thanks for building great rifles.

Tom G.
12/22/11

From the forums of AfricaHunting.com:

November 3, 2011: Until last year I used a CZ 550 in .375 H&H. A good rifle, and certainly worth the money. It served me well on a number of hunts. Then I saw the rifles which Kilimanjaro Rifles put together, and ordered one. It was delivered in June, just in time for a hunt in South Africa in August. I had it built on a Dakota action. The gun shot dead on - with the proper rest, I could drive tacks at 100 yards, which is pretty good for a .375. I picked a great blank for the wood, and with the fleur-de-lis checkering, it looks fantastic. It shoots much better than the CZ, feels better balanced to me (being custom made, it fits me better) and everything is - and feels - tighter, which of course it should, given the difference in price. And on that score, before anyone heaps too much abuse on me for what these things cost, I admit I'm fortunate to be able to buy such a gun. But let me say this - I've looked at a bunch of English bolt action rifles at the various shows, and I can tell you that as much as mine costs, you get a lot more for your money with a made-in-Montana gun like this. – Hank2211.

November 4, 2011: I am glad you like your rifle! It's better to hunt with something you are comfortable with and trust, than a cheap gun you hope, holds its zero. Kilimanjaro Rifles are really nice. – Enysee.

Please excuse my late note of thanks to you and your team for creating a beautiful compliment to my rifle. The leather color selection you made is perfect for the rifle. All I can say is WOW! Everyone who sees the sling and ammo carrier is impressed by the craftsmanship and quality.

I also want to thank Eric and everyone at Kilimanjaro that made my purchase experience so gratifying. The rifle is both a real tack driver with both factory ammunition and my handloads and a work of art. The action is very slick and permits a fast follow-up shot - important for dangerous game. Wonderfully balanced and a joy to shoot.

I'm already contemplating my next rifle order - I want to get one chambered in .257 Weatherby Magnum (Serengeti Walkabout?) but I'm also really drawn to the beautiful .30-.30 lever action based on the Marlin 336 in the Rifles Now! section of the website. I've never owned a lever gun.

Again, thanks to everyone. I'm confident this rifle will serve me well on my dangerous game safari.

Pete R.
9/16/11

Erik,
I was able to shoot the 416 for the first time on Sunday, what a beautiful rifle. I told my wife some dreams do come true.
Thanks again,

Paul B.
9/13/11

RE: Tiger Artemis Rifle

Dear Erik,
I wanted to thank you again for letting me shoot with this amazing custom-made rifle. It has received quite a bit of attention from guys at the gun store and at the outdoor shooting range. I shot it for the first time yesterday and it was amazing; very powerful but very easy for me to handle and my shoulder isn't even sore today! I'm actually really looking forward to shooting it again. Some guys at the shooting range were eyeing me pretty closely and finally came up to talk to me about your rifle. I told them who made it and what it was made for (a first time hunt for me!) and they were very impressed with the gun and one of the guys said "it's obvious they took great care in making a gun especially for you; you're very lucky." One of the guys was a very experienced hunter and shooter and gunsman and he had never seen a gun like yours. Anyway, I just wanted you to know that and to thank you again for the opportunity to hunt with this exquisite gun!"
Warm regards,

Shannon M.
9/11/11

Erik and Gene,
My gunsmith has the safety working. He explained what the problem was, but I was playing with it, so didn't really get the gist of it. Not a complex fix though. Thanks very much for your offer to come up and fix it - speaks volumes.

Henry S.
6/22/11

Erik,
I received the rifle on Friday, and it's fantastic. The wood came out very well, and I'm hugely pleased. I'll let you know how I do with it this summer in South Africa!
One last question: Is blank B-7 Premier available?

Henry S.
6/19/11

Gene,
Thought I would let you know the rifle arrived via Fed/Ex this afternoon. A couple of comments:

#1-----The presentation of the rifle in the case when opened is very impressive. It's very hard not to say WOW!! as you open the lid. The inclusion of loading data, target, ballistic data along with the other paperwork and soft case is a show of class. Not counting the heavy duty lockable airline proof hard case.

#2----- There is a reason you have the title of Master Gunsmith. The workmanship, fit and finish of both metal and wood is flawless. I can't imagine anyone not appreciating your talents.

#3----- The wood is some of the best I have ever seen. The joints where the lamination is can only be seen if you look very hard and even then it would have to be pointed out to someone if they didn't know about it.

Great job-------I can't imagine or even want to think about ever sliding it into a Saddle scabbard. However, I know it is made to go hunting and will probably shed a tear with the first scratch.

I will let you know how it shoots. I just hope I can do as good as the targets provided. Thanks for the loading data, it helps get things started as I am going to use not only the 260gr but 300gr's as well in Africa.

Thanks again my friend...........Semper Fi..........

Chub E.
6/20/11

Erik,
Congratulations on the cover of Sports Afield! Stunning! What better place to showcase Kilimanjaro than one of the finest sporting publications in the industry. My first thought was that's "my" rifle. It well could have been. Thanks again to everyone who had a hand in building the finest rifle I've ever owned. I couldn't be more pleased.
Hope all is well with you folks. We are off to the NRA Show in Pittsburg tomorrow. Busy times! Look forward to seeing you soon.
My best regards,

Ron S.
4/26/11

Erik,
The rifle is BEAUTIFUL to say the least! I could not be more happy with it; until I get the chance to shoot it that is.

Once again, wonderful work. Well worth the wait. BTW, I have a couple of other doctors interested. Can I just send you their names and then you send them the appropriate info?
Thanks again.

Mike M.
3/10/11

Dear Erik,
Thank you for such a beautiful, even masterful product – these rifles are works of artistry – holy cow!! I could not wait to see them, so I went today – thrilled I did!! I cannot believe the lightness, yet the substantial feel of these weapons!! What a joy to carry anywhere for anything!! The boys are thrilled as well – they do not understand fully what these are, but the fit, finish and beauty is all to the good and they are thrilled – Will asked when is Afrika? Just means we need lots of practice!! God, they are gorgeous – the wood is scary stunning..... My friends at Juniata were stunned...I knew they would be – they don't see that kind of weapon much down there. I held them most of this afternoon.....! You seem to think of fine art the same way, so it is not so embarrassing to admit that to you!! Thank you, Erik. They are wonderful and more so to think that for my family they will serve well and proudly as heirlooms.
As always,

Bill
3/02/11

Erik,
In my earlier e-mail reply, I was remiss in not offering congratulations to you and to your talented team in bringing Kilimanjaro Rifles to this point, where it has earned the respect and admiration of amateur and professional hunters and outdoor writers alike. That is no surprise. The high class and superior performance of the rifles reflects the class act you are as a team. Thanks for what you do so well, Happy Holidays, and all best wishes for great success in the coming year.
Mahalo,

Dick M.
12/20/10

Erik,
Beautiful rifle, more than I expected. I have not had a chance to put her through her paces yet. I am waiting on ammo.

Thank you for such a beautiful piece of art.
Best regards,

Roger T.
11/19/10

Dear Gene,
Hope you are well!!!! Well, I took the '71 with me to Alaska -- we were north of Denali in the Titna/Nowitna River Drainages hunting Grizzly and Moose. Anyway, we crossed over river and set up under some pines – made just a couple of calls – holy cow, we heard an answer way, way, off. Kept up and for over 45 minutes this big Bull just kept grunting and walking to us-- one muffled call and out he came angling on – guide said shoot – so I slipped a 400 grain A-Frame just inside the on shoulder and we found it, perfectly mushroomed in his off, back leg, half way into the bone!!!!! Talk about penetration!!! through 1800 pounds of moose – 59" with real wide, deep palms with high tines all the way around! -- we winched him up on the bank and finished the job next morning. Even my guide said 'perfect' for the '71. The guys in camp were referring to it as "the '71" and everyone one handled it and even shot it – they went nuts for it – they could not believe the craftsmanship and its beauty!! I am using it almost exclusively this year for Buck hunting.

God Gene – I love my other guns you did – but that '71 is magnificent – it gives me such joy just to handle it and hold it – even in the house in the evenings – your skill is fantastic!!!!! Wanted you to know how much that rifle means to me.....

Thanks for so much, Gene. Be in touch,

Bill H.
9/23/10

Mr Eike,
Can't say enough about your company and will definitely do business with you in the future.
Thanks again.

Jeremy C.
7/23/10

Hello Erik!
Thanks for getting back to me. I finally had a chance to get out and sight in the 300 Win Mag. I was a little disappointed in the 300 Win Mag – three shot groups were a little less than ¾ of an inch at 200 yards – AMAZING!! At 100 yards, I had all three touching one another! (You know I was just kidding about being disappointed!) These hand loads that you guys worked up turned this rifle into a shooting machine! I wonder if these loads are a little hotter than what the book said because they were still dead on at 200 yards. No matter, if there is some distance between the bear and me and if I don't scare the crap out of myself I should be able to hit something!

We are backordered on our scopes and have been for some time now, so I only have one scope for two rifles. That O.K. because Jason said he was not going to hunt, just film and the other person on the hunt will be bow hunting. I am going to use the 300 Win Mag for the first bear and the hopefully the 300 WSM for the second one.
Thanks again!

Tony T.
5/06/10

Hello Erik!
Just wanted to let you know that the rifles arrived safe and sound and they are absolutely beautiful! I am really looking forward to taking them on this trip to Canada!

Thanks again and I will keep you posted!

Tony T.
4/26/10

Hi Erik,
The 375 is safely arrived and it is stunning – I am more than pleased – and eager to shoot it – maybe tomorrow, but probably Friday or weekend if all stays well. Again, cannot thank you enough – it is simply gorgeous!!
Be in touch soon,

Bill
4/14/10

Erik,
Sorry to be so late with a big THANK YOU; the rifle arrived last Mon.; looks great & handles great; strange circumstances have prevented shooting but expect to do that this week. The Pelican case is a wonderful plus, thank you so much.

Dennis K.
3/15/10