My girlfriend gave me kimber 84 in 270 wsm . Love the gift but my question is are the barrels supposed to be floated?

Is that an 84 or an 8400? from the kimber website:

Custom features, fine execution and inherent accuracy distinguish Kimber from other production rifles, and the new Model 8400 carries this tradition to a higher level.

The Classic has a carefully shaped and hand-finished A-grade walnut sporter stock. The action is pillar bedded and the barrel free floated to maintain zero under the toughest field conditions. Metal surfaces are finished in matte blue to avoid reflection.

The Montana is a rifle for serious hunters. The rich gray Kevlar/carbon fiber stock is stronger and lighter than wood, and the satin-finished stainless steel barreled action requires little maintenance even after extended exposure. This model was designed without a floorplate to save additional weight.

The SuperAmerica is Kimber’s finest rifle. The AAA walnut stock is checkered with a full wrap 24 LPI pattern and accented with a cheekpiece and ebony forend tip. The high polish blue sets it apart from other rifles and provides and elegant appearance. Availability is limited due to availability of suitable wood.

Its a classic but the barrel seems to be touching on the left side of the stock. Hate to take it back to the store as it was a gift and a 300 mile drive. But if it is supposed to be floated, it is too expensive of a rifle not to be right.

Try the old dollar bill routine - slide the bill from forend to action and see if it hangs up anywhere. If so, it needs relieving. Some barrels have the pressure retaining area (the thicker part of the barrel just ahead of the receiver) bedded, so if the bill stops about 2"-3" short of the receiver ring, it's OK.

Agree - a Kimber is a fine rifle (have an 82C .22LR, myself) and if new, the factory should make good on any problem.

I think the 84M Classics with walnut stocks are supposed to be free floating. My 84M Varmint is anyway. Kimber makes a fine rifle, but that doesn't mean an individual rifle might not have a problem though. Wood can do some funny things at times because of grain patterns, the way it was dried/cured, etc. Wood can pickup moisture and warp, twist, or move one way or another.

Try the dollar bill test as suggested. If there is a spot where the barrel touches the stock, identify where that spot is. Take the barreled action out of the stock, and sand that spot down with 100 grit sand paper until the dollar bill passes easily between the stock and barrel. Once you've sanded off the spot, clean and seal the area inside the stock with True Oil, linseed oil, or some other stock finishing oil. It's an easy fix, and you won't have to drive 300 miles, or to send your rifle back to Kimber.