Which flintlock rifle?

I have a number of 50 caliber rifles and a 32 cap lock and a 36 flint. I enjoy the later two. I would say either would serve your needs in flintlock. I don't have problems cleaning either rifle and don't notice more fouling in one or the other. Both are Traditions. Something just draws me to the small bores. Just avoid anything with a patent type breach, but since you are talking about a Kibler, that shouldn't be a problem.

If I was "just gonna shoot", I'd get a .32. It is relatively quiet compared to larger calibers. It recoils less. The amount of powder, patch and lead is much less than a larger caliber so they last for more shots. There are places where I could shoot a .22 but I would hesitate or out refrain from shooting something larger due to a number of factors. In this case, the .32 BP rifle an .22 LR would be interchangeable. I can ring a 10" gong at 100-yards with a .32 but if you are wanting to shoot target groups out that far the .32 may not be the best unless you are patient with the wind. You can fit a lot of .32 balls and enough powder for them in a pretty small container. I have two places where I could shoot indoors but the backstop, ventilation and noise tolerance is exceeded by anything larger than .32 with a ball and medium amount of powder.

I shoot a 36 that I completely love. Never had a problem hearing steel gongs when hit or seeing POI on xboard targets. With both a 32 and a 36 you can shoot all day using very little powder and lead. One thing that may sway you, is if you're shooting in the cold with frozen hands, those 32 balls are tough to get a grip on.

The 32's are really fun to shoot and enjoy a peashooter for plinking or targets out to 50 yards or so. They will definitely teach you Kentucky windage estimation. I agree with Silky though and gave them up a couple of years ago. With my old fingers in the cold and patch lube more were hitting the ground than going down the bore. Now I have gone to my 36 and am enjoying it for a couple of more years before my 40's will get more attention. The joys of aging.

I still get along pretty good with my 32, but wonder about using a loading block if the stiff finger thing gets worse or in really cold weather. One could get a bunch of the little patched 32s in not too big of a loading block. Using a short starter to get them started and the rest should be easy.

I'm still chuckling at "sillywet".

Depends on the type of bore you want to start with. Smaller .35 caliber rifle are easy shooters. A great beginner rifle I've always liked the Pedersoli Jaeger Rifle, its short barrel and larger .54 caliber will get you tested well into large game and target shooting. Its a very nice rifle, not sure I'd call it a Jaeger though, but none the less a great rifle for shooting, you can also buy the conversion unit to precision. Replacement parts are in great surplus too.

Might try the below in your search:

For customer service and support, please contact:

Katherine Werre

cell: 440-670-7883

email: [email protected]

Katherine will be able to help you with most of your questions regarding products, payments, shipments, policies, etc. AT kIBLER

John Frederick said:

I'm still chuckling at "sillywet".

Click to expand...

It's easier than straining my brain to spell silhouette.

If you gonna have one then the 45 with a lite weight bbl would be what I would choose.

Kansas Jake said:

I still get along pretty good with my 32, but wonder about using a loading block if the stiff finger thing gets worse or in really cold weather. One could get a bunch of the little patched 32s in not too big of a loading block. Using a short starter to get them started and the rest should be easy.

Click to expand...

A loading block is the way to go, especially if a person hunts with a muzzle loading rifle. I use loading blocks for my .54 when deer hunting, and in the cold it definitely is a plus. Now for squirrels, I plan to make a loading block that will hold at least ten or twelve pre patched .32 cal balls. This way no fumbling through the bag trying to find a patch and ball while hurridly trying to reload .

I've used a loading block with my 50, but haven't made one for my 32. I think I need to get one made.