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Small game rifle options?

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Hey y'all, I'm looking to pick up a rifle for chasing squirrels and rabbits and such. Likely a .32 or .36 caliber. My budget is about what a Kibler kit costs, and I feel like I have the skills and patience to finish one of those. The "other" kits, from what I've seen at least, are more than I want to get into at first. I'm familiar with flintlocks, had a few but never a smaller caliber.

I live in Alabama, so naturally a "southern" type rifle appeals to me, but not necessarily required. I'll probably never be able to make it to a rendezvous so absolute period correctness isn't necessary.

For the money of the Kibler kit or less, what are some other options I have? Complete rifles or very easy kits would work. I do keep an eye out on the classifieds as well.

Thanks for your time and any advice.
 
For a relatively ‘easy build’, tough to beat a Kibler. You could spend less on a Traditions Crocket kit (~$400), and there is nothing wrong with them at the price, but it pales in comparison to a Kibler. Also, don’t know if you can get a Crocket in flint. Pedersoli has some 32 flintlocks, not sure about kits, but complete guns are getting closer to the Kibler in price, and again don’t compare.

As you stated, keep looking for a used gun. Deals are out there.
 
Just FYI, there is a 40 caliber Hawken for sale in the classified here. It isn't flint and is a little larger caliber, but would make a great squirrel or rabbit gun if loaded light.
 
I’ve got .32 Crockett’s, Cherokee’s and a Seneca that was rebarreled in .32. If I had the money for a Kibler kit with nice wood, that’s what I’d have.
 
You can buy parts piece meal and probably put less onto it dollar wise than one of those Kiblers. There will be more work involved to get it up and running though.

I assembled parts for my .32 cal squirrel project and so far I'm into it for less than 1K.
 
Either route should work just fine for you. Seems as of late, there's been good deals on used guns more than normal.

36 caliber is my preference. Them 32 balls are awfully small when it's cold and your hands are moving slower than usual.
 
Either route should work just fine for you. Seems as of late, there's been good deals on used guns more than normal.

36 caliber is my preference. Them 32 balls are awfully small when it's cold and your hands are moving slower than usual.

I was a little torn between the two honestly. I've had a .36 percussion that was junk, wouldn't group, so I never got to hunt with it. But it seemed easy to load.

Maybe the .36 would be best for me. Id like to have the oomph to take a coyote while out on a squirrel hunt.
 
Get the Kibler if you can. I love mine in .40 with curly ash! I also have a Crockett, and I can't say a bad word about it, it is a great little gun. I have killed two coyotes with my Crockett while squirrel hunting, neither took another step after I shot them. The Kibler, to me though, is quite a bit more special
 
Nothing wrong with 32 caliber guns. Will easily make headshots on squirrels at 30 yards, and with practice will work out to 50 yards. Personally, use Ballistics Products 1-1/2 buckshot in my 32s. 8 pounds, 1200+ rounds for just under $40. Over 12 grains of Swiss fff means dead tree rat.
 
SMR 2.jpg
Absolutely nothing wrong with a 32 caliber gun. I love mine.
 
I don’t have a .40, but I have rifles in .32 and .36. I prefer the .32’s. I nearly always use a loading block so the ball size isn’t a problem. I like that I can shoot something like 400 times with a pound of powder and cast around 140 balls with a pound of lead.
 
I had a very good experience with Sitting Fox. He sells a good southern rifle styled poor boy kit.
It is not the most historically correct version of the gun. It is a good looking gun and relatively simple to put together. You can make one without a nose cap, entry thimble, and butt plate, with single trigger.
While not the most hc you will be accepted at most events unless it’s revolutionary or colonial.
 
Either route should work just fine for you. Seems as of late, there's been good deals on used guns more than normal.

36 caliber is my preference. Them 32 balls are awfully small when it's cold and your hands are moving slower than usual.

I can't see where there'd be much difference handling either side ball in the cold weather. That is what a loading block with pre arranged patch and ball is for.
 
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Either route should work just fine for you. Seems as of late, there's been good deals on used guns more than normal.

36 caliber is my preference. Them 32 balls are awfully small when it's cold and your hands are moving slower than usual.

Sorry double post.
 
I was a little torn between the two honestly. I've had a .36 percussion that was junk, wouldn't group, so I never got to hunt with it. But it seemed easy to load. Maybe the .36 would be best for me. Id like to have the oomph to take a coyote while out on a squirrel hunt.

Well I'd look at a Dixie Cub rifle kit in .32
DIXIE.jpg
All you have to do is a little sanding, then stain and finish the wood, and I'd save up for the Kibler Kit in .54 and use that for deer. Buy the Kibler in .36 and you have to save up that much more money to buy your next Kibler Kit in a deer caliber...,
..., unless you want to go for a .40 in a Kibler.:thumb:

LD
 
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