Kibler order

[Mike in FL]

Thanks to all the input here, I finally found the nerve to call in an order. I'm choosing Kibler to the exclusion of all other rifles, finished or kits. Jim's videos gave me the confidence I needed. So, I called. It was sort of a relief that they were closed today. I'm really scared of spending all that money on just me, because I'm certainly not anywhere close to wealthy.
One question I had for Jim maybe someone here can answer. The Colonial has the barrel length I want, but I'm wondering if caliber bears on the "across the flats" measurement. I mean would a .45 barrel have the same outside measurements as a .54? I'm all about long and skinny for the gun's overall appearance. I'd shun a 54 if it called for a fatter stock.
Anyway, the decision is made with by wife-of-53-year's blessing. Again, my thanks to all of you for all the help.

 

[Mike in FL]

Oh, I forgot to say, kits are 10% off through July 31.

 

[EC121]

Barrel profiles are the same for each rifle style. Just the bore size changes.

 

[smokepolehall]

The Colonial is much more of a kit n plenty of work to dig into. Its a nice rifle once completed. Heck you only live once go for it !

 

[akroguy]

If you want a slimmer, lighter rifle, the Woodsrunner is the one AND fully CNC machined. Polish the metalwork, sand, finish.

 

[64Springer]

Your financial security is vastly more important than a black powder rifle.

Maybe them not picking up the phone is a blessing in disguise.

Just food for thought.

.02

 

[Capt. Jas.]

The bigger the caliber, the lighter the rifle. Same O/D.
I would be looking at a .54 in Woodsrunner and a .58 in the Colonial. If I'm not mistaken, there is more done to completion on the Woodsrunner due to the machine ans programs in which its being run on. If that makes a difference for you, contact them to verify that.

 

[Zutt-man]

The bigger the caliber, the lighter the rifle. Same O/D.
I would be looking at a .54 in Woodsrunner and a .58 in the Colonial. If I'm not mistaken, there is more done to completion on the Woodsrunner due to the machine ans programs in which its being run on. If that makes a difference for you, contact them to verify that.

This is true.

I’d also like to note the Colonials are not much work if you want them simple. My first (no prior experience) took a week. My 2nd, just 3 days (although I spent plenty of time carving outside of that).

 

[Phil Coffins]

The Kibler if done well can be sold at no loss and perhaps a bit of profit should you decide you don’t deserve a fine rifle after a lifetime of work. For myself I studied the problem with an open mind and conferred with my wife about the financial situation. I bought and finished the Colonial in 54 and was pleased, then realized it wouldn’t fit my gun safes. Then sold it and got the Woods Runner in 54 and it suits me very well and the larger safe can hold it. Our 53 anniversary is still on!

 

[Comfortably_Numb]

The woodsrunner is the easiest to assemble, I highly recommend it if your skills are lacking. The Colonial is heavy in every caliber except .58.

 

[pacanis]

10% off?
Dang. I wish I had known that a couple weeks ago. That's a substantial savings.

 

[TDM]

10% off?
Dang. I wish I had known that a couple weeks ago. That's a substantial savings.

Same here, wish I'd waited another week or so.

 

[jay3]

Same here, wish I'd waited another week or so.

Makes 3 of us...

 

[Kmcmichael]

The Colonial is a beast. Mine in.50 weighs near 10 pounds. It is nose heavy and is cumbersome to carry as it balances right at the rear sight. Great range gun however.

 

[pacanis]

Same here, wish I'd waited another week or so.

I'd gladly have bought a kit instead of the two guns I did buy. Which probably would have covered the cost of the Kibler kit.
Oh well.

 

[Mike in FL]

Thanks everyone. So much wisdom here.

 

[Bobby MacAlphin]

Thanks everyone. So much wisdom here.

My Kibler Colonial in .50 cal. Weighs exactly 9 lbs , I'm 66 years old and have no problem shooting it at shooting matches or roaming the woods hunting with it I love it and it balances perfectly !

 

[Hatman/2nd line]

I have a .54 colonial and am considering getting the woodsrunner in .54 for the less weight, I'm not very big and on the down side of 79!

 

[Mike in FL]

I have a .54 colonial and am considering getting the woodsrunner in .54 for the less weight, I'm not very big and on the down side of 79!

I heard that. Old ain't fun unless we make it fun. I've slowed some but not enough to quit. My other flinter is the Lyman/Pedersoli GPR, one inch across the flats, 32 inch barrel and HEAVY, like a plains rifle was. I have a no-drill sling on it, which makes it easier to tote through the wildwood. Like you, I'm getting the .54, which is a caliber I've never owned or fired. The Colonial kit seems just like a Chambers I used to have with swamped barrel and a bit of cast off. The Chambers was way more expensive, but the for end was paper-thin and would warp outward away from the barrel at the muzzle end when exposed to rain. It went back when dry, but still was a defect I couldn't live with.

 

[Comfortably_Numb]

Slotting the front lug hole would have solved that problem