Squirrel Rifle

Jack Barnes · Monday at 8:38 AM

After having a blast hunting deer all weekend with my 50 cal flintlock, I've decided I need to extend the fun and invest in a squirrel rifle! I just need help deciding between 2 rifles. I would love a Kibler, just don't have the extra funds right now with newborn twins. The rifles I'm deciding between:

https://muzzle-loaders.com/products...MVjdT7u_NYWOXz3Y3LPHw_6urGY_wLMBeVsnzFtw0ODfE

And:

https://www.dixiegunworks.com/index...20+Pedersoli+Kentucky+Rifle+.32+Cal+Flint+Kit

Give me your thoughts!

Johnny Too-Tall · Monday at 8:51 AM

Jack Barnes said:
After having a blast hunting deer all weekend with my 50 cal flintlock, I've decided I need to extend the fun and invest in a squirrel rifle! I just need help deciding between 2 rifles. I would love a Kibler, just don't have the extra funds right now with newborn twins. The rifles I'm deciding between:

https://muzzle-loaders.com/products...MVjdT7u_NYWOXz3Y3LPHw_6urGY_wLMBeVsnzFtw0ODfE

And:

https://www.dixiegunworks.com/index...20+Pedersoli+Kentucky+Rifle+.32+Cal+Flint+Kit

Give me your thoughts!

Honestly I'd just save up and get the rifle you want. I know it can be tough but you got 8-9 months typically before next tree rat season. Then decide do you want a squirrel rifle or a fowler and do all with it.
But between the two I only have experience with the Pedersoli Ky and the comb of the stock is all wrong for me and the lock/ignition is slowwww. Last I knew no one made a replacement lock for that rifle either. But at $800 your almost up to a Kibler SMR. And that's like going from a Chevette to a Corvette sure both are cars but one holds value.

David LaPell · Monday at 9:25 AM

Jack Barnes said:
After having a blast hunting deer all weekend with my 50 cal flintlock, I've decided I need to extend the fun and invest in a squirrel rifle! I just need help deciding between 2 rifles. I would love a Kibler, just don't have the extra funds right now with newborn twins. The rifles I'm deciding between:

https://muzzle-loaders.com/products...MVjdT7u_NYWOXz3Y3LPHw_6urGY_wLMBeVsnzFtw0ODfE

And:

https://www.dixiegunworks.com/index...20+Pedersoli+Kentucky+Rifle+.32+Cal+Flint+Kit

Give me your thoughts!

I have a Pedersoli Kentucky rifle in .32. The gun is the most accurate flintlock I've ever owned, I can hit a steel mini gong consistently at 50 yards with it. The load is really loves is 20 grains of FFFG Scheutzen, a .010" patch lubed in bore butter and a .311" roundball and you can shoot it all day long.

Jack Barnes · Monday at 9:54 AM

Johnny Too-Tall said:
Honestly I'd just save up and get the rifle you want. I know it can be tough but you got 8-9 months typically before next tree rat season. Then decide do you want a squirrel rifle or a fowler and do all with it.
But between the too I only have experience with the Pedersoli Ky and the comb of the stock is all wrong for me and the lock/ignition is slowwww. Last I knew no one made a replacement lock for that rifle either. But at $800 your almost up to a Kibler SMR. And that's like going from a Chevette to a Corvette sure both are car but one holds value.

Too tall, did the comb of the rifle not fit you because you're tall? I'm fairly tall myself and that may be a concern

Johnny Too-Tall · Monday at 10:01 AM

Jack Barnes said:
Too tall, did the comb of the rifle not fit you because you're tall? I'm fairly tall myself and that may be a concern

I couldn't get my face down far enough on the stock to see the sights align. It is my neighbor's gun, he doesn't shoot it very accurately, but he can't shoot very well with anything. I shot it but knew I wouldn't be accurate is was more for a feeling of how the gun performs. Going from full customs that are made to fit me to a production gun was night and day comparison. I did take apart the lock and try to smoothen it out and increase performance, but it is what it is for a production gun.

Johnny Too-Tall · Monday at 10:21 AM

Jack Barnes said:
Too tall, did the comb of the rifle not fit you because you're tall? I'm fairly tall myself and that may be a concern

Check you PM's

olskool · Monday at 10:39 AM

not a hard decision at all, get the Pedersoli Kentucky!

Ditt44 · Monday at 10:42 AM

I have the Pedersoli Scout in .50 flint. Highly recommend them. I have been looking at the .32 version for the future. If you want one 'now' and it's in your budget, I say get what makes you happy. My Scout is extremely accurate and I have no reason to doubt that a longer barrel in .32 would be any less so. I assume it is all the same parts, just longer wood and barrel.

yellowhammer · Monday at 10:43 AM

Jack Barnes said:
... I would love a Kibler, just don't have the extra funds right now...

Just keep watching the Kibler site and wait for a "quick ship" blem SMR. They'll usually be way lower $$$. May have a knot or stain or a chip, but that just gives it character LOL.

yellowhammer · Monday at 10:58 AM

Kibler has a .36 SMR up right now discounted to $820 with a bark streak in it. Remember you have to add $$ for the lock and shipping.

I dunno, after visiting DGW, I almost bought one of those Scouts in .45, but not the kit, so it was going to be over a grand with tax. I just didn't like the wood, all the less-well-finished edges and the fit around the tang and lock, 1:48 barrel twist... I just passed on it.

Jack Barnes · Monday at 11:01 AM

yellowhammer said:
Kibler has a .36 SMR up right now discounted to $820 with a bark streak in it. Remember you have to add $$ for the lock and shipping.

I dunno, after visiting DGW, I almost bought one of those Scouts in .45, but not the kit, so it was going to be over a grand with tax. I just didn't like the wood, all the less-well-finished edges and the fit around the tang and lock, 1:48 barrel twist... I just passed on it.

I saw that SMR. Just don't know that I want to spend $1200 right now unfortunately. Thanks though!

yellowhammer · Monday at 11:14 AM

Jack Barnes, I totally understand the $$$ aspect, believe me.

.45 SMR getting finishing touches:

Ditt44 · Monday at 11:37 AM

Jack... on the Pedersoli, I did the kit version and it was the first kit I ever put together. It was not difficult but I did make some mistakes and should have taken longer on some steps. Lots of Youtube videos out there covering the model if you dig a bit for them. The lock is very fast, IMO. Not yet had a failure to spark and I'm close to 100 shots in with it and maybe the third flint? Can't recall for sure but it's easy on them so far.

I did a Red Chestnut stain by Minwax and then several coats of True Oil and then the satin finish rub to knock down the sheen. Also had to do the fiber front sight for my eyes along with a Bullseye rear ramp, made a big difference in my ability to shoot it well.

Jack Barnes · Monday at 11:49 AM

Ditt44 said:
Jack... on the Pedersoli, I did the kit version and it was the first kit I ever put together. It was not difficult but I did make some mistakes and should have taken longer on some steps. Lots of Youtube videos out there covering the model if you dig a bit for them. The lock is very fast, IMO. Not yet had a failure to spark and I'm close to 100 shots in with it and maybe the third flint? Can't recall for sure but it's easy on them so far.

I did a Red Chestnut stain by Minwax and then several coats of True Oil and then the satin finish rub to knock down the sheen. Also had to do the fiber front sight for my eyes along with a Bullseye rear ramp, made a big difference in my ability to shoot it well.

Good to hear it's fairly simple. I put together a traditions for my first kit and it wasn't too bad

Rock Home Isle · Monday at 3:20 PM

Jack Barnes said:
After having a blast hunting deer all weekend with my 50 cal flintlock, I've decided I need to extend the fun and invest in a squirrel rifle! I just need help deciding between 2 rifles. I would love a Kibler, just don't have the extra funds right now with newborn twins. The rifles I'm deciding between:

https://muzzle-loaders.com/products...MVjdT7u_NYWOXz3Y3LPHw_6urGY_wLMBeVsnzFtw0ODfE

And:

https://www.dixiegunworks.com/index...20+Pedersoli+Kentucky+Rifle+.32+Cal+Flint+Kit

Give me your thoughts!

Your 1st call is the one I’d go with, you just can’t beat a Kibler for quality and reliability.

In fact, not only go with a Kibler Southern Mountain Rifle…I’d get a .40 calibre, due to its incredible versatility. Use the .40 calibre for deer sized big game…then load with a .375 RB, and thick patching material, for small game.

Best of both worlds.

yellowhammer · Monday at 4:25 PM

Rock Home Isle said:
...Best of both worlds.
View attachment 375689

@Rock Home Isle , Thats'a pretty baby, indeed. What a hunk of wood!

yellowhammer · 2025-01-14T10:23:14-0500

@Jack Barnes , Don't mean to keep flogging a dead horse, but to reiterate what @Johnny Too-Tall said above, if you can save up enough to get the Kibler (or any other quality American kit, for that matter - Chambers, Caywood, etc) and can successfully complete it*, you can have a squirrel rifle worth more than your investment. Don't count on that with the Italian and Spanish guns. I'm retired and have to watch the dollars, but sell things, trade around, etc to fund my hobby. So far, discounting labor, its a zero sum gain, which is all I ask.

I resisted for a long time myself, but have to admit Jim Kibler hit a home run with the little SMR. If there is squirrel rifle perfection, this is getting close to it. (I can't believe I just said that - I'm a pathological perfectionist detail person, and basically cant be pleased - NOTHING's perfect LOL).

_______________
* A big caveat, and a plus for the Kiblers, as they require less skill to complete.

Jack Barnes · 2025-01-14T12:08:09-0500

yellowhammer said:
@Jack Barnes , Don't mean to keep flogging a dead horse, but to reiterate what @Johnny Too-Tall said above, if you can save up enough to get the Kibler (or any other quality American kit, for that matter - Chambers, Caywood, etc) and can successfully complete it*, you can have a squirrel rifle worth more than your investment. Don't count on that with the Italian and Spanish guns. I'm retired and have to watch the dollars, but sell things, trade around, etc to fund my hobby. So far, discounting labor, its a zero sum gain, which is all I ask.

I resisted for a long time myself, but have to admit Jim Kibler hit a home run with the little SMR. If there is squirrel rifle perfection, this is getting close to it. (I can't believe I just said that - I'm a pathological perfectionist detail person, and basically cant be pleased - NOTHING's perfect LOL).

View attachment 375835

_______________
* A big caveat, and a plus for the Kiblers, as they require less skill to complete.

I think you've all convinced me to save up for awhile and get the Kibler

Moon · 2025-01-14T12:48:50-0500

Jack Barnes said:
After having a blast hunting deer all weekend with my 50 cal flintlock, I've decided I need to extend the fun and invest in a squirrel rifle! I just need help deciding between 2 rifles. I would love a Kibler, just don't have the extra funds right now with newborn twins. The rifles I'm deciding between:

https://muzzle-loaders.com/products...MVjdT7u_NYWOXz3Y3LPHw_6urGY_wLMBeVsnzFtw0ODfE

And:

https://www.dixiegunworks.com/index...20+Pedersoli+Kentucky+Rifle+.32+Cal+Flint+Kit

Give me your thoughts!

I have a Pedersoli "Kentucky" style rifle in .32 as was sold by Cabela's. I don't think that they carry them anymore, I got mine on closeout for $400 several years back. I love mine, well balanced, accurate and deadly on small game. I have no experience with Investarm products, so I can't give an opinion on that one. You could do much worse than the Pedersoli easily.

BR Sorenson · 2025-01-14T12:50:49-0500

Jack Barnes said:
I think you've all convinced me to save up for awhile and get the Kibler

Like previously mentioned. Watch Kiblers quick ship page. I just finished my second SMR in .36 cal the bace price was like $790. Of course rember $315. For the lock.
The stock was plane maple with a dark intrusion. You'll learn that the intrusion, worm stains just don't matter. And often blend in. I've put together 4 of the blem stock rifles. And there's nothing wrong with them.
My first flintlock was a used Pedersoli Kentucky. I was in the process of rebuilding it. I definitely didn't get a winner with that Rifle. I don't know how many previous owner that it had. But there are definitely some bad components on that old model Kentucky. The short story is that I started to replace bad parts and decided to just get a flintlock that works. And orderd my first Kibler SMR. 45. My only regret is I've ran out of wall space to hang my six Kiblers. The Pedersoli is still a disassembled non working project. Sometimes the blem stocks just call out to me. Here are a couple of examples.

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