Got a $1,500 budget! What should I look at?

[Bob McBride]

Well, sorry to say, I have the unpleasant duty of calling TVM tomorrow to let them know that I am canceling my order. The good news is I have not sent in the deposit yet, so the order is not really an order yet. They were supposed to let me know this week how much to send them to secure my place in line.

Now for the good news: I've just made an online payment to Jim Kibler for an In-the-white, .54 caliber Colonial Rifle. After looking at what I was paying for a Poor Boy with all the upgrades (swamped, double-set trigger, upgraded lock, etc.), The Kibler Colonial Rifle just made more sense with all those things included, plus the pretty hardware and sleek lines of the Kibler gun for the same price. I've finished rifle stocks before, and browning the metal looks pretty simple, albeit time consuming.

All-in-all, I think I'll be happier with the Kibler.

Well chosen.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

TVM and Kibler are, IMHO, about as good as you can get as kits.

Another vote for TVM or Kibler.

LD

 

[Jim Evans]

Another vote for Kibler and you will have some money left over.

 

[TerryK]

Kibler looks so good. I can see one in my future, but I am getting a TVM this week, so that will keep me busy.
I am always looking in the classifieds for a Kibler southern mountain rifle in 45.

 

[Pa-brushbuster71]

I love my Iron PA TVM, but it’s only my second flintlock, so my opinion does not have too much weight. I can say they were a pleasure to do business with, they are patient, take their time with questions and I plan on ordering another rifle from them in due time.

I don’t want to thread hijack but can you purchase Kibler Rifles fully finished? The Kiblers seem to be getting a lot of positive attention. They look to be high value.

 

[user 34300]

I have assembled and finished four Kiblers. Nothing comes close for the price. As previously stated you would have to pay and top custom maker many thousands to come close. You made a great choice.

"I don’t want to thread hijack but can you purchase Kibler Rifles fully finished? The Kiblers seem to be getting a lot of positive attention. They look to be high value. "

Call Katherine and ask. I believe they have a limited production building service. OR, they might give references to a builder.

 

[Smokey Plainsman]

Do NOT think TVM is your only option.

Hunt around and post want to buy ads. Make friends on the American Longrifle Forum. Most here are into the production guns which are a whoop and a wholler unto themselves but if your wanting something a bit more authentic and with higher pride in ownership a custom is what you want and you can find used ones in good shooting shape in that price range for sure.

You can find a gun with better components and better architecture, and better built, than the frankly pedestrian TVM options. I might be biased I had a horrible experience with TVM over a year back and would not do business with them again but I shant wax on about it lest it raise the ire of their fan club!

 

[Pa-brushbuster71]

I have assembled and finished four Kiblers. Nothing comes close for the price. As previously stated you would have to pay and top custom maker many thousands to come close. You made a great choice.

"I don’t want to thread hijack but can you purchase Kibler Rifles fully finished? The Kiblers seem to be getting a lot of positive attention. They look to be high value. "

Call Katherine and ask. I believe they have a limited production building service. OR, they might give references to a builder.

Thank you

 

[Doc Ivory]

Still waiting on my Kibler Colonial. Katherine originally said it would be shipped before Christmas, but they got behind. I'm kinda anxious to get it and get it finished.

Mine was pusher back from February to April.
I'm anxious but happy they're busy.

 

[Pete G]

Not always the suppliers fault; we're still getting Christmas cards in the mail.

 

[biliff]

Still waiting on my Kibler Colonial. Katherine originally said it would be shipped before Christmas, but they got behind. I'm kinda anxious to get it and get it finished.

Looks like I'll be using a percussion Hawken rifle in our monthly tournament ..... again!

FWIW, been waiting on an in the white SMR for eight months now so don’t get your hopes up.

 

[olskool]

i shipped a barrel to Bobby Hoyt dec1 it got there about 5 days ago! usps really makes me mad! they blame the china flu for everything,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[Buck Conner]

.
Hanski, this young man just opened a can of worms with his topic line, that has these guys coming out of the wood work...

.

 

[Smokey Plainsman]

That Kibler’s piece will be source of mirth and gaiety for as long as you own it. Congrats!

 

[MTGUNNER]

Mine was pusher back from February to April.
I'm anxious but happy they're busy.

I ordered my .45 SMR in June. talked to Jim yesterday. Said they should be shipping it next week or the week after... THANK YOU, JIM!!!!!

 

[Cody2306]

Gahunter60. Where youbabke to still get the .54 cal with the kibler kit?

 

[GAHUNTER60]

Yes, I assume so. As of today, I still don't have it in hand. It takes all the will power I can muster to keep from emailing Katherine to get some idea when I can expect it. Last time I emailed her, she estimated 2-3 weeks. That was five weeks ago.

Maybe I misunderstood her when she said I should have it before Christmas. I just assumed she meant Christmas 2020.

 

[Pete G]

You will get it; just be patient. It will be worth the wait.