I sent my barrel from my Kibler SMR to Track of the Wolf today via Fed Ex. I asked to have the rear dovetail recut and a new rear sight installed. I feel the dovetail from Jim was shallow. While preparing the barrel i apparently made the situation worse. According to Track of the Wolf Jim Kibler cut the dovetail as it would have been in a historic rifle so I’m not blaming Jim. I have read SMR owners having to file the front sight very low to get the rifle sighted in, The new sight that is being installed will be higher giving additional elevation. The barrel should be at Track of the Wolf Tuesday 4/23. I’ll keep you posted
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Kibler 32 SMR
- Thread starter Arkansas Jim
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It is easier to install another back sight and leave the front sight high. I did that on my Woodsrunner, and it was right on the money. It cost me a back sight out of my parts stash. Nothing wrong with the dovetails.
Indeed. Due to old eyes, I have to use an aperture sight on my muzzleloader rifles. Every time I installed one, a higher front bead was required.
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Kibler uses historically correct sights. Since I shoot that is not my cup of tea.
I always make new ones. I want them taller to prevent mirage distortion of the sight picture. I also want the front sight to be wider, more like 0.110" wide. For testing loads I use a peep sight. I prefer not to modify really nice rifles. So, I made the peep sight such that the rifle is not damaged. When not in use I store the sight parts in the patch box. See attached
I always make new ones. I want them taller to prevent mirage distortion of the sight picture. I also want the front sight to be wider, more like 0.110" wide. For testing loads I use a peep sight. I prefer not to modify really nice rifles. So, I made the peep sight such that the rifle is not damaged. When not in use I store the sight parts in the patch box. See attached
Attachments
Deeper dovetails are bad. Not correct and weaken the barrel.
Thanks Jim for your feedback. What would you suggest when the sight will not stay in the barrel?
It depends on how loose it is. If not too much you can stretch the sight with cold forging. You might also be able to clinch the dovetail on the sight with a flat rectangular punch. Otherwise a bigger sight.
If you are having trouble with the dovetails and sights we provided, let us know.
If you are having trouble with the dovetails and sights we provided, let us know.
TDM
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If the base of your sight is loose in the dovetail, use a small peening hammer to stretch the base. Probably won't take much, a little goes a long way. Same for a base that's a little too large, use minimal filing.
Jim replied just as I was finishing my typing.
Plus, a large socket placed over the dovetail edges and given a couple of sharp hits with a mallet will tighten the dovetail.
Jim replied just as I was finishing my typing.
Plus, a large socket placed over the dovetail edges and given a couple of sharp hits with a mallet will tighten the dovetail.
I asked for advice however I didn’t hear back, perhaps I messed up when I sent the request. The barrel is now at TOTW and they will install a new sight and should be returned soon. I’ll keep you posted as to how that worked out. Perhaps with some coaching I can send pictures of their work. Thanks again Jim
I hear all of you, but my SMR dovetails required very minimum file work and they fit just fine.
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Should have went to Jim right out of the gate, he really does stand behind every rifle they sell and from what I gather from everyone’s comments he’s a good dude to ask questions. I have not been able to get to my SMR yet with my mother passing in February it’s been hectic. Probably by the end of August.
A shallow dovetail will work just fine as long as it isn't filed too wide. I replaced the brass front sight on my SMR with a steel one just because that's my preference.
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I filed my front sight down and after I got it sighted in realized I did not like it being so short (I am old, vision is not what it used to be).
I ordered a taller front and rear sight from Bree and went through the process again and...........AAAHHHHH perfection!
Nothing wrong with the dovetail slots.
Edit,
AND instead of making changes to the expensive part (barrel) I only made changes to the less expensive part (sight).
I ordered a taller front and rear sight from Bree and went through the process again and...........AAAHHHHH perfection!
Nothing wrong with the dovetail slots.
Edit,
AND instead of making changes to the expensive part (barrel) I only made changes to the less expensive part (sight).
