I’ve read that the Kibler Colonial comes in at a hefty 8.5 to 9 lbs, is there enough wood that can be removed to lighten her up a little or is it simply going to be a heavier rifle no matter what?
Kibler Colonial question
- Thread starter S.Kenton
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The most effective way to keep the weight down is to go with a larger bore size since the exterior barrel dimensions are identical. The difference between my Colonial 50 and 58 cal is quite noticeable. A 3/4+ pound difference. My 58 is a very nicely balanced 8.1 pounds.
Art, have you handled the 54 caliber? That will be my choice.
Do you know how much it weighs?
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Yes, my buddy has a 54. I didn’t weight it but it feels close to my 58(8.1 pounds). It’s a bit heavier, probably about 8.5 pounds. Still feels pretty good to me!
I actually prefer the looks of the Colonial to the Woods Runner. I have a little time to do some more research, I’ll call Jim and get some more insight into it tomorrow.
I slimmed down the forestock to a "v" profile and the barrel is in .58. I wanted the lightest possible weight and the CG as far back as possible. It does balance nicely but isn't a slim rifle by any means. The butt stock is pretty beefy and I also shaved off some wood there but the wood is a small percentage of the overall weight calculation. I agree that since this rifle comes with only one barrel profile, by removing as much steel from it with a larger bore selection, you're doing as much as possible to shed off the ounces.
Ballshooter
50 Cal.
My Cherry stocked 58 smoothbore Colonial comes in at 8.6 but sure don't feel like it. The balance is simply amazing.
IMHO, Kibler's are cut pretty close. There's not much wood there to be removed. Not enough that would change the weight to any notable difference. Semper Fi.
The design and style is what it is. Yeah you can go with a larger bore to lighten them up, but remember is a Col Va not a Lehigh.
nchawkeye
58 Cal.
If you are looking for a lighter rifle, look at Jim Chambers rifles in the York and Isaac Haines...
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I have the .58 Colonial, and was very surprised at how wonderfully it balances. I went the .58 to help keep the weight down (besides, I have two other .54s and a.50 already). I very much want a .45 and am saving to get the Southern Mountain Rifle, and it is considerably lighter.
Nchawkeye, I’m looking at the kibler colonial due to the fact I really like the lines, the availability of the kit and the ease in which it’s put together. I was just curious as to if I could lighten her up a little is all. According to my scales my GPR weighs in at 8.7 lbs, I took a little wood off here and there to get it to that point. 8.5 lbs is for sure doable.. but 8 flat would be great!
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Less than 9 lbs is a "lightweight" rifle. Especially when the rifle's barrel is over 43 inches!
No way should anyone suggest a caliber choice based on finished weight. I read this all the time in regards to the Colonial. Seems silly to me.
Production Hawken style rifles weigh 9 lbs with short (slow) 32" barrels. My 58 KC slings a ball at 1825fps, with just 100gr of 2ff.
I like that my Colonial feels a little robust. In rough country I seem to make a bad habit of falling...the Colonial held up well to the "wilderness" treatment.
No way should anyone suggest a caliber choice based on finished weight. I read this all the time in regards to the Colonial. Seems silly to me.
Production Hawken style rifles weigh 9 lbs with short (slow) 32" barrels. My 58 KC slings a ball at 1825fps, with just 100gr of 2ff.
I like that my Colonial feels a little robust. In rough country I seem to make a bad habit of falling...the Colonial held up well to the "wilderness" treatment.
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a friend of mine has one in 50, it is heavy! but balances nice and shoots great, but way too heavy for me!
Uncle Miltie
50 Cal.
I have a .50 caliber Colonial. It is likely heavy for some folks but the swamped barrel allows it to balance well for offhand shooting.
Ballshooter
50 Cal.
I also gave my Colonial the "wilderness " treatment. I have a few beauty marks now but it my hunting gun!
Jedidiah
Old, Grumpy & still kickin !
ow-w-w-c-c-c-h-h!!! That hurt!
