Kibler Fowler

[ZUG]

I built a nice 20 gauge in walnut MANY moons ago so now I could use a nice 16 gauge to go along with the 20.

 

[Sc0-]

Unveiling should be soon?

 

[Tommy Bruce]

Kinda excited for this as well!

 

[Frontstuffer070]

Ok, well this thread took the wind out of my sails a little. I was wanting a fowler so I could scratch my smooth bore itch. I was under the impression that I could shoot ball, buck and ball, or shot out of it. So, I guess what I want is a military style musket, like a Charleville, bess, etc. Right?

 

[edrutecki]

Go back to being excited. A Fowler is just that. It was made for shot but also would shoot buck n ball or a round ball and probably anything else you could ram down there. They appear to be preferred by those requiring an arm for militia duty but wanted to have something that could also put meat on the table. I'm figuring had I been alive in that time period, I would have owned a Fowler. I just makes sense!

 

[Frontstuffer070]

Jim posted in this thread that his Fowler isn't really going to be meant to fire round ball. Did I misunderstand?

 

[Clark Badgett]

Jim posted in this thread that his Fowler isn't really going to be meant to fire round ball. Did I misunderstand?

His concern is mainly about users over charging and the far too prevalent practice of using patched ball that far exceed the bore diameter while patched.

 

[French Colonial]

Jim posted in this thread that his Fowler isn't really going to be meant to fire round ball. Did I misunderstand?

I shoot more round balls out of my fowler than I do shot, mostly in smoothbore matches. I use a ten thousandths spit patch and it shoots to point of aim.

Buy the gun when it becomes available and quit worrying.

I know it is winter and a lot of us have more internet time than shooting time but start gathering up your shooting gear and quit over thinking this stuff.

 

[Indy Durtdigger]

He also mentioned in one of those posts that folks using stouter charges with round balls was a factor in deciding barrel thickness. If you're concerned go with the 20ga as it will have the thicker wall.

 

[godutch]

I have two questions on this up and coming kit: Is it steel or brass mounted ? And also, I'd checked with Kibler's a few mos. back looking to find out the dim. required for a customer supplied blank. That info wasn't available at that time but as it seems a few on this thread are sending their own blank it would be beneficial to know that. On my part I'd like to get mine cut and re-racked so as to have time for it to re-stabilize before being put to use.

 

[Indy Durtdigger]

I don't think anyone has said yet. There is a finished pre-production example that's been shown at an event or two. Given that no one has talked about it or slipped a pic in somewhere there might be a no photography and gentleman's nda of some sort at play.

 

[godutch]

I don't think anyone has said yet. There is a finished pre-production example that's been shown at an event or two. Given that no one has talked about it or slipped a pic in somewhere there might be a no photography and gentleman's nda of some sort at play.

I'll bet you're right. 'Makes sense.

 

[Codger Craig Wilcox]

From a product liability standpoint, when did "proofing" a barrel come to an end?
Jim Kibler is well known for producing strong, beautiful rifles, and is now about to go into production with a smooth-barrel firearm that anyone can stuff anything into.
While we all would like the lightest possible barrel in our field guns, and yet have the ability to shoot roundballs from it as well, Jim has to walk that narrow path between desire and disaster.
However he solves the dilemma, you can bet that he will be producing a strong, light, and beautiful smoothie.

 

[Smokey Plainsman]

I find it funny that modern shotgun barrels can be made so thin yet safely shoot loads FAR higher pressure.

I imagine they use different steels? Any reason why they can’t use the same kind? Would solve the issue and everyone would be happy.

 

[duca]

Still waiting to see what the Fowler will look like. How about barrel length?
Very curious… come on Jim, how’s about a little peek?

 

[Tumbledown]

Jim posted in this thread that his Fowler isn't really going to be meant to fire round ball. Did I misunderstand?

No, you did not.

 

[Youngblood]

20 ga and 16 ga.

How about also 14 ga and 12 ga?

 

[sportster73hp]

20 ga and 16 ga.

How about also 14 ga and 12 ga?

They usually require a larger frame meaning another gun size shape

 

[Zutt-man]

Still waiting to see what the Fowler will look like. How about barrel length?
Very curious… come on Jim, how’s about a little peek?

Should be any day

 

[Indy Durtdigger]

Should be any day

Hopefully but a comment he made in a thread 2 or 3 weeks ago kinda made it sound like it's getting pushed back to the second quarter of the year now.