Kibler SMR first shots, WOW!

[rusticbob]

Took my .45, cherry stocked SMR to the range today for the first shots, boy, what a great gun. Super fast ignition, no clatches in 30-40 shots, very easy to load . I did need to drift my rear sight a bit, and I did file down the front sight a bit, easy to do. I was shooting a .440 round ball, .012 wonder lubed patch and 45gr FFG. Nice load, little recoil and accurate.
All shots were off the bench. After sighting in at 25, I shot my last 5 shots at 50yds. I used a big black NMLRA 100yard target, and I could not center the front blade very well, first two went low. I then took a 4”x4” piece of white cardboard and stapled that over the black target.
Big difference, next three shots went right in the cardboard! Super gun.
Anyone who is considering one of Kibler SMR should just do it, you won’t be sorry.

 

[Old Grunt]

Good shooting, I really like the looks of that stock looks awsome

 

[hanshi]

That's a fine looking rifle and I bet it can put 5 shots into one big hole. As you get to know it and make friends with it the accuracy will astonish you; and that's not bad shooting already.

 

[Colonialnerd]

That’s a damn nice looking rife, and some equally fine shooting. Congratulations on both!

 

[Splitear]

Nice looking rifle and a nice looking target!

 

[mike54]

Nice job. Its capable of that and more. This was done at 50yds when i was working up a load.

 

[rusticbob]

I do expect to do better after I shoot it some more and work up to a hunting load. These were my first 30 or so shots out of a new gun with a new barrel. That’s a first for me. This fine rifle is what I could only refer to as Sweet!

 

[sb 54 cal.]

Sure wish he would come out with a lefty.

 

[rusticbob]

I am waiting for a smoothbore trade gun.

 

[Pratt]

Now I am really looking forward to finishing my SMR from Kibler.

 

[Daveboone]

NIce, and great looking rifle. What did you use to finish the stock? I have a SMR in cherry to start when I have a chance.

 

[rusticbob]

After sanding to my satisfaction, I put the stock in the direct sunlight for a few days. Then many coats of BLO. I tried lye on a cherry sample, but thought it too dark for my taste. I will let the cherry naturally darken .

 

[TDM]

It's a very nice color.

 

[rusticbob]

Shot it again yesterday, this gun is amazing. I shoot about 50-60 more shots , tried two different patch thickness. .012 and .018, both wonderlubed . There seemed to be no diffence in accuracy, so at least for the time being I will stay with a .440 round ball and the .012 patch, much easier to load. Maybe as the barrel breaks in it will prefer the thicker patch.
The target was at 50 yards from the bench with the forend resting in my hand and no rear bag. There are 5 shots there in about 2”. It will only get better.
Also of note I have been using just one flint for at least 100 shots, no clatches, and only one flash in the pan, and I’m pretty sure I forgot to pick the flash hole. I never even had to knap a new edge on the flint, although looking at it now it might need some work. Great flintlock!
I have two other flintlocks, both Pedersoli, and I love them dearly, but they do not spark like this one does, not even close. I do use thin lead strips for a flint cushion, maybe that has some effect on the flint life, or I just got lucky.

 

[olskool]

they will shoot, i think the one big hole is 5 shot not 4,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[MedicMike3762]

They do shoot!

 

[azmntman]

My next Kibler WILL BE cherry. Love that wood and the fact you can let it age wo finish.

 

[bronko220002]

Nice and already a decent shooter. I believe it will only get better

 

[Flintlock Whiskey]

I am waiting for a smoothbore trade gun.

Yes!
hint, hint....

 

[Flintlock Whiskey]

I will set my pride aside for a moment and ask,
for the love of God, what does SMR mean?