Opinions Requested on Next Kibler SMR Caliber

[French Colonial]

View attachment 363826
Walnut stock.

Thank You!

 

[TerryK]

I think less is more. I would stick to the 45. Easy to load/manipulate, and you can buy one caliber in bulk.

 

[sportster73hp]

I ordered mine in 40 caliber. The .36 i was using just wasn’t consistent enough at 75 for target shooting. Even the 40 requires a well placed shot to drop steel.

 

[Polecat_Tom]

For those of you who have a Kibler SMR in .32 would it be possible to show us the balance point on the rifle?

Yes, I know it will be slightly different due to wood and wood density but close enough for me to make a decision.

Here is the balance point on my .32 in maple.

 

[wiscoaster]

Here is the balance point on my .32 in maple.

My .45 cal balances about an inch an a half further back.

 

[Spikebuck]

My .36 is just a bit behind the pictured .32's. Net is...with that long skinny barrel, the caliber choices don't make a lot of difference in weight or balance point. Offhand in the field, I know I'm not good enough to have a few oz of weight or half inch balance point difference matter.

 

[French Colonial]

Gentlemen, I am amazed.... Here is my Kibler SMR in .45 with a standard grade maple stock as you can see the balance point is not that different than your .32's

I would have guessed mine would be further back toward the action and I would have been wrong.

Thanks all!
Oh wait!
You guys are just trying to get me to buy another Kibler aren't you!

 

[Indy Durtdigger]

How bout that. I would have thought the 40 and 45 would be feather weights with all the weight to the rear as well. This particular model of rifle handles well enough even my short, weak, office worker wife thinks it's handy.

 

[wiscoaster]

....
Oh wait!
You guys are just trying to get me to buy another Kibler aren't you!

Well .... you just gonna sit there and disappoint us all???

 

[sportster73hp]

I own a .40 and have shot a .45. If weight is a concern i felt that the .45 was lighter in the hands and lighter at the muzzle.

 

[Texcl2]

I think I’m gonna order a kit with a .36 barrel and an extra .45 for deer season. Best of both worlds!

 

[wiscoaster]

I think I’m gonna order a kit with a .36 barrel and an extra .45 for deer season. Best of both worlds!

Two kits or one kit and two barrels? Can you do that?

 

[wiscoaster]

.....Here is my Kibler SMR in .45 with a standard grade maple stock as you can see the balance point is not that different than your .32's

I forgot to mention mine has a toe plate, so that's why it balances further back.

 

[Texcl2]

One kit with an extra barrel. They sell extras in their parts section.

 

[wiscoaster]

One kit with an extra barrel. They sell extras in their parts section.

OK, I thought that's what you meant, but proper inletting for the barrel may be adversely affected, no?

 

[BR Sorenson]

Oh I know what you're going through. Last fall I decided to get a flintlock. My first Kibler was a SMR .45 . Over the winter it grew to 5 kits in .50 and .54 cal. The SMR Is still the one I shoot the best. I wanted something a bit cheaper to shoot. As far as powder and lead are concerned. So now #6 a .36 cal off the quick ship page is on the way. I'm hoping to benefit more from the smaller caliber. In terms of shooting expenses. Than I saw in going from a .50 to .45 cal. And with the SMR being a bit of a "go to rifle" light weight, fast lock and good looking I doubt I'll regret the .36

 

[Kansas Kid]

Here is the balance point on my .32 in maple.
View attachment 363998
View attachment 363999

Is there a reason you have the rear sight on backwards?

 

[Polecat_Tom]

Is there a reason you have the rear sight on backwards?

Stupidity. Boy is my face red.
It came loose while at a shoot and I had to peen it to get it tight. I guess I didn't pay any attention when I put it back in. I am going to correct it now.

 

[French Colonial]

OK, I thought that's what you meant, but proper inletting for the barrel may be adversely affected, no?

I would bet that the two barrels would be completely interchangeable right from the factory....

The wonders of CNC machining

 

[Jim K]

I would bet that the two barrels would be completely interchangeable right from the factory....

The wonders of CNC machining

What about a ramrod? Wouldn’t a 45 use a 3/8” rod. I have a 36 and thought about getting a 45 barrel but that stopped me.