Opinions Requested on Next Kibler SMR Caliber

[French Colonial]

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.

You know you can contact Jim here on the website by searching for him using the search function on the upper left and stating a message.... Or call them and get accurate info straight from the source.

 

[Texcl2]

That definitely might be a limiting factor. I wonder what calibers share the same rod? I’ll have to ask before I order.

 

[BR Sorenson]

That definitely might be a limiting factor. I wonder what calibers share the same rod? I’ll have to ask before I order.

My Kibler .45 SMR use a 5/16 ramrod. So should all the other caliber SMR's they put out. They aren't retooling the machines to make different stocks. For different calibers of the same model. Just a different bore size in the barrel.
It's CNC mass production. And that's what makes them a great kit. The parts all fit precisely together. So if you want buy one SMR and three different caliber barrels. It's just switching them out at random. Probably not the best with pinned lugs.

 

[Jim K]

My Kibler .45 SMR use a 5/16 ramrod. So should all the other caliber SMR's they put out. They aren't retooling the machines to make different stocks. For different calibers of the same model. Just a different bore size in the barrel.
It's CNC mass production. And that's what makes them a great kit. The parts all fit precisely together. So if you want buy one SMR and three different caliber barrels. It's just switching them out at random. Probably not the best with pinned lugs.

Yeah, that was another thought I had. But you should be able to drill it the same. I might have to cogitate on this a bit. Thanks for the info. You did surprise me by the 5/16” ramrod.

 

[Texcl2]

That’s good news, thanks for the info!

 

[BR Sorenson]

Yeah, that was another thought I had. But you should be able to drill it the same. I might have to cogitate on this a bit. Thanks for the info. You did surprise me by the 5/16” ramrod.

The rifle bore in .45 and .40 accepts a 3/8 ramrod. The thimbles and hole in the stock are the 5/16ths diameter also in the stock the hole is tapered a little smaller, like all the Kibler stocks. So you have to taper the rod.
You can find the information on Kiblerlongrifels website for most the stuff they sell.

 

[pat i.]

Main reason for .36 cal as the alternate SMR caliber choice is I already have a couple hand guns in .36 cal and so wouldn't have to stock yet another different round ball size.

Don't the .36 caliber handguns take a .375 round ball? My 36 caliber rifle uses .350 balls.

 

[RiverRat]

It would be cool if Jim could add as an option, barrel keys instead of pins so changing out a barrel would be more easy. I bet his spare barrel sales would sky rocket.

 

[Texcl2]

Agreed, I wish he’d make a Fowler with a hooked breach and wedges too. That would be a handy gun. I’m sure it’s easier said than done, with design and programming and all.

 

[Kmcmichael]

Hooked breeches add weight. So do keys somewhat.(they are however pretty cool especially captured keys)
I hate taking pinned barrels out after the gun is finished, but I am sure one could have interchangeable barrels.
I am guessing there is only one size wiping stick for the SMR.

 

[Texcl2]

As a waterfowler, I like weight. Lots of advantages over light guns. Mainly the hooked breach would make cleaning a snap. Plus I like the way it looks especially the traditional tangs that had the wide sighting groove incorporated in them. It’s just personal preference though. It would also make barrel changes easier on a rifle if you were into that. You do run the risk of loosening the pin holes in the stock if you switch the barrels often. On the plus side instead of getting an extra barrel we can use the pin thing as an excuse to buy a new rifle instead lol.

 

[wiscoaster]

Don't the .36 caliber handguns take a .375 round ball? My 36 caliber rifle uses .350 balls.

My revolvers take a .375 RB and my single-shots take a 0.354. Hmmmmm ..... so ...... I guess I'd have to stock YET ANOTHER different size RB???

 

[wiscoaster]

It would be cool if Jim could add as an option, barrel keys instead of pins so changing out a barrel would be more easy. I bet his spare barrel sales would sky rocket.

Cool idea, but is the SMR forend thick enough to take keys?

 

[Hatman/2nd line]

I wish he would make it an option to have brass furniture.

 

[wiscoaster]

I wish he would make it an option to have brass furniture.

Naw .... it just wouldn't be "right" IMO.

 

[pat i.]

My revolvers take a .375 RB and my single-shots take a 0.354. Hmmmmm ..... so ...... I guess I'd have to stock YET ANOTHER different size RB???

I'm sure the .354 would work fine.

 

[Hatman/2nd line]

Naw .... it just wouldn't be "right" IMO.

I was thinking of it as a blank canvas to make it into something else, brass patchbox and on the lines of a Bedford Co. style.

 

[hanshi]

I have a .36 and recommend that caliber highly.