Squirrel Rifle

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Jack Barnes

32 Cal
Joined
Jan 13, 2019
Messages
28
Reaction score
51
Location
WV
After having a blast hunting deer all weekend with my 50 cal flintlock, I've decided I need to extend the fun and invest in a squirrel rifle! I just need help deciding between 2 rifles. I would love a Kibler, just don't have the extra funds right now with newborn twins. The rifles I'm deciding between:

https://muzzle-loaders.com/products...MVjdT7u_NYWOXz3Y3LPHw_6urGY_wLMBeVsnzFtw0ODfE

And:

https://www.dixiegunworks.com/index...20+Pedersoli+Kentucky+Rifle+.32+Cal+Flint+Kit

Give me your thoughts!
 
After having a blast hunting deer all weekend with my 50 cal flintlock, I've decided I need to extend the fun and invest in a squirrel rifle! I just need help deciding between 2 rifles. I would love a Kibler, just don't have the extra funds right now with newborn twins. The rifles I'm deciding between:

https://muzzle-loaders.com/products...MVjdT7u_NYWOXz3Y3LPHw_6urGY_wLMBeVsnzFtw0ODfE

And:

https://www.dixiegunworks.com/index...20+Pedersoli+Kentucky+Rifle+.32+Cal+Flint+Kit

Give me your thoughts!
Honestly I'd just save up and get the rifle you want. I know it can be tough but you got 8-9 months typically before next tree rat season. Then decide do you want a squirrel rifle or a fowler and do all with it.
But between the two I only have experience with the Pedersoli Ky and the comb of the stock is all wrong for me and the lock/ignition is slowwww. Last I knew no one made a replacement lock for that rifle either. But at $800 your almost up to a Kibler SMR. And that's like going from a Chevette to a Corvette sure both are cars but one holds value.
 
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After having a blast hunting deer all weekend with my 50 cal flintlock, I've decided I need to extend the fun and invest in a squirrel rifle! I just need help deciding between 2 rifles. I would love a Kibler, just don't have the extra funds right now with newborn twins. The rifles I'm deciding between:

https://muzzle-loaders.com/products...MVjdT7u_NYWOXz3Y3LPHw_6urGY_wLMBeVsnzFtw0ODfE

And:

https://www.dixiegunworks.com/index...20+Pedersoli+Kentucky+Rifle+.32+Cal+Flint+Kit

Give me your thoughts!
I have a Pedersoli Kentucky rifle in .32. The gun is the most accurate flintlock I've ever owned, I can hit a steel mini gong consistently at 50 yards with it. The load is really loves is 20 grains of FFFG Scheutzen, a .010" patch lubed in bore butter and a .311" roundball and you can shoot it all day long.
 
Honestly I'd just save up and get the rifle you want. I know it can be tough but you got 8-9 months typically before next tree rat season. Then decide do you want a squirrel rifle or a fowler and do all with it.
But between the too I only have experience with the Pedersoli Ky and the comb of the stock is all wrong for me and the lock/ignition is slowwww. Last I knew no one made a replacement lock for that rifle either. But at $800 your almost up to a Kibler SMR. And that's like going from a Chevette to a Corvette sure both are car but one holds value.
Too tall, did the comb of the rifle not fit you because you're tall? I'm fairly tall myself and that may be a concern
 
Too tall, did the comb of the rifle not fit you because you're tall? I'm fairly tall myself and that may be a concern
I couldn't get my face down far enough on the stock to see the sights align. It is my neighbor's gun, he doesn't shoot it very accurately, but he can't shoot very well with anything. I shot it but knew I wouldn't be accurate is was more for a feeling of how the gun performs. Going from full customs that are made to fit me to a production gun was night and day comparison. I did take apart the lock and try to smoothen it out and increase performance, but it is what it is for a production gun.
 
I have the Pedersoli Scout in .50 flint. Highly recommend them. I have been looking at the .32 version for the future. If you want one 'now' and it's in your budget, I say get what makes you happy. My Scout is extremely accurate and I have no reason to doubt that a longer barrel in .32 would be any less so. I assume it is all the same parts, just longer wood and barrel.
 
Kibler has a .36 SMR up right now discounted to $820 with a bark streak in it. Remember you have to add $$ for the lock and shipping.

I dunno, after visiting DGW, I almost bought one of those Scouts in .45, but not the kit, so it was going to be over a grand with tax. I just didn't like the wood, all the less-well-finished edges and the fit around the tang and lock, 1:48 barrel twist... I just passed on it.
 
Kibler has a .36 SMR up right now discounted to $820 with a bark streak in it. Remember you have to add $$ for the lock and shipping.

I dunno, after visiting DGW, I almost bought one of those Scouts in .45, but not the kit, so it was going to be over a grand with tax. I just didn't like the wood, all the less-well-finished edges and the fit around the tang and lock, 1:48 barrel twist... I just passed on it.
I saw that SMR. Just don't know that I want to spend $1200 right now unfortunately. Thanks though!
 
Jack Barnes, I totally understand the $$$ aspect, believe me.

.45 SMR getting finishing touches:
IMG_20250113_100039943_HDR.jpg
 
Jack... on the Pedersoli, I did the kit version and it was the first kit I ever put together. It was not difficult but I did make some mistakes and should have taken longer on some steps. Lots of Youtube videos out there covering the model if you dig a bit for them. The lock is very fast, IMO. Not yet had a failure to spark and I'm close to 100 shots in with it and maybe the third flint? Can't recall for sure but it's easy on them so far.

I did a Red Chestnut stain by Minwax and then several coats of True Oil and then the satin finish rub to knock down the sheen. Also had to do the fiber front sight for my eyes along with a Bullseye rear ramp, made a big difference in my ability to shoot it well.
 

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Jack... on the Pedersoli, I did the kit version and it was the first kit I ever put together. It was not difficult but I did make some mistakes and should have taken longer on some steps. Lots of Youtube videos out there covering the model if you dig a bit for them. The lock is very fast, IMO. Not yet had a failure to spark and I'm close to 100 shots in with it and maybe the third flint? Can't recall for sure but it's easy on them so far.

I did a Red Chestnut stain by Minwax and then several coats of True Oil and then the satin finish rub to knock down the sheen. Also had to do the fiber front sight for my eyes along with a Bullseye rear ramp, made a big difference in my ability to shoot it well.
Good to hear it's fairly simple. I put together a traditions for my first kit and it wasn't too bad
 
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