Thoughts on Kibler Woodsrunner vs Southern Mountain rifle.

[RocketMan58]

HI all, I've got a few ( 32 and .45cal, Kentucky style) percussion rifles in the rack and am now looking to venture into for my first Flintlock. I'm thinking I want to build one as a winter project and the Kibler brand keeps coming up as high quality and reasonably easy to build.. Given the rifle will only get used occasionally for off hand target shooting out to 100 yds ( Mostly gongs on woods walks with occasional paper punching out to 100.) I gave up hunting years ago so the rifle will never be used in that roll. I'm thinking I would stay with a .45 or .40 caliber. Right now I'm waffling between the Kibler Woods runner in 45 or their Southern Mountain Rifle in 40 or 45. So does anyone here have experience with both?
If so,
IS the SMR any harder to build than the WR?
Is the longer barrel and /or the lighter weight of the SMR a detriment /advantage in any way?
Should I be looking at other brands ( or even finished rifles) in the sub $1500 price range?


Any and all experienced shared is appreciated!
Dave

 

[Polecat_Tom]

Neither is "Hard" to build but the Woodsrunner is easier to build.
You can't go wrong with any Kibler kit.

 

[wiscoaster]

.....
Should I be looking at other brands ( or even finished rifles) in the sub $1500 price range?

No. You won't find anything comparable in that price range.

I vote for .45 - just because that's what I have and I know it's a tack driver.

Common comment from other shooters at the range when I'm shooting my SMR is they're surprised at how light it is for its length, and how well-balanced.

 

[TerryK]

I am lucky to own both. I had Kibler fit/assemble the SMR at extra cost, so it was a more finished SMR kit.
I bought a standard Woodrunner kit.
Both seemed to be the same commitment, and neither took any deep fitting skill. Both were really easy.
I have the SMR in 45 and WR in 54. The SMR is very different, and seems easier to shoot and hunt. The SMR feels a lot lighter, better balanced, faster, and naturally less recoil in the calibers I have.
I am not making any suggestions, but personally I kinda wanted a WR in 45, but I thought the balance and weight would be "worse" than the 54. I added some ballast to my 54 for a test, and heavier was not better for me. Hold feel is very personal, but that is my taste.
I don't think any choice is a dog. I am super happy with either.

 

[ZUG]

I have a Woodsruner in 50 caliber and a Colonia in 54 caliber and love them both. I don't own a SMR because I don't like their looks or the way you have to hold them to shoot them - just not a fan of them.
For my pick I would go with the Woodsrunner in either .50 or .54 caliber - you will not regret it.