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.

 

[RocketMan58]

Delete

 

[Buff1958]

i own both…. If you are just shooting targets go with the SMR. I love the set trigger

 

[rbeave]

I also have both a .45 SMR and a .50 WR…. It’s a wash. WR puts together easier. SMR has set trigger. SMR is slimmer and trimmer but not as handy/comfortable for me

 

[jtkerk]

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

I would definitely go with the southern mountain rifle in 40 or 45 cal. I have the 45 and love it. It is light, longer sight radius than the woodsrunner, very accurate and flat shooting and also requires less powder than larger calibers saving money and still hits the target hard enough so you can tell if it is a hit on steel. Trigger is better also on the SMR. The build is slightly harder but not too hard that if you get stuck at some point you can always ask someone to get through it.

 

[RocketMan58]

I know there are at least a few folks here that can relate to how these things can get into your head, right? As fate would have it, a discounted SMR in .40 cal and extra fancy maple just showed as a "quick ship" on Mr. Kiblers website tonight. Given I've been kicking this decision around in my head for near two weeks now, I figure I've already lost enough sleep over it. Tonight's availability of this "Checks all the box's" kit has capped it. Something about the iron hardware, double trigger and overall sleek look of the rifle was swaying me that way anyway. The order is in!
p.s. I doubt either would be a bad choice. I'm not enough of a connoisseur of these rifles to be that critical. Besides, If I'm wrong about the SMR being the right pick ( or otherwise just have too much fun building it) , I'll just have to man up and buy a Woods Runner as my next project. Thanks again for the insight and advice!

 

[Sagebrush]

I'm just finishing up my fowler. I might build a rifle next winter, and if I do, it'll probably be an SMR because of the set triggers.

 

[Indy Durtdigger]

I have and like both very much. With the set triggers and smaller faster lock, the SMR is better for targets. Plus, even though it's longer it does handle a tick better at the shoulder/upper arm.

 

[jtkerk]

I know there are at least a few folks here that can relate to how these things can get into your head, right? As fate would have it, a discounted SMR in .40 cal and extra fancy maple just showed as a "quick ship" on Mr. Kiblers website tonight. Given I've been kicking this decision around in my head for near two weeks now, I figure I've already lost enough sleep over it. Tonight's availability of this "Checks all the box's" kit has capped it. Something about the iron hardware, double trigger and overall sleek look of the rifle was swaying me that way anyway. The order is in!
p.s. I doubt either would be a bad choice. I'm not enough of a connoisseur of these rifles to be that critical. Besides, If I'm wrong about the SMR being the right pick ( or otherwise just have too much fun building it) , I'll just have to man up and buy a Woods Runner as my next project. Thanks again for the insight and advice!

You will be extremely pleased with that gun. Have fun and enjoy

 

[rmefbowhunter]

I have SMRs in .32. .36 and .45 and a WR in .54. I love them all! I had never built a kit prior to my first Kibler last year and I started with the SMR. Watching Jim's videos was a great help but even so, it is so well machined that it all went together almost flawlessly (almost). The WR is slightly easier but both are very great easy-to-build kits. I really like shooting the SMRs and the .45 may be my favorite. The set trigger is really great and the locks on all the Kiblers are very fast. Good luck and enjoy your choice whichever you make!

 

[jtkerk]

I have SMRs in .32. .36 and .45 and a WR in .54. I love them all! I had never built a kit prior to my first Kibler last year and I started with the SMR. Watching Jim's videos was a great help but even so, it is so well machined that it all went together almost flawlessly (almost). The WR is slightly easier but both are very great easy-to-build kits. I really like shooting the SMRs and the .45 may be my favorite. The set trigger is really great and the locks on all the Kiblers are very fast. Good luck and enjoy your choice whichever you make!

I reiterate all of above. It’s a fantastic gun

 

[Gum Slough Muzzleloader]

You can't go wrong with either one, both are great rifles. Both fit me well. My .32 SMR has its uses and the same with my .54 Woodsrunner. The Woodsrunner was very impressive. When I Shouldered it and shot it, it just felt right.
Both are easy to build, Woodsrunner was a bit easier.

Best of luck on your choice..
You'll be very satisfied with your choice.
Take your time assembling. No hurry, no competition. Enjoy.

Take Care Stay Safe
GSM

 

[RocketMan58]

Thanks again for all the encouraging words. I was teetering on the edge of ordering and the comments here gave me the insight (and confidence) to do it. ( There were things mentioned here that I really hadn't known/considered.) I'm more convinced now that the SMR is going to scratch my itch in style.
I'm already impressed with the service from Kibler. I ordered near 10:30 PM on Tuesday evening . The order ( gun , stains, accessories, spare parts, range rod.....etc) was shipped early Wednesday. UPS tracking shows it arriving here tomorrow/Friday! That's impressive for a order and package of that physical size. Looks like I'll have something under the Christmas tree to unbox after all. ( If I can wait that long. I'm truly giddy like a 12 yr old at Christmas. Now, I just need to resist the urge want to open it as soon as I lay eyes on it.) Ho-Ho-Ho.

BTW, @Sagebrush , That's a beautiful long gun. That's also the finish I'm going for. Pretty sure I ordered the right finishing materials from Jim and the inbound stock is Extra Fancy Maple so I think I can get close. I just need to watch some tutorials before I (eventually) get there.

 

[Gum Slough Muzzleloader]

Thanks again for all the encouraging words. I was teetering on the edge of ordering and the comments here gave me the insight (and confidence) to do it. ( There were things mentioned here that I really hadn't known/considered.) I'm more convinced now that the SMR is going to scratch my itch in style.
I'm already impressed with the service from Kibler. I ordered near 10:30 PM on Tuesday evening . The order ( gun , stains, accessories, spare parts, range rod.....etc) was shipped early Wednesday. UPS tracking shows it arriving here tomorrow/Friday! That's impressive for a order and package of that physical size. Looks like I'll have something under the Christmas tree to unbox after all. ( If I can wait that long. I'm truly giddy like a 12 yr old at Christmas. Now, I just need to resist the urge want to open it as soon as I lay eyes on it.) Ho-Ho-Ho.

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