Why Kibler

[bobthemotorcycle]

I'm am far from an expert on bp as I just tinker with it for awhile then go do something else then come back and piddle for awhile then go find something else then come back and over and over.

In the past when asked by a poster to recommend something there was a small list of recommendations. Now all of a sudden everything is Kibler. Why Kibler? Is he an old timer doing this for years or is he recently new to this but knows how to make nice stuff with cnc machines? Is it he makes high end stuff with cnc machines and charges at half the price. Why is he the new king and new answer to all that is bp.

 

[CuNosecap]

Not expert, and never built a Kibler. But it is my understanding that the precision application of CNC to the parts has made it really easy to put together a beautiful rifle (unless you live in Wisconsin where they become very difficult to assemble ).

 

[64Springer]

I'm just sorry I won't be around for the canonization in 2523.

 

[Bnewberry]

Jim Kibler, before he ever made a kit, was and is a high end builder of custom longrifles. He knows design and history. He is also an engineer.

His kits are the best available as far as I can tell. I have assembled one and was amazed at the fit and quality.

 

[The Crisco Kid]

I'm am far from an expert on bp as I just tinker with it for awhile then go do something else then come back and piddle for awhile then go find something else then come back and over and over.

In the past when asked by a poster to recommend something there was a small list of recommendations. Now all of a sudden everything is Kibler. Why Kibler? Is he an old timer doing this for years or is he recently new to this but knows how to make nice stuff with cnc machines? Is it he makes high end stuff with cnc machines and charges at half the price. Why is he the new king and new answer to all that is bp.

It's Kibler since it's high quality at a fair price and the parts actually fit together.

 

[TDM]

Why is he the new king and new answer to all that is bp.

Because Jim Kibler offers historical correct kits, with top quality, USA made parts, that require a minimum of skill to assemble while resulting in a fine shooting flintlock.

 

[pacanis]

Geez, Bob. You've been here since 2012. I was hoping you could tell me

When I saw all the Kibler recommendations I azzumed it was like knife forums and knives... there was a flavor of the day and a changing of the guard every few years. Usually due to higher prices and long wait times. Which I suppose can't be avoided if you are doing everything yourself and suddenly find yourself swamped with orders. But I see no one else in even the wings challenging. And that's saying something.

They appear to have set... no pun intended on SET knives ... the gold standard as @TDM put so well.

It remains to be seen if the prices climb and the wait time lengthens. Actually, maybe the wait time already has. I saw someone in the past few days saying they had to wait six months after ordering a kit. Or maybe his was being assembled??? Either way, at my age and for other reasons long wait times mean everything to me. I've been looking at buying one already built, just because they scream quality parts.

But right now Kibler is King from what I've seen being turned out.

 

[rich pierce]

Kibler kits can be successfully assembled by persons with less experience building longrifles than other offerings. The quality is more than “cnc” alone. Fit, function, design, customer service, and extensive video demonstrations on how to do the job well. Availability of product. Plus, Kibler kits are the latest product on the market.

 

[IanH]

Six month waits are only for the newest model and special wood requests, but blem stock kits of all models are posted for immediate sale and are updated frequently on the Kibler website. They have not gotten themselves behind like many companies have because they increase everything necessary to reasonably meet demand. I will add "excellent business model" to TDM's list.

 

[BillyC]

Just use the search function and type in Kibler, you will find hundreds of positive reviews and comments and in the very few instances of a problem he has the best customer service I have EVER seen.

 

[TDM]

Six month waits are only for the newest model and special wood requests, but blem stock kits of all models are posted for immediate sale and are updated frequently on the Kibler website. They have not gotten themselves behind like many companies have because they increase everything necessary to reasonably meet demand. I will add "excellent business model" to TDM's list.

I agree.

 

[pacanis]

Good info on the six month wait.
Thanks guys.

 

[TDM]

Good info on the six month wait.
Thanks guys.

Jim is turning them out at a very good pace now. My carved Woodsrunner arrived in 3 weeks. My (a lot wealthier than me) daughter in law asked me to build another SMR for my 2nd grandson who is on the way. On her nickel I ordered a .45 in cherry Monday week ago, it shipped out yesterday. Pretty amazing really considering I waited 6 months for the first Woodsrunner and about 4 months for my first SMR.

 

[smokepolehall]

Just by watching James Kibler & his instruction videos takes him to the top. Now add his kits are built in Ohio not cross the pond. He listens he is available here on the Forum n by email n phone. His kits work, they go together well. Its just a matter if James has a kit that you like, he has 3 different models at this time.

 

[pacanis]

Jim is turning them out at a very good pace now. My carved Woodsrunner arrived in 3 weeks. My (a lot wealthier than me) daughter in law asked me to build another SMR for my 2nd grandson who is on the way. On her nickel I ordered a .45 in cherry Monday week ago, it shipped out yesterday. Pretty amazing really considering I waited 6 months for the first Woodsrunner and about 4 months for my first SMR.

Much appreciated.

 

[bobthemotorcycle]

So are all the parts high quality. Let's say the locks on a flintlock. Will his be top end or do I need to look farther?

 

[64Springer]

So are all the parts high quality. Let's say the locks on a flintlock. Will his be top end or do I need to look farther?

Kibler's Ketland lock is the only flinter I'd consider for my .62 smooth Kentucky pistol build.

I won't even give thought to L&R, R.E. Davis, etc.

 

[kansas_volunteer]

Kibler locks are probably the best available today. As I recall the price of a Kibler lock alone is $300, quite a bit more than the most common locks. Higher prices don't necessarily mean higher quality, however high quality definitely justifies a higher price. I belive nearly all Kibler lock parts are machined, not cast.

 

[IanH]

So are all the parts high quality. Let's say the locks on a flintlock. Will his be top end or do I need to look farther?

Best in the business right now. Prices are competitive with inferior locks.

 

[64Springer]

Best in the business right now. Prices are competitive with inferior locks.

They sure are.

Saving 50 bucks is no savings at all.

Not with the headaches they bring.