Woodsrunner and Colonial

[Indy Durtdigger]

I have been wondering - is the WR a reproduction of any original? Does anyone here have a reference to show that it is? Because I know of none. Perhaps Mr. Kibler just wanted to make a kit for hunters - one that would be easy to tote but still have some semblance to originals. This is why I opted for his Colonial, a rifle I know to be like those of a particular era.

There used to be more of a write up in the description but every time they "update" the website more and more info gets lost.

"Woodsrunner"​

• Inspired by an original rifle, commonly referred to as the "Woodsrunner" which many believe to have been made in the valley in Virginia during the 1760s.

 

[Salty Cracker]

I dont know what the OP terms as ideal balance but I like the weight between my hands for hunting and general overall use. That is ideal balance to me. That said I prefer the Colonial model in .58 and the Woodsrunner in .54 to achieve that end.
If you are a paper puncher only, dropping in caliber size will take the weight forward which many offhand target shooters like.

I wasn't necessarily talking about physical balance. I meant does it look unbalanced like the barrel is too short for the rifle.

 

[Capt. Jas.]

Its all about the individual.

I wasn't necessarily talking about physical balance. I meant does it look unbalanced like the barrel is too short for the rifle.

Oh no indeed. It is a svelte thing and the length follows with nice proportion IMO. Jim Kibler is one of the best at architecture, flow and proportion that I've ever encountered. He wouldn't let it come to a product if it didn't suit his eye.

 

[Marplot]

What are you planning to do with the gun? Woods? Mostly target shooting?

 

[jtkerk]

I have built and shot both and they are super nice in every way with excellent accuracy. If you’re a larger younger man then you might prefer the colonial. If smaller older you might prefer the woodsrunner but you can’t go wrong with either. As far as all other aspects they’ve been covered by all other comments. Enjoy. They are a delight and very easy to put together

 

[Mike in FL]

Okay, I'm sold. Now for the funds: if you guys really, really want me to have one, send cash. The plain maple will be fine.

 

[jtkerk]

Okay, I'm sold. Now for the funds: if you guys really, really want me to have one, send cash. The plain maple will be fine.

lol too funny

 

[Bad Karma]

Okay, I'm sold. Now for the funds: if you guys really, really want me to have one, send cash. The plain maple will be fine.

Only if you promise a build thread…


BTW, looking at the lock inlet on the original it strikes me that the builder would have used hot melt glue to finish the job ala’ Thompson Center if he’d had it…

 

[bobbymoon]

I got to handle the Woodsrunner that was raffled off @ Kibler's Fund Raiser for the local Hospice...it is a beauty to carry & shoulder.
It sold me.