Author Topic: Squirrel rifle (Read 4114 times)

MuskratMike · « **on:** January 13, 2020, 10:11:31 PM »

With all the talk about squirrel rifles I do believe there is one in the "Muskrat's" future. As I have a Kibler .40 SMR I am thinking a .32 would be a heck of a lot of fun to own and shoot. We don't see a lot of them out here in Oregon so here are my questions:
Thinking eastern Kentucky, Tennessee, W. Virginia styled mountain rifle?
Flint or percussion?
What lock to buy (style not brand)
Blued, Browned, or Aged patina?
Length of barrel?
Nose cap, patch box, grease hole, metal butt plate or checkered wood, type of wood and stain?
I know a fair amount about long rifles but really would like everyone's opinion. I have some really fancy rifles but a "poor boy" or similar would be neat to own and I know only enough about these to be dangerous.
Thank you, "Muskrat" Mike

stikshooter · « **Reply #1 on:** January 13, 2020, 10:22:06 PM »

I bet Jim Kibler knows where some are /Ed

Stoner creek · « **Reply #2 on:** January 13, 2020, 10:35:11 PM »

What is percussion? Flintlock is the only way to get them things to go off. Percussions are an ugly waste of time.
Browned or rusted iron.
Use a late period lock, Ketland styled, rounded tail, do not use a Germanic styled lock.
44 inches. Life begins at 44 inches. 45 cal or smaller. .36 was and still is popular.
Just about any kind of hardwood native to the eastern mountains. Walnut being predominant.
No checkering no frills.
Find some good books on the subject and the answer to your questions will jump right out of the pages.
I’m big enough to have strong opinions!
Good luck with your search!!!!!!!

MuskratMike · « **Reply #3 on:** January 13, 2020, 11:30:20 PM »

Stoner Creek:
Thank you for your valued opinion. The only reason I even mentioned cap lock vs Flintlock (as I only shoot flintlocks) is many of the photos of rifles of the period and style I mentioned in .32 caliber are cap locks. I agree with all of the points you mentioned. Even though my rifles tend to be beautiful and what I would call very high quality from noted builders I truly believe that if any rifle is made out of a quality piece of wood (regardless of how much or little figure), a well made and tuned lock, and a very good and balanced barrel you will have a fine shooting and dependable rifle. Again there is just so little out here in this type of rifle or even books on small caliber squirrel rifles that I am asking for help. I also know most builders like to build fancy rifles for their clients I will be looking for a reputable builder who likes "poor boy" or mountain rifles. Would like to know your and everyone else opinion on that also. It's also why I posted about best longrifle shows as I will be looking for a builder.

Stoner creek · « **Reply #4 on:** January 13, 2020, 11:34:40 PM »

Quote from: MuskratMike on January 13, 2020, 11:30:20 PM

Stoner Creek:
Thank you for your valued opinion. The only reason I even mentioned cap lock vs Flintlock (as I only shoot flintlocks) is many of the photos of rifles of the period and style I mentioned in .32 caliber are cap locks. I agree with all of the points you mentioned. Even though my rifles tend to be beautiful and what I would call very high quality from noted builders I truly believe that if any rifle is made out of a quality piece of wood (regardless of how much or little figure), a well made and tuned lock, and a very good and balanced barrel you will have a fine shooting and dependable rifle. Again there is just so little out here in this type of rifle or even books on small caliber squirrel rifles that I am asking for help. I also know most builders like to build fancy rifles for their clients I will be looking for a reputable builder who likes "poor boy" or mountain rifles. Would like to know your and everyone else opinion on that also.

A whole bunch of those wonderful old mountain rifles were converted to percussion during what some refer to as “The Clueless Period”!

Ross Dillion · « **Reply #5 on:** January 13, 2020, 11:44:13 PM »

Glad I ain’t the only one who rounds the tail of a late Ketland lock. 😁

Fyrstyk · « **Reply #6 on:** January 14, 2020, 01:46:16 AM »

I had a .32 North Carolina rifle built by Phoenix Arms (Ken Blevins). It has a nice figured piece of walnut, a Davis/zorn lock, Davis set triggers, and all the metal work is charcoal blue/grey. It is a plain rifle, 43" barrel, but it shoots and looks great as far as I am concerned cause it is a field hunting rifle, not a show piece. You can see his work on the Contemporary Long Rifle web site. I highly recommend Mr. Blevins work.

MuskratMike · « **Reply #7 on:** January 14, 2020, 01:57:12 AM »

Fyrstyk: Can you post pictures of your rifle?

thelongrifle · « **Reply #8 on:** January 14, 2020, 02:35:09 AM »

Call Jim Kibbler and get a 32 barrel for your 40. It should drop tight in and you will have a switch barrel rifle suitable for small game and deer.

Daryl · « **Reply #9 on:** January 14, 2020, 09:41:58 PM »

Quote from: thelongrifle on January 14, 2020, 02:35:09 AM

Call Jim Kibbler and get a 32 barrel for your 40. It should drop tight in and you will have a switch barrel rifle suitable for small game and deer.

if your state laws allow the .40 for deer.

MuskratMike · « **Reply #10 on:** January 14, 2020, 09:52:00 PM »

Squirrel rifle, not deer. I have others to shoot game with from .40 - .54 caliber. The post was regarding .32 caliber squirrel rifles. What to build, styles, locks, wood and stains.

Mike Lyons · « **Reply #11 on:** January 14, 2020, 09:57:36 PM »

Mike, If I were to build another, it would be with the special .32 squirrel barrel rice offers. You can get real nice thin profile using that barrel.

Mike from OK · « **Reply #12 on:** January 15, 2020, 04:04:22 AM »

Quote from: thelongrifle on January 14, 2020, 02:35:09 AM

Call Jim Kibbler and get a 32 barrel for your 40. It should drop tight in and you will have a switch barrel rifle suitable for small game and deer.

Silly suggestion... That would prevent him from having another gun.

Mike

Daryl · « **Reply #13 on:** January 15, 2020, 04:05:41 AM »

Mike- that certainly is a consideration.

Here, .40's are classified as squirrel rifles.

Pete G. · « **Reply #14 on:** January 15, 2020, 08:40:07 PM »

Quote from: Daryl on January 15, 2020, 04:05:41 AM

Here, .40's are classified as squirrel rifles.

Must be some really large squirrels

MuskratMike · « **Reply #15 on:** January 15, 2020, 08:45:15 PM »

.40 on squirrels will work however out west we call them antelope!

Daryl · « **Reply #16 on:** January 15, 2020, 09:57:01 PM »

LOL - Mike

Craig Wilcox · « **Reply #17 on:** January 15, 2020, 10:09:10 PM »

Mike, if it were me with the .40, I would be using it on the small, speedy, and elusive Jackalope! I have heard that there are quite a few in those high elevation deserts.

MuskratMike · « **Reply #18 on:** January 15, 2020, 10:11:22 PM »

They are fun to hunt but taste like $#@*, probably all that sage.

redheart · « **Reply #19 on:** January 15, 2020, 10:42:44 PM »

Quote from: Mike Lyons on January 14, 2020, 09:57:36 PM

Mike, If I were to build another, it would be with the special .32 squirrel barrel rice offers. You can get real nice thin profile using that barrel.

Mike,
I went on the Rice site and couldn't find the "Squirrel" barrel.
Is that really what they call it?

MuskratMike · « **Reply #20 on:** January 15, 2020, 11:12:35 PM »

I had the same problem, so I went to the source and contacted Rice. They highly recommend the 44-inch "A" weight .32 caliber swamped barrels. Sounds like a winner to me.

hanshi · « **Reply #21 on:** January 16, 2020, 12:18:45 AM »

A .32 makes a super delightful small game rifle and I have one. But...a .45 also makes a nice rifle; and I'm quite sure a .45 can kill, or at least slow down, a squirrel or rabbit.

redheart · « **Reply #22 on:** January 16, 2020, 12:44:56 AM »

Hanshi,
Don't you end up with ground squirrel?

Pun intended.

Craig Wilcox · « **Reply #23 on:** January 16, 2020, 01:40:44 AM »

Kill and peel with one shot - as a lazy man, that is a good thing for me!

Mike Lyons · « **Reply #24 on:** January 16, 2020, 01:46:08 AM »

Quote from: redheart on January 15, 2020, 10:42:44 PM

Quote from: Mike Lyons on January 14, 2020, 09:57:36 PM
Mike, If I were to build another, it would be with the special .32 squirrel barrel rice offers. You can get real nice thin profile using that barrel.
Mike,
I went on the Rice site and couldn't find the "Squirrel" barrel.
Is that really what they call it?

Just call Rice. They have a thinner barrel than the A weight. Jason will know what you’re talking about. I have two rifles in A weight, one .36 and one .32. The squirrel barrel is thinner.

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Author Topic: Squirrel rifle (Read 4114 times)