Author Topic: New Years shooting New Kibler SMR .40  (Read 962 times)

Offline AZshot

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New Years shooting New Kibler SMR .40
« on: January 15, 2025, 06:45:11 PM »
I posted the rifle elsewhere after finishing it around the Holidays.  For various reasons, I didn't get to shoot it other than 3 test rounds.  But yesterday I took it out for a pleasant walk in the rolling hills near my home in southern AZ.  It was warm, bright, and calm.  Perfect winter weather.

I was very impressed with the Kibler lock.  It fires fast and reliably.  No hang fires or flash in the pans.  After about 5 clean shots, I decided to forego picking the vent to see if that caused some.  It did not, every shot fired immediately.  I picked up a feather and used that in the vent the last few rounds.  This is much better than my other flintlock, which for some reason is more picky. 

Just shooting offhand at about 35 yds, but it seems my windage "eyeballed" sights were installed pretty straight to the bore.  As expected, shooting low, I marked my aim points above the shots with a red "X".  Will need to file the sight down when I get an accurate load.  This was 43 grains of FFF Goex (old), sometimes used in the pan too, sometimes I used 4F.  Used .389 balls and a thin .018 patch of pillow ticking, tried mink oil lube.  That allowed it to be loaded moderately easily.  Didn't retrieve any patches...

I'm very happy with my first rifle build, and with the Kibler excellent customer service. They helped me out a couple times, even tuning a lock for me.





« Last Edit: January 15, 2025, 10:18:43 PM by AZshot »

Offline MuskratMike

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Re: New Years shooting New Kibler SMR .40
« Reply #1 on: January 15, 2025, 09:27:30 PM »
Now that's a fine looking rifle. I have one Jim made for me several years ago in .40 caliber. It loves 60 grains of Goex 3F, .015 red ticking patches and a lube of 50/50 T.O.T.W. Mink and pure Neatsfoot oil. A great rifle by a great kit maker. Well done and thanks for posting it. Look forward to seeing more shot targets after you adjust the sights and complete your load development.
"Muskrat" Mike McGuire
Keep your eyes on the skyline, your flint sharp and powder dry.

Offline AZshot

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Re: New Years shooting New Kibler SMR .40
« Reply #2 on: January 15, 2025, 10:16:11 PM »
Thanks Muskrat.  The entire Kibler journey has been enjoyable.  Fantastic company.

I'll get it on some sandbags next and try to "really" shoot it at 50 yds.  Will work up from 45 gr, likely it will get tighter as I get towards where you are.  Plus even though I am an "expert" offhand shot, who competed, flintlocks are a whole new thing.  I was shooting badly.

I love how little it kicks.  And how light it is.  I have a .45 SMR and had a .50 Hawkin growing up.  Both you notice the kick, but it's not bad.  But this one is like shooting a .410 shotgun!

Kind of hard to see the gun well in those pics, so click for larger.  This is when it only had about 6 coats of Chambers.  (I stopped at about 10-12) after this:
« Last Edit: January 15, 2025, 10:20:14 PM by AZshot »

Offline MuskratMike

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Re: New Years shooting New Kibler SMR .40
« Reply #3 on: January 15, 2025, 11:47:43 PM »
Mine is the only rifle that I have 2 loss for. If shooting close on paper targets or close in ground squirrels (sage rats) I found 40 grains of 3F worked great also, but for any kind of distance I like the 60 grains of 3F. I also like a .395 ball.
Where in AZ do you call home? Have several friends down there.
"Muskrat" Mike McGuire
Keep your eyes on the skyline, your flint sharp and powder dry.

Offline AZshot

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Re: New Years shooting New Kibler SMR .40
« Reply #4 on: January 16, 2025, 12:40:30 AM »
I'm in southern AZ outside of Tucson.  It's nice this time of year.

Offline ScottH

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Re: New Years shooting New Kibler SMR .40
« Reply #5 on: January 17, 2025, 01:43:01 AM »
Nice rifle! Walnut for stock wood?
Mine is a .40 also, with a sugar maple stock. I agree they are a hoot to shoot, and the lock is great!