Let's Build a Kibler Woodsrunner Flintlock Muzzleloader Kit | Part 1 | DIY Blackpowder

[@shadetreemech290]

My Woods Runner sits on my work bench in front of me as I type this. It's about 95-98% complete. I built it under the direction of Gary Ludwig of Southern Ohio Artisan Workshop in March of 2024. It took a week. He guided me through the build, and I was thus able to avoid several mistakes that I would have made working just on my own. For instance, file the machine marks out of the stock. They will be visible if you finish it without smoothing them out first. The precision of the manufacturing process is so good that I find that even the more difficult sections are repeatable from kit to kit. For instance, I too had some trouble fitting the rear sight. It's a tight fit. And my patch box required the same fitting as yours did. Gary helped me out here and mine too closes with a snap that a deer can hear 50 yards away. The lock is first class probably better than anything else out there now. I'm having the side plate engraved now with a prayer of thanksgiving for a successful harvest. Mine is going to be a working hunting rifle. Not a wall hanger But, I did want some personal touches. I, too, numbered my thimbles but, I did mine from back to front as I, II, III, with a file. And oriented them with markings toward the front, muzzle, so as not to install them backwards. Try fitting yours until the ramrod fits nicely and mark them there, in that orientation and position. I also draw filed the barrel on the top, visible, flats. Making them smooth will give you a better finish in the end. Buy some new files to do this with. You won't regret it. And when filing be careful not to round out the flats of the barrel. You want them to be crisp and even all the way down to the muzzle. Do this before installing the sights. My end cap was cast not machined. And I filed the front of it round to match the look of an original that were made from sheet brass. This is one of the few times that I really did try to round off and edge. The lock, side plate, barrel tang and bolster were all filed to get them to fit well. I didn't inlet the wood stock hardly at all. Now, I filed them ONLY ON THE INSIDE AND NOT ON THE TOP EDGE WHERE IT WILL MEET THE WOOD. You want a good tight fit here, on the top edge where you can see it and it makes a weather seal but, you want it to fit loose enough that you can dissemble it easily. Be careful here! You can do damage that you will regret and see every time you bring it out of the gun case to use. The edges are filed to a slight taper that slopes away from the wood only on the inside. You will find that the original fit is so good that you will want to preserve it as much as possible. Go ahead and carve your stock until your hearts content. Mine has a minimum but, it does have some. Like I said, mine is a working firearm. I finished mine with Permaline stain and will finish with Permaline sealer soon. It's what Kibler recommends so I went with that. Grind a point on all your pins (both sides) and then grind off half of it to make it flat. Do this so that it will not tear out a gouge in the wood when installing or removing them. The beveled edge will naturally find its own way through and make it easier for things like that tricky trigger installation. My only regret is that I waited so long in life to do this. So long in fact that I can no longer see the front sight, at least not as well as I used to. Life just isn't fair. Let me know if this, long, post was helpful to you.

[@brucepoole8552]

At 68 years old I just had cattarct surgery on both eyes, 20 20 now but still wear reading glasses, good luck and thanks for the tips

[@OdoyleRules24]

This should be like a 2 video series 😂 It's amazing how these things almost put themselves together in an afternoon.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Yep, absolutely wild!! I'll be doing some carving, but shouldn't be more than 5 parts

[@bobboyer9440]

I have built my Kibler Woodsrunner about a year ago. The build was easy for me as I had some woodworking skills, however, the metal work proved to be a little more challenging. Got through it ok and now have a functioning rifle. The nicest gun I have ever owned. Ethan, the close up video of your work is second to none. Wish I had this video, along with the Kibler video, to work with.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thank you kindly. I’m trying to make higher quality videos this year

[@galenhisler396]

I love these builds , I have a woodsrunner too they are fantastic . Alot easier than my colonial build, which wasn't bad either, I love kiblers rifles and can't wait for his fowler. 🤠

[@DavidHBurkart]

Here we go!!

[@JeffandLeslie]

Ethan, not sure how I missed this earlier. A couple tips for your viewers, I always chuck the pins in my drill press or hand drill if you don't have a press and spin it against a file to chamfer the ends just a little. I'm not talking file to a nail point but just break the edge a little. It makes them go in easier and reduces the risk of chipping out when you drive them through. Also, instead of using a sharpie, I file one notch in the tang part of the ramrod pipe for the one closest to the butt and 2 for the one next closest to the muzzle and 3 if I'm using 3 of the same type of pipes (i.e. some Southern rifles I build). Sharpie lines can wear off but the file marks are forever. Also, if the sight won't fit the dovetail, I always file down the sight instead of opening up the dovetail on the barrel. It's a whole lot easier and less expensive to buy a new sight than mess with a dovetail slot in the barrel that is now too big necessitating making a new sight. (don't ask me how I know this).

[@jaykirk1659]

Great video!!! The Woodsrunner was my first build and I was amazed how easy it was, Kibler's makes an amazing kit. Really like your vise setup that's a great idea 👍🏻 Can't wait to see a follow up video of the finishing process.

[@VictorCannons]

Really good video. Think you sold me on getting one. Thanks

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Enjoy it!

[@VictorCannons]

I would like to see the rest of the build

[@lyonforge3077]

Kibler's are great kits, I have one of the woods runners. It was the easiest kit I've done! Excited to see how this one finishes out for you. See you on the forest path. God bless.

[@martinmeltzer2696]

Hey Ethan! WOW! Just simply, WOW! That will be a fine addition to your collection by the time you're done with it! I have no doubt that it will be a treasured heirloom passed down from generation to generation for a long time to come! I'll be looking forward to seeing how you finish it! WOOF!

[@johncyr5623]

My woodsrunner arrived a few days ago. I have zero experience building long rifles but I have lots of enthusiasm. I'll keep you posted on how it goes. Great video. Thanks!!!

[@trevorfitzgerald4996]

Really want one of these.

[@user-pz6ze5bx9l]

Looking forward to carving sketches.

[@mountainman9664]

I built a colonial this summer, best flint gun I've ever had the pleasure of firing!! Dad has a couple old builds from the 70's and the Kibler was my first, definitely waiting for the fowler. Can't believe how easy that goes together though! thought mine was easy, this is a cake walk!!!

[@aoprngvua2]

I've been afraid you might do this... because it'll give me the confidence to attempt it myself! Watching you build your skills in the previous series has been great, and I'm sure your results here will be equally as good. I've watched a bunch of Jim's videos but I'm looking forward to your narrative and explanations as well. KEEP IT UP ETHAN!!!

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

If I can do it, anyone can!

[@minigpracing3068]

I'd suggest starting with a cheaper traditions kit, even though they take a lot more work.

[@aoprngvua2]

@@minigpracing3068 Not my first rodeo 😉

[@RecessiveG]

Nice video. Thank you for what you do.

[@gerald5344]

Woodsrunner! I've got one in my stash right now, in walnut, and I hope to get to it this summer. I bought it from Kibler's website at a discount since the grain through the wrist was less than optimal. Looking forward to watching your build before I tackle mine. EDIT: Had the same issue with my patch box latch, I filed it just now and got my own satisfying click like the one at 5:58!

[@kbowen2251]

Great looking muzzleloader! Hopefully you get to do a fowler build here soon too

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

I’ve got a Chambers Fowler on deck! So excited

[@kbowen2251]

@@ILoveMuzzleloading that's awesome to hear! Can't wait to see how both of these builds turn out!

[@DocLaw172]

I built mine last summer. I really do like it. Incredibly easy to put together, but I did some carving on it, my first try ever at that. I will be engraving a little once I get better at it.

[@DocLaw172]

I like the way you have your vice set up.

[@sims2bavaroTd]

Had to file my patch box catch also. I was surprised how high my barrel tang sat. Had to chisel more wood than I expected I would have to. But it was fun learning that part of it. In the future I would just make pins at the end. I also learned don’t file the expensive barrel, file the sights for fitment. I didn’t have an issue. But read that on Kibler group.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Great tip! I’ve done this a few times now and feel comfortable doing it.

[@minigpracing3068]

One thing I learned from more experienced builders is this... Only clean up the dove tail in the barrel, if the sight doesnt fit, take material off the sight. You can't add material to the barrel, but you can buy a new sight if you mess it up. Also I emailed a couple of things, picture of some bullets I'm casting if you want any, and a picture of my stock after ferric nitrate but before heating.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thanks man! I was following Kibler's video on barrel filing. I've done it quite a few times and it's worked out, but I understand the concern. I'll get back to my email and check it out!!

[@jackblackpowderprepper4940]

This is good stuff Ethan. I'm must have one.

[@jamesvatter5729]

Good stuff, Ethan!

[@searchingfor6thgear44]

Ethan, Thank you! I appreciate your content and your perspective on your love for muzzleloading. Our Dad built flintlocks for us from kits out of Cabellas or Dixie Gun Works. My bucket list is to build Kibler flintlocks for our sons. I have wi-fi out in the workshop just so I can watch and pause Jim's (and now your's) assembly and finishing videos! What screwdriver kit are you using? I know I need better screwdrivers before I attempt these builds.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

These are a simple set of gunsmith screwdrivers, there’s a variety of brands available, I got these from Brownells

[@BradBurden]

Really looking forward to part two! Curious to see what tools ( minimum) you need to complete your planned carving.

[@anotheryoutuber_]

carved stock!

[@robertlittle7407]

Cool man cool

[@Strutingeagle]

Whoa!! Nice kit. Notice the wood and metal fit won't require any epoxy bedding. The back of that barrel is fitting perfectly and will take up recoil as it is supposed to. Probably pretty spendy to boot. Thanks for the vid.

A good resource for files, rasps, chisels and mallets are pawnshops. Our local one has a '$1.00 Bin' where i found three nice older Nicholson files.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Dang!!

[@leonnorling5158]

Years ago I built a Bivins Lancaster kit from TOW. At the time it was way beyond my skill level. It took me a year to complete. With all of tools I ended up buying it wasnt much cheaper than one of these kits, and looks like it was made by a rank amature. But it still works great. I wish these kits were available then.

[@Jeremy-qb9ej]

Dam i want one!!!

[@SteveM0732]

I'm excited to see this new series.

[@donfullbright8468]

Love your videos very informative. Great job on keeping this history alive.

[@FlintlockOperator]

This series will become the go-to resource for putting together these kits!

[@user-ev2mt6zy7l]

a fast way to round off the pins, chuck the pins in an electric drill and round the pin with a file. The way that these kits fall together, i think you could put all the parts in a box, then shake the box a few times, then come out with a finished rifle.

[@user-ry1eq9ng7c]

Check the bore, when I built mine I found metal shavings in the breach , mabey from the rifling prosses ?

[@jeremiahmccutcheon3234]

Awesome

[@jeremiahmccutcheon3234]

Ethan would you rather have a Kibler SMR or a woodsrunner trying to decide what to get

[@aggieduke1]

Hardest part I found was stabbing the trigger pin. Had to hold my mouth just right. Great kit to build.

[@98Kentuckian]

I recently broke down and ordered a Kibler SMR, couldn't pass up the 10% off sale. Had been eyeing one for a while. Can't wait to get it and start working on it, but i'm also nervous because it'll be the nicest gun in probably my entire collection. Hopefully i don't goof anything up to bad !

[@brokentoe570]

Ethan, break out the good sharpe tools. Go slow and enjoy yourself. Have fun sir.

[@Bayan1905]

I'm hoping if I get some funds together to get a Kibler, they look to me like the best muzzleloading kit for the money these days, although being here in the northeast, I'm looking more towards the Colonial than the Woodsrunner.

[@NemoVir]

You lucky…, I had to file down the trigger to get it fit thru the slot.

[@NemoVir]

When you do the carving, please list the tools used. Track of the wolf search engine doesn’t accept doohickey.

[@olskool3967]

i have built 3 woods runners and 7 SMR, and another WR will be here this week,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Wow!

[@edthompson7223]

Is there a preference on witch direction to put the sights in being that there tapered

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

I’ve always tapered from the side plate to the lock, like the pins. So the side plate side is slightly wider than the lock side

[@shanemurray1395]

Why don't you leave your pins long during assembly

[@edthompson7223]

Thanks I'm starting a Kibler southern mountain rifle real soon here.

[@thomasgray9827]

Snap together.

[@marknatale1617]

What caliber, and whats the weight?

[@TDINWY]

Hi Ethan. Did Jim drill the flash hole?

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Yep, liner comes installed

[@HmongBobtailDog]

Where can I buy just a flint lock rifle barrel?

[@JohnCBobcat]

I've been looking at the Woodsrunner kit for a while now. This isn't helping my resolve to save money by not taking on new projects this year! Edit: I admit, I flinched when you started filing on the barrel dovetails for sight fitting. My internal monologue was, roughly, "a new rear sight is $11 plus shipping, a new barrel is going to be $300+! I know which one I'd rather take material off!"

[@twentyfifthdui4717]

"Our" pin is through the other side. Does that mean I can borrow our Woodsrunner on weekends?

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Every other weekend

[@bigracer3867]

Nice! Well what ever you do please don’t do that rust blue again. Regular blueing. Yea I know blueing is rusting but that stuff looked terrible. But. Your rifle. Cold blue. Is the way.