The Kibler Journey

[@blackpowderandbibles]

I appreciate all that you all do. Top quality people and top quality products. I have run across a few people that try to point out things that they don't like or things that they think are wrong about your guns and how they are made. I just look at these people as the pharisees and sadducees of the muzzleloading world. They would rather focus on what they believe is wrong about your product. Than to take joy in how you are bringing a top quality product to more people and helping keep muzzleloading and blackpowder alive. God Bless and Merry Christmas.

[@straightup160]

Jim, you and your staff are the best. I enjoyed putting together your kits, hunting and shooting them as well. The rifles shoot as well as they look.

[@danielmccann4055]

I remember building my SMR. I was so ill and had so much brain fog at time I wasn't sure I was going to be able to finish it. Everything went well until I worked on the lock and had a piece left over. I think I called the shop two or three times trying to figure it out before realizing I just needed to turn the lock over and look at the back side of it. The Kibler People were quite patient trying to assist me, but Looking back on it they must have thought some kind of a nutcase had gotten ahold of one of their kits. Anyway, I have a fantastic little rifle so thanks for the patients Guys.

[@sasquatch885]

You cats have definitely filled a niche. And that is a very impressive stock of lumber!👍🏻

[@Fall4826]

Thanks so much for making such high quality guns. They are really a pleasure to assemble and shoot.

[@jerryroesener5937]

Your kits make it very possible for a lot of people to get a good quality flintlock. I have told several people about your products. I have 3 of the 4 kits that you make and hope to have the 4th really soon.

[@FolkFirearmsCollective]

Thank you for all you do. Never compromising on historical correctness deserves applause. Wonderful. Looking forward to what’s next!

[@Justin69ford]

Thank you Jim and Katherine! I appreciate the thought and quality you put into these pieces. You are the only name I mention anytime someone asks about a flintlock for those very reasons you both mentioned.

[@nigelkavanagh2048]

You guys are the backbone of a very strong team, congratulations on accomplishing your dream Jim. Great vid guys.

[@blackpowderandbibles]

Thank you for making the club a lot easier to join! Love my SMR and I'm sure I will love my fowler when I put it together. Next on the list is a SMR for my Daughter made out of a piece of cherry that came from a tree on her property.

[@FlintlockOperator]

Thank you for all the great work you are doing to preserve our history and get these fine weapons into the hands of as many people as possible!

[@harrycombs2724]

Thanks for the interview. You answered the questions I wanted to ask since I first heard about your guns. I just received my Woodsrunner 11-6-24 and have accomplished a great deal of the build. After building 5 kit guns since my first one form CVA back in the 70s I can say this is the best by far. The tolerances are so close that it allows me more time for perfectionist details. I am now retired but have a degree in Automation Control Engineering. I spent a great deal of time with CNC equipment and can certainly appreciate unlimited possibilities you have to work with in your facility. Thanks for the great service I have received from the placement of order to the detailed delivery to my home. That wood shipping box was so much more than I expected to see. It had several pretty good dings in it, but the contents were in perfect shape. Can't wait to take my first deer with it.

[@longrifle4710]

Congratulations to a great team! I have 2 Kibler’s, they are the best made. Keep up the great work.

[@davedonley6778]

Jim and Katherine thank you for what you guys do woodsrunner is the next on my list

[@sojourner57]

Fabulous! I love you guys and what you've done to make high-end guns more affordable and accessible, as well as your enthusiasm for the craft and your obvious love for what you do and for each other. It shows in the final product. Thank you for my Woodsrunner!

[@johnmullins929]

Been building kits for years. Since the early 80's. Kibler is the best!! I have 3. Tell Katherine she did fine on the video. I'll bet you would be hard pressed to have such a successful business with out her!

[@bobboyer9440]

When I received my Kibler, it was like the best Christmas I could ever remember. My wife was just as excited and she doesn't even shoot.

[@shellmaker10]

Great video.

[@anthonyberger225]

Good video i have the southern and the colonial and just ordered the wood's runner 2 weeks ago I have never shot a more accurate rifled muzzleloaders in my life and I'm glad i found out about Mr kibler 👍👍👍👍👍

[@TS-nb9ko]

Much respect for jim and katherine.if I was young I would want to be his apprentice

[@michelgosselin956]

I have one of kit 50.cal mountain and it was easy to build and very good quality thank you and both of you keep it up

[@jaykirk1659]

I pre-ordered the Woodsrunner when it was first available for presale and waited roughly around six months for it. But I can say that it was well worth the wait because it is hands-down, the easiest kit to build, and being my first kit I've built I was nervous about that. The quality, and the craftsmanship is hands down the best. I took my first deer last season with it and was extremely proud. Thank you!

[@barryscott990]

As a proud owner of a Kibler southern mountain rifle I built from his kit, I can only reinforce Jim and his wife are a true treasure in the muzzleloader world. Everything about the kit was very high quality, and exceeded my expectations by a great margin. if you are even close to being on the fence getting one, don’t hesitate one second! It will be an instant heirloom for sure

[@jimhonaker2603]

My FIRST one is being delivered tomorrow!

[@richardtennant6023]

I have had my Kibler Southern Mountain Rifle for 6 months now, and I love everything about it and the hours of fun I have sharing this experience with others. Thank for doing what you do and for the products that you provide. 👍🏻🇨🇦

[@gerald5344]

I started off in the hobby a few years ago with an imported kit that was frustrating to build and not, I discovered, even a ballpark approximation of the type of historical rifle it was sold as representing. That I didn’t stall out after that experience but stayed in the hobby is due in large part to having discovered Kibler’s Longrifles at just the right time. Thank you, Jim and Katherine! Katherine, if you need a video idea, I would love a guided tour of Jim’s library or even just a listing of his favorite books on original guns. I’ve been trying to pull together my own small reference collection and I’m grateful for any recommendations.

[@kevinfransen7008]

They just work, breach faces are flat, not drilled into, touchhole liners aren't hanging out into the bore, lock geometry is right. I have several high end guns but, my Kibler's are my daily drivers. When you can shoot over a hundred times using a wet patch, without swabbing the bore or picking the touchhole without a misfire, that's sweet. Love um.

[@mannfreddostal7198]

Your quality is simply great and the locks are great! Almost no ignition failures. The shooting performance is also great! Thanks for the beautiful rifles!!!

[@bobbyscott8024]

Well done y'all! It was nice to see both of you sharing your journey with us, the consumers. I cannot wait to purchase a Fowler in 16 ga. May the Lord bless y'all and your business!

[@TomCramer-xu8tx]

Yes, he is the BEST!

[@jimedgar7957]

always like and learn from the Kibler videos. thanks

[@kiblerjim]

Glad you like them!

[@rassbagley3191]

Thank y'all!!! I had a cheap "kit" gun in the '70s, moved to Atlanta and bought a custom from Bob Watts in 1977. I used this gun for years and built a .54 flintlock in the late '80s. It took me 2 year and over 200 hours to complete. It turned out well and I have used it for deer since. Both of these rifles had Siler flintlocks and have been very reliable. Last summer, I ordered and put together a .54 Woodsrunner, hoping to get it's first deer this season. I also ordered and put together a Fowler this summer. I now have 4 flintlocks. Since I have 5 grandchildren, I expect to order another Kibler after the 1st of the year. I do appreciate the fine work y'all do. Enjoy the Holidays, they are almost here!

[@richardtankersley1921]

Really liked this video. Keep them coming.

[@skooter2767k]

Best kit guns on the market with nothing else close! Repeat customer and will continue to be

[@jacobwilbert1018]

Thank you for what you guys do. You held the door for alot of us to get to own n experience something that wasnt available or realistic at a price point before. You have made the barrier of entry possible for alot of people without giving anything up.

[@jimanderson4981]

Got my woods runner last spring. Love it I now have on order a colonial in extra fancy maple 👍!

[@usnchief1339]

We are grateful and proud of you Jim...Thank you!

[@RiverRat1953]

I received my 20g Fowler kit today and this is my third Kibler kit. There is not a better kit for the novice than a Kibler. It is time now Jim to get working on a new kit offering. Thank You!

[@usnchief1339]

@@RiverRat1953 That's my next one...walnut 20g

[@markpasswater9217]

Thank you for all your products. You make a quaility product and love them. Thank you.

[@carlschmidt7522]

My day job was applied physics nd ship building. Started buying machinery early on just to build my own rifles. Really gives me an appreciation of Jim's work. Just ordered my 5th kit. 50 years of detail hard work has taken a toll on my hands. Highly recommend these kits.

[@jeffshorts6052]

You guys are awesome I bought a 58 Colonial and finished it plain. In memory of my GGG Grandfather fought in the Revolutionary War. I had a small problem with the barrel and you went above and beyond to take care of it. My next will be a 32 cal WR. Will you be doing another open house again?

[@galenhisler396]

I love my kiblers, thank you all for the great work you do . Can't wait for my next one.

[@HarmonDMark]

i bought a fowler and though i am not the best wood worker i got it together fairly quick and it shoots like a dream. Thanks

[@kiblerjim]

Glad to hear it

[@GumSloughMuzzleloader]

Very nice. I really like your videos. Appreciate the time you take out of your busy schedule. My Woodsrunner will be here tomorrow. I am looking forward to the assembly. One day, I hope to build from a plank. Until then, I will continue to assemble your kits. I'm glad I waited to buy a Kibler flintlock. I'm new at shooting flintlocks. I've learned a lot and I study the history of them, I just the history. Thank you all for what you do. P.S. I'm patiently waiting on the Hawken Kit! Take Care Stay Safe

[@allencampbell4460]

Jim is dedicated to his passion, and it shows in the quality of your kits. I completed my Colonial kit about a month ago, and I was impressed with the overall quality, and ease of assembly. Your videos helped immensely especially with the final finish of the metal, and wood. I love the way it turned out, and I may have to purchase another one. Thank you.

[@tnzayatz6579]

Thank you both for what you do. Your synergy is both wonderful and evident, each supporting the other for a great result. BTW Katherine, it has always been great talking with you for parts and problems.

[@BMF625]

Outstanding video! Your work is amazing. Every time I pull the Colonial out there are nothing but compliments.

[@jimowens1919]

Can't add anything thing that has not already been said! But I will say I loved Kathrine's Buckeye coffee cup. Just finished my SMR. It was a ball building this kit. At the same time I was nervous and afraid I would screw something up. I had a great mentor which made all the difference.

[@curmudgeinnak]

Great video guys. 🙂

[@ralfrude3532]

Nico to finally see the CO of Kibler.😉

[@erasgonehistoricalmolds2400]

Thanks for bringing an excellent product to the market. I hope you remain successful for a long time. Any truth to the rumor you have considered a Brown Bess kit?

[@chipandrews2892]

Awesome video...its cool to know the history of your company. I enjoy all your videos and have watched a lot of them a number to times. I really enjoy your build videos and watching your carving videos. You make it look so easy!! Thanks for putting out an awesome product and fantastic customer support!

[@markmiller6967]

Jim, please try to hyper focus on Hawken Rifles 😅Thanks Mark Miller God bless you both and the great things you are doing for all of us Mark Miller

[@jimhonaker2603]

I'd buy one...

[@GumSloughMuzzleloader]

Me too! ​@@jimhonaker2603

[@searchingfor6thgear44]

Enjoying the videos! Keep’em coming!

[@arkansasnaturalstate]

waiting on the Hawken 🙂

[@jeffreygardner2591]

Jim and Katherine, thank you both for what you do for our muzzleloading community. Strange to see Jim without his 'headdress' on, and poor Katherine looks decidedly uncomfortable being in front of the camera in the beginning. What you have done is to bring to us all, an affordable, well designed, quality kit, that is easy to assemble, yet is also easy enough for us to add our own touches to, so that when we are done, we have a rifle (or fowler) that will be uniquely our own. I'm looking forward to being able to work on and complete the six of your kits that I have purchased. I planned ahead for my retirement. Each will be left to one of my kids to remember dear old dad once I finally go on to my final reward, hopefully in about another 20 years at least. Anyways, keep up the good work and I look forward to your Hawken, or Brown Bess, or whatever else you come up with.

[@beardedrancher]

If only the kits weren't too expensive for this working man

[@Bayan1905]

Jim's guns fill in an area that now you can buy an outstanding gun for what you were paying for something like a Pedersoli, which frankly compared to the Pedersoli rifles 30-40 years ago, aren't as good with cast parts on them and not as refined as they once were, and with a Kibler, it's much less than a high end gun that most people can't afford but those high end guns cost so much, who wants to take them out to hunt with or enjoy because they're afraid of anything happening to it. I have several Pedersolis but I can't wait until I get the money together to buy myself a Kibler. I'm even thinking of getting rid of a couple of them to make it happen.

[@tropifiori]

Very cool

[@jgt4862]

Love my Woods Runner. Looking forward to an accurate St. Louis Hawken some day! I noticed the Ohio State coffee mug. #GoDucks

[@Kmcmichael1959]

Cool video. I’ve did some older kits for friends and four Kibler kits. No comparison. Please come up with a pistol. I am old and need to Strat dueling before time runs out.

[@jamessmith-np7yf]

It would be cool to see a 1861 Spring Field muzzle loader built by you. I think that is a neat rifle.

[@krockpotbroccoli65]

You could probably get an original, shootable 1861 Springfield for less than what it would cost for a kibler kit replica.

[@usnchief1339]

Around the 5:45 time you mention the lines and how they flow. That is my biggest complaint about new production Winchester rifles. The old rifles were tools as well as works of art. That is why I collect rifles no later than the 1920-30s. Modern production is about producibility and not about aesthetics.

[@olskool3967]

i am on my 18th Kibler now,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@GumSloughMuzzleloader]

Olskool does beautiful work. I have seen them. Keep it going, Olskool GSML

[@kiblerjim]

Wow!

[@GumSloughMuzzleloader]

@kiblerjim I received my Woodsrunner last week. That makes #3. The funny thing is my wife said, "Oh, that's beautiful. When you finish this one, we'll get you the 16ga Fowler. 🤔

[@DocLaw172]

Katherine! You are not fooling me! That is NOT JIM KIBLER! It has to be a faulty clone as he is NOT wearing the Optivisor! 😂

[@DocLaw172]

Jim's flintlocks are simply the best out there. Kits that an average man can put together that will outlast that buyer, and the next one, and the next one and beyond. The locks are fast, the fit is practically perfect, the accuracy great. There are not enough words to express just how good these guns are!

[@KH-te2zf]

Would a pistol kit be in menu at some point?

[@kiblerjim]

Possibly

[@robertlittle7407]

Cool man cool

[@krockpotbroccoli65]

On the cheap imported kit guns, I have an Investarm "Bridger" Hawken that I built out. The stock took forever to make correct (and the material is European beech, which will never be correct, but whatever) it has screws made from aluminum, an aluminum underbarrel rib and the lock it came with was utterly useless. The mainspring is a coil spring! On a bloody flintlock! I had to go out and buy an L&R lock to get it running, and it still isn't quite there. I'm gonna have to get and tune an aftermarket trigger mechanism... I'm a gunsmith, so I was able to make it work, but for the average person, these cheapo kits are a little bit too advanced. Your much better off buying something like a kibler kit. You pay a bit more, but you'll save yourself an enormous headache and end up with a far nicer end result.

[@AMSRocker]

Why don't you produce the Brown Bess? Yes it was a British gun but they were all over the US in the early years of our country.

[@richstone2627]

Now that we elected a real President I may be able to afford a couple of kits. Kibler is the Best. Thank you.

[@freddeagostino4038]

Without a girl like Katherine there might not have been a 'Kibler's' so to speak. I've got a girl like that so I know. 47 married, 50 together. If your girl has no faith in you, you're doomed. There's a dire lesson right here for 'modern' women. 'Just my take on this vid. 'Tip of the hat Katherine! Cheers

[@kiblerjim]

Thank you-I tell her all the time that I couldn’t have done it without her