The Woodsrunner is the newest kit from Kiblers Longrifles. It’s currently available for pre-order and should be in production in the next few weeks

• 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.

• Reminiscent of a true frontier rifle

• Weight 7 ½ to 8 Lbs.

• Barrel Length 39 ¾”

• .45, .50, .54 caliber

• Nicely Swamped Barrel

• Pull 13 3/8 to 13 ½

• Cast-off 3/16"

• Cherry, Walnut, Maple, Fancy Maple, Extra Fancy Maple

• Kibler Round-Faced English Lock

• Sliding Wood Patchbox Only

• Brass Hardware

• Single Trigger

• Very handy and easy to carry

Pricing

$830 Base Price Kit = $1130 Total - $300 Round-Faced Lock billed separately (do not purchase through the store)

I’ve received some questions about the Woodsrunner kit and I want to do my best to answer some of them based on what Jim has published. Jim, if you want to come on the podcast to chat about this new kit please let me know!

Differences between Colonial and woods Runner

Barrel Length

• Colonial - 43.25” custom profiled barrels. Breech 1.125” and waist approximately .800”

• Woods Runner - 39 ¾”Breech 1.062

Inspiration

• The colonial represents a style similar to those found in the colonies over about 10 years

• The Woods runner is dedicated to the 1760s in Virginia specifically

Length of Pull

• Woods Runner - Pull 13 3/8 to 13 ½ Cast-off 3/16

• Colonial - 13 5/8 Cast-off 3/16

Shape of the Butt Stock

• You’ll notice the shape of the butt-stock looks a bit shorter in height than the colonial’s large pronounced comb.

All Around, Kibler is marketing this as a shorter, lighter, very easy handling rifle. It’s using the same round-faced “English” lock at the colonial kit and looks to have a similar stock profile in the forestock.

Prices are nearly identical between the two, meaning it’s going to come down to your personal preference on what you want out of your muzzleloader. Previously, people wanting a Kibler went with the Colonial for a mid-late 18th century portrayal or style, but the Woods runner gives buyers an option for a more local Virginia impression.

So why the Woodsrunner?

Over the past couple of years, Jim has talked about some of the kits he has in production, including a Fowler and even a Kibler Hawken kit. Jim has said in the past on the forums that the Woodsrunner offered a simpler addition to the portfolio than a totally new kit. The Woodsrunner is a new kit, but it has several similarities to the Kibler Colonial that made it easier to bring to production than a totally new kit.

What’s the next Kibler Kit?

Jim hasn’t said specifically what the next kit will be, or when it will go into production. We know he plans on adding a Fowler and a Hawken at some point based on market demand, but it will be some time before this happens. The woods runner should be ready for the CLA Show in August.

Last month Jim mentioned that he is bringing on a full-time programmer that will speed up the production time for his kits. This is great news for fans of the Kibler kit, and could streamline new kit production.