New to Muzzleloaders
You don't have to be a gunsmith to build one of these
A Kibler kit gives you everything to build a historically authentic muzzleloader by hand. Here's how it works, what to choose, and where most people start.
What is a muzzleloader?
A muzzleloader is a type of firearm that was the dominant technology prior to the end of the 19th century — the era of the American Revolution, the frontier, and the mountain man. Instead of modern cartridges, the shooter pours black powder down the barrel from the front (the muzzle, hence the name), seats a lead ball or bullet, and ignites the charge with one of two systems: flintlock or percussion.
It's slower to load than a modern firearm. It requires care and attention. And it rewards you with a shooting experience that connects you to American history in a way nothing else quite does.
Muzzleloader shooters will tell you: once you build and shoot your own, you'll understand why people are passionate about these.
Flintlock or percussion?
Both are muzzleloaders. The difference is how the powder gets ignited.
Flintlock — the original (c. 1640s–1830s)
Flint, gripped in the cock's jaws, strikes a steel frizzen — throwing sparks into a pan of priming powder that ignites and flashes through a touch hole and sets off the main charge.
Choose flintlock if you're drawn to:
- The 17th and 18th century
- The Revolutionary War era and the colonial American longrifle
- A very rewarding shooting experience
Percussion — the evolution (c. 1830s onward)
The hammer strikes a small copper cap containing a primer compound that detonates when struck — sending fire straight through a nipple into the main charge.
Choose percussion if you're drawn to:
- The Hawken plains rifle tradition
- Reliability in damp weather
- A little easier to shoot for beginners
Not sure? Either is a great first build. Many of our customers eventually own at least one of each.
What is a Kibler kit?
Our kits are built to historical and aesthetic standards that are found nowhere else. Jim Kibler designs every kit and his background as a high-end custom builder means no other kits come close Kibler Kit designs.
Additionally, Kibler kits arrives as pre-machined, precision-fit components. The hard work — the complex inletting, the drilling, the machining — is already done.
What's left for you:
- Fit metal parts and assemble the kit
- Prepare the wood and metal surfaces for finishing
- Stain and finish the wood
- Finish the metal components
- Assemble and function-test the complete rifle
Most first-time builders complete their kit across several weekends. Many describe it as the most satisfying project they've ever tackled.
Which kit is right for you?
| Easiest build, fewest parts — great for beginners | Barn Gun Kit (flintlock or percussion) |
| Light and sleek, fun to shoot | Southern Mountain Rifle Kit (flintlock) |
| Compact and practical for the woods | Woodsrunner Kit (flintlock) |
| Bird hunting or turkey hunting with a historical firearm | Fowler Kit (flintlock smoothbore) |
| Mountain Man build | J.K. Hawken Rifle Kit (percussion) |
| Big beefy gun as seen in Outlander | Colonial American Longrifle Kit (flintlock) |
What you'll need to get started
The kit comes with the parts. You'll provide the time, the workspace, and a small handful of tools — most of which you probably already own.
What you likely have:
- A vise or sturdy bench
- Sandpaper (we'll tell you which grits)
- A few basic files
- Screwdrivers, pliers, hammers
- Patience
What you may need to pick up:
- Wood stain and finish — see our Finishing Supplies collection
- A few specialty items if you don't already have them
With basic hand skills and careful work, you can build this. We'll be there at every step.
Watch before you buy
The full build playlist lives on our YouTube channel. You can watch the entire process before you order — and again while you build.
Ready to start?
Here's where most people start.
Shop the Colonial American Longrifle Kit — our most-built, most-reviewed kit.
