Kibler fowler, a couple of photos,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

James Kibler said:

Yes, one thing I believe most fail to recognize is that in terms historical correctness, aesthetics, fit, finish etc, our kits are probably better than 90% or more guns built from a blank. Those that build guns in this category don’t always want to admit this to themselves.

These conclusions aren’t from the perspective of a kit gun producer, but rather a respected former high level custom longrifle builder.

Now, this doesn’t mean that building from a blank doesn’t have its benefits. You can learn a great deal, you can get a lot of satisfaction from creating something yourself, there are endless designs and styles that can be built etc.

They are really just different animals that work for different people. I can say with certainty that our business and efforts have brought thousands of people into traditional muzzloading that likely would never have been part of it.

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Smokey Plainsman said:

I see it’s now costing nearly $1500 for a shipped Kibler kit including the lock... their prices keep climbing. Hoping they don’t price themselves out of the unique niche they’ve made in the market.

I’m also noticing the “encouraged” walnut option is $160 more expensive than either standard maple or cherry... what’s up with that?

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Buff1958 said:

I have built (sorry put together) three of your rifle kits this year and have a fowler coming next week.
I have learned a lot doing it and would have most likely never messed with a flint lock if your kits were not available.
Thanks for what you do I truly enjoy hunting with your rifles

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Sidney Smith said:

I guarantee you sir, I could easily put one of those kits together. I'm on my fifth gun, and all required much more work to finish than simply shaving some wood from a 98% complete inlet that was done at the factory.

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James Kibler said:

Yes, one thing I believe most fail to recognize is that in terms historical correctness, aesthetics, fit, finish etc, our kits are probably better than 90% or more guns built from a blank. Those that build guns in this category don’t always want to admit this to themselves.

These conclusions aren’t from the perspective of a kit gun producer, but rather a respected former high level custom longrifle builder.

Now, this doesn’t mean that building from a blank doesn’t have its benefits. You can learn a great deal, you can get a lot of satisfaction from creating something yourself, there are endless designs and styles that can be built etc.

They are really just different animals that work for different people. I can say with certainty that our business and efforts have brought thousands of people into traditional muzzloading that likely would never have been part of it.

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Clark Badgett said:

Oh come on. You chromed that thang. Admit it

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Clark Badgett said:

Why? The old original builders didn’t often do all of that. Locks were often imported from Europe, mostly England, there were barrel mills that supplied those, there were founders that poured the brass parts and sold them, and imports.

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Sidney Smith said:

I guarantee you sir, I could easily put one of those kits together. I'm on my fifth gun, and all required much more work to finish than simply shaving some wood from a 98% complete inlet that was done at the factory.

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Sidney Smith said:

I guarantee you sir, I could easily put one of those kits together. I'm on my fifth gun, and all required much more work to finish than simply shaving some wood from a 98% complete inlet that was done at the factory.

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Sidney Smith said:

Since they posted here, they are subject to public scrutiny. It's not bitching, its my observation which I have a right to.

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Nazgul58 said:

We all anxiously await the future words that proceed from your exalted pie hole as you elucidate and educate us on our deficiencies .

Don

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duca said:

You know we already know that building a Kibler kit isn't like building a gun from scratch. It's just nice knowing that you're doing something to personalize your firearm and coming out with a quality product that works and that'll last a lifetime. Sooo can we just have Fun with it. As for me I Can't wait to get my hands on another Kibler kit

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Clark Badgett said:

Why? The old original builders didn’t often do all of that. Locks were often imported from Europe, mostly England, there were barrel mills that supplied those, there were founders that poured the brass parts and sold them, and imports.

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mikesto44 said:

Many of us just like more of a challenge.. Their is nothing wrong with doing a kit. I've done several over the last fifty plus years. Plus as I stated Kibler is probably the easiest to do of any of them. Period..!
Now to the one poster NO I don't make my barrels and locks. Most custom builders don't either ! So get over it...! Or do I think mine are any better than someone else's. No I don't...! Also I could careless...it's a hobby for me and nothing else..an yes I do like his SMR an Fowler especially. Would I buy one no...because I'm cheap an I can make one for a third of the cost... Mine work an put meat on the table. That is all that matters...! Cheers...!

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Snooterpup said:

No disrespect intended to you! I should have posted my response to someone else’s post.
Some plank builders, (other than your post, not you) disparage kits builders/assemblers.
I merely wanted to point out the 3 levels of knowledge and expertise:
1. Scratch builders making everything
2. Plank builders, obtaining wood and other necessary parts and “building” the rifle. (I have tremendous respect for plank builders as stated many times in my posts.)
3. Kit builders, assembling and finishing the rifle.
There is room for all at the Muzzleloading table from masters like Dave Persons, Herschel House and Wallace Gussler(sp?) right down to kit builders/assemblers.

Best wishers to all!
Snoot

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PEARL DRUMS said:

All of this petty nonsense reminds me of Mr. Gary Davis. Some of you may have known Gary and a majority probably didn't. Gary sold several THOUSAND osage self bow "blanks". They were 90% tillered and 90% shaped. The buyers had very little work to do to make a fantastic, solid self bow they could smile upon. Gary introduced an amazing amount people into a very niche' hobby as a result. And that hobby was waning horribly. Did those folks build their bow? Heck no they didn't build a bow. But, that wasn't the point. It was perpetuating a hobby before it all went to the wayside. I put together one of Jim's Woodsrunner rifles a month ago and enjoyed every aspect of it. It was a piece of cake and I did nothing but finish the wood, blue the steel, buff the brass and pin it together. I'm proud of the rifle I assembled. And if anything? It inspired me to try a true rifle build one of these days. Give the man a break and realize that what he is doing helps ALL of us. The more demand the more likely the supplies we all need stay available to us.

Relax guys

Hey why get all angry het up. It’s only if somebody tries to pass it as antique , Some people are not inclined or skilled to making things? So they need all the help and kits they can get . Many make a far better job than I can only dream of . I just make wall hangers for pleasure, Dearest friend Tommy up in Maine , says I make ugly guns. But I like them . Ok I can make the barrel and bits , but not the locks, cheaper to buy a derelict gun at auction for bits , or locks off eBay, I can get slabs of walnut for $60 the rest is down to me . I do it as it makes me happy, got all the time in the world at 81. But over the years I buy the odd gun at auction, most percussion , but unmentionable BP cartridge guns are ok like martini 450/400. Like percussion cape guns , I don’t think shooters build guns in uk . Too much regulations. Better go to Pedrosoli , they are ok All I see on this forum is beautiful guns. And I guess happy owners. It’s dark here so not much light for photos. Take care be happy and enjoy i painting and shoot arrows to stop
me going nuts. Haha. Love from across the big pond

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