Finally got it....

[labrat]

Received my Kimble Colonial 54 with extra fancy maple a couple days ago. I finished putting it together according to Jim's videos and now I'm tearing it down to start on the carving, engraving and final finishing. What a great kit for beginners like me. I followed the videos and everything went great except for the drill bit that broke off installing the brass trigger guard. Took me 3 hours to figure out how to remove it without distroying the curly maple. Also cutting the wood to fit the metal was hair raising and being new I made a few loose joints. Overall Jim makes a great kit and I recommend it to any first time builder, you will not regret it. My grand kids helped me make the horn and possibles bag.

 

[dave_person]

Hi Labrat,
When it comes to carving and decorating the Kibler look at this thread because it will help a lot with technique. It contains information that you may not find anywhere else including Jim's videos. I urge you to read it carefully, particularly if you are going to carve and engrave the gun. Scroll through the entire thread.

dave

https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/kibler-kit-assembly-and-carving.133549/

 

[labrat]

Hello dave. I was most interested and excited to read your build from beginning to end and I did take notes as this was exactly the info I needed. Beautiful job and well executed. The photos and instructions are priceless and I hope everyone appreciates your willingness to share your knowledge & experience. With no wood carving experience this will be my greatest challenge. As Jim says: take your time, go slow with small cuts and pay attention to the grains and do this with very sharp tools. I am welcoming the challenge and i will give it my best. Fingers crossed !

 

[Norman Brooks]

You are way ahead of me, received my Colonial on the 3rd, same as yours .54 extra fancy maple with wood patch box. Barrel and trigger plate installed. Dave's Kibler build is spot on with instructions.

 

[labrat]

I retired many years ago so I have lots of time on hand. I believe it's better to work at your own comfortable pace than to hurry thru it with no enjoyment. For me this is pure fun and I'm learning alot of new things. I'm a jack of all trades and master of none as they say. Keep use informed of your progress....