First Flintlock build

[Pilgrim]

I have made several posts with questions regarding major kit suppliers, and I have gotten great support and information from this group. I want to thank everyone who answered my questions and shared their experiences for me to learn from. Based upon my experience level with muzzleloaders, woodworking, and metalworking I have decided to purchase my first kit from Jim Kibler, his colonial kit. I will be ordering in late December and plan on using Jim's Iron Nitrate wood stain. I'm sure I will be asking advice from this group as my kit build progresses. Thank you again for the great input you shared.

 

[Phil Coffins]

Smart move.

 

[Pilgrim]

Update on the Kibler purchase, I pulled the trigger Tuesday 12/21. Changing my mind about the type, instead of buying the colonial, I bought the SMR in a 32 caliber. Also, I purchased the nitric acid, sealer, and JAX black to patina the metal. I am excited about the build and plan on using the wait time to study the history of the SMR and how I want to apply it to my build.

 

[Crow-Feather]

Best of luck

 

[Nor Cal Mikie]

Picked up a "kit" from one of the folks here, maybe 7 or 8 + years ago. Got the butt plate fitted, didn't come out as nice as I would have liked. Put lugs and front sight on the barrel then stepped aside. Been in the back room, not being worked on for quite a few years. Few of the parts decided to hide for a year or so but finally came out of hiding.
On another forum, asked about builders to pick up where I left off.
Found a guy that just finished a Fowler build cool and thought he might like to do another build. Should be at his house by Christmas.
Easy enough to "step aside" if the Spirit doesn't move you anymore before you REALLY screw it up.

 

[Johnny Tremain]

You have stepped into a larger world young jedi.

 

[Pilgrim]

You have stepped into a larger world young jedi.

Yes I have. I have built traditions kits but I realize this is a serious step forward. I’m sure I will be asking for a great deal of input and suggestions.

 

[deerstalkert]

i just finished a kinda sorta SMR. found the stock and barrel in a buddies garage. his father bought it about 40 or so years ago and "stepped aside" before doing more than carving an eagle and a heart on the sides of the buttstock.
i made a ton of mistakes putting it together but its for me so i don't care if those show.
it was my first attempt of inletting the lock and triggers. the pleasure of coating it with the Aqua Fortis, then blushing that and rubbing BLO on it is great. still tinkering but it shoots great too!
and its a .32 also.

 

[deerstalkert]

after that picture was taken i discovered some rasp marks i had finished over, also the butt plate kicked up in the rear.
i stripped it back down and sanded the wood to 600 grit. also reshaped the butt to bring the toe forward which brought the top of the butt plate into an even plane with the comb.
I also stripped the antiquing i had done to the brass furniture back to polished brass.
now i am ready for another build. probably make the same blunders but am having fun so who cares!

 

[Pilgrim]

Really good build and story of persistence.

 

[Nor Cal Mikie]

probably make the same blunders but am having fun so who cares!

At least you'll be consistent.

 

[deerstalkert]

have a bad habit of using the edge of the inletted mortise as a fulcrum with my chisel.
i joined inletters anonymous to get help.