Happiness is Three Kiblers in process!

[Hatman/2nd line]

I wish I had the time and set-up to build a rifle from scratch, but I don't. I am a luthier and invested what I can for the tools needed for that work. Not that I wouldn't love to do a build from a plank, I would, but I realize my limitations.
I have recently been building these Kibler kits because I really enjoy it, and some folks like my work enough to purchase them. I love that! Yup, I have gotten grief before about my selection of a 'wrong' patchbox but I chose it because I liked it (and so did the buyer). I enjoy using my imagination and artistic license with these guns, and if someone is happy with them I am happy. If some are not, well that's fine to

I'm in the same boat, so to speak! I do what I can, built a few rifles from Chambers kits and others but Kibler's make it a lot easier! I just don't have the patience any more, gettin old I guess!

 

[DrLaw]

I don't have the skills I once had. Got old, no guessing there. It was a Kibler for me.

The Doc is out and getting ready for a nap now.

PS, have you seen this picture recently on another webpage? I'm really proud that it made it there.

 

[Crow-Feather]

I have three Kibler LR's in various stages of life;
One is finished and awaiting the range test, which will be on Sunday! It's a '54 with a beautiful Cherry stock and sliding wood patch box. I have posted pictures of it earlier.
The next is it's brother, another .54 which has also has a Cherry stock but with a brass patch box. It's coming along nicely with the butt area about done (pic below).
The third Kibler arrived today; a beautiful Curly Maple .36 cal. Southern Mountain Rifle kit. I have always wanted to have a .36 and may be tempted to keep this one!
I will be building a couple of commission rifles as well, so it looks like my Mountain Dulcimer building will be having a little rest for a while.

The bad part of this is that you can only fire one at a time. But if you need help?

 

[Allenby]

Pathfinder, I am a great admirer of your work. I do have a question about the screw heads on the patch box . For my own education do the screw heads have to be slot type? Thank you for your time with this question.

 

[PathfinderNC]

Pathfinder, I am a great admirer of your work. I do have a question about the screw heads on the patch box . For my own education do the screw heads have to be slot type? Thank you for your time with this question.

Those are just temporary screws to secure the box as I work on it. I will be using steel slotted screws on it once it is that point.

 

[PathfinderNC]

The bad part of this is that you can only fire one at a time. But if you need help?

I would be happy if you joined us at the range!

 

[Vaino]

Although Kibler kits are quality made, one doesn't learn much when assembling them. After finishing 3 Kibler kits, I imagine you wouldn't learn much. If just a MLer is wanted , w/ no motives to learn the "how to" of actually building a MLer, a Kibler will suffice.....Fred

 

[3Setters]

I wouldn't have the time to work on 1, let alone 3 this time of the year. Maybe this winter depending what type of Fowler Kimber comes out with.

 

[PathfinderNC]

Although Kibler kits are quality made, one doesn't learn much when assembling them. After finishing 3 Kibler kits, I imagine you wouldn't learn much. If just a MLer is wanted , w/ no motives to learn the "how to" of actually building a MLer, a Kibler will suffice.....Fred

Don’t assume what you don’t know. I learn quite a bit in what I do. Thank you.

 

[mushka]

I built a TC kit back about 87-88. I still own the rifle and remember that building it wasn't my favorite thing to do. Now I'll buy a factory gun or better yet someone's used build. I'm not lazy. I just have my preferences and I'm completely satisfied with what I've purchased the last several years.
Everybody's got their preferences.

 

[Hatman/2nd line]

I have three Kibler LR's in various stages of life;
One is finished and awaiting the range test, which will be on Sunday! It's a '54 with a beautiful Cherry stock and sliding wood patch box. I have posted pictures of it earlier.
The next is it's brother, another .54 which has also has a Cherry stock but with a brass patch box. It's coming along nicely with the butt area about done (pic below).
The third Kibler arrived today; a beautiful Curly Maple .36 cal. Southern Mountain Rifle kit. I have always wanted to have a .36 and may be tempted to keep this one!
I will be building a couple of commission rifles as well, so it looks like my Mountain Dulcimer building will be having a little rest for a while.

I'm jealous! I'm, trying to decide whether or not to build another Kibler, a SMR this time or go for a PA fowler from Jim Chambers. I'm dyeing to see that latest gun of yours with that beautiful grain, that is going to be something, good luck with your builds.

 

[tom_in_vt]

You sure are busy! Great work so far!

 

[simonbeans]

I agree that you will learn a lot about building with a Kibler kit. I have built many guns from a plank and some pre-carves. Kibler’s stocks are CNCed with the subtle features of originals, like lock panel moldings, how the stock-barrel blend occurs at the breech, the correct thickness of web between barrel bottom and ramrod groove, and the depth that thimbles are in the ramrod grooves, etc. Dave Person has explained many of these features, but seeing these details in your own hands can assist in future builds.