Kibler .45 SMR finally finished!

[Dude]

This really sucks. Do I really want to spend that kind of money for a Kibler?

Do I have a choice?

I think I'm doomed...

 

[frankie]

Finally after almost 3 years, I finished my Kibler .45 SMR. I started it then put it aside due to laziness, distractions, etc. I damaged the toe and broke a triggerguard. I put a toe plate on purchased at Dixon’s. Finished metal with antique brass that Jim sold and wood received 2 coats LMF Permalyn gun finish. I like a basic, military walnut stock finish. No pores filled in, no gloss. This is exactly how I like it. Basic, no frills. Pics do not do it justice. I really like this gun! Balance is amazing. Thanks to all for talking me down from the length issue. It’s great as it is. .445 Ball with .012 pillow ticking in olive oil over ~50 grains Swiss 3F. 25 yards shows promise with 3 in a cloverleaf. I have work to do; tighten front sight, improve butt plate fit, finish ramrod but she’s great! Thanks!

very nice. How many hours do you think you have in it.

 

[CyrusP]

Thanks. I’m terrible with keeping track. It was spread over almost 3 years. 20 hours maybe.

 

[CyrusP]

This really sucks. Do I really want to spend that kind of money for a Kibler?

Do I have a choice?

I think I'm doomed...

You can always sell it for what you spent (sweat equity excluded) but likely won’t want to. This thing has grown on me since I’ve completed it.

 

[frankie]

Thanks. I’m terrible with keeping track. It was spread over almost 3 years. 20 hours maybe.

its great and well worth the hours

 

[frankie]

You can always sell it for what you spent (sweat equity excluded) but likely won’t want to. This thing has grown on me since I’ve completed it.

Cyprus I have to come look at it for the 3rd time. Really nice.

 

[CyrusP]

Thank you kindly!

Thanks everyone for your kind words, encouragement and advice! I love this place!

 

[Grumpa]

Really well done. I think you just found your favorite rifle. Thank you, for sharing with us.

Richard/ Grumpa

 

[CyrusP]

I’ve been shooting her a decent amount. I will say I’ve gotten a few flashes in the pan each time taking her out. I’m playing around with ffff in the pan, amount and location in relation to the hole. I pour slowly, tap by the breach vigorously, prick the hole through to the other side of the chamber. Despite that, she’s a shooter! I just need to work out the FIP issue and she’s good! Here’s first three shots at 25 yards standing offhand.

 

[garypl]

I’ve been shooting her a decent amount. I will say I’ve gotten a few flashes in the pan each time taking her out. I’m playing around with ffff in the pan, amount and location in relation to the hole. I pour slowly, tap by the breach vigorously, prick the hole through to the other side of the chamber. Despite that, she’s a shooter! I just need to work out the FIP issue and she’s good! Here’s first three shots at 25 yards standing offhand.View attachment 150170
View attachment 150171

That’s some fine shooting! When I prime my pan I always tilt the rifle so powder flows up to the touchhole, then tap it back the opposite way so it’s not covering the touchhole. I rarely get flash in the pan. Works for me, your results may vary

 

[Ed Pilkington]

Looks like she was just unearthed and cleaned up in the North West mountains of NC. I LOVE my .40 caliber SMR from Jim. Congrats Cyrus, you just made a great memory that will resonate through time.

 

[CyrusP]

Thank you! Nicely stated!

 

[ord sgt]

Good looking rifle there pilgrim. Keep up the well-placed shots.

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

... tap by the breach vigorously, prick the hole through to the other side of the chamber ...

Try this! Don't do that, as you may think you're making a 'chimney', but you could be pushing the charge AWAY from the touch hole.

Just insert your TH prick enough to know that the hole is indeed clear. In fact, I never prick one until after I may have had a 'flash in the pan', which is rare.