Kibler kit assembly and carving
- Thread starter dave_person
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I am sure the owner is more than thrilled with this work of art. Thanks again for ssharing your how-to and providing excellent tutorial explanations and photos along the way. It isn't always east to remember to take photos while deeply involved in building so even more cudos to you for making that extra effort for us. Looking forward to further wonders!
Brokennock
Cannon
Thank you @dave_person for sharing all this.
Problem now is, I'm going to have withdrawal. Desperately looking forward to the posts of your next project. (And yes, there is a little problem of envy as well)
Problem now is, I'm going to have withdrawal. Desperately looking forward to the posts of your next project. (And yes, there is a little problem of envy as well)
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Hi Simon,
No, don't add any weight. You need to handle the gun yourself to see how it holds for you. It holds very steady because of the weight distribution. Some serious target shooters will like how the gun feels but my preference is for more relative weight at the breech. Also, I think the higher rear sight will work well for you but the original sight is blued and ready to go if you decide to use it. The trigger pull is about 1.5 lbs and as crisp as any set trigger. I sighted it with a laser bore sighter so windage should be set pretty close. It's been raining so I haven't taken it out on my range yet. I'll get it shooting into the scoring area at 50 yards and leave the rest of the zeroing in for you to do. I still have to write up your owner's manual. I think you are going to like it. The photos actually don't do it justice.
dave
No, don't add any weight. You need to handle the gun yourself to see how it holds for you. It holds very steady because of the weight distribution. Some serious target shooters will like how the gun feels but my preference is for more relative weight at the breech. Also, I think the higher rear sight will work well for you but the original sight is blued and ready to go if you decide to use it. The trigger pull is about 1.5 lbs and as crisp as any set trigger. I sighted it with a laser bore sighter so windage should be set pretty close. It's been raining so I haven't taken it out on my range yet. I'll get it shooting into the scoring area at 50 yards and leave the rest of the zeroing in for you to do. I still have to write up your owner's manual. I think you are going to like it. The photos actually don't do it justice.
dave
qz2026_1
32 Cal
You guys are definitely in a different league than me. Spectacular rifles!
Brokennock
Cannon
You are one truly blessed individual. Enjoy your new piece of functional art.
Yeah, I was expecting it to be a nice rifle based on his previous work, now I'm scared to shoot this piece of art haha.
Norman Brooks
45 Cal.
Owner's manual? That's what I call customer service.
It's a shock how much wood will move. I received my .58 cal. Colonial several weeks prior to our build class at Bowling Green, KY. When it arrived, of course I opened the box up and checked it out. I was surprised at how well everything fit. Then I got the email special deals offer and picked up a SMR in .40 cal. Well of course I opened up both boxes and compared them. I was convinced I wasn't going to need to do much fitting.
But a few days prior to the class in early June, monsoon season started here in Illinois. When I got to the classroom at WKU in early June, nothing fit like it had. Your warnings about the slots and the rear lock bolt are noted. I did not think I was ever going to get that ramrod to fit. And I wonder right now if I should not work on it some more. Just in case.
I've used the Sutherland-Welles tung oil products before. On antique heart pine flooring. Superb stuff. With just open windows for fresh air, it can be used without needing a respirator like many other brands. It's a wiping oil with less drying agents added. I may order up a small amount for the SMR kit.
I really appreciate the way you take time to explain your talents. Thank you!
But a few days prior to the class in early June, monsoon season started here in Illinois. When I got to the classroom at WKU in early June, nothing fit like it had. Your warnings about the slots and the rear lock bolt are noted. I did not think I was ever going to get that ramrod to fit. And I wonder right now if I should not work on it some more. Just in case.
I've used the Sutherland-Welles tung oil products before. On antique heart pine flooring. Superb stuff. With just open windows for fresh air, it can be used without needing a respirator like many other brands. It's a wiping oil with less drying agents added. I may order up a small amount for the SMR kit.
I really appreciate the way you take time to explain your talents. Thank you!
Brokennock
Cannon
I'll shoot it and hunt with it for you then. Lol.
It has to pass by here on it's way to you anyway.....
Seriously though. To me at least, part of the beauty with these is that they are functional artistry. Yes, they will pick up signs of use. As long as it isn't abuse, it is character. Let someone generations from now wonder about the carving that has some wear to it or is worn away, let then wonder the stories a well carved but well used rifle could tell.
Safe queens have no tales to tell.
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Hi Simon,
I built your rifle to shoot not just hang on a wall. My favorite woods walk gun is my decorated high-end English fowler. Dings and scratches will make it look real. I believe Jim Kibler's barrels shoot very well so you should do fine at the range or in the field. You can almost always fix small dents by placing a damp rag against the stock at the dent and heating it with an iron set on high. Just hold the iron in place until it steams for a few minutes. The dent will be mostly or completely gone and the finish won't be harmed. I'll describe how to care for the gun in the owner's manual.
dave
I built your rifle to shoot not just hang on a wall. My favorite woods walk gun is my decorated high-end English fowler. Dings and scratches will make it look real. I believe Jim Kibler's barrels shoot very well so you should do fine at the range or in the field. You can almost always fix small dents by placing a damp rag against the stock at the dent and heating it with an iron set on high. Just hold the iron in place until it steams for a few minutes. The dent will be mostly or completely gone and the finish won't be harmed. I'll describe how to care for the gun in the owner's manual.
dave
Look forward to reading it! I still planned to shoot it (Already have 200 rounds and accessories ready to break it in).
Major Tim
32 Cal.
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Beautiful work as always! You mentioned the barrel as one of Jim's. I take it this kit came with one of the new Green Mountain "blanks" they get and finish in house?
Do you have an opinion, you're willing to share, about these versus Rice barrels?
Nothing short of a work of art!!!!
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If it were mine, I'd be waaay more afraid of scratching or scraping that masterpiece in the field...
Dave, thank you for a wonderful tutorial , now if I can redo some things on my gun to bring it up to what I consider 'a little bit better"!
You are a great teacher!
Rich
You are a great teacher!
Rich
