My Kibler Southern Mountain Rifle Kit is shipping!

[Hatchet-Jack]

This is my Kibler Colonial in 54 cal. Working on browning the barrel at this time. My very first build.

She's a beaut! I may have to get a Kibler Colonial to keep my SMR company.

 

[Siringo]

If you are using Tried and Tru oil, put it on in microscopic layers. It takes a long time to dry. Also, direct sunlight is your friend. 5 hours in direct sunlight is like 5 days without. It took me longer to apply the wood finish than it did to build the kit. BUT the final results are worth it.

 

[Hatchet-Jack]

If you are using Tried and Tru oil, put it on in microscopic layers. It takes a long time to dry. Also, direct sunlight is your friend. 5 hours in direct sunlight is like 5 days without. It took me longer to apply the wood finish than it did to build the kit. BUT the final results are worth it.

Thanks for the tips Siringo!

 

[denster]

I haven't, Kibler is sending me some scrap maple to practice the process.

I think you will like it. Application is a bit different than some finishes. First coat dilute 50/50 with mineral spirits and soak on as much as it will take let it sit for an hour or so and wipe down well. Let dry for a couple of days and hang in sunshine if available. Rest of coats are thin let sit for an hour and wipe down as if polishing with a microfiber cloth and let dry again sunshine really speeds thing up. I put 10 coats on my last rifle and it is the most awesome oil finish I have ever used.

 

[Hatchet-Jack]

I think you will like it. Application is a bit different than some finishes. First coat dilute 50/50 with mineral spirits and soak on as much as it will take let it sit for an hour or so and wipe down well. Let dry for a couple of days and hang in sunshine if available. Rest of coats are thin let sit for an hour and wipe down as if polishing with a microfiber cloth and let dry again sunshine really speeds thing up. I put 10 coats on my last rifle and it is the most awesome oil finish I have ever used.

Thank you denster!

 

[Timmit]

You will certainly like your Kibler SMR. I have a 45 and a 36 and really like them both. The 45 is great for hunting deer sized game because it is light to carry all day and shoots great. The 36 is my squirrel gun and also the one I pick up when I am going on a trail walk, shooting at paper, or just plinking. I like the little extra weight because it is easier for me to hold it steady if there is a breeze. Good luck and have fun with the build and in shooting.

 

[qz2026_1]

Let's see a pic please!

Which Tried and True Oil did you use? They sell three varieties. Thanks, Tom

 

[qz2026_1]

I ordered a SMR in .45 and a Colonial in .50. Mine probably won't arrive until May. For you guys that built at SMR, what did you finish the barrel with? In the video it appears that he used something that gave the barrel a more used (or slightly blued look rather than brown) which is the look I'd like for this rifle. Is this the "browning" liquid he sells at the site?

 

[qz2026_1]

I think you will like it. Application is a bit different than some finishes. First coat dilute 50/50 with mineral spirits and soak on as much as it will take let it sit for an hour or so and wipe down well. Let dry for a couple of days and hang in sunshine if available. Rest of coats are thin let sit for an hour and wipe down as if polishing with a microfiber cloth and let dry again sunshine really speeds thing up. I put 10 coats on my last rifle and it is the most awesome oil finish I have ever used.

A dumb question... When you put the gun outside, do you occasionally go out and turn it?

 

[Covurt]

qz,
He's using 'patina solution'. Was on his site for purchase. I didn't see it yesterday. I think brass blackening solution is the same thing.

 

[LongJnSilver]

I ordered my SMR kit in .45 with an upgraded "Fancy" maple stock in early December. I just got an email today telling me they are ready to ship it! Below is one of Jim's finished guns. This is the finish I want. I will be using Tannic Acid and Iron Nitrate with some darkened areas using bone black and several coats of Tried and True Oil. I just received my Bean SMR patch box from TOTW today. I'll be using the same chemical Jim uses "Historic Houseparts brass darkening solution" to create a French Grey rubbed back. I also ordered some pewter inlets from Track. If I get the courage up I'll add some of those.

View attachment 67206

Do keep us posted on your build!

 

[denster]

A dumb question... When you put the gun outside, do you occasionally go out and turn it?

I hang it no need to turn.

 

[Hatchet-Jack]

qz,
He's using 'patina solution'. Was on his site for purchase. I didn't see it yesterday. I think brass blackening solution is the same thing.

He no longer sells it. You can order it from here:
https://www.historichouseparts.com/brass-darkening-solution-32-oz-.html

 

[qz2026_1]

He no longer sells it. You can order it from here:
https://www.historichouseparts.com/brass-darkening-solution-32-oz-.html

Boy, that's a lot of darkening solution. I noticed on their web site that they are out of stock with the 8 oz. size. I wonder if this 8oz METAL DARKENING SOLUTION - | Brass | bronze | tin| J-3498 is the same thing. They both share part numbers... And the labels are identical with the historic house parts product...

 

[Hatchet-Jack]

I ordered a SMR in .45 and a Colonial in .50. Mine probably won't arrive until May. For you guys that built at SMR, what did you finish the barrel with? In the video it appears that he used something that gave the barrel a more used (or slightly blued look rather than brown) which is the look I'd like for this rifle. Is this the "browning" liquid he sells at the site?

@qz2026_1 this is what he uses for a French grey finish. I ordered some and tested it on some metal for a pistol I'm refinishing.

https://www.historichouseparts.com/brass-darkening-solution-32-oz-.html

 

[qz2026_1]

@qz2026_1 this is what he uses for a French grey finish. I ordered some and tested it on some metal for a pistol I'm refinishing.

View attachment 67733

https://www.historichouseparts.com/brass-darkening-solution-32-oz-.html

That's the look... Pretty sweet

 

[qz2026_1]

I ordered a SMR in .45 and a Colonial in .50. Mine probably won't arrive until May. For you guys that built at SMR, what did you finish the barrel with? In the video it appears that he used something that gave the barrel a more used (or slightly blued look rather than brown) which is the look I'd like for this rifle. Is this the "browning" liquid he sells at the site?

 

[Hatchet-Jack]

Boy, that's a lot of darkening solution. I noticed on their web site that they are out of stock with the 8 oz. size. I wonder if this 8oz METAL DARKENING SOLUTION - | Brass | bronze | tin| J-3498 is the same thing. They both share part numbers... And the labels are identical with the historic house parts product...

Yes the 8oz is what I bought.

 

[.36Rooster]

So how long is the average wait time on one of Jim's kits? I am currently researching them myself. Might be good to know if and when I get the money and decide to order.

 

[Hatchet-Jack]

So how long is the average wait time on one of Jim's kits? I am currently researching them myself. Might be good to know if and when I get the money and decide to order.

Mine took 2 months to arrive.

I'm posting my progress on this thread:
https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/...s-arrived-its-going-to-be-a-fun-build.130128/