The Anathema Rifle

[PathfinderNC]

A few days ago I received an announcement email from Jim Kibler about some ready-to-go .40 cal. SMR kits that are available. Although I have a SMR and a Colonial already on order, I decided to get another. I called Jim and we had a really nice conversation, and I requested a rifle kit with a Cherry stock. (I can't say how wonderful it was just to talk to him, a really interesting and engaging guy.)
So, in thinking about this new rifle, I have decided that I am going to break tradition and do some possibly accursed things with this new rifle project.
I ordered from MBS a steel Rupp style patch box that I will mount onto the gun . I also ordered a silver Hunter's Star for the cheep piece, (though I may make one out of flattened cow horn, not sure yet). Also, I will do some incise carving behind the cheek piece, similar to what I did on my Lehigh rifle.
Traditionalists will probably frown at my non-conforming additions to an already beautiful rifle style, but I think it just may work and be a very attractive and unique rifle.
I did a bit of photoshop with the Rupp patch box image, imposing it onto the SMR stock, and think it may actually work. I may simplify some of the finial design elements, but will cross that bridge when I get there. I am attaching the image I was toying around with.
The kit should ship out this week, and I am excited to think about this project!

 

[The Crisco Kid]

Anathema? I don't think so. I wouldn't worry about offending someone if you want to add a little to it. It's your rifle, screw 'em if they don't like it. That's just the rifle I've had in mind, minus a patch box. The right caliber and the right wood. I wanted to wait a few months to order it due to a major move but I think I'll get on it tomorrow. I've learned the hard way that "you snooze you loose". The only way it could be anathema is if I botch the finish. Thanks for the post.

 

[PathfinderNC]

Anathema? I don't think so. That's just the rifle I've had in mind, minus a patch box. The right caliber and the right wood. I wanted to wait a few months to order it due to a major move but I think I'll get on it tomorrow. I've learned the hard way that "you snooze you loose". The only way it could be anathema is if I botch the finish. Thanks for the post.

Considering their long wait time, yeah having a ready-to-go kit is amazing.
I thought that my dressing up a SMR like this would be way off the mark, but I really want to do it and think it should be a stunner.
Best wishes for you on your build as well!

 

[oldwood]

I made so many rifles in my life that were copies of some famous antique some one wanted , these days I'm prone to fly into a different orbit and entertain decorating a rifle in a nontraditional way. Who's to say an idea is "not correct". Toward the end of the m/l era , all kinds of out of the ordinary rifle decorations were used , like fresh water clam shell inlays , non-traditional patch boxes , etc.. Your rifle will be fine , just do it. Toward the end of my real career , 41 years on the road , while traveling I would think of some rifle build to keep my sanity. The last build was a Lehigh rifle with all iron parts , Stophil Long carving , etc. Was a fine rifle but nobody wanted an iron Lehigh . It set in my shop for 12 yrs. or so , and I gave it to an unsuspecting friend that needed a rifle We were both happy. Have a good time with your new rifle.................oldwood

 

[PathfinderNC]

I made so many rifles in my life that were copies of some famous antique some one wanted , these days I'm prone to fly into a different orbit and entertain decorating a rifle in a nontraditional way. Who's to say an idea is "not correct". Toward the end of the m/l era , all kinds of out of the ordinary rifle decorations were used , like fresh water clam shell inlays , non-traditional patch boxes , etc.. Your rifle will be fine , just do it. Toward the end of my real career , 41 years on the road , while traveling I would think of some rifle build to keep my sanity. The last build was a Lehigh rifle with all iron parts , Stophil Long carving , etc. Was a fine rifle but nobody wanted an iron Lehigh . It set in my shop for 12 yrs. or so , and I gave it to an unsuspecting friend that needed a rifle We were both happy. Have a good time with your new rifle.................oldwood

I would love an iron mounted Lehigh, Thanks for your encouragement!

 

[user 49399]

I understand why traditionalists and re-enactors want guns and accoutrements that are historically and period correct. I get that and I’m like that to a point. But the guns we sometimes try to copy were made by guys who weren’t making guns to be historically or period correct. I think taking a gun like a Kibler and making it your own is a good thing. It will still be a Kibler but won’t look exactly like a hundred other Kiblers. It will be YOUR Kibler.

 

[Musketeer]

I gotta agree. Do what you want and don't sweat it.

 

[Flintandsteel]

Sacrilege!

 

[YJake]

How do you plan to finish the stock? I’m about to order one in cherry also and am conflicted on the finishing options. I also plan to add a toe plate and some other small things to mine, maybe an actual sideplate, etc.

-Jake