Tweaking a Kibler Rifle Kit

[PathfinderNC]

Hi pathfinder, what caliber is your toy, did you weight it before and after and here’s the difficult question you say you took lots of wood off approximately how much. I do like lightweight toys and thinking of getting one for the next project

I didn’t weigh it but it’s weight is primarily due to the swamped .54 barrel rather than the wood. (The straight barrels I have always used are certainly lighter)

 

[oldhunter1954]

Both, files and sanding and a buffing wheel

Thanks. This is my very first build. Taking my time. Kibler did an amazing job of inletting my stock.

 

[starman]

WOW! Your rifle looks GREAT! Great job carving. I could probably put the kit together, as per instructions, but I wouldn't know where to start with the carving and personal touches you added. Thanks for sharing you work with us.

 

[Squatch84]

Absolutely gorgeous rifle.

 

[sportster73hp]

I never would have thought switching to a brass patchbox could change the look so much. Kibler does a amazing job getting us started

 

[michaelkuriga]

Great job and I love the color.
cherry stain: a pinch of this and that? Did you take notes on what and how much?
I experimented this week putting a tablespoon of lye in about a quart of water and rubbed it on a smooth piece of scrap cherry. You get a real nice dark finish looking like a aged rifle. Make sure you wipe down with a baking soda solution afterwards to neutralize the lye.

 

[PathfinderNC]

Great job and I love the color.
cherry stain: a pinch of this and that? Did you take notes on what and how much?
I experimented this week putting a tablespoon of lye in about a quart of water and rubbed it on a smooth piece of scrap cherry. You get a real nice dark finish looking like a aged rifle. Make sure you wipe down with a baking soda solution afterwards to neutralize the lye.

I have dyed several rifles (and a re-stocked musket) in this manner. No powder measuring, just using a dash of one and a pinch of the other until I get the color I like. Seems to work.

 

[SOLANCO]

That rifle is sweet! You did very, very well.

 

[MSW]

tremendous job!

 

[PathfinderNC]

That rifle is sweet! You did very, very well.

Thanks!

 

[PathfinderNC]

tremendous job!

Thank you!

 

[Shooter1]

Wow, even if I tried to, I couldn't do that fine of a job.... fine rifle...

 

[oldhunter1954]

Wow, even if I tried to, I couldn't do that fine of a job.... fine rifle...

I agree 100%. I am only able to start the build because Jim Kibler has great videos on his web site.

 

[Nicksdad]

This is a wonderful build, hats off to you sir.

 

[Tn poor boy]

I will be building one. FOR my best friend. A kibler's southern rifle.It will be my first build. Iv had some questions iv asked Mike Miller he give me good info . Ill let youall know how it goes.

 

[tom mesa]

I didn’t weigh it but it’s weight is primarily due to the swamped .54 barrel rather than the wood. (The straight barrels I have always used are certainly lighter)

I don't understand how a swamped barrel can be heavier than a straight barrel of the same caliber and od.

 

[RB POWELL]

I received the Kibler Colonial Flintlock Kit, with a Cherry stock, and started working on it ten days ago.
The assembly went very well- very little needed to be done with the parts; they fit together almost flawlessly. (This saves a lot of time for a builder!)
I decided that I wanted to add some uniqueness to my build so I didn't get the sliding wooden patch box, but decided to install a brass one.
I also did some carving on the rifle and removed quite a bit of wood from the wrist and also the forearm.
After about 40 or 50 hours of work, it's done except for a daily light application and rub-in of Boiled Linseed Oil for the finish.
It is bitter-sweet finishing up this rifle. I like how it looks and handles and am looking forward to shooting it. But I am also sad that the project has been completed and there is no rifle on my work bench tonight.
Maybe a new build is on the horizon....?

That is beautiful. Congratulations.

 

[oldhunter1954]

FYI, My Colonial in 54 caliber weighs 8.5 pounds.

 

[PathfinderNC]

That is beautiful. Congratulations.

Thanks friend!

 

[Rock Home Isle]

I received the Kibler Colonial Flintlock Kit, with a Cherry stock, and started working on it ten days ago.
The assembly went very well- very little needed to be done with the parts; they fit together almost flawlessly. (This saves a lot of time for a builder!)
I decided that I wanted to add some uniqueness to my build so I didn't get the sliding wooden patch box, but decided to install a brass one.
I also did some carving on the rifle and removed quite a bit of wood from the wrist and also the forearm.
After about 40 or 50 hours of work, it's done except for a daily light application and rub-in of Boiled Linseed Oil for the finish.
It is bitter-sweet finishing up this rifle. I like how it looks and handles and am looking forward to shooting it. But I am also sad that the project has been completed and there is no rifle on my work bench tonight.
Maybe a new build is on the horizon....?

I wish I had your skill and talent. I can shoot 'em, but I just cannot seem to make 'em. My hat is off to you.