Update, my Kibler build number two

[Pilgrim]

Five more pictures.

 

[Pilgrim]

After being pulled away by several things I have been working on trying to tighten the butt plate. Constructive comments and criticism are appreciated.

 

[TraderVic]

Looking good ! Out of curiosity, what grade maple did you go with ?

 

[Pilgrim]

Looking good ! Out of curiosity, what grade maple did you go with ?

Thank you, and I bought fancy maple. I believe there will be very nice striping when finished..

 

[Vaino]

The Kibler kits are CNCed and it's said that a blind man could assemble them? But, evidently from all the questions asked by buyers concerning assembly, that's not true?.....Fred

 

[Pilgrim]

The Kibler kits are CNCed and it's said that a blind man could assemble them? But, evidently from all the questions asked by buyers concerning assembly, that's not true?.....Fred

My Kibler kit arrived wonderfully designed and machined. In my case, it is my first flintlock build and one that is period correct. Also, Kibler kits are so well machined. In my case, I felt intimidated by having limited knowledge of flintlocks and only having access to photographs and drawings of originals. However, I continued to ask many questions to gain confidence and, to the best of my ability, work to build a period-correct flintlock. Experienced builders with confidence could probably build these kits blindfolded. Thank you for the comment, and I hope this answers concerns about my many questions. In my case, they are for the builder instead of the kit.

 

[TraderVic]

My Kibler kit arrived wonderfully designed and machined. In my case, it is my first flintlock build and one that is period correct. Also, Kibler kits are so well machined. In my case, I felt intimidated by having limited knowledge of flintlocks and only having access to photographs and drawings of originals. However, I continued to ask many questions to gain confidence and, to the best of my ability, work to build a period-correct flintlock. Experienced builders with confidence could probably build these kits blindfolded. Thank you for the comment, and I hope this answers concerns about my many questions. In my case, they are for the builder instead of the

Not being a rifle builder, and no experience whatsoever, I certainly understand all of the questions asked by first time builders. Considering the outlay for a Jim Kibler kit (which I am considering), I'm
a bit apprehensive for fear of making unforgivable mistakes, then having to live with less desirable flintlock rifle.
I'm not sure if this makes any sense, but I've read a lot of threads and posts on this subject here. Some days I'm ready to order a kit and others I'm not. FWIW, I need to move a few firearms down the road to generate the necessary funds anyway, so I'll just keep on reading and learning from all of you builders on here. There are many here who are quick to help others.
Regards, Vic

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

Not being a rifle builder, and no experience whatsoever, I certainly understand all of the questions asked by first time builders. Considering the outlay for a Jim Kibler kit (which I am considering), I'm
a bit apprehensive for fear of making unforgivable mistakes, then having to live with less desirable flintlock rifle.
I'm not sure if this makes any sense, but I've read a lot of threads and posts on this subject here. Some days I'm ready to order a kit and others I'm not. FWIW, I need to move a few firearms down the road to generate the necessary funds anyway, so I'll just keep on reading and learning from all of you builders on here. There are many here who are quick to help others.
Regards, Vic

I was not a rifle builder either. (early 70s) My shooting friends and competitors were shooting custom guns. The first friend I check out had a beautiful Kentucky long rifle he made. Curious as to his background, I asked "what do you do for a living"? He said "I shoot cars". (Paints cars) From that day forward I said to myself, If he can do that, so can I. I made my first rifle from scratch, making the breech plug, sights, patch box, RR and ferrules. It isn't perfect by a long way, but it still shoots good today. My point is: If you keep sitting on think about it, you will never have your own, by you. You will make mistakes, like we all do. Plan ahead, use some thought, and go for it.
Larry

 

[Pilgrim]

Not being a rifle builder, and no experience whatsoever, I certainly understand all of the questions asked by first time builders. Considering the outlay for a Jim Kibler kit (which I am considering), I'm
a bit apprehensive for fear of making unforgivable mistakes, then having to live with less desirable flintlock rifle.
I'm not sure if this makes any sense, but I've read a lot of threads and posts on this subject here. Some days I'm ready to order a kit and others I'm not. FWIW, I need to move a few firearms down the road to generate the necessary funds anyway, so I'll just keep on reading and learning from all of you builders on here. There are many here who are quick to help others.
Regards, Vic

You will never feel ready. I have learned that rifle building is a craft learned by hands on trial and error. You will make mistakes and you learn how to repair or work with them. I am learning as I go. Yes you can learn some fundamentals by reading, the greatest resource we have is each other. I recommend buying a copy of recreating the American longrifle. I constantly reference mine. If I can do this anyone can. Like I have, you will find the more experienced rifle builders on this forum are very helpful.

 

[Redlemur60]

? without entering into a deep philosophical debate!
Id just point out learnin ta feeks any mistake,iz definatley a finer point of the craft!
JUST bust a move!life iz short

 

[TraderVic]

Good points regarding building and learning as I go. I'll jump in on a kit when my resources allow.

 

[Pilgrim]

Good points regarding building and learning as I go. I'll jump in on a kit when my resources allow.

Between now and then. These may help you get ready. Learn the vocabulary or the craft. Reading the words are useless unless you understand their meaning. If you are planning to buy a Kibler kit, use his recommended tools list. These will make life much easier. Killer longrifles and NMLRA have great YouTube channels with lots of instruction. Prepare your work area. Have room, lighting, work support and anything else that you need on hand. You don't have to invest a lot of capital buying everything new, repurpose existing space and equipment. The exception is gouges and chisels, they need to be sharp and able to be sharpened. If you must buy, buy the best your budget allows and practice with them on scraps of wood, remove small bits of wood by shaving and scraping, then resharpening them. These will help your confidence and skill set. Good luck and reach out with questions while you get ready.

 

[Redlemur60]

Between now and then. These may help you get ready. Learn the vocabulary or the craft. Reading the words are useless unless you understand their meaning. If you are planning to buy a Kibler kit, use his recommended tools list. These will make life much easier. Killer longrifles and NMLRA have great YouTube channels with lots of instruction. Prepare your work area. Have room, lighting, work support and anything else that you need on hand. You don't have to invest a lot of capital buying everything new, repurpose existing space and equipment. The exception is gouges and chisels, they need to be sharp and able to be sharpened. If you must buy, buy the best your budget allows and practice with them on scraps of wood, remove small bits of wood by shaving and scraping, then resharpening them. These will help your confidence and skill set. Good luck and reach out with questions while you get ready.

Yes on gouges and chisels!
The best you can afford.
And learn to sharpen

 

[CyrusP]

I’m about to (Laurel Mountain) brown my .45 SMR parts. I’m doing final polish. My butt- plate is going to fit pretty well and my added toe plate is going to fit just ok. My walnut stock will get a utilitarian oil finish as well. I find filing the butt-plate and wood together helped a bit with my gaps. I’m certainly not winning any awards at the Muzzleloaders Fair in July.
After 2.5 years of half building and stopping due to my own laziness, distractions,etc, I finally want to shoot this thing enough to finish it. If it ends up looking like some early 19th century denizen of the North Carolina mountains built this thing in his free time after working hard day in and day out to scratch out a living for his family, then it’s following the spirit. I’ll be happy with my imperfections.

I learned something with this build. I’m a shooter, NOT a builder.

 

[Redlemur60]

Ok the "blind "man comment,whomever said that was silly.
However,lost my right eye 13 yrs ago
Stroke. Left eye astigmatism cataract ,glaucoma .And generally
Fer cr_p! And building!
Your outcome may vari!(depends on experience)

 

[Pilgrim]

I’m about to (Laurel Mountain) brown my .45 SMR parts. I’m doing final polish. My butt- plate is going to fit pretty well and my added toe plate is going to fit just ok. My walnut stock will get a utilitarian oil finish as well. I find filing the butt-plate and wood together helped a bit with my gaps. I’m certainly not winning any awards at the Muzzleloaders Fair in July.
After 2.5 years of half building and stopping due to my own laziness, distractions,etc, I finally want to shoot this thing enough to finish it. If it ends up looking like some early 19th century denizen of the North Carolina mountains built this thing in his free time after working hard day in and day out to scratch out a living for his family, then it’s following the spirit. I’ll be happy with my imperfections.

I learned something with this build. I’m a shooter, NOT a builder.

I understand. Fitting the buttplate on my 32 took me to school. Twice I stopped where it was willing to accept it as is. Only to change my mind after a good nights sleep. Finally I am content with it. I did not put on a toeplate. I will be adding a grease hole and feather hole. Mine will not be winning any awards either. I will never be a gun builder, but I do want to know everything I can about building a gun. They are very few original SMR’s for a reason, they were all built to use and they were used to the bitter end. Hang in there, it's your rifle, be proud of it and the story it tells in the end.

 

[Pilgrim]

Ok the "blind "man comment,whomever said that was silly.
However,lost my right eye 13 yrs ago
Stroke. Left eye astigmatism cataract ,glaucoma .And generally
Fer cr_p! And building!
Your outcome may vari!(depends on experience)

I've had two strokes myself. I understand your challenges.

 

[CyrusP]

I understand. Fitting the buttplate on my 32 took me to school. Twice I stopped where it was willing to accept it as is. Only to change my mind after a good nights sleep. Finally I am content with it. I did not put on a toeplate. I will be adding a grease hole and feather hole. Mine will not be winning any awards either. I will never be a gun builder, but I do want to know everything I can about building a gun. They are very few original SMR’s for a reason, they were all built to use and they were used to the bitter end. Hang in there, it's your rifle, be proud of it and the story it tells in the end.

That’s perfectly stated right there!