Ordered Kibler Southern Mountain Rifle

[wiscoaster]

I just ordered a Kibler Southern Mountain Rifle in .45 caliber with walnut stock. I also ordered (separately) two bottles of Laurel Mountain rust browning solution. This will be my first flintlock and also my first long rifle kit. If there's anything else I should aquire before it gets here (two to three weeks per website), wrt to building the kit, that is, I'd appreciate the suggestions. Thanks.

 

[Mike in FL]

I hope you will keep us posted on your progress.

 

[BillyC]

All you really need is a good sharp chisel and good mill file if you want to draw file the barrel. Of course sand paper and scotch bright or steel wool.

 

[wiscoaster]

Flints aren't included in the rifle parts list published on the site's SMR product page. One YouTuber mentioned he bought extra flints to be included with his order. I can't find flints listed anywhere on the site. Does the kit come with at least one flint, or should I buy some somewhere?

 

[TDM]

The SMR is a good choice. Agree with @BillyC on the tools. A fine cut rasp, a good assortment of sandpaper, you’ll mainly use 220 & 320. A single cut mill file for the barrel. You’ll need to decide how you want to finish the stock and metal parts. The kit comes with one flint, call Kibler’s to order more, they have a 5 or 6 limit. Start watching all the building videos Jim has put out, you’ll be set.

 

[BillyC]

What TDM said. I also ordered a soft case, range rod, extra ramrod, don’t ask why, and ask for some scrap walnut to try your finishing technique on.

 

[TDM]

Good points on ordering the range rod and extra scrap pieces. The Kibler range rod is a good one, I have one, comes with 8-32 threads. I prefer 10-32, but adapters are easily purchased. You’ll need a .45 cleaning jag, a .45 bullet puller (or maybe several for you), .45 cleaning patches, and an assortment of .45 ball patches. I’d start with .015, .018, and .020. Maybe get some .010 too. I’d buy some .440 and .445 round balls so you can compare. My .45 SMR likes .018 patches and a .440 ball. Mine likes 45 grains 3F. I use 4F to prime.

 

[TDM]

Never hurts to have an extra ram rod blank as @BillyC said.

 

[JohnBHM]

I ordered an SMR in .36 caliber last week. I was able to get an upgraded walnut stock they had posted. I just finished a Woodsrunner in .54 caliber that my son purchased and knew before I got far into it that the SMR was in my future. The only thing I can think of is a very small punch and ball peen hammer for installing and removing pins. I will also be watching your build. I have not made any decisions on finishes as far as wood or metal yet. Enjoy, John.

 

[Indy Durtdigger]

Do you have a spring vise to take the lock apart for the browning process?

 

[TDM]

@wiscoaster, your going to have to make a list of the items in all these post. No way for someone to remember everything in just one. Safe to say your going through need a lot. 1/16” drift punch, brass hammer, appropriate screwdrivers, shooting bag, powder horn or flask, priming horn or flask. Vent hole pick, pan brush, steel or brass or antler rod to knap your flints. Ball bag, tool bag, and you have to have a good sharp knife just because. And I’m not even going to get into patch lubes and cleaning.

Oh, and a short starter and patch puller jag.

 

[Jason holgate]

Congratulations on the very finest purchase of your life following with envy

 

[wiscoaster]

...The only thing I can think of is a very small punch and ball peen hammer for installing and removing pins....

The smallest pin punch I've ever been able to find is 1/16 in. I go through those on a regular basis. When smaller is needed, a section of old drill bit usually works.

 

[wiscoaster]

Do you have a spring vise to take the lock apart for the browning process?

No, it's probably at the top of the list. I used a vise grip on my Kentucky pistol lock. Yes, I know you're not supposed to. It works, but might damage or break the spring. It has only the one spring, and I got lucky. No harm done. I don't think I'll depend on luck with my $300 lock from Kibler.

 

[wiscoaster]

Congratulations on the very finest purchase of your life following with envy

Hmmmmmm .... I'm feeling slightly nauseous at the thought of screwing up $1300. I've spent more than that on a gun before, but none of them were kits.

 

[Jason holgate]

Finish nail epoxy dowell

 

[WBNovak]

A nice bourbon will help.

 

[tunadawg]

Patience!! Take your time and don't rush anything (If only I could take my own advice, Ha).

 

[mikesto44]

You don't need 4 f powder for prime..3f will work just fine... Been shooting that way for fifty years...but do what ya want....

 

[wiscoaster]

....don't rush anything....

Well, maybe just the bourbon.