Walnut Kibler .45cal SMR, long wait

Four months from order until delivery of kit (supply issues) can't be helped these days. The wait was well worth it. I think Mr. Kibler is quite generous with wood grading. This walnut has plenty of figure and produced a very nice golden red walnut tone. Of course my amateur photography does not do full justice to the appearance.
For those wondering what skill and experience level is necessary in order to complete a Kibler kit I will say this. This is rifle number six that I have completed. Four previous kits and one full build from a stock blank before this Kibler, all done in my workshop. I am by no means what-so- ever in the league of many artisans that display their art on this site. To the contrary I am all thumbs by comparison. That said, this assembly was done entirely on my kitchen table without benefit of a vice, using only a few hand tools.
Mahogany stain diluted 50/50 with alcohol, grey metal using Kibler's recommended JAX Brass Black, five coats of Minwax Antique Oil Finish, and ramrod dyed with ebony stain for contrast.
I appreciate the skill that is represented by ornate and fancy rifles. However, my personal preference is for a plain, workman like tool of a rifle such as the likes of a 19th century farmer or frontiersman of modest but adequate means might own. This SMR fits that bill nicely. If she proves to be a good shooter she will be logging a great deal of time in the forest.

Beautiful rifle

Very nice! I love the wood finish. It looks like a fine piece of furniture.

Many Compliments To You! What a Great Result!

If not doing decorative inlays, carving and engraving I feel most folks that have a good aptitude for working with their hands can do a fine job finishing a rifle from parts. Add common sense and patience to that list.

That's a great looking rifle!

Congrats that’s beautiful and love the walnut!

Wow! Turned out beautiful.

It's an amazing job you did on that kit. I especially love the stocks warm finish and the nicely grayed metal.

Very nice rifle you completed!

As soon as Kibler makes a left handed anything, with a 14" length of pull, I will make my first build. Alas, we wait...

ADK Bigfoot

rafterob said:

If not doing decorative inlays, carving and engraving I feel most folks that have a good aptitude for working with their hands can do a fine job finishing a rifle from parts. Add common sense and patience to that list.

Click to expand...

Personally, if I am evaluating myself, I'm missing these two marks:
1- a good aptitude for working with my hands
2- patience
I do assert that I have common sense. So I'm needing to focus on building up the other required traits!

Tacitus said:

Four months from order until delivery of kit (supply issues) can't be helped these days. The wait was well worth it. I think Mr. Kibler is quite generous with wood grading. This walnut has plenty of figure and produced a very nice golden red walnut tone. Of course my amateur photography does not do full justice to the appearance.
For those wondering what skill and experience level is necessary in order to complete a Kibler kit I will say this. This is rifle number six that I have completed. Four previous kits and one full build from a stock blank before this Kibler, all done in my workshop. I am by no means what-so-View attachment 138004View attachment 138004ever in the league of many artisans that display their art on this site. To the contrary I am all thumbs by comparison. That said, this assembly was done entirely on my kitchen table without benefit of a vice, using only a few hand tools.
Mahogany stain diluted 50/50 with alcohol, grey metal using Kibler's recommended JAX Brass Black, five coats of Minwax Antique Oil Finish, and ramrod dyed with ebony stain for contrast.
I appreciate the skill that is represented by ornate and fancy rifles. However, my personal preference is for a plain, workman like tool of a rifle such as the likes of a 19th century farmer or frontiersman of modest but adequate means might own. This SMR fits that bill nicely. If she proves to be a good shooter she will be logging a great deal of time in the forest.

Click to expand...

shootistjack said:

Personally, if I am evaluating myself, I'm missing these two marks:
1- a good aptitude for working with my hands
2- patience
I do assert that I have common sense. So I'm needing to focus on building up the other required traits!

Click to expand...

My skills are not too bad. I repair things well, have made my own springs, and tune locks and triggers, coned a barrel, replaced sights as needed. But my problem with a build is I WANT IT DONE NOW! That is not the mindset of a builder. My results orientation drives me to not stop and appreciate the fine art of the build; the blossoming of the wood finish, the just-so-careful polishing back of the metal finish, and waiting for it all to cure. I WANT TO SHOOT IT, AND NOW!

That is why I have others build for me. I am Bigfoot, and I am a shootahollic.

ADK Bigfoot

Awesome rifle. I am working on my first flintlock build, my second build total. It is a 32 Kibler SMR in fancy maple. I am finishing metal with Jax black also. I hope my result is a fraction of what you have accomplished.

Wow, that stock is nice! I too prefer a somewhat plain rifle. That is the nicest rifle I have seen in quite awhile. Well done!

I really like what you did with the wood finish, If I do a walnut stock some day I'll use your method!

She's beautiful and I'll bet that she shoots at least as good as she looks!

Beautiful! Love what you did with the stock.

Beautiful color! Well done, you.