Kibler Fowler Update

sportster73hp said:

I too would have preferred the serpent side plate and the checkering on the wrist would be nice.

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Easy enough to replace the sideplate. Of course, that off-side will be about 1/16" thinner than the lock side, not really noticeable.
Big thing will be finding a serpent casting with the exact distance between holes.
Good luck, will prob look nice.
As for checkering, you can do that on your own. Practice first, but it is not really difficult.

duca said:

Jim, barrel length?
thanks

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44"

I like the look of the serpent /dragon . Was this reserved for trade guns? Was there a meaning in using this form for a sideplate , like using a series of seven of anything on a gun?

Capt. Jas. said:

To my knowledge there is only one or two distant pictures of a British fowling piece in that Grinslade book. Most all are American made pieces. Jim's gun will be a representation of a typical British export trade gun ( made in England for export to America) as I understand it.

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True but the book contains an entire chapter on British -Style fowlers . There are 23 fowlers that can be used as references for a Kibler Fowler build not counting the New England styles.
British design and influence on American gunsmiths did not stop at the Atlantic Ocean's shore.

sportster73hp said:

I like the look of the serpent /dragon . Was this reserved for trade guns? Was there a meaning in using this form for a sideplate , like using a series of seven of anything on a gun?

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In the book Thundersticks the author mentions that the native Americans thought the serpent/ dragon side plate represented the water serpent in their culture which balanced the Thunderbird of the sky demonstrated in the roar of the gun (Thundersticks).

oreclan said:

True but the book contains an entire chapter on British -Style fowlers . There are 23 fowlers that can be used as references for a Kibler Fowler build not counting the New England styles.
British design and influence on American gunsmiths did not stop at the Atlantic Ocean's shore.

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I agree if one is attempting it to be representative of an American made gun.
Looking to British import pieces is a better option if one is trying to finish it out as same.

oreclan said:

True but the book contains an entire chapter on British -Style fowlers . There are 23 fowlers that can be used as references for a Kibler Fowler build not counting the New England styles.
British design and influence on American gunsmiths did not stop at the Atlantic Ocean's shore.

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I would certainly use that resource if I were wanting to finish the kit off to represent a New York made gun with English traits.

Another little kid here, hopping up and down like it is either Christmas Eve or I have to pee ...
Thanks Jim.

I might have missed it but did he mention if the underlugs will be machined in the barrel or soldered on same with the front sight.

Johnny Too-Tall said:

I might have missed it but did he mention if the underlugs will be machined in the barrel or soldered on same with the front sight.

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He talked of making a jig for soldering, didn’t really say if he was doing that work or leaving for us. Considering he mills and drills for octagon barrels seems he is doing it.

James Kibler said:

That was on the big early (1700) waterfowling gun. Our kit will not have one.

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I wish the Fowler was going to have the rear sight as an option as it really is nice when hunting wild turkeys to have a rear sight. Not too late to offer as an option………..! Please!

It would be very easy for a builder to silver solder a hand made brass or steel sight on the fowler barrel. All you need to do is use your imagination to create one or search pics of originals.

olskool said:

i am hoping for a shorter barrel, LOL................

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Elgatodeacero said:

I wish the Fowler was going to have the rear sight as an option as it really is nice when hunting wild turkeys to have a rear sight. Not too late to offer as an option………..! Please!

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.... Just add a rear sight ...its not difficult to do , or have someone put it on for you if you dont want to do.it . I love a rear sight on smoothbore ...really extends its range and accuracy

mikesto44 said:

You can also make a peep sight. That can be placed at the tang bolt if you so chose.

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My trade gun has a removeable peep sight on it and I love it. Its the one sold by MBS.

Elgatodeacero said:

I wish the Fowler was going to have the rear sight as an option as it really is nice when hunting wild turkeys to have a rear sight. Not too late to offer as an option………..! Please!

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I will show you a picture of my Trade Gun with a peep sight installed once I get home from work.. Its literally two small screws on and off.
There's one I took Saturday you can see peep if ya look close.