My Kibler SMR Build Log

[wiscoaster]

In response to popular demand (well, OK, maybe one or two fellow members asked me to do this), here begins the build log of my Kibler Southern Mountain Rifle .45 caliber in walnut.

Build Log #1

The box arrives.

The mailman delivers a box he says is "the most unusual packaging" he's ever seen, mentioning "screws all over", and speculates it contains "anti-tank missles". Hah, I know he's joking - he and I are on friendly terms, so I tell him what's really inside. However, the YouTubers don't adequately prepare you for the actual physical size of the box. I'm expecting the wooden box, screws and all, but I'm surprised it's five and a half feet long.

So, obviously, this isn't going to be a "kitchen table gunsmithing" project, and I am preparing for that by giving the work table in my basement shop area a new surface. You can see the old one that came off in the background. No way I'm working on this rifle on that dirty and beat up surface!

Anyway, I'm waiting to open the Kibler box until the work table is ready. The oil is still drying and I need to mount my vise. So that's it for the first day.

 

[BillyC]

You have more patience than most.

 

[wiscoaster]

You have more patience than most.

No doubt I'll give in and find some other place to open it.

 

[CuNosecap]

Hint: Unless you want sawdust and wood chips filling those boxes under the bench, ya might want to cover them up.

Can't wait to see your progress.
Rick

 

[wiscoaster]

Hint: Unless you want sawdust and wood chips filling those boxes under the bench, ya might want to cover them up.

Ya, no kidding. That's what a shopvac is for.

 

[wiscoaster]

Build Log #2

Unboxing.

OK, I couldn't wait. The work table oil is soaked in and dry enough; I can defer the vise mounting.

So, a fresh battery and 28 screws later:

This packaging is just so impressive. Look at how the barrel is supported:

And the parts box isn't just rattling around inside there, isn't actually glued to the container shell. The parts are contained in sturdy plastic bags, with the crucial lock and trigger further protected by individual wrapping:

One thing I noted right away: the barrel lugs are now pre-installed in the barrel:

If I could use just one word to describe what I've seen so far it's the word CLASS.

One very minor con: I had asked for some scrap walnut to test my finishing on, and none was included. Email sent, and no doubt will be some on the way soon.

 

[MIOutdoorsman]

Oh boy, I’m following this one.

 

[IanH]

The block the barrel tang rests on is either walnut or cherry.

 

[wiscoaster]

The block the barrel tang rests on is either walnut or cherry.

It's definitely not the same as my stock.

 

[wiscoaster]

Build Errata #1

Laurel Mountain Forge Rust Browning

The rust browning directions come, with an order of solution, on a tiny sheet mice-typed without formatting, barely readable and not quite understandable, using my strongest pair of reading glasses. So, I took some time with the given instructions to copy and retype, reformat and make a few minor edits, in order to make them easier to follow for others like myself. So, help yourself to the download, if you find it helpful.

 

[Tacitus]

I also chose the .45 in walnut and am very pleased with my Kibler SMR.
I'm looking forward to following your build log. I'm curious to see how yours turns out.

 

[ColonialRifleSmith]

Build Log #2

Unboxing.

OK, I couldn't wait. The work table oil is soaked in and dry enough; I can defer the vise mounting.

So, a fresh battery and 28 screws later:
View attachment 233694
View attachment 233695
View attachment 233696

This packaging is just so impressive. Look at how the barrel is supported:
View attachment 233697

And the parts box isn't just rattling around inside there, isn't actually glued to the container shell. The parts are contained in sturdy plastic bags, with the crucial lock and trigger further protected by individual wrapping:
View attachment 233699

One thing I noted right away: the barrel lugs are now pre-installed in the barrel:
View attachment 233700

If I could use just one word to describe what I've seen so far it's the word CLASS.

One very minor con: I had asked for some scrap walnut to test my finishing on, and none was included. Email sent, and no doubt will be some on the way soon.

The barrel tennons are usually pre-drilled also with Kibler. Looks like he missed one. Semper Fi.

 

[NRFord]

The barrel tennons are usually pre-drilled also with Kibler. Looks like he missed one. Semper Fi.

Not on an SMR...
I wouldn't want them predrilled

 

[wiscoaster]

...

Not on an SMR...
I wouldn't want them predrilled

I'm sorry - why?

 

[DCAN]

My extra chunk of wood showed up in a separate box a few days after the rifle came.

 

[NRFord]

I'm sorry - why?

Barrel needs to have final fit before tenons get drilled. You may need to move barrel in channel for a perfect fit, if they are predrilled in tenon, your predrilled holes in stock may not line up with predrilled holes in tenons, therefore tenons are not predrilled from kibler, at least on SMR.

 

[James Kibler]

The barrel tennons are usually pre-drilled also with Kibler. Looks like he missed one. Semper Fi.

We don't pre-drill the tennons on our mountain rifle kit. It just has to do with the manufacture process and what machines we use and their capabilities.

We do slot the underlugs on our Woodsrunner kit.

Jim

 

[James Kibler]

Barrel needs to have final fit before tenons get drilled. You may need to move barrel in channel for a perfect fit, if they are predrilled in tenon, your predrilled holes in stock may not line up with predrilled holes in tenons, therefore tenons are not predrilled from kibler, at least on SMR.

Just remember that the tennons should be slotted and not just a hole. This will negate the problems you mention.

 

[IanH]

The barrel tennons are usually pre-drilled also with Kibler. Looks like he missed one. Semper Fi.

Only on the Woodsrunner, also the stock holes pre-drilled as well. He is able to do that with the precision capabilities of the newest machine that produces that model only. The SMR used to come without the tenons or touchhole installed but mine had those tasks completed already, to my delight.

 

[ColonialRifleSmith]

The barrel tennons are usually pre-drilled also with Kibler. Looks like he missed one. Semper Fi.

Not on an SMR...
I wouldn't want them predrilled

Sorry to differ. I have built 4 SMR's for customers. All have come pre-drilled, I think. You could be correct though. My old battle-damaged brain gets things confused quite often. Semper Fi.