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General discussion => Gun Building => Topic started by: Jim Kibler on December 12, 2017, 10:42:18 PM

Title: New kit!
Post by: Jim Kibler on December 12, 2017, 10:42:18 PM
We're proud to announce that we've completed development of our new kit.  Personally I can't be more pleased how it has turned out.  This kit is of course an earlier design compared to our Mountain Rifle.  We call our new design the Colonial Rifle.  As the name implies, it's representative of what might have been produced in this country during the 1760's or 1770's.

It's brass mounted, available in .45, .50 and .54 calibers; smooth bored or rifled.  The barrel has a very nice profile, based on an existing rifle believed to have been made in the valley of Virginia. 

The lock is Jim Chambes Colonial Virginia.  It's a large lock reperesentative of English exports during this time period.  It's size and design makes for a very dependable ignition source. 

All the same features standard on our Mountain Rifle Kits are present on this as well.  We've taken great pains to make a very precise product with top notch design and styling.  Here's a few pictures.  Any questions, just ask!  If interested see listing in For Sale section.

Thanks!
Jim and Katherine

(https://www.jimkibler.net/uploads/6/1/8/6/61869925/colonial-full-length-lock-side-1-of-1_orig.jpg)

(https://www.jimkibler.net/uploads/6/1/8/6/61869925/box-side-with-parts-1-of-1_orig.jpg)

(https://www.jimkibler.net/uploads/6/1/8/6/61869925/box-in-1-of-1-2_orig.jpg)

(https://www.jimkibler.net/uploads/6/1/8/6/61869925/colonial-daylight-cheek-side-1-of-1_orig.jpg)

(https://www.jimkibler.net/uploads/6/1/8/6/61869925/side-plate-inlet-1-of-1_orig.jpg)

(https://www.jimkibler.net/uploads/6/1/8/6/61869925/comb-1-of-1-2_orig.jpg)

(https://www.jimkibler.net/uploads/6/1/8/6/61869925/parts-angle-1-of-1_orig.jpg)

(https://www.jimkibler.net/uploads/6/1/8/6/61869925/triggerguard-1-of-1_orig.jpg)

(https://www.jimkibler.net/uploads/6/1/8/6/61869925/colonial-pipes-1-of-1_orig.jpg)
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: n stephenson on December 12, 2017, 11:27:25 PM
Jim, I`ll be the first one start this dance! I`m so tired of using the word WOW! to describe stuff , I wish I knew the Klingon word for wow , but I don`t , so , I guess it will be WOW!!  You have really done well on this one. I can`t wait to see how people are going to do these up , SUCH! a beautiful canvas to start with!                 NICE JOB!!  Nate
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: Justin on December 12, 2017, 11:50:30 PM
maw' tok - Klingon expression of surprise. (Reference: The Chase)
http://www.khemorex-klinzhai.de/Hol/mix/curses.html (http://www.khemorex-klinzhai.de/Hol/mix/curses.html) (proof that I didn't know this already ;D)

Very nice. Maybe this will be my project for next winter!
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: tlallijr on December 13, 2017, 12:00:27 AM
Very nice Jim, I ordered one yesterday. Now quit @$#%&*@ around and get started on a Lehigh Rifle kit. ;D
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: Hemo on December 13, 2017, 01:25:30 AM
Looks beautiful, Jim, as expected!
I'm seeing four barrel lugs. Is the barrel cut and dovetailed for these? Is the stock drilled for pins?
I'm also seeing only one lock bolt--I'm assuming the other one rolled away somewhere ;).
I see both the stock and buttplate are cut for a wood patchbox. If one wanted to use a brass patchbox, is the buttplate available without the dovetailed cutout?
If $300 deposit is paid now, any idea on delivery time?

Looking forward to this!

Gregg
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: wpalongrifle on December 13, 2017, 01:29:19 AM
Jim, I`ll be the first one start this dance! I`m so tired of using the word WOW! to describe stuff , I wish I knew the Clingon word for wow , but I don`t , so , I guess it will be WOW!!  You have really done well on this one. I can`t wait to see how people are going to do these up , SUCH! a beautiful canvas to start with!                 NICE JOB!!  Nate
     
Klingon Language as per their site: Well Done - MajQa'     nothing listed for WOW!!
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: Jim Kibler on December 13, 2017, 02:08:21 AM
Looks beautiful, Jim, as expected!
I'm seeing four barrel lugs. Is the barrel cut and dovetailed for these? Is the stock drilled for pins?
I'm also seeing only one lock bolt--I'm assuming the other one rolled away somewhere ;).
I see both the stock and buttplate are cut for a wood patchbox. If one wanted to use a brass patchbox, is the buttplate available without the dovetailed cutout?
If $300 deposit is paid now, any idea on delivery time?

Looking forward to this!

Gregg

Gregg,

Thanks!  Yes, barrels will have all dovetails cut standard.  Stocks will be drilled for all pin and screw holes.  Two lock bolts will be provided.  We offer the kit without a wood box as well. 

An intereasting aside concerning the wood box is the stock shaping.  The stock has been shaped with the wood patchbox in mind.  The standard stock shape isn't simply flattened for a box.  A step up...

The stock without a wood box will be rounded and ready for a sheet metal box or for use as is.

As to delivery time.  From right now I would expect about 12 weeks.

Thanks!
Jim
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: Frank on December 13, 2017, 02:38:04 AM
I ordered one in 54 caliber yesterday. Did not see any listing for a 45 caliber or smoothbores on the website. I may have to get another one in 45 caliber later next year. Have a SMR in 40 caliber. Excellent rifle. Looking forward to putting together this Colonial Rifle.
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: moleeyes36 on December 13, 2017, 04:43:36 AM
Jim,

Nice rifle, but a suggestion.  It would be nice if you offered it with or without the dovetail cut for the rear sight.  On the SMR I built for someone the rear sight dove tail, though not cut closer to the breech than normal, placed the rear sight a little closer to the breech than old eyes like it.  It sometimes makes for a pretty fuzzy sight picture.  To many shooters it would be preferable to be able to cut the dove tail and position the rear sight at a distance that gives a clearer sight picture for them.   Just something to think about.

Mole Eyes
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: Dwshotwell on December 13, 2017, 05:07:48 AM
I took the leap and pre-ordered one today. This will be my second rifle. My first is still a work in progress.
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: GANGGREEN on December 13, 2017, 01:56:37 PM
I'd also suggest leaving the rear dovetail unfinished (or possibly allowing it to be unfinished as an option). 

Curious about the weight of the finished rifle in each of the 3 calibers.  I'll definitely be getting one when the checkbook allows it and I may end up getting one for each of my sons.  Quite impressive.....I'd also love to see a photo of a finished rifle, just because....
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: Turtle on December 13, 2017, 02:23:20 PM
 I asked about a rear sight further foreword on the southern rifle I ordered from Jim. He said it wasn't possible as they are already cut , but he will cut one further foreword and fill the existing one for free! I have done this on several rifles for friends with old eyes, but feel more comfortable with him doing it on such a thin barrel.  Great and friendly service. He is waiting for .45 barrels for mine---hope they come soon!
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: JNG3 on December 13, 2017, 03:12:33 PM
What is the rifling twist in the 50 and 54? Also are these barrels regular or round bottom rifling?
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: Cades Cove Fiddler on December 13, 2017, 06:58:38 PM
 ::) ::) ::)... Looks GREAT ... !!! ... almost makes me wish I didn't like iron TENNESSEE rifles so much ............  Well Done, Jim..... Regards,.... C C Fiddler ........
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: Bart on December 13, 2017, 07:19:33 PM
Hi Jim,

The new kit offering looks awesome!! Where can we see a picture of the original gun?

Thanks
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: Jim Kibler on December 13, 2017, 07:36:55 PM
Thanks guys! 

About the rear sights...  We're going to try to stock some barrels with the dovetail left off.  We need to have the dovetail standard as it's a difficult task for many beginners.  In running a business like this we have to be very careful about maintaining as many standard products as possible.  Too many variations cause a great deal of difficulty and in the end make us less likely to be able to sell a product for the price we currently do.

I've yet to finish a rifle, but I know everything works as a unit very well.  In the upcoming weeks, I'll put one together with some simple carving to show what the finished product mignt look like.  I didn't base this rifle on any existing original gun, but rather details from many guns of this period. 

These barrels are available in round bottom rifling for a slight additional cost.  Standard twist is 1 in 66 inches.

Thanks!
Jim

Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: BOB HILL on December 13, 2017, 07:45:19 PM
Looks like the makings of a mighty fine rifle you have there, Jim.
Bob
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: Scota4570 on December 13, 2017, 08:40:38 PM

Gregg,

Thanks!  Yes, barrels will have all dovetails cut standard.  Stocks will be drilled for all pin and screw holes.  Two lock bolts will be provided.  We offer the kit without a wood box as well. 

An intereasting aside concerning the wood box is the stock shaping.  The stock has been shaped with the wood patchbox in mind.  The standard stock shape isn't simply flattened for a box.  A step up...

The stock without a wood box will be rounded and ready for a sheet metal box or for use as is.

As to delivery time.  From right now I would expect about 12 weeks.

Thanks!
Jim
[/quote]


Jim,

Will the standard kit be supplied as pictured?  That is with the wooden patch box cover, the stock and butplate cut for it? 

Scot
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: Jim Kibler on December 13, 2017, 08:43:30 PM
Scot,

Yes, the standard kit will be as pictured.  The stock and buttplate will be cut for the box and the lid will be shaped as shown.  The CNC equipment does a fantastic job at this operation.  Everthing should go together very easily.

Jim
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: Kingsburyarms on December 13, 2017, 09:02:11 PM
A Fantastic looking kit - Thank you for keeping this wonderful line of kits going. That patchbox cover will be a great addition, the shape and style is great!

Looking forward to some great builds,

Cheers,

Jon
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: Mr. Bubbles on December 13, 2017, 09:44:52 PM
Are you leaving on enough extra wood for raised carving in the usual places?
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: Jim Kibler on December 13, 2017, 09:51:24 PM
Carving won't be a problem.  The only area extra wood is SOMETIMES necessary is behind the cheek.  For many designs no extra is needed.  There is a tiny bit above the side of the buttplate and the wood rises a touch as you head toward the cheekpiece.  This will provide the needed material. 

This should be a great gun to carve and I'm looking forward to finishing out some.  On a custom rifle, it's hard to change designs or techniques up too awful much since there is so much time invested.  These will afford me to experiment more.  Should be fun!

Jim
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: Chowmi on December 14, 2017, 01:57:03 AM
Just ordered mine in .54 with the sliding wood box.  Looking forward to it Jim!
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: snapper on December 14, 2017, 04:40:54 AM
Chowmi

dang, you ordered one????

I know you got your Christian Springs rifle close to being done.  Why would you want one of these?????

The only reason I ask is I am REALLY having a hard time not ordering one in .54 cal as well.  Been fighting it all week. 

My reasoning is that I have a perfectly great rifle that Mitch built me that does not get out very much, so why would I order one of THESE??

Now you just shot all to heck my reasoning.

Thanks a lot.

Fleener
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: draton2681 on December 14, 2017, 05:59:18 AM
Jim, I don't see a latch for the sliding box. Is it included and is it drilled or machined for it as well? Is the trigger pinned in the wood or a plate? The SMR is my only successful built and I learned a lot. The  carving, trigger and patchbox work are a little intimidating to me. My experience with single triggers    ( not a lot because I love set triggers), has been poor because of heavy pull and creep. What should I expect from the kit and how much work is it to get a good trigger pull if possible? Thanks for the great dedication to our sport! 3 SMRs and counting.
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: al56 on December 14, 2017, 06:09:36 AM
Left handed?
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: Chowmi on December 14, 2017, 08:22:53 AM
Chowmi

dang, you ordered one????

I know you got your Christian Springs rifle close to being done.  Why would you want one of these?????

The only reason I ask is I am REALLY having a hard time not ordering one in .54 cal as well.  Been fighting it all week. 

My reasoning is that I have a perfectly great rifle that Mitch built me that does not get out very much, so why would I order one of THESE??

Now you just shot all to heck my reasoning.

Thanks a lot.

Fleener

Fleener,
you are welcome!!  I'm sure you will be glad when you just submit to temptation like I did.

To be honest, I did it for several reasons.  My current build, is an attempt at a copy of a specific rifle, and I expect my next two guns will also be copy attempts.  The Kibler Colonial rifle gives me license to branch out and try decorating a rifle "in the style/period of...." and come up with my own design.  Something I've never done. 
I also just couldn't resist having one that goes together so well, so quickly that I can get on with the artistic part.
Lastly, I don't get to handle originals much, and his kits are so close and precise in shaping that I figured its a good way to have an example of a well shaped gun.

Cheers,
Chowmi
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: AsMs on December 17, 2017, 02:43:41 AM
What is the barrel length?

Please do a Lehigh next.

Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: Chowmi on December 17, 2017, 03:08:45 AM
What is the barrel length?

Please do a Lehigh next.

Here are some details from his website:

50 and 54 caliber
Maple, Walnut, Cherry or provide your own stock
Chamber's Colonial Virginia Lock
Rice 43 1/4" Swamped, Custom Profile,1 1/8" at the breech

Norm
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: ddoyle on December 17, 2017, 03:17:07 AM
Quote
Left handed?

We can wish and hope-
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: draton2681 on December 18, 2017, 06:05:11 AM
Jim,I'm thinking you missed my questions on page 1. To the top. Thanks
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: KC on December 18, 2017, 03:44:45 PM
Quote
Lastly, I don't get to handle originals much, and his kits are so close and precise in shaping that I figured its a good way to have an example of a well shaped gun.

This is exactly why I want one. I thought this might help me get the shaping right (or at least close) on a rifle I'm working on. Plus, if it's as finely produced as the SMR kit, I know it'll turn out well and be an excellent rifle to own.
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: Jim Kibler on December 18, 2017, 04:03:05 PM
Jim,I'm thinking you missed my questions on page 1. To the top. Thanks

Yes, a spring catch for the wood box will be included.  The box lid will be completely machined to accept this. 

The trigger will be pinned through the stock.  The holes will already be drilled in the stock as well as the trigger.  A nice pull shouldn’t be a problem.

Thanks,
Jim
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: hanshi on December 18, 2017, 11:38:25 PM
This kit should even be possible for ME to build!  I love the Colonial period guns and this kit appears to be a must-have.  I'm suitably impressed!
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: Kary on December 18, 2017, 11:47:36 PM
I'll be ordering mine after the first of the year....really looking forward to seeing one of these completed.
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: smart dog on December 19, 2017, 12:43:03 AM
Hi,
For those wondering about left-hand version, Chambers Virginia fowler lock only comes right handed.  That should answer your question unless Jim is planning a version with another lock.

dave
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: JNG3 on December 19, 2017, 05:57:07 AM
If one was to build one of these, which stock wood and caliber would be most appropriate for that time period? I'm thinking walnut. Not sure on caliber.
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: J. Talbert on December 19, 2017, 05:52:04 PM
Jim,

Looks like another winner for sure.

Great work!

Jeff
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: Jim Kibler on December 19, 2017, 06:26:54 PM
If one was to build one of these, which stock wood and caliber would be most appropriate for that time period? I'm thinking walnut. Not sure on caliber.

There are a handful of walnut stocked guns from this period, but maple is by far more common.  Nothing wrong with walnut though.  As to caliber, .50 or .54 is appropriate, but .54 is a little lighter and handles a touch better in my view. 

Thanks!
Jim
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: JNG3 on December 19, 2017, 09:10:30 PM
Thanks for the reply Mr. Kibler.
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: smokinbuck on December 20, 2017, 02:32:09 AM
Jim,
It looks like another wonderful addition to the many available rifles/kits. Two questions; can double set triggers be adapted to this rifle and what is the cost difference if a buyer supplied the wood?
Thanks,
Mark
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: Daryl on December 20, 2017, 02:50:55 AM
THAT is one I'd like to own in .54 smooth- as smooth rifle or straight smooth bore.

Just sold the rental house - need to talk things over with "bank-of-wife".
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: marsh trapper on December 20, 2017, 03:23:59 AM
cant wait to see some of these kits finished on here :D ..great job as always jim
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: ltdann on December 20, 2017, 03:26:09 AM
Jim,
It looks like another wonderful addition to the many available rifles/kits. Two questions; can double set triggers be adapted to this rifle and what is the cost difference if a buyer supplied the wood?
Thanks,
Mark

curios about the DST as well.
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: Turtle on December 21, 2017, 04:48:24 PM
A caution for experienced builders. Just started assembling mine and caught myself being rough handling the stock and tapping the barrel out when fitting the tang. I'm used to doing this inletting when the stock is a blank or an oversized shape where a little ding is removed in final shaping. There's no room for this on his stocks because they are so close to final shape.
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: Frank on December 21, 2017, 09:47:20 PM
A caution for experienced builders. Just started assembling mine and caught myself being rough handling the stock and tapping the barrel out when fitting the tang. I'm used to doing this inletting when the stock is a blank or an oversized shape where a little ding is removed in final shaping. There's no room for this on his stocks because they are so close to final shape.

Wow, You got yours already. Ordered mine at 7:30 am on Dec 11. Guess I should have checked my email before I went to bed.  :)  Jim sent the notice out at 10:05 pm on Dec 10th.
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: smylee grouch on December 21, 2017, 10:26:42 PM
These kits should be a great option for anyone building a rifle for an organization fund raiser. Great quality and fast assembly to take up less of the gunsmith's time.
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: Jim Kibler on December 21, 2017, 11:07:27 PM
Jim,
It looks like another wonderful addition to the many available rifles/kits. Two questions; can double set triggers be adapted to this rifle and what is the cost difference if a buyer supplied the wood?
Thanks,
Mark

curios about the DST as well.

Yes, double set triggers can be fit to this kit.  If this is desired, we will leave off the trigger and guard inlet so the builder can use their choice of triggers and place the guard appropriately.  I will probably offer a set trigger option in time.
 
If the customer supplies their own wood there is a $60 discount.

Thanks,
Jim
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: Jim Kibler on December 21, 2017, 11:08:44 PM
These kits should be a great option for anyone building a rifle for an organization fund raiser. Great quality and fast assembly to take up less of the gunsmith's time.

If anyone would like to purchase a kit for a fundraiser, let us know.  We will offer a sizable discount.

Thanks,
Jim
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: ScottH on February 12, 2018, 10:41:58 PM
Back to the top  ;)

Jim,
 Wondering if you had any updates to share regarding this Colonial Rifle kit?
Perhaps a finished sample? When will shipping start?

Thanks!
Scott
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: Jim Kibler on February 13, 2018, 03:45:15 AM
Hi everyone.  Things are going well.  We're wrapping a few loose ends here with the new kit and Rice is working to finish the first batch of barrels.  I expect the first ones will probably ship in a month or so.   I know they've been a bit of a wait, but feel confident they will be worth it!

I have to completely finish one of these pretty soon so I'll share pictures when I can.  It will be pretty heavily carved and decorated, so should be fun.

Thanks for checking in with us and thanks for all the orders and support.

All the best,
Jim
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: Marcruger on February 13, 2018, 03:53:48 AM
Considering your carving skills Jim, I'd say were are all waiting expectantly to see your rifle!   :-)  God Bless, Marc
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: Hadden West on February 14, 2018, 01:28:50 AM
Jim, although I don't have one of your rifles, YET, I have seen a couple of builds, of your SMR. These turned out, really nice.  I would expect, that this kit, will be no different.

On my wish list of guns, that I would like to see as a kit, would be a very traditional Hawken. They are costly to have made and a lot of them do not look correct. I like the early half stock version.

I feel certain that as long as you continue to offer, this level of kits, you will be very successful.

My best wishes.
Title: Re: New kit!
Post by: Martin S. on February 14, 2018, 02:55:42 AM
I would like to second the request for a Hawken kit.

.54 caliber, double set triggers, Chambers lock.

I'd buy one, and so would many others.

I would also like to see this new kit with double set triggers, I think you have mentioned that might be a future option.