AmericanLongRifles Forums

General discussion => Contemporary Longrifle Collecting => Topic started by: Wmasswolf on June 13, 2025, 03:10:26 PM

Title: Kibler Colonial (.54, fancy maple)
Post by: Wmasswolf on June 13, 2025, 03:10:26 PM

Finished up my Kibler Colonial yesterday. Fancy Maple, .54 - I had previously finished a fowler in a light honey color but wanted to go dark on this one. After I prepped the surface (220 sand, raised grain, and scraping) i did two heavy coats of Iron nitrate, heated it and then laid down a coat of Angelus Dark brown leather dye. When it dried, i hit high points and wear spots with 000 steel wool. Wrapped it up with Beck's oil and wax. This was my first start to finish Kibler so there were some learning experiences  but overall,  I think it will make a fine rifle for my longhunter impression.  (I made the bag in the pic and Adam Daub made the horn)
(https://i.ibb.co/wr7V9ZGK/20250612-095012.jpg) (https://ibb.co/84bqWnvj)

(https://i.ibb.co/gb2KrRQk/20250612-095037.jpg) (https://ibb.co/4wqrFVCh)

(https://i.ibb.co/p6JFyHMX/20250612-095019.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bjz9J4Cd)

(https://i.ibb.co/Vpmy7t7t/20250612-095024.jpg) (https://ibb.co/mF8sLGLG)

(https://i.ibb.co/WNKfGTM9/20250612-095000.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kVcX5dwn)

(https://i.ibb.co/Q75yHSth/20250612-094956.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kVdNDbvz)

(https://i.ibb.co/tPMGPk4k/20250612-094953.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jZvNZBTB)

(https://i.ibb.co/kgjL6qbn/20250612-095313.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gMN0Ftq1)

Title: Re: Kibler Colonial (.54, fancy maple)
Post by: MeliusCreekTrapper on June 13, 2025, 04:31:27 PM

Nice outfit. Great finish on that stock, I really like the scraped finish and the color.

Title: Re: Kibler Colonial (.54, fancy maple)
Post by: Sequatchie Rifle on June 16, 2025, 07:46:20 PM

Nice job. I like the set up.

Title: Re: Kibler Colonial (.54, fancy maple)
Post by: Jim Kibler on June 17, 2025, 03:09:14 AM

That looks good!

Title: Re: Kibler Colonial (.54, fancy maple)
Post by: Tony N on June 17, 2025, 03:22:33 PM

Very nice, I like it a lot

Title: Re: Kibler Colonial (.54, fancy maple)
Post by: wattlebuster on June 17, 2025, 05:22:43 PM

i like your scrapped wrippled looking finish.

Title: Re: Kibler Colonial (.54, fancy maple)
Post by: jbigley on June 17, 2025, 11:30:35 PM

Nice job, Jay. -- JB

Title: Re: Kibler Colonial (.54, fancy maple)
Post by: mgbruch on June 22, 2025, 02:29:01 AM

I like the finish.  In the future, if you're going to scrape, there's no need to sand.

Title: Re: Kibler Colonial (.54, fancy maple)
Post by: Jim Kibler on June 22, 2025, 03:24:24 PM

That looks nice.  Our machining can sometimes leave ripples, particularly on the Colonial.  So, I would suggest sanding first otherwise you could just end up following these irregularities while scraping.

Title: Re: Kibler Colonial (.54, fancy maple)
Post by: Wmasswolf on June 22, 2025, 08:19:19 PM

Thanks for the insights! I did do some sanding first (down to 220) but this only being my second kit, Im always open to learning how to get better!

Quote from: Jim Kibler on June 22, 2025, 03:24:24 PM

That looks nice.  Our machining can sometimes leave ripples, particularly on the Colonial.  So, I would suggest sanding first otherwise you could just end up following these irregularities while scraping.

Title: Re: Kibler Colonial (.54, fancy maple)
Post by: Kurt on July 01, 2025, 10:52:08 PM

I noticed the stock surface and immediately knew it wasn't sanded as usual, but I have to say, I like it! The whole rifle is a beaut, and I think the less finished wood gives it a practical aged look. Probably just me, but again, I like it.

Title: Re: Kibler Colonial (.54, fancy maple)
Post by: Wmasswolf on July 02, 2025, 06:48:16 PM

I def could have refinded it a bit more - but i generally like how it turned out. It was inspired by the idea of a basic working man/longhunter rifle for the 1760s. (Im building a long hunter/overmountain man impression) 

Quote from: Kurt on July 01, 2025, 10:52:08 PM

I noticed the stock surface and immediately knew it wasn't sanded as usual, but I have to say, I like it! The whole rifle is a beaut, and I think the less finished wood gives it a practical aged look. Probably just me, but again, I like it.

Title: Re: Kibler Colonial (.54, fancy maple)
Post by: Bob Gerard on July 03, 2025, 04:05:26 AM

Scraping is a great technique especially if you’re emulating the old ways. I think with a varnished finish it would look more original.
Oh, and I’m seriously liking the bag!

Title: Re: Kibler Colonial (.54, fancy maple)
Post by: J.M.Browning on July 03, 2025, 04:18:06 AM

Very nice like the finish as is .