Handmade lock by Kibler (sorry, no pictures)

[Acer Saccharum]

At Dixon's:
Jim showed me the lock he'd just made, a Germanic styled American lock. Fabulous workmanship inside and out. I find this very inspirational to see such workmanship. Made like a fine clock it was, crisp, clean filing and fitting. He said it took over a month to build.


I'll never whine about the price of a good lock, not when I know how much time goes into one.


Tom

[Jim Kibler]

Thanks Tom.  It sure is a pile of work.  To be clear, I didn't use all traditional methods to make the lock.   I'm generally able to machine easier than forge.  I learned a whole bunch.  Had to make quite a few parts twice, but am pretty happy with the results.  Making a lock really pounds home how the high percentage of total work to build a rifle is in the lock.  Granted, systems were developed to expedite the process, but it's still pretty high nonetheless.  Couple this with making the barrel in a traditional manner, and it really puts stock work in perspective.  I enjoy this work and will building a mid 18th century English lock next.  Should be a great project.  I'll post some pictures here sometime.

Thanks
Jim

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Way to go Jim.  One has to do the work to appreciate how inexpensive, and well made the off the rack locks are.  It took me exactly a month to make the lock for Peter's wheellock dag....springs, screws, all.  Time well spent.

[J. Talbert]

Jim,

I trust you'll have the lock at the CLA... I look forward to seeing it, and hearing what you have planned for it.

By the way, that's a great looking pair of rifles inside the cover of the latest American Tradition.

Jeff

[P.W.Berkuta]

How about some pictures Jim??? Love to see it 

[louieparker]

 I saw the lock at the KRA show . Very impressive to say the least .  Truly a great piece of work .. A good  file is a wonderful tool,isn't it Jimmy ?  LP

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Louie, you don't post often, but I really admire your work as well.

[Jim Kibler]

Thank you all.  I'll post pictures in time.  I'm not sure my customer would want pictures posted just yet so I'm going to hold off.  I'm sure when it's wrapped up and some quality pictures are taken I'll be able to share them. 

I hear you about the file Louie.  Now that I stop to think about it, it really is amazing what can be accomplished with a file.

Thanks again,
Jim

[louieparker]

Thanks  Taylor, When I saw Kiblers lock I had just finished making a convex plate lock that had been converted  to precussion . The frizzens had been removed and replaced with cap retainers or safeties, This was on an early  German gun, over and under with two locks on the same side . One had been lost . The replacement had to be filed out  . So it was fresh in my mind what Jimmy had been through and what he had accomplished . In a day of wax castings and programmable milling machines its hard for most people to appreciate the skill and enoromus amount of time it takes to make a lock .   Especially one that looks like his .......... LP

[Cody Tetachuk]

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