Kibler Colonial

[Phil Neal]

I got a email from Jim and Katherine, my colonial .54 cal is on the way.  Should be here Thursday, gonna be a long 2 days!  Will try to post some photos of the build.  Most likely will keep it pretty much plain as I don't posses carving or inletting skills.

[Mauser06]

Good luck!    Looking forward to seeing it!

You'll need some inletting skills to get everything fit...

[Phil Neal]

Thanks Mauser06. I do have those skills with very sharp tools.

[Phil Neal]

To clear things up I meant I have never installed small inlays.  Plus have been advised this period did not have a lot of fancy work. 

[M. E. Pering]

I find small inlays to be easier than the big stuff.  They are usually shallower, and take less time than a lock, for instance.  Barrel tangs seem to be problematic, since it is so easy to get false printing with the inletting black.  When I switched to soot, it made it a bit easier, but still not simple.  Take your time, and learn to read the printing, and you will do well, I am sure.

Matt

[Mr. Bubbles]

YOu will acquire them.  Do you have the building books; "Recreating the American Long Rifle", and, The "Gunsmith of Grenville County"?  If not, you should get them and read them.  The Gunsmith book is particularly helpful, because it's spiral bound, and you can open the page to what ever step you happen to be working on.

Remember, a build is a journey, not a race.  Go slow and enjoy every step of the journey.

[Mike Brooks]

Don't you dare put inlays in that gun...... Thumbpiece is all that's required if you have to go that route.

[smylee grouch]

I agree with Mike, no inlays other than a thumb piece but some simple carving or molding lines would be ok. JMHO

[Mike Brooks]

I agree with Mike, no inlays other than a thumb piece but some simple carving or molding lines would be ok. JMHO

 Yes, buttstock and forestock moldings would be good practice, not that hard to do.

[Phil Neal]

Thanks to all for the tips, as I stated earlier I will not be inlaying. Am considering simple carving though, not sure yet, plenty of time to decide and practice on some maple blocks I have.