Author Topic: Appalachian Mountain Longrifle finished! (Read 3518 times)

Bob Gerard · « **on:** June 01, 2021, 12:15:58 AM »

This is my finished Appalachian Mountain Rifle, a Kibler kit rifle of .40 caliber. The swamped barrel is 42" from breech to muzzle, and the stock is beautifully figured Cherry. I added a steel Rupp patch box, a Hunter's Star and a toe plate. I also did a bit of incise carving behind the cheek piece.
The Powder Horn and Pouch are things I made over thirty years ago.
These are some photos I took today outside on our North Carolina property at the foot of Skull Camp Mountain.
The rifle seems to belong to a place like this.

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heinz · « **Reply #1 on:** June 01, 2021, 12:25:22 AM »

Nicely done Bob. It does look at home.

wattlebuster · « **Reply #2 on:** June 01, 2021, 01:56:26 AM »

Amen. It belongs. I like it

Bob Gerard · « **Reply #3 on:** June 01, 2021, 02:17:50 AM »

Thanks! It seems to really fit in. It will be fun to hear it sing soon.

Marcruger · « **Reply #4 on:** June 02, 2021, 04:56:28 PM »

That's a dressy one Bob. I like it. I really like your buttstock carving pattern. Simple, but eye catching. God Bless, Marc

Bob Gerard · « **Reply #5 on:** June 02, 2021, 05:49:57 PM »

Thank you Marcruger!

Ken G · « **Reply #6 on:** June 02, 2021, 05:52:38 PM »

Nice job. Really like the patchbox on the Cheery stock. It all comes together to make a nice rifle. You should proud. Nicely done.

Ken

RedRiverII · « **Reply #7 on:** June 02, 2021, 06:03:18 PM »

I'm glad it is home. Home is a mighty word at times.

Spalding · « **Reply #8 on:** June 02, 2021, 06:33:56 PM »

The cherry came out beautifully. Lovely rifle. Your last pic really comes together.

Dutch Blacky · « **Reply #9 on:** June 02, 2021, 07:07:13 PM »

This gun is a beauty!

David Rase · « **Reply #10 on:** June 04, 2021, 02:51:17 AM »

I am sorry guys, I just can't get past the Rupp patch box on a N.C. rifle.
David

smallpatch · « **Reply #11 on:** June 04, 2021, 06:32:07 AM »

Glad you said it David.

Gaeckle · « **Reply #12 on:** June 05, 2021, 03:29:39 AM »

Quote from: David Rase on June 04, 2021, 02:51:17 AM

I am sorry guys, I just can't get past the Rupp patch box on a N.C. rifle.
David

Agreed

bob in the woods · « **Reply #13 on:** June 05, 2021, 04:09:56 PM »

I like the look of the rifle, but does it not have a 46 in barrel ? Its a subjective thing, I suppose, but for myself, the box just doesn't fit the gun....like white sox with a tuxedo . But it's your gun, and if you like it, that's one advantage of building your own. I'm sure it will give you years of pleasure.

Bob McBride · « **Reply #14 on:** June 05, 2021, 05:01:35 PM »

Nicely done. Of course this being a more traditional forum you will get critiqued on your choices if you veer from norns, but don't see it as a personal affront. I had the same thought about the patchbox, but there are some very fine, highly regarded builders here who might build that very gun with an included story about the patchbox cover being added later in it's service life. I enjoy those guns, and those stories, and a moment after I thought that Rupp was a strange and implausible choice, I saw the movie in my head about the owner of that gun finding an old broken rifle stock with a nifty patchbox on it during one of his travels up the road.....

Were it me I might steal another 3/16" of patchbox space all the way around the edges of the lid but most importantly, let us know how she shoots.

RedRiverII · « **Reply #15 on:** June 05, 2021, 07:40:59 PM »

I must add a Great Job buddy, to me it looks fantastic. In the spirit of the Longrifle Brotherhood it's a terrific piece for luring new people to our community. Use it well brother. I would consider Bob's post as one of the best. I can't wait for a range report, or a hunt report. I've taken a few of the post replies to heart and plan to study further, a thank you to those keen opinions, they are worth their weight in gold, er let's go with silver!

dieselmech570 · « **Reply #16 on:** June 05, 2021, 09:08:49 PM »

The finish on the wood and metal is exceptional, great job! I am curious about the patch box latch and release mechanism, I can't see either from the pic's, any chance you could describe or post close-up pic's of both? I am interested because I am inletting a similar patch box on a current build, and like the clean look of yours.

AwwNaww · « **Reply #17 on:** June 05, 2021, 09:16:40 PM »

Very Nice! What finish did you use in the stock?

Bob Gerard · « **Reply #18 on:** June 06, 2021, 06:08:28 AM »

Finally getting back on here and glad to see the responses, both pro and con, regarding the rifle (and the patch box). Thanks to each of you folks who took the time to share your thoughts!
I remember when I was envisioning this rifle that I nicknamed it "the Anathema Rifle" because some/many builders would not like my incorporating two different schools together into on one build. But I liked the way I had imagined it and made several pre-construction images (using Photoshop to help me physically picture it). And I liked it even more, so I made it.
I was not intending to recreate any actual gun from any actual place, but used things I liked and put them together. It's more of the artist in me than the gun builder I guess, and I confess I love creating from my imagination more than from anything else.
I haven't shot it yet (and may not) since I was intending to offer this up for sale soon. I think it passes the grade and will be a fine shooter. After all, it's a Kibler and I don't think I wrecked it

p.s., to answer some posted questions, I used a combination of powdered dyes mixed with water to get the color, and hand-rubbed many light applications of Boiled Linseed Oil into the wood. I sealed it finally with a thin varnish for protection.
The lid of the patch box is a simple snap-closed type.
Thanks again,
Bob

heinz · « **Reply #19 on:** June 19, 2021, 05:51:55 AM »

Bob, I think that is a fine-looking rifle. Not all SMRs have that boring cigar-shaped box. South Carolina guns have some unusual boxes as do the rifles from Pleasant Wilson in Clay County Kentucky. I do not think that Rupp style finial is much of a stretch and it gives the rifle some character.

Nice work

Bob Gerard · « **Reply #20 on:** June 21, 2021, 07:01:31 AM »

Quote from: heinz on June 19, 2021, 05:51:55 AM

Bob, I think that is a fine-looking rifle. Not all SMRs have that boring cigar-shaped box. South Carolina guns have some unusual boxes as do the rifles from Pleasant Wilson in Clay County Kentucky. I do not think that Rupp style finial is much of a stretch and it gives the rifle some character.

Nice work

Thank you heinz. I knew that Rupp patch box would not be acceptable at all for some people but that's fine, too. I was happy with how it turned out and though it could have probably sold for a bit more than it did, I liked the way it looked, and making it and getting to shoot it. It's going to Kentucky now. I'm happy for new owner

Bob Gerard · « **Reply #21 on:** June 21, 2021, 07:10:50 AM »

Oh and it shoots really well, and possibly the fastest lock I have used! Kibler makes a wonderful rifle kit!!
I am not a very good shot, but for the first go at it without tweaking the sights yet, it did pretty well.

Here is a video of her maiden voyage:

News:

Author Topic: Appalachian Mountain Longrifle finished! (Read 3518 times)