Kibler Southern Mountain Rifle - building

[Marplot]

I think Jim Kibler has the finest kits for making flint longrifles. His kits, his latest offerings are wonderfully easy to build. He uses state of the art CNC computer driven equipment that makes it a snap together assembly. No need or very minor inletting, a few final work on the metal work and just finish the wood. He has many Youtube videos to walk you through the process.

I am a stickler for authenticity and his creations are really true to form. For less than $2,000 (or less) you can complete a rifle that rivals custom rifles. See my Woodsrunner I built with the "extra fancy Maple" even the carving is done by computer.

Got a message from Jim Kibler, he found a special Maple log that has wood better than his "Extra Fancy" which is 90% curl. The new wood is 100%. He calls it "Select Maple." There are (were) 15 blanks for Woodsrunner and 20 for Southern Mountain Rifle SMR.

I immediately jumped in and ordered a SMR .45cal in "Select Maple." It may be here in a week or so. I can't wait!!!

Plan to build with photos.

Here is a photo from Jim's website. I call it "Embryo."

[Daryl]

Here one of those Kibler SMR's Taylor put together.

[Giddy-up]

Hi Daryl,

Do you know how Taylor finished the stock on that spectacular SMR?  I'm interested in the stains or dyes along with the finish used. 

Any direction would be greatly appreciated.

Bob

[Frozen Run]

I call it "Embryo."

Why do you call it Embryo?

[Daryl]

Marplot - your pictures of a finished rifle, are not of his SMR. The ones I posted are.

[Jim Kibler]

I bought an entire tree that Taylor's stock came out of.  It was pretty darn amazing to say the least.  Nice and hard and super fine curl.  Wish I had more like this.

[bpd303]

I can say ya done good with buying that tree what a gorgeous piece of wood for a very unique stock.

[HSmithTX]

Taylor definitely has the touch for color and finish, some of the best I have seen.  That wood is off the charts, glad to see it got into the hands of someone that could do it justice. 

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Hi Daryl,

Do you know how Taylor finished the stock on that spectacular SMR?  I'm interested in the stains or dyes along with the finish used. 

Any direction would be greatly appreciated.

Bob

Tannic acid, then ferric nitrate, lots of sanding (polishing) to 400 grit, Circa 1850 Tung Oil finish.  Very hard sugar maple...pleasure to work with.  Thank you Jim.