Another one of Jim's finished kits from a rank amateur

[Doc]

Ok guys, for what it's worth, I offer up my humble finished kit. I finished the wood with aqua fortis, five coats of wipe on poly, and paste wax. I finished the metal with Jim's patina solution. That is a bit blotchy in places but I am sure that is my fault due to surface prep. Going to just let it age on out. Also put paste wax on the metal. I highly recommend his kit for someone who doesn't want to tackle a full build, but wants to get a small idea of what it is like. I know it's a rookie build, but critiques welcome. .....











I also took her out to shoot.  Was a miserable dreary day of 46 degrees and rain.  I did not sight it in, just shot at a tin can at about 20 yds.   Used about 25gr of Goex 3f and a .311 ball with pillow ticking and half beeswax/half mineral oil for lube.  Was hitting can just fine.  Didn't swab between shots, and #8 loaded as easily as #1.   I really like the fact that not much lead or powder is used and you can still have fun shooting.  Going to be fun getting to know this little girl. 

Now just need a name for her.

Thanks, and hope this inspires someone to try It for themselves.

I know there are so many flaws, and it is rather 'poor boy'-ish, but I really feel like this is a great way to get someone interested in building.  I guarantee I could not have done this nice of a job on my first build had it been from scratch.  I think this will keep at least some people from getting discouraged on a first build.  Now to decide what is next!!??! 

Doc

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Very credible rifle Doc.  You should be well pleased.

[Mike Brooks]

Very impressive job, you did well. I'll build one of those for myself one day.

[pushboater]

Great looking rifle Doc! You did yourself proud. Well done!

[saltland]

 Beautiful gun.Later this year I'm considering making my 1st attempt at a build.Like you I have zero experience but seeing the fantastic work you and other "rookies" have done motivates me.I plan on also buying one of Jim's kits.If you don't mind ,what did you need in the way of tools?
Thanks,
 Scott

[Joe S.]

very nice job there,ya did real good.

[wattlebuster]

I like it

[Kary]

Looks like a good job from where I sit. ... And MAN does that wood have some nice figure to it!  Very nice!!!

[Doc]

very nice job there,ya did real good.

Saltland,

Mostly hand tools.  I have a few old chisels around but only took minimal fitting for the triggers plate and the ramrod pipes.  I bought a cheap set of files at Northern tools to draw file the barrel and clean up the castings, but you could easily do that with sandpaper for the condition my barrel was in, draw filing was probably not necessary.  Also a hand drill and I did use my drill press to drill the hole in the lock plate.  Also picked up an appropriate tap (I think 8-32).  Sand paper, rubber gloves....not much else I can think of.

[BOB HILL]

Doc,
You did a fine job on your rifle. I'm sure you will get many hours of pleasure from it. Keep up the good work.
Bob

[Jim Kibler]

That looks like a super job!  It's great to see this.  Thanks for posting.

All the best,
Jim

[draton2681]

I just finished putting together my second kit. This one went together like a perfect puzzle. no fitting at all but to shorten the thimbles so they don't protrude into the barrel channel. I haven't done any finishing yet and haven't fitted the sights and lugs yet because I want to polish things first. It can't get any simpler than this. I have attempted a kit build before but butchered the stock so bad I abandoned the project. Thanks again to Jim and his crew for providing such a wonderful rifle in such a perfect kit form.

[ScottH]

I like it!
 And I believe if Joseph Whitson, (who built the gun Jim Kibler modeled the kit after) saw it he would say, "That is a nice gun."
I may have to save up some dollars and order one of these. 

[Daryl]

 I might be able to a Kibler kit, if I got Taylor's help.