New "builder"/"finisher" needs help

[bgf]

Wade,
I think sweet Pete just wanted to make sure he wasn't wrong before either finishing the rifle or trying to get the maker to fix problems.  I've seen similar rifle stained and varnished and displayed on the internet proudly, finished and sold by a professional builder.  The cheek piece alone is a felony, but hey, that's how they did it in eatrly Virginia .

It will probably shoot fine and he can tweak stuff and make it a little more like a rifle from somewhere/when, but he shouldn't have to do that for in-the-white rifle if that is what he paid for, no matter the amount.

[smallpatch]

Pete,
I'm sorry this happened to you.
All of this is simply sub par workmanship.
At best, it can be made into a serviceable rifle...... with a bunch of work.
A good builder would NEVER turn over one like this as "in the white".
If you want to learn bun building by repairing all these mistakes, you can.  If it was me, I'd send it back.

[Sweet Pete]

I can't reiterate how much I appreciate all the constructive feedback Ive received here.

After a lot of internal debate Ive requested a refund. The builder, without hesitation, apologized for my disappointment and agreed to the refund. As much as this rifle would be a working gun vs a piece of art I just don't think I'd have ever been happy with it.

Alright, back to the drawing board. Looks like I'll check out the lead times on a Kibler kit... Did I mention Im expecting my first child this fall? So that earlier remark about having enough time is about to get significant.

Thanks again for all the help.

[Kingsburyarms]

First - Congratulations on your first child - That's a wonderful feeling - and Ask Katherine (or Jim) at Jim Kibler's what the lead time would be - you can put one of those together in a few days (with the experience you have with later rifles and your woordworking)  Look at his video series on this forum a few times each and get ready... Best decision you can make and you should be ready for the fall season -

Jon

[Mauser06]

Good deal!   Glad the builder did right. 



I've never built one...but watched his latest videos as he is building one.  Actual time for coats of finish probably take longer than actually putting it together.  I cannot believe how precise everything is. Working with castings and wood...that's incredible. 

I think you'll be FAR ahead. 

[Sweet Pete]

Yeah, me too.

I sent in the order for Kibler's kits... Im excited about my first long rifle again.

[little joe]

Kiblers kits are easy as all the fit up and holes are located..  This kit will show you how everthing goes together and works.  I used a pre carve stock on my first rifle almost 50 yrs ago.I then moved on to a plank and have made some RR pipes, many side plates, T guards and butt plate,s  and assembled several Chambers kits. All this and I,m only a gun stocker, not a gun builder. A gun builder can do it all Lock,Stock and Barrel such as Gusler, House brothers ect. At times they will use some commerical parts if economics is a factor. Next project get a plank and go to work. All the help is here.

[PPatch]

Excellent outcome Pete. You can't do bad by a Kibler kit rifle and should be ready to take it hunting within your time frame. Glad for you, and congratulations on the forthcoming new family addition.

And, Welcome to ALR!

dave

[FDR]

Be sure to review the videos that J Kibler has on building the kit before you start. They are excellent!

Fred

[WadePatton]

Great learning experience all around here. Lotta lessons. Best of luck on getting it sorted out.

[little joe]

Pete, been wanting to mention in the future if you are  building from a plank a  brass butt plate is a lot easier to mount than iron. Iron was not used a lot on early longrifles yet everybody wants one and some are very nice, however harder to build. When your kit comes post some photos please as it will us know how much work is left for us.

[Nordnecker]

This has been a good thread, Grasshopper. You will be rewarded.

[Sweet Pete]

Thanks everyone. I've been watching Jim's videos and sharpening my chisels. Ill keep you all posted when the kit arrives!