Another Fine Jim Kibler Rifle

[G-Man]

Well, I know I am stating the obvious here, but check out yet another superb rifle by our friend Mr. Kibler on the "Blogspot" today.....

I got to handle that rifle this past weekend, and I believe it is my favorite one he has done yet.  

In addition to the fine design and workmanship, it has an amazing piece of curly maple - the photos are excellent but you can't really see it in the photographs. I have never seen stripe that fine, yet so bold -  it looks like a miniaturized photograph of a piece of very bold, tight curl.

Maybe Jim will tell us more about the gun.  Just wonderful work.

Guy

[Jim Kibler]

Thanks Guy.  It was nice visiting with you at Lake Cumberland.  A little more about the rifle...  It's really not based on any particular original rifle.  The architecture is somewhat influenced by the early sliding wood box rifle Wallace attributes to Shenendoaha county Virginia.  The carving is a compelation of my own ideas and details from some European examples.  The rifle is 58 caliber.  I didn't want to wait for a custom barrel, so I profiled the exterior of this barrel myself.  It has a big breech and tapers rather quickly but doesn't have a lot of flare at the muzzel.  The barrel profile helps in acheiving the stock architecture which tapers pretty strongly in both directions from the breech area.  This architecture is similar to that seen on some fowlers and trade guns.  The wood is a good piece that originally came from Fredie Harrison and is stained with iron nitrate.  Not sure what I missed, but if you have any other questions just ask!

Thanks,
Jim

[Telgan]

Really a nice piece Jim. Flawless carving. Like the taper in both directions from the heavy breach. Did you profile the barrel by machine or by hand? Measurement at breach is? Tom

[Jim Kibler]

Tom,

If I remember correctly, the breech is pretty close to 1 1/8" and I think it's just a little over 3/4" at it's small point.  The shape of the barrel is similar to the attributed Shenendoaha County rifle I mentioned.  I profiled the barrel with a manual mill.  It's really not worth the trouble to do it yourself unless you are in a pinch for time.  I think I had about two or three days in the barrel.

[M Tornichio]

very nicely done Jim. I really like how you were able to get the two tone affect on the wood. Dark in the right areas and lighter where it really needs to be. Great carving also.
Marc

[Ken G]

Beautifully done!  The appeal is out of this world.  I love the color. 
Ken

[David G]

Jim, beautiful work. I especially like the seperation in the relief carving that you did here and there. A wonderful touch to a beautiful rifle.

[J. Talbert]

Jim,
You've captured the feeling of the original, but at the same time, far surpassed it for overall beauty and appeal.

Well Done!

Jeff

[B Shipman]

Fantastic carving both in conception and execution. And each of those teardrops is a tremendous amount of work.Great sense of style in the architecure.  Just top notch.

[Jim Kibler]

Thank you guys!  You're right Bill, those accents are a real pain in the ass.  For some reason I tend to do things that most people would have sense enought not to.  If anyone has questions or thinks I can help out, don't ever be afraid to ask. 

Thanks again,
Jim

[M Tornichio]

Jim, I am wondering what did you do to creat the darker areas in the stain on the stock. Did you work up multiple layrers of nitric acid in those areas, or did you darken with something else like lamp black? Turned our really nice!
ok I admit it I was too afraid to ask the first time around.
Thanks  man

[Jim Kibler]

Jim, I am wondering what did you do to creat the darker areas in the stain on the stock. Did you work up multiple layrers of nitric acid in those areas, or did you darken with something else like lamp black? Turned our really nice!
ok I admit it I was too afraid to ask the first time around.
Thanks  man

Hey Mark,

I darkened parts of the stock with lampblack (soot).  I'm not 100% happy how it turned out, but I guess it's ok.  A few things I've found with using the soot.  First is to get as much color as you can early in finishing process.  If the lampblack has a wood surface to grab onto it seems to work best.  If you wait until after a finish is built up, it doesn't seem to work as well.  Also I've had best luck by using very little finish with the lampblack.  Usually I'll take something like a soft 1" brush and just barely dampen it with finish and then dip it in the lampblack.  You can then work this onto the stock.  It really isn't too difficult.  I'm sure if you play with it you'll not have any trouble.  This is just what I did of course.  There are others who really excel at this stuff and I'm sure their methods are probably different.  Hope this helps.

Jim

[M Tornichio]

thanks for the tips Jim. I am going to do some experimenting on the two rifles that I am currently finishing up.

[bama]

Jim that is one of the best looking rifles I have ever seen by anyone. It is great to see a young man with your talent, I wish you a long and prosperous career my friend.

[Jim Kibler]

Don't mean to keep dragging this post on, but thank you Bama.  We had some good times at WKU didn't we?  Sure hope to see you around agian...  Take it easy.

-Jim