Question for the group - Kibler Build thread, end to end...

[Kingsburyarms]

All,

With Jim's kits hitting the streets and some fantastic samples are showing up, is there any interest in an "end to end" build of the kit (Especially for beginners)? or are the existing kit threads sufficient?  - I received a kit (Walnut .36 cal) and I'm just starting. Happy to do a step buy step thread (from a beginner point of view) as a reference for others.

Thoughts on a thread - or is it already covered?

Thanks,

Jon (Kingsbury) 

[mountainad82]

Jon,
I would certainly love to see a step by step of the Kibler Kit build.

Adam

[Frank]

I think that is a good idea. Jim provides excellent written instructions, but a step by step with pictures would only make it that much better. Many people are visual learners.

[wattlebuster]

Get er done

[Mike Brooks]

I'd let Jim do that so you can see how he recommends to properly build the gun. Or, maybe you should ask him if he wants you to do something like that with his product. I know there are people out there that I wouldn't want doing a step by step on one of my kits....

[Boompa]

   I think showing pictures from the perspective of a beginner is a good idea but the genuine "how to" instruction should be left to Mr. Kibler.  From what I've seen posted these kits assemble in 2-3 days. I'm no pro and am a slow-poke but I've spent that much time cutting a stock and fitting a butt plate.

[Kingsburyarms]

I'd let Jim do that so you can see how he recommends to properly build the gun. Or, maybe you should ask him if he wants you to do something like that with his product. I know there are people out there that I wouldn't want doing a step by step on one of my kits....

That's fair and I agree - Ill ask Jim if I can assist - I would hate to "do it wrong" Excellent observation -

[Doc]

I'm quite sure I am going to do it wrong!!!   But I can't wait to try 

Doc

[GANGGREEN]

I'd let Jim do that so you can see how he recommends to properly build the gun. Or, maybe you should ask him if he wants you to do something like that with his product. I know there are people out there that I wouldn't want doing a step by step on one of my kits....

If I'm not mistaken, Jim mentioned that a video might be forthcoming on the build.  I get your point though, I was hesitant to post photos of my build because I wouldn't want anyone to find fault with Mr. Kibler's kit for the mistakes that I may have made.

[oldfireguy]

It's a great idea.  I'm right in the middle of a build and I'm an idiot when it comes to woodworking or metal work but I'm getting through it.  A video would be nice to help out those of us who aren't as handy as others.

[KC]

I'd like to see a build done by a beginner, mistakes and all.

[lentuk]

I would love to see it also, I need some incentive.

[Billy Mike]

As a ham fisted hack expecting a Kibler kit, I would love to see both a video and a Kibler approved thread, as I could ask questions and refer to the video.

I need all the help I can get.

[Jim Kibler]

Hi all, this is Katherine.  Jim is working with the class right now, and I'm sure he will chime in when he gets a chance during the evening.  I wanted to let you know that I have started my very amateur videos of Jim's Kit class at WKU.  I don't have the best video quality (a little shaky and a little bumpy) but it gets the job done.

It takes a little bit of time for my computer to process and upload the videos, but I will be adding to the youtube channel that I created for Jim on an ongoing basis. 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK-DUN4pHdQm-yeIDchwuzQ

Here are a couple of photos from day 1 of the class as well.





Thanks!!
Katherine

[WKevinD]

Katherine,
Once I watched the video I realized what I've been lacking in my file work, tongue work!

 

[GANGGREEN]

Thanks Katherine.  I got through my build and I'm thrilled with the result, but I would have really loved to have attended the class.  Maybe another kit and I'll attend the class next year to assemble and learn a few things.

[oldfireguy]

I was sweating bullets today drilling and tapping the lock but it worked.  The lock looks like the most expensive piece to replace if you screw it up.
 
The two videos that I looked at were perfect for what I needed to do today.  I've emailed Jim a few times with questions and he is always very helpful and quick to get back.   

[GANGGREEN]

Katherine,
Once I watched the video I realized what I've been lacking in my file work, tongue work!

 

Yeah, I thought the same thing....now I know exactly what I've been doing wrong, holding my mouth wrong.   

[Jim Kibler]

Hello everyone.  As Katherine mentioned, we are well into our NMLRA Gunsmithing Seminar kit building class.  Everyone is working hard and doing a great job.  We should have some finished guns to show in a few days.  One great aspect of the class is that it really allows me to see a large number of kits being assembled and helps identify any areas that need tweaked or adjusted.  They are going together well, but with a handful of adjustments they will be even better.

So, with this in mind, if anyone comes across any issues, please don't hesitate to let me know.  We're working on a number of process upgrades right now as well.  These include CNC machining the lockplate castings and breech plugs.  This should allow even easier fitting.  Thanks goes to Jim Chambers and Jason Schneider for helping with this.  We have a really good product, but I'm probably more than a little obsessed with making it as good as it possibly can be.

Thanks for sharing your gun, Gangreen.  You did a fine job!  That's quite a piece of wood as well.  It was good to read about and see your progress. 

Thanks everybody for all the support. 

Jim

[mossyhorn]

Well fellows I'm in the class and we're all working hard and learning a lot from Jim. He and Katherine are an absolute pleasure to work with as they are very helpful with all of us and especially us newbies. Jim guides us through precision fitting of all the parts  including woodworking.
Today I disassembled  and assembled my first lock along with fitting the lock correctly, and attaching the tang to the trigger and installing the trigger guard. He shows use how to correct our mistakes that would otherwise reflect on the outcome of the project. Overall this is a great learning experience that will transfer to any build. This kit is a great way to get an outstanding mountain rifle with the finest of parts and hardware at an incredible price.

[GANGGREEN]

Well fellows I'm in the class and we're all working hard and learning a lot from Jim. He and Katherine are an absolute pleasure to work with as they are very helpful with all of us and especially us newbies. Jim guides us through precision fitting of all the parts  including woodworking.
Today I disassembled  and assembled my first lock along with fitting the lock correctly, and attaching the tang to the trigger and installing the trigger guard. He shows use how to correct our mistakes that would otherwise reflect on the outcome of the project. Overall this is a great learning experience that will transfer to any build. This kit is a great way to get an outstanding mountain rifle with the finest of parts and hardware at an incredible price.

I wish I could have been there this year.  I've built a few guns before, but I find learning to do things the right way makes life so much easier and I guarantee that I'm still doing a few things the hard way.  Maybe if Jim has the class again next year I'll be able to purchase another kit and attend.