Jim Kibler: Any news on the "new" rifle kit?

[fstreed]

I also would like to see you offer a Fowler.

[Dave Patterson]

I vote for Lehigh!

Same here:  I'd sure like to see what that'd turn out like!

[Karl Kunkel]

Dang Jim,

Drool on the key board.  Need to start saving money.

[Hemo]

Masters of the guard, buttplate and ramrod pipe made from high density polyurethane foam board (butterboard).

Not to change the topic of your new offerings (which I anticipate with a great deal of interest!), but your high density polyurethane foam board material is very intriguing--I'm currently making masters for a pierced sideplate and ornate thumbpiece using jeweler's wax, to be cast using Delft clay, but I'm not very satisfied with the wax material I'm using--fragile, hard to sculpt, tends to break--wonder if the "butterboard" would work better? What tools do you use to shape it?

Good luck with your projects!

Gregg

[J. Talbert]

Jim,

Those photos are very enticing.  No doubt it is going to be another great addition.

As for future projects...  A good Lehigh kit would be an awesome addition, and fill a big void.  They have some unique and difficult architecture and they are very distinctive and attractive, even left plain.  Just my thoughts on it.
Jeff

[Scota4570]

Masters of the guard, buttplate and ramrod pipe made from high density polyurethane foam board (butterboard).

Not to change the topic of your new offerings (which I anticipate with a great deal of interest!), but your high density polyurethane foam board material is very intriguing--I'm currently making masters for a pierced sideplate and ornate thumbpiece using jeweler's wax, to be cast using Delft clay, but I'm not very satisfied with the wax material I'm using--fragile, hard to sculpt, tends to break--wonder if the "butterboard" would work better? What tools do you use to shape it?

Good luck with your projects!

Gregg

I'm interested too.  Jim's steel cast parts are the best I've used.  The finish is so good that the file marks from removing the tiny parting line roughen them.  The main finish is about like an egg shell.  No wrinkles, no flaws, just perfect all over.  All that is needed is a quick pass with #240 polish-o-ray and scotchbrite. 

Scot

[Bob Roller]

Invest in a #8 cut file.According to Baiter file in Switzerland they have 233 teeth per inch
Bob Roller

[oldtravler61]

   Jim know matter what you decide to do. I'm quite sure you will have a happy bunch of customers.
  Looking forward to seeing what you bring to the CLA show.  Oldtravler

[Jim Kibler]

Masters of the guard, buttplate and ramrod pipe made from high density polyurethane foam board (butterboard).

Not to change the topic of your new offerings (which I anticipate with a great deal of interest!), but your high density polyurethane foam board material is very intriguing--I'm currently making masters for a pierced sideplate and ornate thumbpiece using jeweler's wax, to be cast using Delft clay, but I'm not very satisfied with the wax material I'm using--fragile, hard to sculpt, tends to break--wonder if the "butterboard" would work better? What tools do you use to shape it?

Good luck with your projects!

Gregg

Gregg,

The buterboard is good stuff.  I use ordinary wood working tools to shape it; gouges, chisels, saws, sandpaper etc.  You can purchase it from McMaster Carr as well as other places I'm sure.  Not cheap but good. 

Thanks again everyone.

Jim

[J Hollis]

Jim - will this new rifle bear any resemblance to your #4 rifle on your web site?  It's one of my favorite contemporary rifles.  Either way I'm looking forward to seeing the next kit!

Jamey

[SingleMalt]

Perhaps some of the patterns pictured could be cast on yellow brass?

[autodidact]

Take my money now for a fowler kit of the quality I experienced with your SMR!!  But then, you're gonna get my money for just about any kit you produce.  Keep up the stellar work.

[Jim Kibler]

Jim - will this new rifle bear any resemblance to your #4 rifle on your web site?  It's one of my favorite contemporary rifles.  Either way I'm looking forward to seeing the next kit!

Jamey

Jamey,

Thanks.  It will probably have some similarities.  Hard to completely break old habits!

[Jim Kibler]

Perhaps some of the patterns pictured could be cast on yellow brass?

This new rifle will only be available with brass mounts.  The 17th century mounts were for a project that I've put aside and not yet complete.  Someday...

[Percy]

A 20 gauge fowler kit would get my vote.

Percy

[tddeangelo]

Lehigh and Bucks both would be cool.

A smooth rifle option with the kit going 54 and up would be REALLY cool.

Fowlers....sure. That'd be pretty interesting as well.

Really helped, didn't I? lol

[TN Longhunter]

After three pages of replies, I'm sure whatever you produce will have plenty of buyers. The quality and ease of completing will sell the kits. While everyone has their favorite style and hopes you produce it, build what will sell, keep you in business and producing different types down through the years.
Look forward to the next kit.

[Matt / PA]

Swap out the round faced english lock for a Chamber's Dale Johnson on the new one and take my money! 

[rich pierce]

If I were planning a high quality kit I'd be considering what the market is and what's already available. Of course being able to use an existing high quality lock is almost a requirement , as well as an existing profile barrel. I'd rule out anything that really requires engraving to look good or right, because some of the market for an easy to assemble kit will be inexperienced builders.

Smooth rifles seem hot now and are fun and versatile. I'm not sure what the Hawken market is. I believe a relatively inexpensive trade gun in 24 or 28 ga with a really light barrel would sell really well, but it might not need this quality of kit offering. English walnut is out, perhaps, so that may limit options. As far as military guns are concerned, the Bess is the most desirable but I am not sure who wants one if they do not re-enact Rev War events.

In considering such things I have to try to get away from what I like and try to gauge what will be eagerly received.

[Jeff]

Like some of the others that have replied...... I would like to see a Lehigh. It is such a graceful and beautiful gun.

Jeff

[Jim Kibler]

Thanks for all the great input, guys.  Lots of stuff to consider.  I'm heavy into the Colonial rifle kit project and it's coming along well, but all this takes a lot of time.  It still looks like things will be ready to go with it later this fall.  A lehigh would be a neat project.  Lots for me to learn with them, though!

All the best,
Jim

[elkhorne]

Jim,
Looking forward to whatever you develop over time. A Lehigh would be great and since I have been studying them for several years, consultation with Lehigh experts like Allen Martin, Eric von Aschwege, Ron Gabel or Eric Kettenberg would incorporate those Lehigh characteristics that no one else in the current market provides and only can be found on custom rifles by some of those mentioned. these men have seen and held many of the surviving Lehighs and know the unique characteristics this school is known for. That would be something no one else has ever offered. you could also offer it in a rifled and smoothbore version and possibly a octagon to round barrel for weight. Just some ideas as which i know you have heard from many but who knows - from ideas come earth breaking new kits that most could never afford from a custom builder. Thanks and good luck.
elkhorne

[Hemo]

Thanks for all the great input, guys.  Lots of stuff to consider.  I'm heavy into the Colonial rifle kit project and it's coming along well, but all this takes a lot of time.  It still looks like things will be ready to go with it later this fall.  A lehigh would be a neat project.  Lots for me to learn with them, though!

All the best,
Jim

I second what Elkhorn said--a Lehigh would be beautiful-- I just built one about a year ago after a good deal of study of the school. A different beast, from carving to architecture! I made mine with an octagon to round barrel in  .50 caliber, to duplicate a John Rupp attributed rifle, using photos from the KRA Lehigh DVD as a guide. Very graceful and light. I agree with the option for a "smooth" rifle.

Gregg

[utseabee]

Looking forward to the new kit. I love big rifles.

[JLBSparks]

Another vote for Lehigh. I think I'm starting to see a pattern develop here.

   -Joe