Author Topic: Jim Kibler Colonial Kit  (Read 15808 times)

DHS

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Jim Kibler Colonial Kit
« on: April 27, 2018, 11:00:51 PM »
Got my Colonial kit today and have to say it is pretty darn impressive.  Looks like most of the parts are plug and play with only a couple needing a pass or two with a chisel to finish the inletting.  All brass parts are wax cast.  I went with the top grade wood and it is solid curl.  The stock is extremely well shaped with little to no extra wood and is much, much better shaped than the typical pre-carve.  The barrel will need draw filing which is to be expected.  Don't know what else to say other than it is top shelf.  Even the shipping container is a work of art with much of it made of 3/4 inch plywood.  If you have had any concerns about ordering one my $.02 says do it.  I did find one problem.  A finishing nail is included to be used as a rivet for the ram rod cap.  My nail has a slight curve to it.  I suspect I will be able to straighten it without too much trouble.  :-)  Great job Jim and Katherine.   

Offline Dave Marsh

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Re: Jim Kibler Colonial Kit
« Reply #1 on: April 27, 2018, 11:38:54 PM »
I am a +1 on what you said DHS.  I got mine today as well.  I got the patchbox and top grade wood.  The curl is beautiful.  I was impressed with the shipping container too.  The thing that surprised me also is that the shipping box made it through the postal system and it was in perfect condition with no marks, splinters  or damage.  My mail lady said another gun......your wife must be a saint!!!!  I explained to her what it was and she was quite impressed as she lives in Pennsylvania and her husband hunts with a flintlock.  Sadly my nail was straight as an arrow so less work for me. ;D  Jim and Katherine are a great team and a pleasure to deal with. 8)

Dave
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Offline Jeff Durnell

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Re: Jim Kibler Colonial Kit
« Reply #2 on: April 28, 2018, 12:25:57 AM »
Pics please!?!?

Offline Jim Kibler

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Re: Jim Kibler Colonial Kit
« Reply #3 on: April 28, 2018, 01:20:16 AM »
Thank you.  We've been shipping like crazy lately.  It feels good to finally have the process up and going at 100%.  This has really been an enormous project.  We've put many months of work into it and I'm tired!

We have some pretty uncompromising standards and those are difficult to meet, but I think we've done just that.  I could list all the features and what makes these rifles special, but I'll just let the product speak for itself.

We've done things on this kit to make things even easier for the builder and have plans to keep improving so there are even fewer pitfalls.

We are able do a tremendous amount of precise work at an extremely affordable price by using technology.  Technology isn't always cheap or easy to adapt to 18th century designs, but we've proven it can be done.  People are always questioning how to involve younger generations.  I may be biased, but believe this is more the key than anything...  Provide a high quality product that can be assembled with little previous skill.  Something that doesn't take months of research and work.  And the nature of work required being well within the abilities of most individuals.

So,thanks again for all the positive comments and support.  Thanks for all the pre-orders and thanks for being patient with delivery.  I have assembled a few rifles and will post pictures when I can.  We love to see others work as well, so please share as you make progress.

All the best,
Jim

Offline ScottH

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Re: Jim Kibler Colonial Kit
« Reply #4 on: April 28, 2018, 07:58:00 PM »
Will be fun to see the pictures when some of these get finished.

Offline Frank

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Re: Jim Kibler Colonial Kit
« Reply #5 on: April 28, 2018, 09:11:02 PM »
Mine was supposed to be shipped yesterday. Anxious to get it.

Doc

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Re: Jim Kibler Colonial Kit
« Reply #6 on: April 29, 2018, 07:15:10 AM »
Yup, plus 2 here.  Got a 50 cal and a 54 cal kit.  Will be a while before I start either, but will mirror what others have said.  Both wood are the high curl and are beautiful.  As long as Jim keeps coming up with these kits, I will keep building them.  It is my peaceful time.  I am on call 24/7, so with the kits, it is easy to work 30 min here, an hour there, not stress over architecture as I know it is correct.  I know things will go together and be functional, so I can just enjoy taking my time and making it as good as I can. 

Only difference I would post from the other accounts is that my Post Office was successful at bashing up the case.  I am very glad they package them as good as they do, since the plywood around 3 of the screws was torn loose.  Fortunately, the contents were still in tip top shape. 

Thanks Jim.  Keep up the good work.  Hoping for a fowler in the future!!

Thanks
Doc
« Last Edit: April 29, 2018, 07:19:13 AM by Doc »

Offline hanshi

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Re: Jim Kibler Colonial Kit
« Reply #7 on: April 29, 2018, 11:24:15 PM »
I'm still itching for one of Jim's SMR in .45.
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Offline mony

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Re: Jim Kibler Colonial Kit
« Reply #8 on: April 30, 2018, 01:28:35 AM »
“ People are always questioning how to involve younger generations.  I may be biased, but believe this is more the key than anything...  Provide a high quality product that can be assembled with little previous skill.  Something that doesn't take months of research and work.  And the nature of work required being well within the abilities of most individuals.“

Whether younger or older. I’m of the older generation but have had a longtime interest with little time available. Now I have some time, but not the kind of time it takes to develop the skills to build a firearm from scratch. Even most kit “builds” seemed daunting.
        I assembled the SMR of yours and learned a lot, but it was also very enjoyable. I made every possible mistake and had to fix it, occasionally twice. I know how to fix a split foreshock, how to peen an under lug so it won’t move, and what to do if the barrel pin goes in the correct hole on one side but does not come out at all on the other, along with many other minor missteps.
  Someone used the term”plug and play” for your kit, and that somehow seems appropriate. It is a testament to the prep work you have done in order to allow those of us with little skill, experience, or both, to thoroughly enjoy a taste of what you artists and craftsmen dine on. It just gets better. Thanks for that.
« Last Edit: April 30, 2018, 02:31:53 AM by mony »

Iktomi

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Re: Jim Kibler Colonial Kit
« Reply #9 on: April 30, 2018, 03:57:28 PM »
Jim, do you have any idea when the Colonial might be available in .58?

Offline Martin S.

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Re: Jim Kibler Colonial Kit
« Reply #10 on: April 30, 2018, 04:46:45 PM »
Also, when will double set triggers be available in .54?

Offline Silverfox

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Re: Jim Kibler Colonial Kit
« Reply #11 on: April 30, 2018, 07:43:54 PM »
Received my Colonial walnut stocked in 54 cal smoothbore last week, every thing looked good.  Hoping to have it ready to go for the smoothbore events at the NMLRA June shoot.  I would like to get the rifled version but holding out for when a version with set triggers is available.  Will see how the single trigger works out on the smoothbore. 

Offline Justin Urbantas

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Re: Jim Kibler Colonial Kit
« Reply #12 on: April 30, 2018, 11:29:08 PM »
Let's see some pictures guys.  I'm just going crazy here waiting for mine to show up.

Offline Jim Kibler

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Re: Jim Kibler Colonial Kit
« Reply #13 on: May 01, 2018, 04:53:44 PM »
Jim, do you have any idea when the Colonial might be available in .58?

We can now accept orders for .58 caliber.  This will make a really great handling rifle.  We don't have it listed on the website yet, but if interested just give us a call!

Thanks,
Jim

Offline Jim Kibler

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Re: Jim Kibler Colonial Kit
« Reply #14 on: May 01, 2018, 04:55:20 PM »
Also, when will double set triggers be available in .54?

It will be a while for the set triggers.  Sorry.  We can leave the trigger inlet off and you may be able to use a Davis set trigger. 

Thanks,
Jim

Offline Jim Kibler

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Re: Jim Kibler Colonial Kit
« Reply #15 on: May 01, 2018, 06:01:28 PM »
.58 caliber option has been added to our website.  https://kiblerslongrifles.com/collections/colonial-rifle-kit

Thanks!
Jim

Iktomi

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Re: Jim Kibler Colonial Kit
« Reply #16 on: May 02, 2018, 12:51:42 AM »
 Outstanding!  8)

.58 caliber option has been added to our website.  https://kiblerslongrifles.com/collections/colonial-rifle-kit

Thanks!
Jim

Offline Frank

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Re: Jim Kibler Colonial Kit
« Reply #17 on: May 02, 2018, 01:17:17 AM »
$#@*. Just received my 54 caliber yesterday. I talked to Jim about the 58 about two weeks ago and he said it was a ways off so I stayed with the 54. Anyway to get a 58 caliber barrel sent to me and I can return the 54??

Offline Jim Kibler

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Re: Jim Kibler Colonial Kit
« Reply #18 on: May 02, 2018, 01:28:57 AM »
Frank,

The 58 is still a ways off-- months.  We just found out that it will work with the kit, but we still have to get an order in and give Rice Barrels enough time to work them into their schedule and produce them.  This takes time.

If you were wanting to wait, we would be happy to exchange your barrel for you. 

Feel free to contact me directly at katherine@kiblerslongrifles.com or 440-670-7883 to discuss this more.

Thanks,

Katherine

Offline Craig Wilcox

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Re: Jim Kibler Colonial Kit
« Reply #19 on: May 02, 2018, 02:43:35 AM »
All ya'all (accepted plural for ya'll for this Southern boy recently transplanted to OHIO of all places!)
Anyway - ya'all are making me very envious.  My Herman Rupp kit is from another provider, and is supposed to arrive tomorrow.
Having gotten used to inletting for various centerfire firearms, I did get a kit with only the barrel channel and ramrod hole done for me.  But I do anticipate that building this new firearm will teach me - or give me the opportunity to learn - bunches of new stuff.  Good thing I am retired, and have the time available to do that.
Right here on the forum, I am learning just how much I do not know, and will have to learn.  So, keep posting, guys and gals - I gots larning ta do!
Craig Wilcox
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Offline Bigmon

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Re: Jim Kibler Colonial Kit
« Reply #20 on: May 02, 2018, 03:44:41 AM »
If Jim can exchange the barrels from 54 to 58, I assume they are the same profile?

Offline Jim Kibler

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Re: Jim Kibler Colonial Kit
« Reply #21 on: May 02, 2018, 03:30:57 PM »
If Jim can exchange the barrels from 54 to 58, I assume they are the same profile?

Yes, all calibers have the same exterior dimensions.

Jim

Offline Brian Jordan

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Re: Jim Kibler Colonial Kit
« Reply #22 on: May 02, 2018, 07:17:32 PM »
Jim, would .58 caliber smoothbore be an option as well?
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Offline Jim Kibler

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Re: Jim Kibler Colonial Kit
« Reply #23 on: May 02, 2018, 07:46:53 PM »
Yes .58 smooth bore can be ordered.

Jim

Offline stubshaft

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Re: Jim Kibler Colonial Kit
« Reply #24 on: May 02, 2018, 08:13:45 PM »
Jim,

What is the rate of twist for the .58?
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