Few build questions Kibler Kit

[CyrusP]

Morning everyone.  New guy here.  I am finishing up assembly of my Kibler SMR in .45 caliber and walnut stock.  Jim and Katherine have been awesome to work with.  A few questions please:  Do you all shoot the guns for a bit before metal and wood finishing?  I’m anxious to shoot it and also want to slowly improve the buttplate fit as my confidence grows.  (This part scares me a bit).  I might patina the metal.  I bought a big bottle from Jim Kibler but I might even brown it.  Should I finish the wood before taking it out to shoot?  No rain or snow planned.  Do you apply finish internally to mortises as well?  I assume so.

While ordering .440 and .445 balls and patching, I ordered 2 books I always heard were recommended.  I actually own the Art Of Building..... book already but darned if I can find it so what’s another $25.00?    I’m lucky to live less than 90 minutes from Dixon’s and consider it one of my “Happy Places”.  Been to the Fair twice now and it’s a slice of Heaven to me. 

Thanks in advance for your help and for this amazing web site.

[Bob McBride]

Welcome, and you got a good'un.

Lots of guys take them out to shoot still in the white. No problem there. As a matter of fact I know a few guys who took them out to shoot before stain and metal finishing 20 years ago and still haven't finished them....

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

As anxious as I am to shoot a new rifle, I have never ever shot them prior to completely finishing, especially the wood.  You will introduce all manner of dirt and oils to the wood that will not be easy to remove prior to applying finish. The metal finish is different.  It is easy to re-prepare iron or brass for finish.  It's your call of course.

[Bob McBride]

...and there you go. All possible answers. Of course if you do shoot it in that state,  take some care...

[CyrusP]

Good points all.  I will very likely finish the wood prior to taking it out.  Thanks!

[flehto]

I always function fire my builds before applying stain and finish...seems like the logical thing to do.....Fred

[Eric Krewson]

I have done it both ways, on my first I was eager to see how it functioned and shot it in the white, I shot #2 with the stock finished but not the metal, all the rest I finished completely before I took a shot.

[Cory Joe Stewart]

As to your other question, there is no need to stain inside the mortices.  It is also something that was not done historically.  I do get at least one coat of oil inside of mortices though, including the barrel channel.  Some don't. 

Cory Joe Stewart

[Jim Kibler]

Looks like you are doing a fine job, Cyrus.  You've been getting some good advice here as well.  Not sure I would endorse the one of the books you show, however.  Beware of self-proclaimed experets...

Jim

[Scota4570]

Deft spray can sanding lacquer will seal the wood.  It dries in 15 min.  It sands like a dream.  Stain before you use it.  You may not need/want stain on walnut.  I use it as a grain filler/ sealer and put other finishes on top.  Just sand down to the wood before applying other stuff.

I would not shoot it with unfinished clean dry wood.   

[Mick C]

Very nice job on the assembly.  And welcome to the forum!

[Mike Brooks]

Looks like you are doing a fine job, Cyrus.  You've been getting some good advice here as well.  Not sure I would endorse the one of the books you show, however.  Beware of self-proclaimed experets...

Jim

You are far more the diplomate than I am.