Another rifle

[gusd]

Outstanding!!! What else can be said?!!
Gus

[wbgv]

only takes 1 word.......W O W !!!!!

[bdixon]

If rifles were food, this rifle would scream FLAVOR!!!

[Tom Currie]

Jim, Very nice alteration of the Marshall trigger guard. I have one of those in my drawer just in case I figure out how to be creative with it someday. Wonderful creative carving. I like everything about it.

[leadslinger62]

I see a mistake on the Rifle....Never mind, just some drool from my Tongue on the screen!!! That, is an absolutely beautiful Rifle!!!!!!

[Flinter]

Jim

After looking at your rifle, I broke the good news that you are building me a flintlock like the # 1 possible George Shroyer rifle in “Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle…” to my wife, and she said you are an artist. I have a question. Will my rifle look as good as the one pictured? I can hardly wait.

Mike

[Kermit]

I keep coming back here!

And since you asked for questions, here we go:

Is the blank you used rift cut?

And when I finally opened my eyes and looked at the patchbox, it looks to me like the piece you used for the cover didn't come from the same stick. Isn't that burl or birdseye I'm looking at?

I've wondered lately about using such for a cover with an otherwise pretty plain chunk of wood.

[Jim Kibler]

Thank you once again everybody.  Don't worry, I realize some of the comments might be a little over the top!  I do appreciate the kind words and encouragement though. 

Tom Currie:  Glad you recognized what the guard started out as.  I worked it over pretty good, and was fairly happy with how it turned out.  Something a little different I guess.

Flinter:  Not sure how each rifle will turn out, but you can be sure I will give each my all!

Kermit:  Thanks for the questions.  The blank was pretty much slab sawn.  It came from Dick Miller and was very hard.  For me the harder the better when it comes to trying to execute detailed carving.  Your right about the box lid.  It is burl maple.  Thought it would be something different.  I've subdued it quite a bit with the finish to keep it from being too dramatic though. 

As I've mentioned before, it you think I may be able to help or have any questions, just ask.  I'd be happy to help.  No secrets here.

Thanks again,
Jim

[pathfinder]

That is one charming rifle(if quoting hershal house is ok.) I too feel that curly wood might have distracted from the overall workmanship of the piece. Seeing guns like this is the reason I stick to plane So. guns. I don't have the patience for that grand style of work. Outstanding!
 Do you use steel wool or scotch bright pads to lighten wear area's when using an acid stain? I've always mixed and made my stains in spirit style and haven't tried acid yet because I like to have control over the color. I come from a re-finishers background,that's why I ask.

[Dphariss]

It is a fine rifle.
Great carving and good lines.

DAN

[Daryl]

Stunning!

[Jim Kibler]

That is one charming rifle(if quoting hershal house is ok.) I too feel that curly wood might have distracted from the overall workmanship of the piece. Seeing guns like this is the reason I stick to plane So. guns. I don't have the patience for that grand style of work. Outstanding!
 Do you use steel wool or scotch bright pads to lighten wear area's when using an acid stain? I've always mixed and made my stains in spirit style and haven't tried acid yet because I like to have control over the color. I come from a re-finishers background,that's why I ask.

Thanks once again guys.

Pathfinder:   I sometimes use scotch bright pads to lighten an area a touch, and on this rifle I may have just a little.  Most of the contrast you see in the finish is created by darkening areas though.  This is mostly just soot worked into the finish.  I have also used a little red colorant to take the edge off the harsh black from the soot.  I would recommend giving the iron nitrate a try.  It really is easy to use and creates a finish that looks right.  There are a few people who create some decent results with the dye, but I still feel the iron nitrate is better.  If anyone would want some  iron nitrate to try remind me before a show such as  the CLA, Dixons etc. and I will give you some.  I have more than I will likely ever use.

Thanks again,
Jim

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

Jim,

When you say Iron Nitrate, I assume you are using Ferric Nitrate crystals from a chemical supply house. Is the at correct?  How did you measure and what concentration of Ferric Nitrate Crystals to distilled water did you settle on?   One or more coats??

Thanks

[Jim Kibler]

Jim,

When you say Iron Nitrate, I assume you are using Ferric Nitrate crystals from a chemical supply house. Is the at correct?  How did you measure and what concentration of Ferric Nitrate Crystals to distilled water did you settle on?   One or more coats??

Thanks

Guess I should have been a little more clear.  This is iron nitrate made from nitric acid, water and iron.  I have never tried the ferric nitrate crystals; although, I have heard good resulsts from others.  Just to avoid confusion, generally aqua fortis, nitric acid, iron nitrate and ferric nitrate refer to basicaly the same final product.  I would guess a solution made from the ferric nitrate crystals may be a little lower in residual acidity, however.  The solution I use started out as a 20% concentrated nitric acid / water solution.  This solution probably had about as much iron added as it would eat, without forming a precipitate on the bottom of the container.  I usually use a couple coats, but most of the color results from the first coat.  Hope this helps!

[jwh1947]

Pure beauty.  This is obviously not the first time you carved a piece of nice wood.  Did you have some experiences with this prior to becoming a gunbuilder? 

[PIKELAKE]

That is one beautiful rifle. You have a very special talent and Mr. C is a very lucky and very smart man to get that baby. Are you sure you are from planet earth? Oh, I like the flats on the entry pipe finial. Little things like that separate the men from the boys.

[bob in the woods]

I am wondering re your technique when carving. Do you stab / cut with a knife,  etc or use a v gouge to outline. I tried to do mine per W. Gusler, but seem to get better results following H.House's method.
What ever you do, yours is about the cleanest carving I've ever seen. Awesome!

[Jim Kibler]

Thanks another time!

jwh1947:  No didn't have any experience wood carving prior to building guns.  I have taken a couple of the WKU gunsmithing seminar classes on stock carving.  I learned a lot in these and would definitely recommend them.

bob miller:  I mostly use the stab-in method to outline the carving.  I had been using a combination of stab-in and a knife and thought it worked best for me, but I know am starting to believe the more that can be stabbed in the better for this type of carving.  I don't use a v gouge for outlining, although I have found it useful to do veining in leaves etc.

[nthe10ring]

Jim that is a wonderfull gun and super clean carving, the whole thing just works. I swear when I look at that tang and entry thimble carving and its execution and detail it reminds me so much of John Bivins style. Over the years I had the opportunity to watch ol John work his magic and I can tell you your spot on.
You have definitely expanded and developed your own style and your work has become instantly recognizable to me. I'll be looking forward to your future projects . Once again, outstanding job on the gun.

Jerry Fisher

[fullcircle]

WOW! Can it get any better than that? The work on this site is nothing short of AMAZING. I've got two lifetimes of improving to do.Thanks for the inspiration.

[dogcreek]

That's a stunning, absolutely beautiful rifle. I'd better quit looking at it or the drool might short out my keyboard. Congratulations.

[msblacksmith]

very much a wow !!