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Posted: 7/24/2019 8:33:09 AM EDT
[#1]
In my own research towards assembling a kit I discovered Bill Raby on YouTube. He has built a few while documenting his work.
Here's his channel |
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Posted: 7/24/2019 9:13:32 AM EDT
[#2]
^thank you for that info. He does a series on the Tennessee rifle kit from track of the wolf....which is one of the kits I’ve been looking at. So the information is there if I want to take a chance!
Good deal of investment on a box of parts that can easily be screwed up though, which is why I’m slightly hesitant. |
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Posted: 7/24/2019 9:39:53 AM EDT
[#3]
The Kibler rifle is a better choice for the first gun.
The Lyman kit would be another good choice, resulting in a good gun representative of plains rifles. Then get to Friendship to figure out what else you need! |
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Posted: 7/24/2019 10:34:33 AM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The Kibler rifle is a better choice for the first gun. The Lyman kit would be another good choice, resulting in a good gun representative of plains rifles. Then get to Friendship to figure out what else you need! I’m not familiar with the Lyman...is that the brand or style of rifle? What is a little confusing to me(I think I need to do more research) is the different styles of flintlocks. It was easier back when I thought there were only a few “styles” Kentucky/Pennsylvania, etc. now I see that there are many different variations. Is friendship another supplier? I’ve been looking at Dixie, track of the wolf,possibleshop, and crazycrow. |
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Posted: 7/24/2019 12:38:42 PM EDT
[#5]
I'd like to build a kit myself, then I think about the CVA Kentucky rifle kits my dad built in the 70s. Each one has the scars of the failed attempts to properly drill the hole in the stock for the barrel tenons. I don't trust myself for that part of assembly. I'm getting into woodworking in general and hope to get some more skill and confidence and do a kit one day.
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Posted: 7/24/2019 1:39:48 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Any reason why the Kibler would be the better first rifle? I’m not familiar with the Lyman...is that the brand or style of rifle? What is a little confusing to me(I think I need to do more research) is the different styles of flintlocks. It was easier back when I thought there were only a few “styles” Kentucky/Pennsylvania, etc. now I see that there are many different variations. Is friendship another supplier? I’ve been looking at Dixie, track of the wolf,possibleshop, and crazycrow. |
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Posted: 7/24/2019 1:46:58 PM EDT
[#7]
ummm long time flint lock shooter/builder here.
No offense meant but with the questions you're asking any of these flint kits may be a bit over your head. check out this forum,a bunch of opinionated farts but most are very knowledgeable. https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/ |
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Posted: 7/24/2019 4:15:51 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
ummm long time flint lock shooter/builder here. No offense meant but with the questions you're asking any of these flint kits may be a bit over your head. check out this forum,a bunch of opinionated farts but most are very knowledgeable. https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/ |
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Posted: 7/24/2019 4:30:57 PM EDT
[#9]
Thank you for all of the responses.
I think I’m heavily leaning towards the Kibler colonial rifle at this point. In the last few weeks I’ve watched most of his videos on YouTube, and on top of liking what he’s offering for sale, I’d be happy to support a guy like him. I’m new to flintlocks, not new to firearms or working with my hands. I don’t want to buy something and not be happy and wish I had spent a little more. I think the Kibler rifles are exactly what I’m looking for. I also forgot that I had looked at the Lyman rifles, along with the traditions rifles. Personally I quickly dismissed them(how I forgot I had looked at them) because of the 2 piece stocks. |
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Posted: 7/24/2019 4:43:16 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Any reason why the Kibler would be the better first rifle? I’m not familiar with the Lyman...is that the brand or style of rifle? What is a little confusing to me(I think I need to do more research) is the different styles of flintlocks. It was easier back when I thought there were only a few “styles” Kentucky/Pennsylvania, etc. now I see that there are many different variations. Is friendship another supplier? I’ve been looking at Dixie, track of the wolf,possibleshop, and crazycrow. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
The Kibler rifle is a better choice for the first gun. The Lyman kit would be another good choice, resulting in a good gun representative of plains rifles. Then get to Friendship to figure out what else you need! I’m not familiar with the Lyman...is that the brand or style of rifle? What is a little confusing to me(I think I need to do more research) is the different styles of flintlocks. It was easier back when I thought there were only a few “styles” Kentucky/Pennsylvania, etc. now I see that there are many different variations. Is friendship another supplier? I’ve been looking at Dixie, track of the wolf,possibleshop, and crazycrow. Lyman is the company that makes sights, reloading equipment, a few gunsmithing tools, and a few percussion and flintlock guns and kits. Pecatonica makes awesome stocks, and are more work to put together. The stocks are very close, but the forearm needs to be skinnied up and other details to make a correct gun. A Pedersoli, Traditions, or other Italian kit is okay for dipping in a toe. The TC Hawken kit is also a better choice and easy to assemble. My daughter worked on ours when she was 10. The best thing is to pile in without worrying about "school". Even those Italian guns will get you experience about putting the gun together, the lock maybe not. Log into American Longrifles to start learning, and go to Dixon's Gunmakers Fair at the end of the month if you are close enough. Buy Chuck Dixon's book about building a rifle. Read and then read it again later, it's full of great information despite it's old fashioned style on the surface. |
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Posted: 7/25/2019 8:20:04 AM EDT
[#11]
I am by no measure a craftsman, or an expert, but I did build a flintlock from a TVM kit a few years ago. I built an iron Early Virginian Longrifle. Mine turned out very nice, it looks good, and function is 100 %. Because I am not a craftsman there are no inlays, or carving on the stock. But I took care in finishing the wood, and trimming/shaping the stock. With whatever kit you get take your time an enjoy the ride. If I had it to do over again the only thing I would have done different is to have ordered the kit with a swamped barrel. While you are building study pictures of other rifles to help you get the shape and dimensions right, slimmer is better.
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Posted: 7/25/2019 3:41:25 PM EDT
[#12]
Have built three of Jim's kits. Just watch his videos. He has a full series on building both the SMR and the Colonial.
If I can do it, you can do it!! 
WOah, those are big pictures!!! But you can get an idea of the fit of the lock plate to the wood and such. Just immaculate. Doc |
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Posted: 7/25/2019 5:07:25 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Have built three of Jim's kits. Just watch his videos. He has a full series on building both the SMR and the Colonial. If I can do it, you can do it!! https://i.imgur.com/oCSrdbW.jpg https://i.imgur.com/S4cyQNx.jpg WOah, those are big pictures!!! But you can get an idea of the fit of the lock plate to the wood and such. Just immaculate. Doc Which grade of fancy maple is that? Thank you again for all of the info from everyone. I made a decision, and am grateful for the posts here and your help. |
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Posted: 7/27/2019 10:20:36 PM EDT
[#14]
Kiblers kits are far and away the finest crafted rifle kits to be had.
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Posted: 7/28/2019 11:09:12 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Kiblers kits are far and away the finest crafted rifle kits to be had. |
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Posted: 7/29/2019 10:46:51 AM EDT
[#16]
That was the top of the line on the maple. He has posted some truly amazing stuff, and may have some left, but I think you have to ask for it. You won't be disappointed.
I did keep telling myself through the project, however, "Go slow, take your time, don't make a 500 dollar rifle out of a 1000 dollar kit!!!!!" Doc |
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Posted: 7/31/2019 6:33:05 PM EDT
[#17]
Bending, go to americanlongrifles.org forums,in the gun builders section, you will find many people who have built jim's kits
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Posted: 8/1/2019 8:14:14 PM EDT
[#18]
Thanks doc and thanks varg!
Kit will be here this weekend, can’t wait. Thought about doing some engraving on the wood. Might save that for a future kit if I have enough fun with this one. I would imagine the risk of what you said doc skyrockets with attempting engravings. |
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Posted: 5/1/2020 10:53:02 PM EDT
[#19]
I'm interested in buying a Traditions flintlock Kentucky Rifle kit.
Basically I just want something to take for muzzleloading season, and to hang on my wall. I've built ARs and mausers, so I consider myself moderately skilled with building rifles. Is this a reasonable kit to buy and successfully build? |
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Posted: 5/2/2020 9:49:03 PM EDT
[#20]
If you want to have a rifle that actually looks like what was more or less common back then and have it be of very high quality, then save your pennies and get a Kibler kit. And they are about the easiest of the high quality offerings.
If you want something that just goes bang, and is cheap then look into one of the cheap offerings out there, usually Spanish made. AeroE above stated things quite accurately. |
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Posted: 5/2/2020 9:56:09 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By JupiterMaximus: If you want to have a rifle that actually looks like what was more or less common back then and have it be of very high quality, then save your pennies and get a Kibler kit. And they are about the easiest of the high quality offerings. If you want something that just goes bang, and is cheap then look into one of the cheap offerings out there, usually Spanish made. AeroE above stated things quite accurately. Looks like those are over 1200 dollars on their website. That's a lot more than I'm willing to pay. I've seen a few up close pictures, and I understand that the quality, fit and finish is pretty low, sort of like a cheap 10/22. |
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Posted: 5/4/2020 7:53:57 PM EDT
[#22]
A Kibler kit by a mile.
Now, if you are retired, bored, single, flush with some extra cash, and have some very nice workshop space, go any other route. If you are married & are looking for some excuse to be out in the shop, any other kit will accomplish that also :) Jim's kits are nice & pretty easy (compared to other kits) to finish. They are leaps & bounds ahead of where the old Track kits are at as regards what remains to be completed. I'll jump into a Track kit when I retire; As it is now, I do painstaking precision work 8 hours a day for a living. I don't feel like doing it again when I get home in the evening. |
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Posted: 12/24/2020 9:43:29 PM EDT
[#23]
Resurrecting an old thread, but I've been investigating this for a while and it is pertinent to my interests.
I really want a short, larger caliber like a Jaeger. Saw that the Rifle Shoppe has a fancy Jaeger and an 1800 Baker which would suit my needs and be a cool military arm. Anyone have any history with these kits? Looks like a little more work with rough castings. Not sure of the component fit. They are similar price to other quality kits. |
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Posted: 1/1/2021 7:37:18 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Resurrecting an old thread, but I've been investigating this for a while and it is pertinent to my interests. I really want a short, larger caliber like a Jaeger. Saw that the Rifle Shoppe has a fancy Jaeger and an 1800 Baker which would suit my needs and be a cool military arm. Anyone have any history with these kits? Looks like a little more work with rough castings. Not sure of the component fit. They are similar price to other quality kits. Ok, I have a set of Rifle Shoppe parts and they are VERY advanced parts kits. Also another issue with them is they are monumentally slow, think multiple years to get your order. I think Jim Chambers offers a quality Jaeger kit, which if he does will be a high quality kit, but will require a fair amount of work to finish. |
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Posted: 1/13/2021 1:39:23 PM EDT
[#25]
Kibler for beginners who want quality.
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Posted: 1/16/2021 10:14:34 AM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted: If you want to have a rifle that actually looks like what was more or less common back then and have it be of very high quality, then save your pennies and get a Kibler kit. And they are about the easiest of the high quality offerings. If you want something that just goes bang, and is cheap then look into one of the cheap offerings out there, usually Spanish made. AeroE above stated things quite accurately. I have a few TC Hawkens, they go bang. Looking for more authentic. |
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