Kibler Southern Mountain Rifle Build: Day 1

The design of this kit is somewhat based on the historic work of Joseph Whitson from Western North Carolina.

I’ve never built a rifle, let alone from a kit. I’m not necessarily one to attempt such an undertaking as the idea of destroying a grand worth of parts causes me pause. The Jim Kibler kit here (a birthday gift from my wife) sat for over a year and a half as I waited for the right time and gumption to attempt it. Luckily or better said, blessed I was to have a good friend from the Muzzleloader group take me under his wing to give me the necessary instruction on various techniques, cautions and methods, true wisdom on the fitting and putting together of a flintlock. He’s a true gunsmith, who typically shapes the most beautiful rifles from raw timber, barrels and parts - all by hand. He applauded the Kibler kits, the ease of assembly, and boy the little guide jig for the drill. The perfection of these kits is remarkable and there is no competition I believe. If there’s anything close to this in historic accuracy, precision detail, fit, and quality, do share. The process was captured as much as possible on video, if anything for my benefit and those close to me so as to follow it again in building more kits from Jim Kibler Longrifles.

Enjoy these shots of the other days work and thanks for being a part of Folk Firearms Collective channel. Keep these traditions and history alive.@kiblerjim #flintlock #muzzleloader

We tremendously appreciate all of your support over the years. The Folk Firearms Collective is a husband and wife team comprised of Denny Ducet and Alina Aldobrando. Our goal is to preserve the passion, art, culture and traditions of the blackpowder community and the adventurous history behind it. Should we fail to immerse ourselves and educate each other in this rich history, posterity will wither and cease, leaving the younger generations to never experience the joy of such times. Join us as we disconnect from all the modern noise and chaos.

To support our channel, please feel free to become a channel member and gain access to exclusive content. All proceeds go to powder, ball, and associated accoutrements featured in our videos.

We humbly thank the Flathead Valley Muzzleloaders Club for their dedication to this craft, the land on which we shoot, and most importantly—their willingness to partake in this preservation of history. Of all the folks we’ve been honored to spend time with, these gents and gals are the greatest of our friends. We are forever grateful for their influence and education in our own lives through the course of our traditional muzzleloading journey.

Opening music: Shady Grove
Shake That Little Foot

Ending music John Hardy - Eric Weissberg 1962

Artisans and Craftsmen:
Should your work be featured in our videos, feel free to contact the channel so we may properly credit your work/art.

For those thinking the sight is “backwards”:

The man assisting me is renowned longrifle maker. I have a custom hand made Jacob Dickert and it’s the similar blade, same install. Find me a southern mountain rifle different. Every blade I’ve seen is this way.

Kibler, Pratt, House build;
http://www.contemporarylongriflefound...

https://brdhntr.com/2023/07/29/kibler...

https://www.jimkibler.net/customer-ki...

https://www.jimkibler.net/uploads/6/1...

Note original Joseph Whitson Rifle (zoom in): https://www.jimkibler.net/southern-mo...