Kibler Fowler Kit — Step 1: Fitting Barrel and Tang to Stock

Video for this step: https://kiblerslongrifles.com/v/fowler-1. Woodsrunner video. The process is the same.

The stock can change dimensions slightly with changes in environment (humidity), so there is a slight possibility that some fitting could be required to fit the barrel. If so, a fine file held on edge can be used to slightly open up the barrel channel. Alternatively, abrasive paper can be attached to a flexible piece of metal.

It is a good idea to check the barrel-to-wood contact at the breech location with transfer color. Very little, if any, wood will need to be removed. It is very important that the breech position not change by any appreciable amount. Shaving a few thousandths to adjust the breech fit will not cause problems, but excessive wood removal will.

The tang inlet may require a very small amount of adjustment for the tang to fully seat. Use transfer color and shave or scrape the wood away until the tang is fully seated and the fit is perfect.

The barrel is held to the stock by underlugs, each secured with a pin through the stock. The stock and underlugs are already drilled for these pins, so no drilling is needed. With the barrel installed, file or grind a generous taper (lead) on the leading end of each pin, then tap a section of the included pin stock through the stock and underlug at each location, checking the fit as you go.