Need Help: Rifle Scabbard / Case Liner

[Dwight]

I have a beautiful semi auto rifle that I want to make a case for it.

Holsters, belts, knife sheaths I can do, . . . this I'm having troubles getting the materials fixed in my mind.

I'm using veggie tan 8/9 for the outside, . . . but I want both a liner (I'm thinking suede), . . .and a "cushion" material between the suede and the outside.

If you have done this, . . . or have one you like, . . . I'd love to know what others are using for the insides.

Thanks in advance.

May God bless,

Dwight

[Hedge]

I have a beautiful semi auto rifle that I want to make a case for it.

Holsters, belts, knife sheaths I can do, . . . this I'm having troubles getting the materials fixed in my mind.

I'm using veggie tan 8/9 for the outside, . . . but I want both a liner (I'm thinking suede), . . .and a "cushion" material between the suede and the outside.

If you have done this, . . . or have one you like, . . . I'd love to know what others are using for the insides.

Thanks in advance.

May God bless,

Dwight

Dwight,

Just a recommendation not to use suede for a liner. It tends to collect dirt and will end up putting scratches on your rifle.

[Dwight]

Thanks, Hedge, . . . I guess I was so excited about getting started, . . . I didn't think it through.

Sometimes we can't see the forest, you know, . . . all these trees are in the way

Still don't have a real good answer, . . . may just go buy a commercial bag, . . . strip the guts out of it.

May God bless,

Dwight

[dirtclod]

I've made a few rifle scabbards and i lined them with 3 4 oz veg tan. I don't see any need for padding in one. If you hit something hard enough to damage the rifle i think your gonna have damage to. What ever you use on the inside or not use is gonna wear the blueing off the rifle.I agree that the suede is a bad ideal.

Edited February 5, 2011 by dirtclod

[Johnny B]

I have made several in the past and I line them with Saddle Shearling. The same stuff you line the bottom of saddles with. A full skin at Tandy's is about $68.00 I think. I can make 2 with one skin. The pile is like 7/8" thick so you have to allow for this.

Edited February 5, 2011 by Johnny B

[katsass]

I have a beautiful semi auto rifle that I want to make a case for it.

Holsters, belts, knife sheaths I can do, . . . this I'm having troubles getting the materials fixed in my mind.

I'm using veggie tan 8/9 for the outside, . . . but I want both a liner (I'm thinking suede), . . .and a "cushion" material between the suede and the outside.

If you have done this, . . . or have one you like, . . . I'd love to know what others are using for the insides.

Thanks in advance.

May God bless,

Dwight

Dwight, this grumpy old man has done a few as you describe. I use a heavy, soft (pre washed) denim fabric for my linings. A couple of pics are enclosed. The first is of an oooold Tandy pattern, the second is of one made for a friend and the last is made of a very heavy upholstery leather with veg tanned accoutrement's, for a lady trap shooter. These happen to be for shotguns but are similar to ones I'd do for rifles. The last two are my designs. For padding I use a 'fiber fill' batting.....available in differing thicknesses and sizes from a sewing supply joint. DO NOT use foam.....it'll dry out, crumble, and turn to little bitty bits of nasty stuff. Ask me how I know! Mike

P.S. I don't suggest that you use saddle shearling, it can absorb little drops of moisture and produce a nasty bunch of little orange spots all over your rifle. It looks good...but.....

Edited February 5, 2011 by katsass