Rifle Scabbards

[IngleGunLeather]

Well, my cowboy customer has mentioned him wanting a rifle scabbard made that he can mount to his saddle. I was just wondering if the were lined with anything other than leather? Like some form of padding? I think I'll snatch up the Will Ghormely pattern for this, but wanted to start working a quote and wanted to know if anything other than leather and buckles were needed. If anyone has ventured down this path I'd like some input.

Thanks,

Jason

[BIGGUNDOCTOR]

All of the ones I have seen are unlined.

I have a pile of scabbard blanks that were clicked out. They are mostly a russet color.

[katsass]

Well, my cowboy customer has mentioned him wanting a rifle scabbard made that he can mount to his saddle. I was just wondering if the were lined with anything other than leather? Like some form of padding? I think I'll snatch up the Will Ghormely pattern for this, but wanted to start working a quote and wanted to know if anything other than leather and buckles were needed. If anyone has ventured down this path I'd like some input.

Thanks,

Jason

From the old grump: I've made a few over the years and all of them are (were) unlined. I have a couple of old ones sitting in my shop - made back in the 20's or so - both unlined. Just determine if the scabbard will be facing foreword or backward. so that the attaching straps will be of appropriate length. Also check the location of the straps on the scabbard for balance of the rifle/carbine when in it. Mike

[rickybobby]

I have made several, both lined and unlined.

It seems customers that have bought a brand new gun want them lined.

I have lined those with inexpensive "upholstery" hides from Tandy's (smooth side out) they are available in many colors and work well. Plan you stitching around openings well before closing and sewing up, the edges need to be stitched. When glueing lining, fold the skirting first and apply the lining in the folded position. This eliminates all the wrinkles and "gathering" in the fold area.

BTW, Wills scabbard patterns are pretty narrow. Plan on adding a little is using thicker leather.

[IngleGunLeather]

Thanks for the inputs. I'm hoping he commissions me to start this soon. I think I'll use 6/7 oz for the skin and 4/5 oz for a liner. I saw one on Cabela's that is fleece lined, so I was just wondering what others may line their's with. I don't wana go that route, but will if he asks for it. And they also seem to be selling on the cheap. No way I'll make this thing for 75-100 bucks. My time will be more valuable than that.

[mlapaglia]

Make sure he understands that a fleeced lining will hold dirt to scratch the gun and moisture to make it rust. wool and fleece are not good ideas no matter how much the customer wants one.

[BIGGUNDOCTOR]

Is chrome tanned still a problem with causing rust on steel items, or have they cured that? I had heard to always use Veg tan for holsters, sheaths, etc so no rust from the tanning process.