Question About Making A Rifle Case

[johnggrg]

I plan on making a rifle case and had a couple questions. What would be the perfect thickness of leather to use? Second would it be better to make it one piece or 3 pieces. I was thinking 3 piece. That way I wouldn't need a half hide to get the length. Any and all suggestions welcome. Also handle ideas needed. Please let me know. Thank you John

[oltoot]

I don't remember which one it is but one of the Al Stohlman books on casemaking includes some gun case approaches. Tandy carries them as do others.

[Dwight]

Personally, . . . I can't understand the 3 piece part, . . . one piece is how I do them, . . . plus handles if desired.

You can add pouches, mag carriers, handles, hanging straps, etc. But the basic rifle case is one piece of leather and either a button for an end opening one, . . . or a zipper for a side opening one.

May God bless,

Dwight

[camano ridge]

When you say three piece are you thinking of joining three pieces together to make the rifle case. THe picture below looks like multiple pieces of leather joined together, actualy it is one piece of leather with the tan suede overlaid. You can make a two piece that is essentially a scabbard with a top that attaches as in picture two.

Edited March 15, 2014 by camano ridge

[johnggrg]

Oh ok. I thought one like that was 3 pieces good to know didn't know that. Can't remember but I do think I have that book around here somewhere. But would be happy with any tips anyone who has made one can give. Always better to hear from people who have made one. Tips,things to avoid etc. I am making it for my scoped Mauser rifle. John

[Troy Burch]

If you find that book there's a section on how to build a form for scoped rifles, I built one and it works great.

[johnggrg]

What thickness of leather do you use for yours? John

[Colt W Knight]

The amount stitching required to fit three large piece of leather together FAR exceeds the cost of a piece of leather big enough to make a 1 piece case. I would use ~8 leather for a rifle case.

Here is picture thread I did about making my M4 case

http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=50568

[johnggrg]

Thank you Colt. That is one nice case. Alot of good information. Wow does that fur look thick. I want to make mine for my scoped Mauser bolt action rifle. I think for my rifle I might need to buy a side. I don't think a double shoulder will do it. But then again not sure. John