Covering for lever action rifle levers

[skipj]

I'm looking for a better way to cover the lever of a Marlin 1884 rifle. I bought it used and it has a strip of leather wound spirally around the bottom of the lever. I doesn't look that great and tends to come unwound. I've seen a fold of leather sewn around the lever used with the bottom fringed, but that doesn't appeal to me either. I was thinking of braiding if that would work. I guess the idea is to cushion the shooters fingers and dress it up. It's just the bottom of the lever that's covered. Thanks in advance.

SkipJ

[Hidemechanic]

So, am I getting this right?, you want to cover the loop of the lever where your fingers go in to operate the lever?

If so there are different braids and lace you can use to cover the lever. Others will have to jump in on the how to. I've seen sailor's braid everything you can think of. You may want to go with a softer temper, wider lace for the effect you want. You can have tails if you want or tuck the tails for a finished look. Hope that's what you were asking.

At first I thought you were talking about the scabbard for levers and I have done different versions of those too, for guys looking for more securety when in the saddle.GH

[Jordan]

I think it would be mostly decorative and maybe cushion the shooters knuckles during the firing cycle. Don't know anything about braiding but I would guess you would need to be able to remove it for cleaning and preventing rust under the leather due to moisture retention. With a winchester 94 if the braid was anywhere but the lower part it would prevent the fire safety button from being pushed in far enough to allow it to fire. just another trivial gem from the recess of my mind. LOL Jordan

[gunfighter48]

The braiding is used on the lower part of the lever to do two things, padding for your fingers, and to fill up some of the space. Filling up the space makes the fit for your hand better, less room to batter your fingers. It also makes operation of the lever slightly faster and more sure footed (less waisted movement of you hand). The cowboy action shooters will take any advantage they can get. And after shooting all day anything that pads your fingers is a VERY good thing. Been there done that!!!

John

Edited January 30, 2008 by gunfighter48

[skipj]

Thanks for the reply's, I should have posted a picture on what I meant. It's like gunfighter48 said, just the lower part, away from the stock. I hadn't thought about rust under the leather, perhaps a less permanent solution is called for.

Thanks again,

skipJ

[gunfighter48]

Hi skipi,

I never had a problem with my lever gun rusting under the wrapping. But I used to take the wrapping off every couple of months and lube the lever, then rewrap it. Be sure to use veg tanned leather to wrap the lever. Other leathers, especially chrome tanned, will eat the finish off the guns.

John

Edited January 30, 2008 by gunfighter48

[Luke Hatley]

Hi skipi,

I never had a problem with my lever gun rusting under the wrapping. But I used to take the wrapping off every couple of months and lube the lever, then rewrap it. Be sure to use veg tanned leather to wrap the lever. Other leathers, especially chrome tanned, will eat the finish off the guns.

John

John Wayne did not have any Leather on his... and Johnny Yuma didn't on his either

dont want want none on mine....

[Jordan]

The Rifleman had a big ol lever probly wooda took a half a hide to cover it, oh wait.... maybe that was the porno he did, LOL oh no it was the son that did that, dang now I'm all confused!

[Hidemechanic]

Jonny Yuma!! Now that's one I wish they'd bring back!

[Luke Hatley]

"JOHNNY YUMA WAS A REBEL"

STARRING" NICK ADAMS"

MY FAVORITE........Josh Randal...........

with the Mares Leg...... he needed no leather wrap!