Rifle buttstock pattern and type of leather

[AJ2018]

I am making a new pattern for my Browning x-bolt stainless stalker 30-06 sprg rifle buttstock leather and cartridge loop. I am very good at making the pattern however I have a question about the leather type:

 

A) what type of leather should I use that is not expensive (medium priced)??

BB) should I put a leather antique stain first then apply leather oil, and finish it with a sheen? 

I will share the full pattern in PDF after it's done for whoever is interested. The pattern I am making is precise because I am using AutoCAD and Photoshop. 

Cheers.

[micktx]

Hey AJ.  I use 5-7 ounce for my butt stock covers.  Mostly made of remnants I have hanging around.

Will be very interested in getting you pattern.  Here's a sample of what I do.

[AJ2018]

3 hours ago, micktx said:

Hey AJ.  I use 5-7 ounce for my butt stock covers.  Mostly made of remnants I have hanging around.

Will be very interested in getting you pattern.  Here's a sample of what I do.

This is my initial Progress still have to do the cartridge loop and and Oval pattern shape that connect the knob behind the trigger to the rest of the material. over all lets see what you guys think.

x-bolt-leather-Buttstock_Rev1.pdf

[Halitech]

7 hours ago, AJ2018 said:

I am making a new pattern for my Browning x-bolt stainless stalker 30-06 sprg rifle buttstock leather and cartridge loop. I am very good at making the pattern however I have a question about the leather type:

 

A) what type of leather should I use that is not expensive (medium priced)??

BB) should I put a leather antique stain first then apply leather oil, and finish it with a sheen? 

I will share the full pattern in PDF after it's done for whoever is interested. The pattern I am making is precise because I am using AutoCAD and Photoshop. 

Cheers.

Some will say no chrome tanned leather, some will say veg tanned will absorb water. If you are planning on tooling, it will have to be veg tanned.

Steps I follow:

cut out

tool

stain or dye

resist if using antique

antique

oil

apply top finish

assemble

Some will line them, some won't, your personal preference on that

Edited February 11, 2018 by Halitech

[TinBadgeLeather]

I do the same thing (veg tanned) as Halitech other than dipping it in 50/50 Resolene and water. After its thoroughly dry I then put the eyelets in and then lace it. The Resolene will gum up the eyelets at times and it's a bear to get the laces through! 

[TinBadgeLeather]

[micktx]

Thanx AJ.  I think you will find experimenting with what others do and your ideas will result in fit and finish you want.  Will be very interested to see what you come up with.

[AJ2018]

Great work guys keep it going. Thumbs up

[AJ2018]

here is an Elk-Head-Pattern modeled using Photoshop for those who are interested to use it.

Elk-Head-Pattern.pdf

[Aresioh]

I too am making butt cover, and 1) I'm having trouble with the bullet loops. Im having a hard time pulling the trigger on design  2) scared that the eyelet will scratch the stock. Has anyone ever had seen wear the eyelet scratches the wood?