Buckskin rifle scabbard

[Old-Mark]

I hope I'm in the right forum.  I have some good quality buckskin that I would like to make a mountain man rifle scabbard with.  Are there any patterns that I can use?  If not can someone give me advise/instructions on the best way to do so?

[sse]

I have book with a pattern in it, either for hide or wool, not sure which.  If I can find it, I'll dust it off and post it.

[rollingb]

I've always used the rifle (itself) for my scabbard "pattern",.... just lay your rifle on the buckskin, then fold the skin "LOOSELY" over the rifle (this will usually cover 1/2 the length of your rifle (unless you're using an elk hide or a horse hide).
Mark and cut the buckskin, then reposition whatever is left over, and mark and cut again.
This method will have a "seam" around the middle of of the scabbard.

You can sew any remaining "small scraps" of buckskin into the seams of your scabbard to be cut later for "fringe",... beadwork or quillwork can also be added after the scabbard is sewn together.
I especially like having some long fringe at the muzzle-end of the scabbard,... it gives me something to grab onto when pulling the scabbard off my rifle.
I also like to rub some of my bee's wax and bear oil concoction into my scabbards for additional water-proofing.

[sse]

You should show a few pics of yer work, rollingb...!  

[sse]

rollingb sent me this pick of one he made...horse hide.  Not sure how well buckskin would hold out...?

[rollingb]

Thanks Jimmieeeee,.... you should be gettin another pitcher soon with the rifle OUT of the scabbard.

[Old-Mark]

Appreciate the information.  Great looking scabbard.  I have a really nice smoked skin I got from a man out in Virginia.  This scabbard won't be for long term storage but for when I go hunting or shooting.  I'm not great with pictures but will do my best.  

I'm getting ready to make a walking/shooting stick.  A 5' piece of Iron Bamboo, thicker walled then other bamboo.  Rawhide lacing for the handle and a cow horn shooting rest for when I'm sitting.

[sse]

I got the pic, rollingb, but it seems to be in a different format...I'll get to it at some point.

[rollingb]

:rt th

Does the above pitcher look "blury" to you guys (it does to me),.... I'm still trying to figger out how to operate my new camera.  :oops:  

[sse]

Can't get that last file to upload and attach...little too exotic.

[Old-Mark]

Thanks for trying.  I think I am going to go with what rollingb suggested.

[HORNER75]

Buckskin rifle covers are neat to look at and popular in the Hollywood movies, but in reality, buckskin or any leather for that matter, draws moisture which means RUST!

Never store your gun(s) for long periods of time in any leather! .... I lined one of mine with cloth and I still had the moisture problem and now only use the buckskin covers on occasion to take the gun(s) to and from the range.

Rick

[rollingb]

Buckskin rifle covers are neat to look at and popular in the Hollywood movies, but in reality, buckskin or any leather for that matter, draws moisture which means RUST!

Never store your gun(s) for long periods of time in any leather! .... I lined one of mine with cloth and I still had the moisture problem and now only use the buckskin covers on occasion to take the gun(s) to and from the range.

Rick

Maybe if you live where it is pretty humid,..... but I've never had a problem with rust, and my Early Hawken stays in it's horse hide sheath 24/7 (except when I'm shooting it).

YMMV

[Old-Mark]

This will be a cover that I will use going to and from the range and when out hunting.  I have a much better system at home for long term storage.

[Uncle Russ]

Very sound advise, I think   :shock:

Anyway, long time storage is not a good idea in any kind of cover, IMHO
I thought at one time of storing guns in their covers in the Gun Safe to help prevent those inevitable "safe-dings" that's bound to occur....that was a bad idea, and it took me about four months to realize that mistake, but the damage was already done....even with a electronic dehumidifier in the safe!
But!....keep in mind these were padded commercial cloth and leather covers, and who's to say the dehumidifier didn't draw moisture from them that was already present when I put the guns away???

I wish Old-Mark the best in his choice for his "scabbard", it sounds like he's on the right track, and I would most certainly like to hear a little bit more about.... " Rawhide lacing for the handle and a cow horn shooting rest for when I'm sitting" for that shooting stick....maybe a new thread?  

Uncle Russ...