[LongBaller71]

Since I purchased my first single action revolver I had the idea of turning a late 1800s suitcase into a gun case. Given that the cowboy era was what they reminded me of; and the fact that I can't walk around sporting a double holster rig, I wanted a case that looked the part. The problem I ran into was finding a suitcase in a condition that was good enough to actually use that didn't cost more than both my single actions combined. I used to see these things at sales and antique shops for next to nothing; at least until I wanted one. So it seemed to me that I had one option .... Make one from scratch.

The case is 17"x12"x6" od and 16"x11"x5" id approximately. I used all heavy veggie tanned tooling hide in 6-8 oz. It has a cardboard base form which the leather was wrapped and attached. It was all hand stitched as well. I made the handle by wrapping a 1/4" aluminum rod that I bent to shape. I definitely learned a ton with this project. I would rearrange a few steps in the process next time around to quicken it up and save some headaches along the way. I would have definitely built a seperate interior form and lined that then installed it before putting in any rivets. All in all I'm super happy with it. Now to get it oiled up or waterproofed. Not 100% sure what I'm going to treat it with yet.

[c3shooter]

REALLY pretty work there! Great job!

[Mosin]

Awesome work! And were glad to see you back here!!!

[Rick1967]

Wow. That turned out really nice. Great Job.

[gunsmoke11]

Originally Posted by LongBaller71

Since I purchased my first single action revolver I had the idea of turning a late 1800s suitcase into a gun case. Given that the cowboy era was what they reminded me of; and the fact that I can't walk around sporting a double holster rig, I wanted a case that looked the part. The problem I ran into was finding a suitcase in a condition that was good enough to actually use that didn't cost more than both my single actions combined. I used to see these things at sales and antique shops for next to nothing; at least until I wanted one. So it seemed to me that I had one option .... Make one from scratch.

The case is 17"x12"x6" od and 16"x11"x5" id approximately. I used all heavy veggie tanned tooling hide in 6-8 oz. It has a cardboard base form which the leather was wrapped and attached. It was all hand stitched as well. I made the handle by wrapping a 1/4" aluminum rod that I bent to shape. I definitely learned a ton with this project. I would rearrange a few steps in the process next time around to quicken it up and save some headaches along the way. I would have definitely built a seperate interior form and lined that then installed it before putting in any rivets. All in all I'm super happy with it. Now to get it oiled up or waterproofed. Not 100% sure what I'm going to treat it with yet.

You did a beautiful job on that case. I have a number of cases for my guns, but today those making them have become more scarce and more expensive. This case made by a California company is almost exactly the same on the outside as yours, except mine is canvas. Mine also includes straps. Sorry I didn't have a photo of it. The interior of mine obviously has compartments for a specific gun and accessories in velvet. Gotta say again that your work is top shelf and I wouldn't mind getting one for my 1878 Colt DA.

[LongBaller71]

Thanks much guys! I really look forward to aging this one with normal use. Will look better and better every year.

That's a beauty of a 1911 gunsmoke! Love that. I'd be more than happy to work with you on an 1878 case. I have the material here to do a felt lined compartment interior. They end up more as a presentation case that way, instead of a range case, but some guns deserve it!

[gunsmoke11]

Originally Posted by LongBaller71

Thanks much guys! I really look forward to aging this one with normal use. Will look better and better every year.

That's a beauty of a 1911 gunsmoke! Love that. I'd be more than happy to work with you on an 1878 case. I have the material here to do a felt lined compartment interior. They end up more as a presentation case that way, instead of a range case, but some guns deserve it!

Thanks Longballer, I'll definitely be in touch with you soon. After all the orders you'll be getting I hope you'll find time for me. Can I suggest that the strap holding your lid be brought further back like mine. A smaller one would be more convenient, while being more subtle. Just a thought from someone who knows nothing, but I love your work.