I've got this idea to build a "custom" double rifle case for my Jeffery. I've looked at available cases that would do just fine but would like something special. Here are my thoughts:
1. I've got an old German guy who will build me the wooden "case". Need some dimensions from those of you who have cases. My rifle has 24" barrels.
2. Tanned elephant leather for the exterior.
3. Tanned warthog and/or bushpig leather for the interior. Would felt be better or possibly less wear on the metal parts??
4. Leather handles and corners have been located.
5. I have found a lady that does custom leather work (saddles, etc) that wants to take on the project of covering the case.
I really need some correct dimensions as stated earlier for my carpenter. Don't know how much to allow for leather/padding/etc. Any help or advice would be GREATLY appreciated. I know I could buy a case "off the shelf" but have this vision of a really neat double rifle case. Any ideas out there guys???
Many Thanks!!

I would enjoy following along if you can take pics of the process.

Only concern based on what you have listed is the leather interior. Make sure it is vegetable tanned or it will rust your stel and chorode any brass. Any leather is bad about holding moisture too.

Felt patches where the steel is at a minimum might be a safe idea.

You can buy the wooden case already "in the white".

Then you get it covered, partitioned and lined.

I just can't remember where to get them.


Agree with Butch re tanning.

Also, I think you need to use Vegetable glue as well.

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I would lean toward buying a vintage case and relining it and fitting new partitions to fit your gun.
With some luck, you will be able to find a Jeffery case worth restoring.
I have one for a double rifle. I will measure it up - maybe just right for your gun.

No offense, but Oak and Leather look good in your gun room and at the range. You most certainly would not trust your double rifle to a baggage gorilla cased in Oak and Leather. Use your money to get a really nice Americase. You can show off your rifle in it and it protects as well.

Seven

If the case on offer has 24 - 26" length, grab it
as it is quite hard to find good O&L Cases for shorter (Non shotgun) barrels.

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sevenmagltd. - I suggest you buy one.

I went on a quest several years ago to replicate traditional oak and leather cases, and I started about 20 cases before figuring it all out (and improving upon them a bit.)

The tooling you need to do it "right"... precise table saws, router table, planer, jigs, tricky cuts, odd angles, lots of patience and attention to detail... if you add up the time and materials for the learning curve, it simply makes sense to buy one. The biggest pain is the hardware. Some you can buy from England, some you have to make.

Don't let that stop you from trying, if you've got time and money to spend. Just know that they aren't as simple as a box covered in leather, and you're likely to spend more on building one than you can buy one for.

Good luck!

I just remembered that I'm pretty sure I've got a lether Emebbi case with no interior. It's like the one Merkel used to ship with their doubles. PM if you want to see it.

Thanks for all the advice. If I could buy a Jeff case I would. I was told chances are slim to none. IF I can pull this off, I would never think of using it for airline shipping. I was nervous about sending the rifle in a Tuffpack last month!
If anyone know where to purchase an original case please let me know. I would like "new guy" to send me photos of the case he has if it's not too much trouble. I woulad also like some dimensions if someone could email me that info. Many thanks to all.

quote:

Originally posted by sevenmagltd.:
Thanks for all the advice. If I could buy a Jeff case I would. I was told chances are slim to none. IF I can pull this off, I would never think of using it for airline shipping. I was nervous about sending the rifle in a Tuffpack last month!
If anyone know where to purchase an original case please let me know. I would like "new guy" to send me photos of the case he has if it's not too much trouble. I would also like some dimensions if someone could email me that info. Many thanks to all.

Suggestion.

Look through old auction catalogues on line - UK, US and look for pictures of guns in cases.

Also look at Champlins and other web sites - I think one in Scottsdale specialises in selling old gun cases.

The exterior is a bit worse than I remembered, but a good resto candidate.
The barrel section is 24"
What is your double chambered in? I can take more measurements for you (breech width, stocked action length etc.)