wooden rifle case

[fleener]

I had originally thought I was going to make a leather covered wooden gun case, but have decided to make two of them out of wood only.

The one in the pictures is walnut, the other is out of hickory. I have hundreds of board feet of both woods on hand.

The boxes are still being built. The partition boards are not glued in it, just fitted yesterday. I still need to order the handles, locks and corner protectors. I will be using green pool table felt. My local pool table store gave me several scrap yards for free.

any ideas or suggestions for improvement are certainly welcomed.

thanks

Fleeer

 

[BrownBear]

That's some fine wood working! And just the right box for just the right rifle. Well done!

 

[GunnyGene]

Looking good!

Have you got a source for the hardware? I've bought repro hardware from VanDykes http://www.vandykes.com/ , and prefer Brusso hinges,etc. for strength and quality for normal stuff. Brusso is available at Lee Valley, among others. http://www.leevalley.com/en/home/Announcement.aspx

Another I've used is Horton for brass and hand forged iron: http://www.horton-brasses.com/

 

[Billnpatti]

Very nice work!! You have something to be proud of. :thumbsup:

 

[fleener]

I have been looking high and low for hardware that will look appropriate and that I like.

Thanks for hortons info, had not been there yet. I do kinda like their corner protectors.

Thanks

fleener

 

[stantdm]

Nice workmanship. You did a good job with the layout too. With the green felt and the finishing details it will be an heirloom case.

 

[GunnyGene]

It's getting a little hard to find, especially the genuine antique stuff. I know a guy in Texas that does some great ironwork for his cannon carriages, and related things. A little far from you, but if you can't find ready made, he might be willing to make something to your specs. Take a look at some of his stuff here: especially the limber boxes and ammo chests.

Michael Elledge: http://www.jmelledge.com/

 

[GunnyGene]

Btw, are you planning on the Brusso style hinges? With a long lid like that, you'll probably need 4 or 5 per box and I'd recommend also installing at least one Brusso lid support to keep them from pulling out. Similar to how I did this pistol box:

 

[Mountainman56]

That's some nice work! :thumbsup:

 

[GunnyGene]

Or, how about making wood leaf hinges? Basically the same process as the corner joinery you did on the base. Maybe walnut for the hickory box, and hickory for the walnut box, for some contrast?
http://www.finewoodworking.com/item/15165/making-a-wooden-hinge-for-a-box

 

[fleener]

wooden leaf hinges would be cool, but I would beat them up too much hauling the case around. These cases will be used and will have a few miles on them.

Fleener

 

[BillinOregon]

Nice chassis you have built there friend. Is that a Pedersoli Gibbs long-range rifle, or an original? There used to be an antique trunk parts supplier who had a fine selection of correct hardware. Will poke around and report.
Hoep you are staying warm there in Iowa. We have been below zero the last two nights here in the central Oregon high desert.

 

[BillinOregon]

Here's one:
http://www.antique-hardware.com/Trunk_Parts?zenid=qn8d60rqa5pro1lp1nki57n1p0

 

[fleener]

Bill

thanks for the web site, I had not seen this one yet and I do like some of their stuff. We have been cold, but today is really nice.

The rifle is a alex henry made from piece and parts from the late Don Brown of Yakima WA.

The other case is for an original Rigby that I picked up in 2014.

thanks

Fleener

 

[BillinOregon]

An original Rigby!
2014 been very, very good to Fleener!

:applause:

 

[fleener]

Here is the hickory case, with the Rigby in it. The partition boards are just loose and being fitted. Got all the hardware ordered today for both cases.

I took a block of wood and drilled a couple of holes in it, cut it in half and that is what is under and on top of the barrel. I plan on gluing the bottom half to the box. Really don't want to glue the other half to the lid. But like the idea of securing it with the top half. Looking for ideas......

Thanks

Fleener

 

[fleener]

Here is the hickory case, with the Rigby in it. The partition boards are just loose and being fitted. Got all the hardware ordered today for both cases.

I took a block of wood and drilled a couple of holes in it, cut it in half and that is what is under and on top of the barrel. I plan on gluing the bottom half to the box. Really don't want to glue the other half to the lid. But like the idea of securing it with the top half. Looking for ideas......

Thanks

Fleener

 

[BillinOregon]

Some lovely walnut in that butt stock, sir!

 

[MSW]

it's official ... I'm intimidated ...

great looking work! :thumbsup: :hatsoff:

 

[fleener]

thanks, it is a nice looking rifle. I have had it out shooting just twice. First session my groups were in the 2.25 - 2.5" area. Second session I was able to get them down to the 1.25" area. I am hopeful that I can get it down to or under a MOA at 100 yards. In addition to the nice wood, the engraving is really extraordinary for a Rigby ML rifle. a rifle like this deserves a nice travel case. If I can get it shooting good enough, I am thinking that I just might shoot it in the world matches this coming sept.



I spent a few frustrating hours today in the shop trying to work out the wooden barrel clamps for the hickory box. I think I have it finally figured out. 3 hours of work and nothing but a learning experience to show for it.

Fleener