Custom sixgun case.

[Forty Rod]

Down to two final questions on making a walnut case for a pair of 5 1/2" SAA sixguns. (I've only been on this project for six years so I'm moving faster than I usually do on these things.)

1. What would you use for the internal padding and basic form?  I have a sheet of 2" thick foam that's a half inch too thick and may be too soft in the long run.  Is there a better choice for a form-fitted "French-style" interior?

2. What kind of fabric is suitable for the interior?  I don't want something that will mar the finish on the guns or draw moisture, etc.  I'm looking for Army Ordnance Corps scarlet.

I already have Russ N' Hound waiting to do the laser and inlay work on the lid, and am hoping that Foxy can do the interior of the lid in her marvelous embroidery.  Of course after all this time they may have given up on me.

[RattlesnakeJack]

Forty Rod:

Original gun cases are often referred to as "baize-lined".  As you likely know, baize is the material used on pool table tops and cushions.  Very tough stuff, and I imagine there must be multiple sources for it!

I have made a number of revolver cases in my day but unfortunately can't help with French-style casing ideas or tips because i am partial to English-style casing, so I have always done my cases that way .....  This is the last one I did, and still have ..... in the specific style used by Colt's London Agency for casing single action revolvers.  Very good reproductions of the Colt London Agency label are available - I got mine from Dixie Gun Works:




This is a photograph of an original casing in the style I was copying ....

[Camille Eonich]

RJ those are beautiful!  Absolute works of art.

[Danny Bear Claw]

Yup...  what Camille said.  I've made a few cases like them too.  Haven't made one in many years though.  Mine weren't as nice as RJ's and I sold them along with the guns I'd made them for.  I seem to remember using flannel linings in them, like from cut up flannel shirts.   

[RattlesnakeJack]

RJ those are beautiful!  Absolute works of art.

Camille and Danny: thanks for the kind words! 

(To clarify, only the case shown in the "photo montage" is my work,  the second single photo is of an original casing of the type I was endeavouring to copy ....)