TTN Butt Cover...First Leatherwork Attempt

[SPQR476]

OK...So I got my guns, got my SASS number (Sam "The Bishop" Parker, now!), and I'm waiting on my big rig from Mernickle.  I went to the range to sort out my loads and get a little trigger time, and the smooth steel butt plate wasn't cutting it for me.  A quick search of the Internet didn't turn up a butt cover that suited what I was looking for--either they were too long, had a seam on top, too thin...just not for me.  I'm not a leather worker, by any means, except what I remember from boy scouts nearly 30 years ago, but I had ordered some deer hide scraps and some latigo lace to do some lever wraps, so I said what the heck.

I picked up some needles and some cotton string that I waxed with beeswax.  I made a pattern from 80lb paper that was laying around.  I used a thick piece of hide and cut out the wrap portion.  I picked out a THICK piece of hide...over 1/4"...for the butt plate, with the intention of using it meat side out.  I traced out the butt plate and gave myself room for a seam with a "SWAG".  I don't have leather working tools other than my gunsmithing stuff that can serve dual purpose, so I used a #30 drill to drill my sewing holes and a centerpunch to mark. I don't have a layout wheel, so excuse the untidy appearance.  I skived the edges of the leather at the seams since it was kind of thick, and I didn't want a 4" wide butt pad.  Sewed it all up...took some figuring to remember how to stitch.  I left a flap on the bottom of the butt plate piece to fold over the toe of the stock to protect the wood from the laces. I used some latigo softened with neatsfoot oil to lace the whole thing up.  The lacing isn't the prettiest, but the deer hide is pretty flexible, and I wanted to cinch it down tight.  The finish is nothing to admire...just water based dye and a couple coats of neutral shoe polish melted in.  

It may not be gorgeous, but it is pretty functional so far.  Stays put, has a little cushion to it, the rough side of the butt pad leather keeps it in place on my shoulder, and it's short enough to not interfere with cheek weld, with no top seams...which is what I wanted.  I don't know how the deer hide will hold up, but I'm pleased for my first attempt.

[GunClick Rick]

One to be proud of cuase ya done it your self......I see $$$$$ in your future

[Marshal Will Wingam]

That looks good, SPQR476. It really looks authentic. It should, you made it the way someone in the 1800's would have - with what was available and a "can-do" attitude. I always put the butt piece in rough out, too. It keeps the stock in place on your shoulder.

Welcome to the fourm. It's a good place to hang out. These pards here will give solid advice on any questions you may have.