A friend of mine whose father passed has some tanned deer hides of his. She thought it might be nice to get rifle or shotgun cases made for her brothers and/or a handgun case or two made for herself. Any recommendation for somewhere she could possibly order gun cases made from her deer hides?

Thanks for any ideas you may have.
Patrice

Before getting too far, they’ll need to verify the hides are still good and actually usable for that purpose. A lot of old “tanned” hides deteriorate because they were simply pickled and never actually tanned.

They were tanned at W.B. Place, which used to be in business in Hartford and New Berlin, WI. They tanned hides and also made clothing and other items for customers. Her father had a coat made there (and so did I) and had some remaining tanned hides that he didn't use yet.

Those will be too soft and supple for what we imagine as gun cases. They would make good gun sleeves though. Think blackpowder rifle styles. I can take pics of one i have in a day or three.

I do what you're talking about, k snow. Not sure if the brothers are looking for gun socks/sleeves, but your point is a good one. I'll pass that along. It will be something she can ask about. I wondered if the leather was made stiffer or thicker by adding something underneath. More research needed. Maybe different products like gloves for the whole family! Thanks!

It might work but if these "hides" have hair on I would say no. Deer hair along with elk and others is hollow and ultimately brittle. It's a cool idea, but if they are used enough they are gonna start shedding hair. I made a sock for my flintlock with some beaver and otter and these types of skins are much more durable for that intended use. I think coon, coyote, and fox would do as well

If its just buckskin style should be fine sock style

Patrice, try a place in Wisconsin called "Furs and skins by Lynn" (you can find her on Facebook) .She made a bed spread for me last year, she makes hats, mittens, and other items.

It is very easy to make a guncase out of deerhide or moosehide.
Lay the bun down on a piece of heavy paper,and trace around the gun on one side,then roll the gun ofer along the top and trace the other side.
Leave an allowance for lacing.
Check the cut out by folding over the gun to make sure you left enough allowance for lacing so the gun slides in easy.

These cases are traditionally made out of canvas and are no good for guns with scopes.

Thanks, guys. I'll pass all of this along. Nice case there, Boco!

I did find a few places online, including Century Leather Products from Owatonna, MN.

https://clpuber.com

I spoke with someone from Century Leather Products and they said they often make the gun cases shown from tanned deer skins people still have from W.B. Place. She said the softness of the leather won't be a problem because with the padding and layers underneath and the deerskin surface holds up just fine.

I just might have to test that out with some of my spare deer skins and get another pistol rug made.