Leather Saddle Scabbord?

[Steve1]

Does anyone know of a larger, leather-saddle scabbord, for a rifle (with a long-range scope). I've got a couple of saddle scabbords, but neither are big enough to accept my rifle and new scope. I just bought a Vortex 4-16X50. I also have a 26 inch barrel on my 300 Win. Mag. It is sometimes hard to find a scabbord long enough.

I've seen soft cases but feel that leather will protect the rifle better.

Anybody have any opinions on the best way to pack a scabbord on horse back. I've got some opinions on that, but maybe I'll save them for later.....Thanks.

 

[Flying Goose]

are you looking into custom Leatherworks how fancy do you want to make it?

 

[Steve1]

Nothing fancy. It will get banged up over time anyway. You're probably right, I may have to get a custom scabbord made.

 

[RTH1800]

I think Murphy Leather does custom scabbard work.

 

[Jim338]

I made my own. Found some leather, laid out the pattern with the rifle. Had a local shoe repair shop sew it up. I got some hardware and made some straps with buckles, added a few rivets for strength. I’ve used it for years now. Packed my 17lb .338 around on the side of a horse in Wyoming this last fall. Poor horse lol.

 

[Steve1]

Great idea, Jim! A buddy of mine used to own a saddle shop, and has a big sewing machine, rivets, etc. I'll start looking for a piece of harness leather.

 

[idaho1]

I have had two made for large optic rifles and my folding stock MRAD. Each was custom made and had wooly sheepskin liners in the scope area. The MRAD scabbard had a flap that covered the whole butt end. They were made by Hickman Saddlery in Post Falls, Idaho for $250 each. They were happy to do it. I let them keep the rifle for fittment and layup but they said they could do it with tracings too. They are very good at what they do.

 

[Steve1]

Thanks Idaho1. Where abouts are you in Northern Idaho? I used to fall timber over in the Lochsaw.

 

[saitek11]

I made a system for my saddle that lets me mount my eberlestock scabbord to it. It works good, but I have to mess with the balance if I am going faster then trot, the rifle is also fairly heavy. At walk its great. I might be able to post some pics later if you want...

 

[MikeeBooshay]

I think Murphy Leather does custom scabbard work.

And Mr. Murphy is a first class old school Texas guy too. I have one of his shotgun scabbards, and a couple of his belts and ammo pouches for African stuff.

 

[Triad]

I think Murphy Leather does custom scabbard work.

Is the turn around time less than 4 months?

 

[fireEMT5]

Contact Dan here - Home - Thor's Hammer Custom Leather

He's made me several leather holsters for my flashlights, but I know he works with holsters for guns too. Great guy to work with and stands behind his work for as long as you own it. He's a retired LEO and now does leather work to keep busy. As he states on his site, it may not be the cheapest, but it is custom and his stuff is heavy duty for the long haul. Good luck on your quest.

 

[6.5 GUY]

Steve,

I have a leather scabbard I had made fifteen years ago I used once for a 26" bbl. Wby. Accumark what had a big 50mm objective that might work out I'll sell you really cheap. One thing though, it has my initials on the flap. But for $50.00 bucks that's pretty cheap, I'll send you a pic if you're interested?

 

[idaho1]

Thanks Idaho1. Where abouts are you in Northern Idaho? I used to fall timber over in the Lochsaw.

I'm up near Post Falls...... Lochsa country is nice!

 

[Steve1]

6.5 Guy,
Thanks for the offer on that scabbord. I think I have a scabbord to buy over here.

I worry about that top target turret though. It could probably get damaged if a guy isn't careful. My horses and mules are still on the wild side. In the mountains crazy stuff sometimes happens.

I used to carry my rifle in front of my right leg with the butt up. One time I was riding a head shy horse. I went to pull my rifle out of the scabbord (from the ground),and the horse started to rear. My rifle went flying. I was lucky the scope wasn't knocked way off of zero. I may mount that scabbord with the butt back behind my leg, but I've heard of people losing riflles that way. It might be in the way of the saddle bags too. I guess I'll do some more experimenting to figure out a good way to carry that scabbord.

A buddy of mine carried his rifle on the right in front of his leg. The scope was forward and the bolt out away from the horse. Each morning they rode through some rough country to get to where they would hunt. This was back in the Bob Marshal. When he finally got a shot at an elk, his rifle scope was way off. Maybe a scope would be better protected if the scope isn't in front. He said his legs were being hit by small trees and dead poles each morning, so I imagine his scope was hit too.

I'd think that heavy leather would be a good idea too....