Homemade pistol storage sacks

[Elkins45]

I'm almost embarrassed to post this compared to the cool machines that have been built by some of the folks who post here, but for people without access to a full shop there are still some useful projects that can be done with more traditional 'domestic' tools. Maybe somebody can use this. There's nothing earth shattering about it but it might save somebody a few bucks.

One of the life skills my Dad taught me was how to use a sewing machine so I could fix stuff and not just have to throw it away. I probably don't use my sewing machine except maybe every couple of years, but occasionally I break it out and undertake some sort of money-saving project like making a hammock or fixing a backpack.


This particular project was to make some pistol protector sacks. The padded ones you buy are great, but they are quite bulky and can also trap moisture. I don't have enough room in my safe for all the padding, so I decided to whip up some thin pistol bags from synthetic fabric so they will make more room and also not hold moisture.


The fabric I used is synthetic fleece. Being as it's 90+ degrees here now, the heavy winer fabrics are on sale in the craft section of Wal-Mart so I got the thickest ones they had for $2/yard. Yes, I know it's ugly. I also picked up a bag of thin nylon rope.


After a little experimentation I came up with this basic shape for the pattern and cut out a dozen from the amount of fabric I had


http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm35/elkins_pix/IMG_1655_zpsm1ns7n4x.jpg (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/elkins_pix/media/IMG_1655_zpsm1ns7n4x.jpg.html)


I measured across the widest spot, added a couple of inches and used my torch to melt 12 pieces of the nylon rope to make drawstrings. Step 1 in assembly was to fold over the mouth and sew the drawstring in place:


http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm35/elkins_pix/IMG_1653_zps1i7yvxnj.jpg (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/elkins_pix/media/IMG_1653_zps1i7yvxnj.jpg.html)


Next I folded them in half and stitched the two halves together:


http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm35/elkins_pix/IMG_1656_zpsig0eprfw.jpg (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/elkins_pix/media/IMG_1656_zpsig0eprfw.jpg.html)


The final step was just to turn them inside out (really outside in :)) and tie the two ends of the drawstring together:


http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm35/elkins_pix/IMG_1657_zpsyjoqjwpj.jpg (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/elkins_pix/media/IMG_1657_zpsyjoqjwpj.jpg.html)


For less than two hours work and less than $10 I ended up with a dozen pistol protectors that will protect the finish of my handguns yet allow them to be stacked together to maximize the space in my safe.


http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm35/elkins_pix/IMG_1658_zpst6f7rzyp.jpg (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/elkins_pix/media/IMG_1658_zpst6f7rzyp.jpg.html)


If you have your grandmother's old sewing machine stored away somewhere, or if your wife likes to sew then I recommend this as a useful, easy project.

[wwmartin]

You can also buy the longest silicone rifle sock when Midway has them on sale. Cut them into pistol length and sew one end shut and sew a cord in the other end. End cost is around $1.00 each. WW

[EMC45]

Very neat project. Is that a chain stitch? A sewing machine is on my short list to buy for the family. Not for the wife per se, but for all of us to learn. Homeschool family and all....

[Elkins45]

Very neat project. Is that a chain stitch? A sewing machine is on my short list to buy for the family. Not for the wife per se, but for all of us to learn. Homeschool family and all....

It's just a basic zigzag stitch.

I'm surprised anyone has to buy a sewing machine. Most people end up inheriting one from their grandmother. I ended up with two of them that way.

I would bet you could find one on Craigslist for not a lot. My impression is that most young people think of sewing like they think of butter churning or shearing your own wool.

[Artful]

Elkins45, good project - I sew also and make "ditty" bags to keep stuff together when you go to toss it into the pile o stuff to take to the range.


Is that a chain stitch? A sewing machine is on my short list to buy for the family.

locking Zig Zag stitch - My recommendation for a sewing machine is to look for an older Singer model all metal machine. Most of the new ones are really not designed for longevity. Back in the 1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's and even into the 1970's they were designing them to be what I call "generational" machines that could be used by the original purchaser then passed down to the next generation when they came of age.

Newer Plastic Fantastic machines will only last a year or two under daily use, then the plastic's will start to give way.

I'd be looking for a Vintage Singer 401, 500 or 503 "Rocketeer" model machine with metal gears. Yes, sewing machines come in two types belt driven and gear driven.
Earlier Singer Slant-O-Matic machines are fully gear driven!

- have it serviced with someone who will explain to you what they are doing
- IE where you need to clean and oil it
- which oil (Mineral) to use and you'll be good to go for the rest of your life.

lots of links out there - start here I guess
http://www.briansews.com/2009/08/singer-slant-o-matic-500a-rocketeer.html

[Der Gebirgsjager]

Interesting project! Looks like you did a good job. A few years ago I bought a black power revolver at a local gun show and the seller presented it to me in an old (but clean!) high top boot sock. At first it gave me a good chuckle, but when I got home and looked around for yet another pistol case I found that I didn't have one, so continued to use the sock. After awhile it began to seem like a good solution. I think the big selling point on most commercially made gun socks is that they are silicone impregnated to prevent rust. I have some of them also, but have wondered how exactly having silicone in the material would prevent rust without applying the silicone directly to the surface of the firearm as in using a silicone wipe down cloth. After all, the silicone isn't a desiccant, is it? My preferred method of storage is to wipe down the firearm with a silicone cloth or apply a thin coat of Rem Oil and put in a plastic bag with no-rust paper. I've seen some terrible results experienced by folks who put their treasured long gun in a zipped up soft case without any additional protection and put it away in the closet for a couple of years.

[Artful]

I think the big selling point on most commercially made gun socks is that they are silicone impregnated to prevent rust. I have some of them also, but have wondered how exactly having silicone in the material would prevent rust without applying the silicone directly to the surface of the firearm as in using a silicone wipe down cloth. After all, the silicone isn't a desiccant, is it?

The Silicone is to keep the material from absorbing water which it would then be in contact with the firearm.
When I lived in Oregon I'd take WD40 and spray the inside of my rifle rug which would then bead up water but you wanted to use a dry rag to wipe off the rifle before putting it into the rug and take it out as soon as possible.

[EMC45]

It's just a basic zigzag stitch.

I'm surprised anyone has to buy a sewing machine. Most people end up inheriting one from their grandmother. I ended up with two of them that way.

I would bet you could find one on Craigslist for not a lot. My impression is that most young people think of sewing like they think of butter churning or shearing your own wool.

My wife's family (mom and grandmother) all made clothes, curtains, quilts etc. I told her to keep it going. My mom made curtains, bedspreads, altered clothes etc. Her dad (my grandfather) worked at Singer in NJ. Started when he was 16, was born in 09. Worked there till the 70s. All his daughters and DILs had Singers. He was there when the tooled up for the 1911 contract for "education and training" and made the 500 .45 ACP 1911s for a trial. He was a machinist.

[bbailey7821]

Very Nice. I need to dust off the old Singer anyway, so now I have a good reason!

[NavyVet1959]

I learned to sew on my grandmother's Singer treadle type sewing machine. One like this:

http://mosaiccateringevents.com/rentals/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Antique-Singer-treadle-sewing-machine.jpg

http://mosaiccateringevents.com/rentals/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Antique-Singer-treadle-sewing-machine.jpg

Didn't learn enough to actually *make* something from scratch, but I leaned enough to patch holes/rips in jeans and shirts.

Currently, I just wrap my handguns in some scrap leather and put them in the safe. I've been meaning to make some finger jointed wooden trays and store them in them in the safe instead.

Something like this, but without the front opening:

https://d1t8ok2zesyvw2.cloudfront.net/spree/products/3925/original/Reclaimed-Oak-Wood-Desk-Tray-m2.jpg?1388177086

[1Shirt]

I learned to sew on an industrial machine sewing cargo parachute rigging straps. It is a handy thing to learn and know, and once in awhile I when the wife has her machine set up, I do a little sewing myself!
1Shirt!

[NavyVet1959]

The problem is that the sewing machines that women end up buying are rarely appropriate for the type of sewing that a guy has to do. Women want sewing machines that can sew very lightweight fabrics and guys want ones that can sew through 6 layers of heavyweight canvas plus saddle leather. If a sewing machine can't sew the multiple layers of denim in the crotch of a pair of jeans, I have no use for it.

[bedbugbilly]

I love to sew. I used to sew all of my Civil War uniforms and BP "primitive" outfits that I used for giving first person living history programs - performed for over 30 years. I always made my patters from scratch based on originals, etc.. Even made my wife a couple of hooped skirt outfits. She was always amazed at how "easy" it was for me to develop patterns. My Bach. Degree was in Industrial Education and my sheet metal layout training really paid off when it came to developing sewing patterns. Nothing "un-masculine" about it at all.

I like your pistol socks - they turned out great!

I have a nice Singer but I still have my g-grandmother's "White" sewing machine that she purchased in 1912. It started out as a treadle machine but was later electrified in the 30s. I even have the original invoice and manual for it. She was born in 1859 so she was in her 50s when she purchased it.

[kywoodwrkr]

Something like this, but without the front opening:

https://d1t8ok2zesyvw2.cloudfront.net/spree/products/3925/original/Reclaimed-Oak-Wood-Desk-Tray-m2.jpg?1388177086

The oaks are pretty, but you'd maybe be better served to use a lower acidic wood like red cedar.
JMHO & YMMV

[NavyVet1959]

The oaks are pretty, but you'd maybe be better served to use a lower acidic wood like red cedar.
JMHO & YMMV

I'm actually considering bamboo -- as in bamboo floor pieces. They are the right size and already have a coating on the outside.

I've yet to actually make any finger joints on my table saw, so I need to build a jig first and do some experimentation with some scrap cedar fence pieces that I have laying around.

[FrankG]

I learned to sew on an industrial machine sewing cargo parachute rigging straps. It is a handy thing to learn and know, and once in awhile I when the wife has her machine set up, I do a little sewing myself!
1Shirt!

1Shirt , was it a 97-10 Singer ? I have one and its a beast . For smaller stuff I have an Industrial Singer Flatbed .Its more of a canvas and chap weight leather machine . But I have sewn velour fabric on it for bags for homebrewing beer.
97-10 I used for saddle making and repairs as well as holsters and such .

[NavyVet1959]

1Shirt , was it a 97-10 Singer ? I have one and its a beast . For smaller stuff I have an Industrial Singer Flatbed .Its more of a canvas and chap weight leather machine . But I have sewn velour fabric on it for bags for homebrewing beer.
97-10 I used for saddle making and repairs as well as holsters and such .

Had to look that one up...

http://www.thestrapguy.com/art/usedmach/craigslings005.jpg

Now, that is a serious sewing machine...

[leebuilder]

I like the bags too. Neat idea. In the past i have used bubble wrap bags. What would be gooder if you can still find them is the bags pilots would have to stow/protect their helmets. I eventually wore mine out.
be well

[NavyVet1959]

And if you want a bit thicker fabric for more protection, there are companies out there that sell it. Here's a 30 oz cotton duck canvas cloth:

http://www.bigduckcanvas.com/cotton-canvas/numbered-ducks/number-1

[DoubleAdobe]

Some great ideas and good old ingenuity at work here. On this deal I am in good shape, I had a few Crown Royal sacks given to me a few years ago, but they are not real thick.

[hogstad7]

Nice project! I made one myself today for my Anschutz Exemplar. Looking forward to take it to the silhouette-range again :D

[missionary5155]

Greetings
Blue jeans seldom ever wear out the lower legs. We use those for simple bags by sewing the wide end shut. For longer bags we sew two cut off legs together closing one end.
For long time storage place the lightly oiled metal object (hand gun, knife) into a plastic bag, wrap it shut then into the cloth sack. Do the same with wax paper wrap then into the cloth bag. Been doing this for 30 years and never a rust spot.
Mike in Peru

[Vinne]

Well Mike you opened my eyes to a new storage idea. This will also make more room in my safe.