The LEG 'O MUTTON and Take Down Winchester 1886 Build

[Just Duke]

I have some scraps of saddle skirting leather and a chunk of wood left over from bed rails I made 7 years ago that needs to made into something usable.
Now that I'm somewhat back from deaths door step I am going to attempt a few new project that don't involve jingle that I'm short on.
So here goes and please be patient.......
The plan is for this case to ride behind the cantle of the saddle and provide a brush guns whilst Elk hunting. My bolt gun will be in scabbard I previously fabricated on the off side of the horse. At least that's the plan........ I also plan on making 6 cases.
Before anyone chimes in and I know they will, and asks why 6? Anytime you add the word "horse" into the equation you stand a real good chance that any piece of equipment that is attached to the horse will be at one time sooner or later damaged or damaged beyond repair.
My personal favorite as far as description goes is a horse acts like a spoiled inbred 6 year old Hollywood female brat on Heroin and thinks every odd noise out there is a "horse killer". I'm still waiting for someone to dispute my as observed description.
So anyway... I have at this time several of these rifles and a couple 50-110's on my wish list.
Also and just for the record, these rifles are tools for future use and were never been purchased for any recreational edification i.e. sport hunting.
I would also like to add, do to my lack of faith of our infrastructure (ruled by the spawn of Moloch and his minion) or as some say we might be looking at living back in the stone age. I have opted for a different chronological time line to reside in. i.e. The mid to late 1800's.
The nonindigenous peoples on this continent managed to do fairly well here in the 1800's. They managed to genocide a unique and fascinating race of people and brought to almost extinction a latent prehistoric animal i.e. the "BUFFALO" (bison) with a levergun, Sharps, lead bullet and black powder............

125 Years ago I could have just ordered this from the SEARS AND ROEBUCK catalog and been done with it. The two fellas that used to make cases like these just passed recently so I'm on my own to recreate historically correct items of antiquity.

So we enlarged this image to scale on 60 inch LCD screen TV which we use as our computer monitor while I was holding a identical 1886 and traced the pattern onto tracing paper.

I believe this rifle is a 50-110.
http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/LEG-O-MUTTON/LEGOMUTTON1886LG.png~original (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/media/LEG-O-MUTTON/LEGOMUTTON1886LG.png.html)

[Just Duke]

For your viewing pleasure. Here is a vintage 50-110 Take Down with a Pistol Grip Stock.
Not mine though.

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/50-110/50-1101.png~original (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/media/50-110/50-1101.png.html)

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/50-110/50-1102.png~original (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/media/50-110/50-1101.png.html)


http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/50-110/50-1103.png~original (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/media/50-110/50-1103.png.html)

[Just Duke]

Strap configuration. The cases will surely need more D-Rings for attachment to saddle.

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/LEG-O-MUTTON/lego01f.jpg~original (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/media/LEG-O-MUTTON/lego01f.jpg.html)


Proposed handle style attachment pattern.
http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/LEG-O-MUTTON/red-head-case-1.jpg~original (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/media/LEG-O-MUTTON/red-head-case-1.jpg.html)

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/LEG-O-MUTTON/red-head-case-2.jpg~original (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/media/LEG-O-MUTTON/red-head-case-2.jpg.html)



http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/LEG-O-MUTTON/lego03f.jpg~original (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/media/LEG-O-MUTTON/lego03f.jpg.html)


http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/LEG-O-MUTTON/lego05f.jpg~original (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/media/LEG-O-MUTTON/lego05f.jpg.html)


http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/LEG-O-MUTTON/lego02f.jpg~original (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/media/LEG-O-MUTTON/lego02f.jpg.html)

[smokeywolf]

Mighty purty Duke. I particularly like the half octagon barrel and tang sight. The only thing it's missing is 3X wood and a set trigger.

smokeywolf

[smokeywolf]

Yep. Case looks a lot like the one dad had for the model '97 Winchester Trap Gun.

smokeywolf

[Just Duke]

Gratuitous straight grip pic.

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/1886/1886B2.png~original (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/media/1886/1886B2.png.html)

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/1886/MVA2.png~original (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/media/1886/MVA2.png.html)

[Just Duke]

When one gun is just not enough.

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/LEG-O-MUTTON/44-9362.jpg~original (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/media/LEG-O-MUTTON/44-9362.jpg.html)

[Just Duke]

The mould is dry. I'll gets some pics up.

[Just Duke]

ICK!!! The mould is also ugly......
This chunk of wood I glued up is Alder and has been aging in a hot and cold shop for 7 years so what ever it decides to do it has already done as far as warping our cracking. ;)

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/LEG-O-MUTTON/LEGOMUTTON1886BLANK.jpg~original (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/media/LEG-O-MUTTON/LEGOMUTTON1886BLANK.jpg.html)

[Just Duke]

Here are mine.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd255/EBRSOPMODS/50%20CALIBERFORUM/THEGUNTHATWONTHEWEST.jpg



http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd255/EBRSOPMODS/WINCHESTER1886TAKEDOWN2-1.jpg


The bottom two are the Take Downs.
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd255/EBRSOPMODS/LEVER%20ACTION%20SHOOTERS%20SOCIETY/L63.jpg

[Southern Son]

Duke,
Those are great looking rifles. Am following this thread to see how good this leg of mutton turns out.

[Artful]

Nice looking projects - Double would be good for a rifle shotgun combo for the trail.
What would one of those cost for a citori?

[Just Duke]

Nice looking projects - Double would be good for a rifle shotgun combo for the trail.
What would one of those cost for a citori?

Not sure but a fella I know has a couple of Belgium 10 gauges he has earmarked for me if and when I ever sell one of my homes. I let you know after I make a couple for them. I plan on shooting holy black in brass cases out of them. ;)

[skeettx]

Some pictures

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=&_osacat=7301&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR10.TRC0.A0.H0.Xleg+o f+mutton&_nkw=leg+of+mutton&_sacat=7301&_from=R40

http://www.gunbroker.com/All/BI.aspx?Keywords=leg+of+mutton

[Just Duke]

So the sun finally came up as this is a real messing operation and needed to be done outside.
So here it is. Sanded, bandsawed to shape, then edge sanded.
The sides will need a 1" radius on them next. Once done I can somewhat configure the hood/lid mould.


http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/LEG-O-MUTTON/LEGOMUTTON1886BLANK2.png~original (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/media/LEG-O-MUTTON/LEGOMUTTON1886BLANK2.png.html)

[Just Duke]

Some pictures

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=&_osacat=7301&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR10.TRC0.A0.H0.Xleg+o f+mutton&_nkw=leg+of+mutton&_sacat=7301&_from=R40

http://www.gunbroker.com/All/BI.aspx?Keywords=leg+of+mutton

Thanks for the link sir.
I saw this one and will surely strive to make mine look better than this especially for the $800.00 price tag he has on it. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Handmade-Leather-Mutton-Leg-Shotgun-Case-/131119284266?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e8751802a

[Just Duke]

Now here's a fella out of Prescott AZ that pasted on recently case he used to make. This is the craftsmanship I like to emulate.

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/SCABBARDS/cases50962.jpg~original (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/media/SCABBARDS/cases50962.jpg.html)

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/LEG-O-MUTTON/lego01f.jpg~original

[mikeym1a]

Quite a nice project. I wish you good fortune with it. I'll be watching for updates.

[Just Duke]

Thanks for the kind words guys.

[Just Duke]

That looks pretty close.

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/LEG-O-MUTTON/LEGOMUTTON1886BLANK3.jpg~original (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/media/LEG-O-MUTTON/LEGOMUTTON1886BLANK3.jpg.html)

[smokeywolf]

This one is at least 50 years old that I know of.
99522

Made by Red Head in Chicago.

smokeywolf

[Just Duke]

Yep. Case looks a lot like the one dad had for the model '97 Winchester Trap Gun.

smokeywolf

Same case as the one I posted. Thanks for sharing Smokey. Does it seem like it has two layers of leather? Some state that there were cardboard with leather covering.

[smokeywolf]

Same case as the one I posted. Thanks for sharing Smokey. Does it seem like it has two layers of leather? Some state that there were cardboard with leather covering.

Yes, it does appear to be one layer of leather over another with an additional or third layer (stiffener) 2 inches wide, running the length of the bottom (opposite handle) side of the interior of the case. Inside lined with green felt.

smokeywolf

[Just Duke]

Yes, it does appear to be one layer of leather over another with an additional or third layer (stiffener) 2 inches wide, running the length of the bottom (opposite handle) side of the interior of the case. Inside lined with green felt.

smokeywolf

So two 10 oz pieces?

[smokeywolf]

So two 10 oz pieces?

That's what it appears to be. Plus, what I thought looked like a 4 or 5 oz. x 2" wide strip running the length of the bottom interior. But may just be an extra strip of 3/32 thick green felt.

smokeywolf

[Springfield]

I have 5 of these cases, have had others over the years, and repaired some for others also. Most of mine were for double barrels, not rifles. Some are 2 layers of leather, some are cardboard between the leather. The second type tends to rip out at the front, cardboard doesn't have much holding power when a rifle/shotgun barrel gets dropped in the case. I think 2 layers of 10 oz is being optimistic, most I have seen are more like 2 layers of 6-7 oz. I can post pics of all of mine if you want to compare styles of construction.

[Just Duke]

I have 5 of these cases, have had others over the years, and repaired some for others also. Most of mine were for double barrels, not rifles. Some are 2 layers of leather, some are cardboard between the leather. The second type tends to rip out at the front, cardboard doesn't have much holding power when a rifle/shotgun barrel gets dropped in the case. I think 2 layers of 10 oz is being optimistic, most I have seen are more like 2 layers of 6-7 oz. I can post pics of all of mine if you want to compare styles of construction.

That would be great and thanks.

[Just Duke]

Miss Barbie likes this Chiappa 1892 Take Down in 44-40. The stocks resemble high grade pallet/crate material and would need to be replaced though.
I believe Winchester/Miroku also made these in a take down also.

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/1892/CHIPPA1892.jpg~original (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/media/1892/CHIPPA1892.jpg.html)

[smokeywolf]

Wood also looks like a cheap refinish; not proud to the metal.

[W.R.Buchanan]

Interesting thread Duke: I recently got new wood put on my Ithaca M37 pump gun. I had the wood for 30 years sitting in my gun safe and finally gave it to a friend to fit finish and checker. I just picked it up a few days ago and It came out pretty nice.

He also makes cases, and I saw a few while there, however his Leg O Mutton cases were not in the same category as the work I've seen from you. He does all hand stitching with very visible thread and hasn't figured out how to make strait lines, as a result the case looked OK, but not professional. Your saddle work is light years ahead of his. but he does really good stock work.

I'll post pics of the refurbished gun as soon as it comes back from Ithaca who is doing the reblued job. This gun has sat in my safe since 1977! I finally got it together to finish it, even though I didn't do the work, I made damn sure that they understood perfectly what I wanted. He delivered big time. Hoping Ithaca does as good a job on the metal work.

Randy

[Just Duke]

Wood also looks like a cheap refinish; not proud to the metal.

Agreed. The metal though I would assume be a better quality than those made in 1892 especially seeing they are probably run on a CNC machine to close tolerances.
The gun would have to be stripped down to the bare bones and completely redone. New cases hardening a Turnbulls, stocks, sights and all pins and screw replaced as did my Uberti's with VTI hardened screws.

[Just Duke]

On my back burner is a trio build of either 30-30 or 38-55 1894's for some donor actions.
Here's what I would want them to end up looking like.
I am though swinging towards 30-30 and Vernier sights from MVA.
Rbertto I did a take down awhile back.

Not mine but I would like to build a similar model.

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/WINCHESTER%201894/w5359a__71037134919682612801280.jpg

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/WINCHESTER%201894/w5359f__78031134919683012801280.jpg


http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/WINCHESTER%201894/w5359b__27178134919682712801280.jpg

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/WINCHESTER%201894/w5359e__47030134919682912801280.jpg


http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/WINCHESTER%201894/w5359c__68832134919682812801280.jpg


http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/WINCHESTER%201894/w5359d__85428134919682912801280.jpg


http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/WINCHESTER%201894/w5359g__39326134919683012801280.jpg


http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/WINCHESTER%201894/w5359h__91558134919683012801280.jpg


http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/WINCHESTER%201894/w5359i__32830134919683112801280.jpg


http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/winchester-1894-deluxe-38-55-w5359/

[winelover]

99586

Here is another version. Came complete with a excellent, but used, take-down Model 12 Winchester for $75 back in 1969 or thereabouts. Blue felt interior, no manufactures name or trademark.

Winelover

[Just Duke]

99586

Here is another version. Came complete with a excellent, but used, take-down Model 12 Winchester for $75 back in 1969 or thereabouts. Blue felt interior, no manufactures name or trademark.

Winelover

Thanks for the pic. I have the mould sanded up and waiting on the 7/8 radius router bit coming from China. Be 2 weeks........

[Just Duke]

Apparently they can't measure in China. They sent me the wrong bit....... A 1/2" radius bit

[Murphy]

This stuff has a major drool factor....

Looking forward to your finished project(s) Duke.

Murphy

[W.R.Buchanan]

Duke: I have a Marin 336 made in 1958 that I had looked at making into a takedown. I was going to do a two barrel set with 28" .30-30 and 38-55 Octagon bbls.

I personally am not a fan of Tang sights and my gun already has a Lyman 66LA on it and with the addition of some nicer wood and a hard case would be very much along the lines of what you propose.

If you go to Turnbull's site there is a Gallery of Marlin rifles they have done. There is a pic of an 1894 Short Rifle Takedown in .44-40 with the Marlin Combination Receiver sight, that I absolutely love. Really the Rear Sight is worth more than the whole gun but very few people actually know this. That sight was not an addition to this gun but installed at the factory during the initial build as evidenced by the position of the "Marlin Safety" engraved on the top of the receiver. It would be partially covered up if the sight had been added after the initial build.

The wood on that gun is an amber color which absolutely knocks me out. I bought a Marlin 1894 carbine specifically to do this conversion on but someone offered me too much money for it so it got sold.

I like what you are proposing with the Takedown Rifle System in it own case. I think it harkens back to a day when craftsmanship was part of the deal. Marlin doesn't even have a Custom Shop now, and it's a shame as they would sell everything they could produce.

Randy