Parker takedown case project

[Dean Freeman]

Originally Posted by edgarspencer

Back in those days, quick service was expected and almost always delivered. Today it's nearly unheard of.

Unless you owe someone money (see IRS)!

[B. Dudley]

That is a VERY nice case you have built Edgar!
I want to build a couple of cases like that for a couple of guns that I am building now. I have a ton a Quarter Sawn White Oak here that I wanted to use for the cases.

For handles, one might look at what is out there for Guitar case handles. That is something to search for that would easily render more results that "Gun Case Handles".

I just can never get over the interior constuction of those old factory walnut cases. All the bare wood contact on the gun. And how things could possibly move around. Yikes!

[Jean Swanson]

Years ago the PGCA and the BOD presented a Parker under lifter $300 grade to Ron Kirby at one of our annual meetings . I donated the barrel action , Oscar refinished the barrels , George Flame restocked the gun , and other goodies for the interior of the case came from various Parker collectors . I made a walnut case with inlays and dovetail corners . My friend Winston Churchill engraved Ron's initials in an oval plate that was attached to the case top . I purchased all the hardware for the case from M. Huey . The project of making the case was fun and challenging . I know the gun was sold to a New Hampshire collector without the case . I am sure there are pictures of the gun and case somewhere ???

[OH Osthaus]

actually -- leather case handles and straps are fairly easy to find

Dysons, Jeff's Outfitters, Galazans and a few others carry case repair/build parts

and antique trunk repair sites are a good source for parts
such as
http://www.trunk.com/handles.htm


as for gunfit in the walnut cases. yes - not padded - but I have been told the insides were soft wood - a little less abrasive. and if you notice the lids have rods to press the gun in place.

[Ed Blake]

I'm not sure I could sell something like that, but to each his own.

[Bruce Day]

You would have to be pretty destitute to sell something others had worked so hard to present to you as a gift.....either that or you couldn't care less.

[Jean Swanson]

I did not want to cast stones on anyone , but to say making a case is more work and coordination than you might think . I am sure that Ron appreciated the efforts by all , but has move on to new endeavors.

[John Farrell, Charter Member #33]

Just tossing this in. If you decide to line the interior with wool felt, find the closest billiard table retailer and you'll find he has it in his shop. It's actually a bit heavier and denser than the shooting case material, but, easier to find. I don't think it's any more difficult to work with. Latches, hinges, corners, etc., try Rockler Companies in MN.

Good luck with your project. Post photos from time to time.

[edgarspencer]

I will second what John says, but Billiard Table cloth is a worsted wool, and unlike felt, it is a woven material, and is easily worked, and easy to clean with a dry brush. Felt is a random, pressed cloth and frays easily.
I get my billiard table cloth from a woman on ebay and I use 3M 7700 spray adhesive.
Peter Dyson, in England sells precut dividers, but I make my own. He also sells all sorts of gun case hardware.

[Dean Freeman]

John and Edgar,
Thanks for the tips. Building a case, while fun, is challenging. Methods like which adhesive to use for case liner material are indespensible. Are there any other tips regarding building methods any of you builders might have?
I am interested in making this thread the go to for those needing information on case building. I know that there are many more cases out there that are just dying to be shown. Send in more pics and stories about your cases with and without guns (try to include dimensions and scale when possible). Don't hesitate to link other forum entries to this thread as well. There is probably enough valuable information hidden in the pages of this forum to make many volumes (and a set i'd happily pay for). If you know of old threads that will lend useful information, then by all means, add them.
Keep the information coming. Your experiences are welcome and necessary for a successful build, and thanks to everyone who has contributed so far.