Shooting Bag Supplier Assistance

[Rootsy]

A few years back I bought a possibles bag & horn from a vendor at the Kalamazoo living history show.  For the life of me I cannot remember the maker's name and I have since lost track of his business card.  The brand on the back of the bag is a capital W with radius points.  I recall that he was from the Missouri / Arkansas area.  Anyone able to help me out as I'd like to contact the maker and ask about a couple of modifications I'd like made.

Thanks,

Jim

[Randy Hedden]

Jim,

Why don't you just ask your questions here?  There are more than a few bag makers who are members of this board.  I am sure someone could help you out.

Randy Hedden

[Rootsy]

I thought I might give the craftsman first shot at modifying his work.  I am not beyond giving it a shot myself.  I only have limited experience working with leather though and this will require me to undo some of the construction.

First the strap, even adjusted all of the way up is too long for me.  It is a jute strap with a leather adjusting band.  The second issue is that with items in the bag it sags between the strap attachment points and the flap bunches.  I'd also like to dye it darker but it has some form of water sealant rubbed into it.  The current color is a grayish light brown at the moment.

Guess a few photos would help rather than trying to describe it's construction.

BTW, the horncarries the initials DW .

[bigsmoke]

Sounds like the straps are fastened to the sides of the bag?

If so, remove from the sides and sew onto the back.  It's a lot better way to fasten them.  The pouch will carry better and you will get away from the drooping when there is a load in the bag.

John

[steveA]

Jim,

The maker may be Doug Warren.  If so I'm sure he would be glad to speak with you about your bag.  He is a fine artist and seems to be a great guy as well.  He is from MO, but I can't put my hands on his contact info at the moment.  Good luck, and Merry Christmas.
Steve

[Rootsy]

Steve,

Thank you for that tip.  A quick search on Google turned up his Facebook page and the construction of his bags is similar and the supplied short starter is the same as is the plug in the horns and horn coloring and carving.  I'd say I've found my guy. 

[Rootsy]

Here is how the straps are attached.  They are sewn to the back.  How would you go about adding support to the bag so it doesn't sag between the straps?

Also a photo of how the adjustment strap is attached to the fabric strap.  I need to shorten the fabric portion.  The bag hangs too low at it's shortest adjustment and is a PITA for me to reach into without lifting the bag.  I'm just short.

Not sure if it is feasible but I'd like the bag a dark brown...

I have learning to accomplish in this area...

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

I am not a bagmaker ..that is for sale....I

I would suggest that the rectangles between the Strap could be removed and then moved down so that both rectangles can be sewn to the back of the bag..... I think the bag would sag in the middle less and... you would gain a shortening of the strap by a couple of inches...don't know if that is enough........

If it were me I would send it to one of the pros on here so they can do it without messing it up    

Be sure to measure and specify how long/short you need the strap to be.....  I would also ask him to replace the buckle with a solid cast or forged buckle of an early American design.

That's my  $.02 ..... good luck

[cahil_2]

That is a Doug Warren bag.  I also have one of his bags and have the same problem with the flap sagging in the middle.  His bags are supposed to be lifetime warranted and he will repair or whatever if you return it to him.  I plan to take mine back to him at Kalamazoo this spring, because the sagging flap drives me crazy.