Leather for shooting bags

[webradbury]

What weight leather was/is used for the hunting bags and shooting bags I see here? They look soft and pliable like well used aged leather. I'm thinking about trying my hand at making one. I don't have near enough ongoing projects right now and need to add more to my list of things to finish. Joking of course!

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I would recommend you buy TC Albert's great little book on bag making.  He'll answer questions you haven't thought up yet!!

[G. Elsenbeck]

Ditto what Mr. Sapergia says.  You will want to get some 'veg tanned' leather in the 3-4 oz weight to start with.  Also, try some from Tandy, at least for a couple of practice projects.  Until you become proficient with your sewing by hand I would stay away from all the 'aniline dyed leather' as you may find they will 'bunch' up readily and you will not be happy with the result of all your effort.  Just a thought. 

[J I]

I too recommend Mr. Albert's book. The book is very easy to follow with great pictures and explanations for each step. I have made two so far using his book as a guide. I used 3-4 oz. vegetable tanned leather as the book recommends. This has worked well for me. 

[webradbury]

Looks like I'll be ordering a book! I also just received my very first horn to make a powder horn from...or at least attempt!

[Marcruger]

T.C. rocks.  I love that book.  I am thankful he freely shares what he's learned through lots of hard work and research. 

[davec2]

I'm not a leather worker, but I have made a few items out of kangaroo leather and really like the results.  Roo leather is three to four times stronger than bovine leather and it is available here:

http://www.davidmorgan.com/product_info.php?products_id=1027

I made this shot pouch with T.C. Alberts book and the heavy (~1 mm) kangaroo leather.........











And this tool wallet out of the same heavy (~ 1 mm thick) kangaroo.

[Marcruger]

Hey Dave,  It's a pity you cannot find a nice horn or accessories to go with that bag.  ;-)  Hah, hah.   Marc

[Kermit]

'Roo hide is tough stuff. It used to be that men's shoes from kangaroo cost more and was worth it. My grandfather always sprung for the extra for his Sunday shoes. SHOES, not those low oxford things. Wish you could still get them. They used to be in Mr. Sears and Mr. Roebuck's catalog.

[mossyhorn]

I would recommend you buy TC Albert's great little book on bag making.  He'll answer questions you haven't thought up yet!!

Please give the information where this book can be purchased and the name of the book!
Thanks

[G. Elsenbeck]

"Recreating the 18th Century Hunting Pouch" by TC Albert.  You should be able to get this off Amazon, Log Cabin Shop, Track of the Wolf, etc.

[moleeyes36]

"Recreating the 18th Century Hunting Pouch" by TC Albert.  You should be able to get this off Amazon, Log Cabin Shop, Track of the Wolf, etc.

Mossyhorn,

I bought mine about a year or so ago directly from T.C. Albert, who is a member of this forum.

Mole Eyes

[webradbury]

Mr. Albert has signed first edition copies on his website for no more than you will pay elsewhere. I have been researching bags and saw his cotton bag with leather strap that I think I will try to make. I like the look of it a lot with the leather strap.

[Kermit]

TC's website:

http://thehuntingpouch.com