Ahh… The Gun Case
So 2024 rolled on in and my plans were quickly diverted from their original grand set of ideas. I was sent to the repair shop for several procedures during the first 6 months. So all those heavier pieces had to roll to the back burner for now. So what does one do… Well, that gun case was due and no better time to get started. Along with that I started some repairs on a fly rod case. I know, you’re asking “gun case”??? Well, hold on for “the rest of the story!”
The Gun Case. A custom gun case as you may have grown to expect from Fleming Woodcraft, is unlike any gun case you have seen before. Starting with the top I have Claro walnut crotch wood. But not any Claro, this is Grade 5A, as figured as it gets. I hunted for a thicker veneer as I wanted it to be at least 1/16” thick but no more than 3/32 for added durability compared to commercially made veneers which now tend to be about as thick as two sheets of bond paper. Turns out I could never find it so I ordered a full piece of 1” thick lumber. Next, I resawed it to 3/32 and created a book match set as you see in the photograph. The veneer was then glued to a non-expanding substrate for stability and strength. The sides are some of the most stunning figured and quarter-sawn white oak you will ever find. I have had this wood for probably a decade and use it sparingly for just the right pieces and this one was screaming for the best. Joined, using finger/box joints, the top and bottom are inset flush with the sides and an inlay of ebony wood between the oak and walnut. Oh, and that bottom, well I grabbed some black walnut I had in the shop. Not the most figured piece but an attractive grain pattern. I treated it just as the top with the resawn bookmatch and it was surprisingly beautiful done in that manner.
The interior of the case is trimmed and divided by black walnut. Then each section is padded with neoprene wrapped in velvet on the sides and a heavy grade foam on the bottom also wrapped in velvet. I often use flocking to add protection to my fly rod cases. With the weight of a gun or barrel the flocking would just crush over time and not continue to provide a level of protection I felt comfortable with in the long run. Each gun component is securely fastened into its compartment for added protection in case of accidental opening of the case. An area for chokes or other tools is also velvet-lined. This particular shotgun, a Perazzi MX8/20 SCO with a matching 28 gauge barrel comes with its own stock wrench. The stock wrench has a special location which secures it in place using a magnet, all hidden under the crotch black walnut panel below the receiver section.
Lastly, the finish and hardware and not a single shortcut was made here either. I chose a hardwax/oil finish for this case. Then a protective satin topcoat for added durability which some consider similar to the clear ceramic topcoats now applied to automobiles. Now the hardware. The combination lock is added security made of steel and brass plated. I like the steel in the lock as it is harder than brass but this is the only brass-plated component on the case. The hinges are self-stopping at a perfect 95 degrees to make sure the top does not close while you are working with it and are made of solid brass. The interior hinges and sliding lock are also solid brass. On the exterior, the latches, feet and corner protectors are all hand-formed solid brass all buffed to a polished finish. To complete the exterior a padded leather handle is balance positioned for a fully loaded case for maximum comfort when carrying.
Since the initial finishing of this case, I have gone back with some improvements in glue used with the velvet and how the inside of the top was treated. I am always looking how to improve what I have done and this case just keeps getting better. Future cases I make will certainly benefit from the trials of this particular piece and just continue to improve in many of the unseen areas. I am already looking forward to the next case and still have several slices of veneer from that same piece used in this case… it could be yours…