Semi Custom Presentation Case Project Suggestions, Ideas, Help?

[tt66]

Not sure which forum this would belong in so I will start here.

Years ago I bought a new model Ruger Flat Top with a presentation case that had been built for that particular Ruger. The Ruger is long gone but I kept the case. The case is trimmed in Ruger red, and the removable bottom section looks like it was CNC'd for that particular revolver/knife combo. The interior section is 9"x13". The removable section was 2" thick.

Fast forward to now. I recently purchased a sweet Model 58 conversion that has 2 matching barrel / cylinder combinations. Each barrel is flat sided and have gold bead front sights. Both barrels are a tad over 3". One is the .41 Mag barrel and cylinder, the other barrel and cylinder are chambered for .44 mag. The revolver is set up now with the .44 barrel and cylinder. To me it is a wonderful .44 Special piece, no need for the .44 magnum.

I would like to convert this case to house the S&W Model 58 set up. So far I am thinking of a bottom made from a "pic a puc" type foam, then covering with as close to the correct color as the Smith & Wesson Blue material. I figure the top of the case would be covered with the same type of material. Is there a source for that type of material or what do I even search for. I know alot of the factory cases were flocked, so that doesn't help.

I have some pics of what it was and I am visualizing, any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Tim

 

[6string]

Nice case and nice gun!
Custom work that is so well thought out is great to see!

My advice for the case is to study pictures of the cases Colt used to offer for their cap and ball revolvers. I believe these were called “French fitted”.
There was a space for the gun, plus open compartments for the various accoutrements. Rather than closely following every contour of the revolver, the work was done with straight, thin strips of wood covered with the same material with which the case was lined.
If your even modestly skilled with basic hand tools, this is not a difficult project.
One of the great things about this type of fitting is that it is not so tight that it traps humidity and moisture around all that nice blued steel.

PS: whatever path you choose, I hope you post some pictures!

PS #2: if you decide to use a foam product, avoid selecting products that may contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds). This is an especially serious problem with stuff made in China, where toxicity is treated halphazardly. These products can slow release volatile gases that cause corrosion of steel.

 

[Hawg Rider]

It's very likely that Joe Cebull (jcelect), one of the Forum's premier presentation box craftsmen, will be along shortly with some suggestions. He may even have a S&W style plastic insert (form fit for the revolver and tools) that could be used. Good luck!

 

[walter o]

I nlike 6strings ideamake the insert removeable from the box and flock the insert .Make the insert out of thin woood glued&tacked togetherthen flock

 

[jcelect]

Custom liners

I have no idea of what "pic-a-puc" type foam is! You can use multi layers of foam poster board hand cut to the forms you need. Also, a piece of 3/4" Styrofoam can be used for the bottom. Try 1/2" or 3/4" medium density foam rubber covered with your blue cloth for the top! Please let me know if you figure out what "the correct color for S&W is"? Here are a couple pics of custom case liners I have made using crushed valet, velour, and felt cloths.

jcelect

 

[walter o]

khttps
[img]https://i.imgur.com/IUUYb4O.jpg

 

[tt66]

Thank you all for the ideas and suggestions.

Jcelect, what type of material is the blue in the middle picture, the revolver with the extra cylinder. I really like the look of it.

Thank you,
Tim

 

[Camster]

Nice case and nice gun!
Custom work that is so well thought out is great to see!

My advice for the case is to study pictures of the cases Colt used to offer for their cap and ball revolvers. I believe these were called “French fitted”.
There was a space for the gun, plus open compartments for the various accoutrements. Rather than closely following every contour of the revolver, the work was done with straight, thin strips of wood covered with the same material with which the case was lined.
If your even modestly skilled with basic hand tools, this is not a difficult project.
One of the great things about this type of fitting is that it is not so tight that it traps humidity and moisture around all that nice blued steel.

PS: whatever path you choose, I hope you post some pictures!

PS #2: if you decide to use a foam product, avoid selecting products that may contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds). This is an especially serious problem with stuff made in China, where toxicity is treated halphazardly. These products can slow release volatile gases that cause corrosion of steel.

Colt percussion cases were actually English fitted. French fitting is where the case is recessed in the shape of the component to be stored there.

 

[boykinlp]

Colt percussion cases were actually English fitted. French fitting is where the case is recessed in the shape of the component to be stored there.

I was thinking the same thing. In my mind’s eye, if I am not mistaken, French Fitting is basically what your original Ruger case was. Very nice, BTW.
Larry