I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

[ChazHollywood]

I thought I'd share the beginnings of a project I'm working on. I've got someone with experience who offered to help me make a custom leather cheek rest for me 5R. The reason I'm doing this is because I can't find anything on the market that does what I want. There are some nylon options out there, but they seem to be very cheaply made (NOT talking about the Eagle pack here).

I need a little bit of elevation on the comb of my rifle and I also want to have loops for additional cartridges, but I don't really want any zippered pockets like the Eagle packs have, and I prefer leather as a material.

So that means it's time for a project!

I've done a Photoshop mockup of the design as it is so far (Below). We haven't decided on how to clasp the straps on the left side of the rifle just yet. I want it to be very low profile and sleek. Not sure if a buckle will be the ticket, but we'll find out what works best as we get more into the project.

Anyway, feel free to share any thoughts you might have.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Update: Here's the left hand side design. Pardon the rough Photoshop job, you'll just have to use your imagination

</span>

 

[GasLight]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

thinking that black leather would be better, will be curious to see it when its done.

 

[ChazHollywood]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

The color hasn't been decided on yet, but it's probably not going to be black. There are actually a few considerations on color.

First, I like the contrast of a more natural leather color, black on a green stock won't contrast as much as I'd like.

Second, I've already got that Turner sling on there which I really like, will need to decide whether the cheek rest should match.

Finally, there was some talk of using some natural crocodile that he already has some scrap of. Depending on the color, it might make a good base piece.

So on the color, I guess we'll see where it goes, but probably won't be black for this rifle.

 

[sandapanda]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

I have a 5r and also don't want a pocket etc, etc. Just the rest and maybe ammo. Very cool. Keep us posted!

 

[threetrees]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

interested as well. how do you make the straps/tighten it? i'd prefer some metal-free solution that's not scratching on the stock

 

[ChazHollywood]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: threetrees</div><div class="ubbcode-body">interested as well. how do you make the straps/tighten it? i'd prefer some metal-free solution that's not scratching on the stock</div></div>

The opposite side is still being designed and how to fasten the straps is the biggest challenge right now. Yes, whatever we do we want to make sure it doesn't scratch the stock. It's also got to be low profile, look good, and be secure.

 

[SingleShot85]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

that is slick, color doesn't matter that is what they make dye for.

I got a Browning Hi-wall this would look awesome on.

a thin layer of rubber or neoprene underneath, I'm talking 1/32 thin, just to keep it sliding and give it just enough of a "padded" feel would be worth considering.

Velcro always make a nice low profile, non scratch attachment

keep up the progress

 

[ChazHollywood]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SingleShot85</div><div class="ubbcode-body">that is slick, color doesn't matter that is what they make dye for.

I got a Browning Hi-wall this would look awesome on.

a thin layer of rubber or neoprene underneath, I'm talking 1/32 thin, just to keep it sliding and give it just enough of a "padded" feel would be worth considering.

Velcro always make a nice low profile, non scratch attachment

keep up the progress</div></div>

I think we're going to make a rough prototype first to see how everything fits. I suspect if we tailor it snugly enough there won't be a need for any synthetic materials to keep it from slipping, but we shall see.

I'd really like to keep it to leather, thread, and hardware if I can.

 

[BarryMaslen]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

This project could turn out very nicely. And you are right about there not being very many on the market.

 

[goose316]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

Search for hide member PGS, I believe Pat has done something similar to this.

 

[ChazHollywood]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CnC1018</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Search for hide member PGS, I believe Pat has done something similar to this. </div></div>

Found him. Cant find the thread though. Anyone have a link, or can you describe his project?

 

[threetrees]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CnC1018</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Search for hide member PGS, I believe Pat has done something similar to this. </div></div>

interested as well

 

[Martin Taylor]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

Do it in oxblood! (I had a pair of oxblood Frye riding boots a while back and they looked sweet.)

 

[ChazHollywood]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

Bump for update in OP. Added an image of the left hand side design. Feel free to share any thoughts you might have.

 

[threetrees]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

besides 'where to order?' - what do you expect me to say?

oh

edit: adding ideas now

a) any price estimate yet?
b) will there be an option without the ammo holding part?
c) option for more than brown colour?

ideas:

*) make it such that you can add extra height by sliding something in/underneath it?

 

[ChazHollywood]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: threetrees</div><div class="ubbcode-body">besides 'where to order?' - what do you expect me to say?

oh

edit: adding ideas now

a) any price estimate yet?
b) will there be an option without the ammo holding part?
c) option for more than brown colour?

ideas:

*) make it such that you can add extra height by sliding something in/underneath it?</div></div>

Sorry I didn't see your reply earlier. This isn't a commercial endeavor, it's something I'm doing as a personal project.

I doubt people will be climbing over one-another to hand me money, I just wanted to share as an interesting project.

By the way, we're getting close to making the first sewn prototype. I'll update when I have something real to show.

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChazHollywood</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Bump for update in OP. Added an image of the left hand side design. Feel free to share any thoughts you might have.</div></div>



chaz.......why......?

 

[Chiller]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChazHollywood</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Bump for update in OP. Added an image of the left hand side design. Feel free to share any thoughts you might have.</div></div>



chaz.......why......? </div></div>

+1.....???? Why.....Why not just get a Eagle or SOTech or......

 

[ChazHollywood]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Chiller</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChazHollywood</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Bump for update in OP. Added an image of the left hand side design. Feel free to share any thoughts you might have.</div></div>



chaz.......why......? </div></div>

+1.....???? Why.....Why not just get a Eagle or SOTech or......</div></div>

To elaborate on the "why" from the OP. There's a difference in quality between a mass-produced, one-size-fits-all nylon pack, and a custom tailored leather piece. I'm just looking to put together something that's better than what is out there currently, better to me that is.

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

you don't got a clue do you?



all the leather / strap on stuff for your rifle is for the safari crowd, you know them folks that got more money than good sense and go schlepp to the plains of africa and trott about with leather boolit holders and leather wrist cuffs and leather wine gobblett doilies.......

this a website for the serious tactical shooter that works his gear in many and varied climates to include GETTING OFF THE FUCKING BENCH ....and in the dirt and mud and rain and snow and frozen fog,,,,where one is inclined to encounter hammered shit with blowing smegma.......

btw them nylon cheek pads are designed and made to adapt to many different and varied stocks....also to include the raising of the pad to ensure proper eye relief and elevation of your eye.

do you ever get out and shoot,?.......

 

[cpt.creedmoor]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

LOL...................

 

[importsstillsuck]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

I don't know I'd still take a black one

 

[GardDog]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

Leather wine goblet doilies...... I lol'd

 

[LUNCHBOX0621]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

After that ass ripping by BOLTRIPPER i'm keeping my custom leather cod piece project to myself now.
Jesus! LMAO That was too funny

 

[ChazHollywood]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">you don't got a clue do you?



all the leather / strap on stuff for your rifle is for the safari crowd, you know them folks that got more money than good sense and go schlepp to the plains of africa and trott about with leather boolit holders and leather wrist cuffs and leather wine gobblett doilies.......

this a website for the serious tactical shooter that works his gear in many and varied climates to include GETTING OFF THE FUCKING BENCH ....and in the dirt and mud and rain and snow and frozen fog,,,,where one is inclined to encounter hammered shit with blowing smegma.......

btw them nylon cheek pads are designed and made to adapt to many different and varied stocks....also to include the raising of the pad to ensure proper eye relief and elevation of your eye.

do you ever get out and shoot,?.......</div></div>

Wow.

I get it, you are a bad-ass tier-1 tactical operator and this is your territory. This is serious business after all. A guy you don't know is making his own cheek rest and didn't seek your approval first.

Glad I could help you get that off your chest. Do you feel better?

 

[juniors]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

Dick Murray in Texas makes some nice leather butt stock shell holders, here's one listed for sale:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=244101733

Not mine, or associated with him but I do have one of his slings and he uses nothing but the best leather. Contary to popular belief leather lasts in any weather, has a long life, and isn't noisy - hell, I think the many of our Country's finest used leather slings, straps, boots, etc........

 

[threetrees]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

similar to those claiming that leather does not last, and plastic is the way to go ... i would just reverse the argument and say that you have never tried leather as well.

deer is tons more perceptive than a human. in our region, it does make a notably difference (on a stalk) to use felt, wood and leather compared to goretex and plastic stock. okay, plastic may be a bit more durable but is notably (also to a human ear) more noisy.

bottom line - i am interested in that little project. if it's leather or some other material.

 

[Thud]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

Chaz,
Your in LV.
Leather in that area will retain smells and sweat stains and crack real fast. The pad will expand and contract and crack and fall off and fail. In this game the synthetic fabrics rule. They are inert and can be washed(who does that).
Get a real time operator equipment list and stick to it, spend funds on ammo and real stuff.
Also try to sell it when it doesn't work no one wants some elses smelly leathers (I don't know about this crowd)
The guys here know the stuff don't reinvent a wheel.

 

[psinclair]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChazHollywood</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CnC1018</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Search for hide member PGS, I believe Pat has done something similar to this. </div></div>

Found him. Cant find the thread though. Anyone have a link, or can you describe his project? </div></div>

Here's a couple different ones...

 

[psinclair]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Thud</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Chaz,
Your in LV.
Leather in that area will retain smells and sweat stains and crack real fast. The pad will expand and contract and crack and fall off and fail. In this game the synthetic fabrics rule. They are inert and can be washed(who does that).
Get a real time operator equipment list and stick to it, spend funds on ammo and real stuff.
Also try to sell it when it doesn't work no one wants some elses smelly leathers (I don't know about this crowd)
The guys here know the stuff don't reinvent a wheel. </div></div>

Thats funny right there.....I'm paid to use my rifles almost everyday and I've never had any of those issues....much nicer snugging up to a leather covered comb when its 40* below zero.

 

[Sendero_Man]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

LOL.. I have shot Pat's. I can say none of them were smelly, stained or cracked.

I have bought a used Eagle stock pack and threw it away. It smelled like Old Spice and had a oblong stained spot of face oil and or runny nose.

Leather cleans easy, wipes clean and will last a long time if cared for. I still ride a saddle made in 1941 and it has had thousands of days and miles of use. Just like anything, take care of it and it will last for ages !

 

[ChazHollywood]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PGS</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChazHollywood</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CnC1018</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Search for hide member PGS, I believe Pat has done something similar to this. </div></div>

Found him. Cant find the thread though. Anyone have a link, or can you describe his project? </div></div>

Here's a couple different ones...</div></div>

Very nice work! Can I ask what method you used to secure the cheek rest? I don't see any straps or anything like that.

 

[RedGoat]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChazHollywood</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Very nice work! Can I ask what method you used to secure the cheek rest? I don't see any straps or anything like that.</div></div>

Looks like it is sewn into a sleeve. Then took his scope and bipod off and slipped it over the barrel end of the rifle.

 

[6.5mmman]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

PGS, those leather sleeves look sharp! I love the look of a well cared for and patina'd piece of leatherwork.

 

[Furtaker_.223]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

I like it. Is this the only color? And can it be a little thicker/taller on the cheek piece?

 

[Martin Taylor]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

Leather gets smelly and cracks? Where the hell are you guys getting this shit? Are your leather boots smelly and cracked? I mean, I'm sorry but I know mine aren't and I've been wearing then damn near every day for the last 3 years come hell and high water (well, I've been pretty far North so probably not so much hell as snow) What about those leather wide brim hats? I know I've got a Minnetonka "fold-up" hat that I've been wearing whenever the weather's been bad for the last 9 year and it's not too cracked. How about the original leather sling on my 1903? That's 60+ years old and I don't see anything wrong with that? What about my motorcycle jacket, leather, probably about6 years old now, sure it's ripped, but it is NOT smelly or cracked. It just needs a little tlc every now and then, that's all.

 

[mark5pt56]

Re: I'm having a custom leather cheek rest made.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sendero_man</div><div class="ubbcode-body">LOL.. I have shot Pat's. I can say none of them were smelly, stained or cracked.

I have bought a used Eagle stock pack and threw it away. It smelled like Old Spice and had a oblong stained spot of face oil and or runny nose.

Leather cleans easy, wipes clean and will last a long time if cared for. I still ride a saddle made in 1941 and it has had thousands of days and miles of use. Just like anything, take care of it and it will last for ages ! </div></div>

just a joke--that saddle smell like ass?

I would like to see the finished leather cheekpiece as well.