Hello from California

**badshot** · 11th September 2009, 03:02 PM

I'm a new member here and I hail from California. I came across this forum the other day from a google search of "Fancy Dovetails". It took me here to a post the explained the process I was looking for. I took a look around and liked what I saw so I decided to join.
I got into this from one of my other hobbies which is Cowboy Action Shooting. You see I decided to build custom gun cases for my rifles, shotguns and revolvers. I'm in the process of finishing my first case which is for my pair of 1860 Army revolvers. It's nothing too fancy and I made it out of Red Oak as it is plentiful out here and relatively inexpensive.
I very much enjoy looking at the work of other and I have found great inspiration from what I've seen so far. I've also started on my second case which is for a Ruger 454 Alaskan. For this I am looking at using Cherry & Walnut.
Regards

**munruben** · 11th September 2009, 04:05 PM

Welcome to the forum. How about some pics of your projects and your guns. Lot of guys and gals would be interested I'm sure.

**Fencepost2** · 11th September 2009, 07:30 PM

Welcome Badshot, look forward to seeing pictures of your stuff. Do your gun boxes have to comply with any laws about keeping them locked? For my farming 0.22 I have to have a hardwood or metal box, with secure lock, and the box bolted to a wall. According to our law the police could come and check up on this at any time and confiscate fire arms if things are not in compliance.

**DsArt** · 11th September 2009, 08:24 PM

Welcome to the forum Badshot

what you got goin sounds interesting how about some pics

**badshot** · 12th September 2009, 02:03 AM

Originally Posted by Fencepost2

Welcome Badshot, look forward to seeing pictures of your stuff. Do your gun boxes have to comply with any laws about keeping them locked? For my farming 0.22 I have to have a hardwood or metal box, with secure lock, and the box bolted to a wall. According to our law the police could come and check up on this at any time and confiscate fire arms if things are not in compliance.

Even though California is one of the most restrictive states regarding gun control we don't have to worry about gun searches. The cases don't have to comply with any laws unless you're using them in air travel. There are some restrictions regading handguns and how they are transported, but if you put them in the trunk of your car you'll be okay.
Here is one of my latest additions to my collection. It's not a cowboy gun but I did build it myself. It is a fully California legal AR15. To be legal here I had to install what is called a bullet button which requires a tool to release the magazine. The Magazine cannot hold more then 10 rounds.

**ciscokid** · 12th September 2009, 04:02 AM

Hi Badshot! Welcome to the forum.

Did some competition shooting myself back in the day (75 foot, one hand, rapid fire), but time constraints keep me from it these days. Still have my Benelli match pistol around somewheres. Looking forward to seeing some photos of your work. Fancy dovetails, huh? By hand or with a router? You can do some pretty fancy work with a Leigh D4 system. Variable spacing and all that, plus some fancier joints with additional templates. All depends on what you are shooting for.

Walnut and cherry are both fine choices for your next box. Curly maple would make for a nice accent timber for either one as well.

**badshot** · 12th September 2009, 12:47 PM

Originally Posted by ciscokid

Hi Badshot! Welcome to the forum.

Did some competition shooting myself back in the day (75 foot, one hand, rapid fire), but time constraints keep me from it these days. Still have my Benelli match pistol around somewheres. Looking forward to seeing some photos of your work. Fancy dovetails, huh? By hand or with a router? You can do some pretty fancy work with a Leigh D4 system. Variable spacing and all that, plus some fancier joints with additional templates. All depends on what you are shooting for.

Walnut and cherry are both fine choices for your next box. Curly maple would make for a nice accent timber for either one as well.

Here is a photo of the box that started my google search for Fancy dovetails. This is a pistol case that was posted on gunbroker.com. I love the look of the two-tone dovetails.

I have the Rockler Dovetail jig and would love the Leigh D4 but the cost is more then I can justify to make a few boxes. Who knows maybe I'll upgrade at some point but for now I'll just get by with the Rockler Jig.

**artme** · 13th September 2009, 08:53 AM

G'day Badshot and welcome aboard.

That box looks as though it is made with an Incra or a Leigh Jig. Technically those dovetails are usually called inlaid dovetails but I have see them referred to as double dove tails.

**badshot** · 15th September 2009, 12:29 PM

Here is the almost finished box. Just missing some additional hardware but for the most part it's done. The box is made out of Red Oak. I was going for a look that fit the time period of the 1860 Amry .44 Cap & Ball revolvers. I used foam on the inside for protection but it does kinda ruin the look. I may replace it with felt even though it won't have the protection of the foam.

**Billyboydes** · 15th September 2009, 01:36 PM

Welcome Badshot,
What a fantastic 1st effort. Well done! I look forward to seeing future work.
regards
Billy

(not the Kid!)

**artme** · 16th September 2009, 09:16 AM

Very nifty box Badshot!!

Keep up the great work.

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