Hello Savage Shooters! I just finished a project and thought I would share some photos with the communities that might enjoy them.

I started this project just wanting a cool bag for my rifle. I considered cutting up a seabag and bivie mat for my materials but my ambitions grew and so did my shopping list. I managed to keep things under about $100 for materials though. As I was starting this project I found a total dearth of information about how to do this kind of work. It would seem the folks who are good at this, jealously guard their trade secrets, and just as well for them. I however am not good at it, nor do I make any money at it so I have no qualms with sharing, though I am proud of my final product which is a completely original design.

Here is my cloth being measured out. Measure 13 times, cut once. The whiskey bottles were just keeping the cloth from sliding off of my table.



The main pieces: Back, and zipper panels. Not shown: Interior lining.



The handles are two uniform martial arts belt I no long wear. This was the hardest stuff to sew through and I would advise thinner web material.



Here it is with the d-rings (More on that later) and exterior webbing sewn on as well as the zipper sewn into its panel.



Becoming 3-dimensional...



This is the zipper fully installed. The 270 degree zip was very ambitious on my part and I am pleased it came out so well.



At this point I neglected to take any photos of the interior panels and closed cell rubber foam padding inside them. It was by far the hardest part of the job though and involved lots of hand sewing with a pair of pliers as several layers of 1,000 denier cordura and webbing is very, very tough to sew through.

Finished! Here is the back with a set ALICE shoulder and waist straps hooked up to those D-rings I installed earlier. If I ever get to do my dream Western elk hunt, I'll be ready.



The outside with the webbing. I intend to make smaller detachable packs to fit perfectly on the outside for more storage. I'll post if and when I do.



Interior. The only regret I have with my design was the system for attaching the rifle. I wish I had done webbing so it would be more universal. Next time.



There is plenty of foam padding inside the interior panels to protect the contents. If I have enough scrap I may make a scope cover and muzzle sheath for a little added insurance.