Why a Leather Wrap is a Smart Choice for Your Lever Action
Enhanced Grip and Comfort
The primary advantage is arguably the enhanced grip and comfort. The metallic lever, particularly after repeated firing, can become uncomfortably hot. Leather, with its inherent insulating properties, provides a barrier against this heat, protecting your hand. Beyond thermal protection, leather also significantly improves grip, especially in adverse conditions. Sweaty palms on a hot day, or a damp, cold environment can make it difficult to maintain a firm grip on a bare metal lever. A leather wrap provides a textured, tactile surface that enhances control and confidence. This is particularly beneficial in Cowboy Action Shooting where rapid, repeated cycling of the lever is critical. The leather gives you a more secure grasp, allowing you to cycle the action quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, leather often softens the sharp edges of the lever, which can dig into the hand during prolonged shooting sessions. The leather wrap creates a more ergonomic and comfortable feel, allowing you to enjoy extended time at the range or in the field.
Protection for Your Hands and Rifle
Beyond the shooter’s comfort, a leather wrap offers protection for your hands and the rifle itself. As mentioned, the heat mitigation is a key advantage in protecting your hands from burns. The wrap itself becomes an insulator, reducing the risk of accidental burns when handling a hot firearm. Moreover, leather wraps provide a layer of protection to the lever itself. The lever is a highly stressed part of the rifle, frequently subjected to wear and tear. A leather wrap helps to shield the lever’s finish from scratches, dings, and other damage that can occur during handling, storage, or field use. This added layer of defense helps to preserve the rifle’s value and aesthetic appeal over time. A well-maintained leather wrap can last for years, continuing to safeguard your lever action while it ages gracefully.
Improved Aesthetics and Customization
Finally, a leather wrap offers an undeniable boost to aesthetics and customization. It’s an opportunity to add a personal touch to your rifle and make it stand out from the crowd. Leather comes in a vast array of colors and finishes, from classic browns and blacks to more vibrant hues. The stitching pattern can also be customized, with options ranging from a simple, functional stitch to intricate, decorative patterns. You can also opt for tooling or stamping, adding unique designs, initials, or even logos to the wrap. This allows you to transform a standard lever action into a personalized masterpiece that reflects your individual style. It can be a subtle enhancement or a bold statement piece, but either way, it elevates the overall look and feel of your firearm.
Choosing the Right Leather Wrap
Material Selection
The heart of any leather wrap is the material selection. There are several common leather types used, each with its own characteristics and benefits.
Full-grain leather is considered the highest quality. It comes from the top layer of the hide and retains the natural grain, including any imperfections that give each piece of leather its unique character. Full-grain leather is incredibly durable and develops a beautiful patina over time, becoming more appealing with age. However, it can be more expensive than other options and may require more careful maintenance to prevent scratches and wear.
Top-grain leather is also a high-quality option. It’s a split leather that has had the top surface sanded and refinished to remove imperfections. This results in a smoother, more uniform finish than full-grain leather. Top-grain leather is often more affordable than full-grain leather while still offering good durability and a pleasant aesthetic.
Suede/Rough-out leather offers a different aesthetic and feel. This type of leather has the flesh side of the hide exposed, resulting in a fuzzy, textured surface. Suede wraps provide a unique look and a comfortable grip, but they may be more susceptible to wear and staining than other leather types. They also tend to absorb water more readily, which is important to consider if you’ll be shooting in wet environments.
Consider the thickness of the leather. A thicker leather will offer more protection against heat and wear, and it will generally last longer. However, thicker leather can also be stiffer and might require more effort to install. The best thickness depends on your individual preferences and how you plan to use your rifle. Generally, a thickness of 4 to 8 ounces is a good range for a lever action wrap.
Features to Consider
Several other features should influence your decision.
Fit is paramount. A leather wrap should fit snugly and securely on the lever without obstructing its movement. Look for wraps specifically designed for your rifle’s make and model. Even if you’re purchasing a wrap for a common lever-action, always verify the measurements or consult customer reviews to ensure a proper fit.
Consider the stitching. Hand-stitched wraps are often considered superior in quality and durability. The hand-stitching is often more resistant to breakage and provides a more robust bond. Machine-stitched wraps are typically more affordable, but the quality can vary. The stitch type and spacing can also affect the wrap’s appearance and strength.
Evaluate the attachment method. Lacing is a popular and traditional method, providing a secure and adjustable fit. Some wraps use adhesive, which offers a quick and easy installation. Others use stitching directly onto the lever. Each method has pros and cons related to ease of installation, durability, and adjustability. Lacing is usually more versatile and allows for minor adjustments to the fit.
Choose a color and style that appeals to your personal tastes and complements your rifle. Leather wraps are available in a wide variety of colors, from classic browns and blacks to unique options like greens and reds. Consider the overall look of your rifle and choose a color that matches your style. Think about the stitching color as well. A contrasting thread can add visual interest, while a matching thread creates a more subtle and refined look.
Finally, research size and compatibility. Ensure the wrap is designed for the specific lever-action model you own. Some manufacturers offer wraps for specific rifle families (e.g., Winchester 1894, Marlin 336) or even specific models. Check the product description carefully to confirm compatibility before making a purchase.
Installing Your Leather Wrap: A Practical Approach
Do-it-yourself Approach
Do-it-yourself installation allows for complete customization and can be a rewarding experience for those who enjoy craftsmanship. This approach requires basic tools and materials, including leather, a stitching needle, thread (waxed thread is recommended), scissors or a utility knife, a ruler, and possibly a punch or awl to create the stitching holes.
The process typically involves preparing the lever by cleaning and, if necessary, sanding the surface. Next, you’ll measure and cut the leather to the correct size and shape. The leather should wrap snugly around the lever, with enough overlap for secure attachment. The attachment typically involves lacing the leather together, securing the wrap tightly in place. You can also use stitching to secure the wrap. Carefully follow the pattern, ensuring the stitches are even and the thread is pulled taut. Take your time, and don’t hesitate to make adjustments as needed. A well-made DIY wrap is a testament to your skill and passion for your firearm.
Pre-Made Leather Wraps
If you’re short on time or prefer a simpler approach, consider using a pre-made leather wrap. These are readily available from numerous online retailers, gun shops, and custom leather crafters.
Installation of a pre-made wrap usually involves the steps used in DIY installation, but with less preparation. Typically, you’ll still need to prepare the lever, perhaps by cleaning it. After this, you’ll carefully position the wrap on the lever and secure it using the pre-cut lacing holes or attachment method specified by the manufacturer. Follow the provided instructions precisely to ensure a proper fit and a secure attachment. If you are using laces, make sure to tie the laces tightly, but not so tight that the lever’s function is impeded.
Caring for Your Leather Wrap
Cleaning
Proper care is essential to extend the life of your leather wrap and keep it looking its best.
Start with cleaning. Regularly wipe the wrap with a damp cloth to remove dirt, dust, and grime. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the leather. If the wrap gets wet, allow it to air dry naturally.
Conditioning
Conditioning is crucial to prevent the leather from drying out and cracking. Apply a leather conditioner periodically, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Conditioning helps maintain the leather’s suppleness and enhances its appearance. Choose a conditioner that is appropriate for the leather type.
Adhering to these care guidelines will enhance the longevity of the leather wrap. Regular cleaning and conditioning will help to maintain its appearance and protect it from the elements. With proper care, a leather wrap can last for many years, becoming a cherished part of your lever-action rifle.
Cost and Availability
The cost of a leather wrap varies depending on the leather type, craftsmanship, and whether it’s a pre-made or custom design. DIY materials can cost very little, perhaps only the cost of a leather piece. Pre-made wraps can range from around $20 to over $100, depending on the quality and features. Custom wraps will usually be more expensive.
Leather wraps are widely available. Check online retailers specializing in gun accessories, gun stores, and dedicated leather crafting websites. Gun shows often provide excellent opportunities to find leather wraps and meet with vendors who specialize in firearm customization. Local leather craftsmen are also a great resource for custom designs.
Adding a leather wrap to your lever action is a simple but significant upgrade. It elevates your shooting experience, provides a touch of class, and protects both your hands and your prized rifle. Embrace the opportunity to personalize your lever action, and enjoy the improved grip, enhanced aesthetics, and enduring legacy of this classic firearm. It’s a small investment that makes a big difference.
