Down & Dirty Powder Horn

[TDM]

I'm not presenting this as an example of the horn makers art, far from it. But a few weeks ago while antiquing with my wife I came across a little powder horn, or what was left of it. But it had a nice patina and a size that would make a nice day horn for a long walk in the woods. So, I bought it for $14 and decided to make a plain jane, knock about horn. This is what I started with.

 

[TDM]

I turned a new end plug from Red Cedar and a spout plug from Crepe Mrytle, which is a very dense, strong wood for those that haven't tried it. I filed a groove around the throat for the front strap and reshaped the tip. Then took some scrap leather and made a strap. So for $14 plus stuff I had on hand I ended up with a functional powder horn. While it won't win any beauty contest, I hope it will encourage others to give horn making a try. The true craftsmen ship will come later if you stay at it. And while a wood lathe makes it faster, its not necessary if you take your time.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

Looks darn nice to me.

 

[Compressorguy]

Beautiful horn and most satisfying making it yourself!

 

[sb 54 cal.]

yes really nice

 

[user 48679]

You're wrong !

It DID win a beauty contest - with me !

 

[Rifleman1776]

Anyone should be proud to wear that. Good on you for saving that horn.

 

[MAPMFF]

Well done!

 

[hanshi]

I think it's a great looking horn and certainly levels above my "knockabout" horns.

 

[user 49399]

That’s a nice horn! Something homemade and that well made beats store bought anytime.

 

[Snake Pleskin]

There were more horns like this is the 1700/1800 then there were fancy ones. Good job (IMHO) My day horn, attached to my small day bag!

 

[MSW]

that horn looks great! ... i really like the shape and the color ... plain and simple and well executed

 

[Longhunter7]

I'm not presenting this as an example of the horn makers art, far from it. But a few weeks ago while antiquing with my wife I came across a little powder horn, or what was left of it. But it had a nice patina and a size that would make a nice day horn for a long walk in the woods. So, I bought it for $14 and decided to make a plain jane, knock about horn. This is what I started with.

Nice horn, I wish it was mine!

 

[JohnnieT]

That’s a great looking horn. I admire the more ornate horns, but my guns are all business and I prefer my accoutrements the same. Well done!

 

[Ricochet]

We have a huge Crepe Myrtle bush with some long straight limbs. I have carved walking sticks and some turkey pot call strikers out of it and it holds detail wonderfully. Ive always wondered why I have hardly ever heard of people using it for stuff. Great looking horn!

 

[JEBMs]

Be proud, that’s a good looking, functional horn.

 

[TDM]

We have a huge Crepe Myrtle bush with some long straight limbs. I have carved walking sticks and some turkey pot call strikers out of it and it holds detail wonderfully. Ive always wondered why I have hardly ever heard of people using it for stuff. Great looking horn!

I agree, it's a very strong wood. I've made one walking from it and done a few carvings with it too, holds details well. And I've turned it on the lathe with good results. Only downside is that the larger pieces tends to split badly while they're drying. Probably something I'm doing wrong.