Waterproof fabric

[Walks with fire]

Is there any truly waterproof fabric that a cows knee can be made of? I went and lost my leather lock cover while hunting the thick stuff so I will need to make another. No way I am going to find it because I am not sure where it fell out of my pocket.

At any rate I would like to make one from waterproof fabric if there is such a thing. The leather one I had was soft leather treated with sno-seal boot dressing and really didn't work so well in real wet weather.

What works best for those that use one?

 

[coloradoclyde]

I think it is more than just an issue of "waterproof"......Condensation and humidity must also be considered....
What about sealing the pan?...

How heavy of a rain are you hunting in?....

How often do you re-prime?

How often do you actually get a shot in such inclement weather?........

Have you tried beeswax, and or linseed oil coated cloth?

 

[coloradoclyde]

What works best for those that use one?

I don't use one.....not necessary in my area....If it's raining I shelter both myself and my gun...or at least the lock by placing it under my arm or outer garment.....and re-priming regularly.....if the weather is really bad I hunker down and stay home like the rest of the smart animals..... :wink:

 

[rijerolmon]

I believe that "water resistant" is as good as you are going to get with either fabric or leather and still have the knee flexible. My experience has been infiltration from the ends to be more of an issue than thru the knee.

 

[Grimord]

If you are not looking to be period correct, try using a section of a wheel barrow tire inner tube. Punch holes front and rear for cut rubber strips to tie to the gun. 100% water proof if you don't turn the gun upside down.

 

[Walks with fire]

Where and when I hunt a lock cover is important on occasion. I am always aware of the condition of the ignition powder and if it doesn't slide around in the pan it gets changed. Keeping snow or drizzle off the lock helps and I do use a swipe of beeswax around the pan in wet conditions. Like you have said things can get wet cover or not; although one does help a good bit in most conditions.

The one I had was good and I will look for it once the snow melts off. It was thin leather but even with sno-seal treatment it got wet eventually and I don't think having a wet cover is good over your pan. I want something that stays dry and can be removed quickly and of course quietly. The one I had was store bought and sewn so it fit over the lock snugly with a length of double strip leather that swung around under the gun and looped around the hammer screw to attach, I liked the way it worked. Linseed oil/fabric is something I may just have to look into. The inner tube suggestion may just have some merit as well; rubber is some wonderful stuff.

I have some camo waterproof jackets that work quite well in wet weather and shed water well without build up but not sure if I can buy just a strip of that type of fabric. Gotta look around a little but keep the suggestions coming.

A lot of keyboard punching today; worn out from a weeks worth of chasing the big hoofed rabbits. Coffee is tasting good. Thanks to all and have a happy new year.

 

[Dave Marsh]

Hello, go to this site http://www.cdlyles.com
Go to page 14 and you will see the gun cover I use.
It sure comes in handy and we have about the same weather. Works great. :thumbsup:

Happy New Year all.

Dave

 

[Claude Mathis]

Line your soft leather one with waterproof ripstop nylon. Nobody will know but you.

 

[coloradoclyde]

I have some camo waterproof jackets that work quite well in wet weather and shed water well without build up but not sure if I can buy just a strip of that type of fabric. Gotta look around a little but keep the suggestions coming.

Yes you can....I assume you are talking about Gore-Tex fabric....Expensive, the Chinese stuff might be cheaper... http://www.rockywoods.com/Fabrics-Kits/Gore-Tex-Waterproof-Breathable-Fabrics

 

[Billnpatti]

Get some heavy weight fabric at any of the fabric stores. Something like a good canvas or heavy denim. Sew it up to make the cover that you want. You can dye it with coffee or tea if you wish. Once your lock cover is made, spray it with http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum-NeverWet-11-oz-NeverWet-Outdoor-Fabric-Spray-278146/205160314

It is fantastic stuff. Home Depot has it but you can find it most anywhere. When it is applied, you can't tell it is on the fabric but it sheds water like a duck's back.

 

[Twisted_1in66]

Another option if you can find it is waxed Cotton like you will find on a Barbour Jacket. I once had an opportunity to buy about half a bolt of it cheaply and passed on it. I've regretted that ever since. Does need to be retreated from time to time but it's simple to do. A tin of Barbour wax isn't outrageously expensive and will last for many years.

Twisted_1in66 :thumbsup:
Dan

 

[CrackStock]

To answer your specific question, I made my only cow's knee of cotton cloth and then painted it to waterproof it. Worked okay, but a skilled woodsman encouraged my to learn to tuck my lock under my armpit while in the woods and orient my muzzle slightly downward. Any cloak or jacket can be draped over the back end of the gun. After using this method for a time, I have lost the cow's knee and have no desire to find it again. This has served me well for hunting, trekking and reenacting. Give this an honest try for a while.

(I have hunted and shot this way in South Carolina, Mississippi and Louisiana, so there was significant experience with moisture. No problem.)

CS

 

[ApprenticeBuilder]

a skilled woodsman encouraged me to learn to tuck my lock under my armpit while in the woods and orient my muzzle slightly downward. Any cloak or jacket can be draped over the back end of the gun.

CS

^^^^^^^^

This has worked well for me.

Several years back our group had just started an extended (20+ station) trail walk when the hail/rain started, this weather lasted for the entire trail. Never did have an issue with the flint ignition and do believe that I placed well that weekend.