M8/81 Carrying Case

[DWalt]

As I said earlier, I just got back my 12 Ga Browning Citori from my son after about 10 years. I have a Browning 2-gun case, and decided to see if my M81 fit - it does. The Citori is at the bottom. Note compartments on each side for ammo, etc. So, another option for those of you wanting a carrying case for your M8/81. I occasionally see similar O/U carrying cases at gun shows, usually reasonably priced ($25-$50). I think I paid $20 for mine at a gun show, but back about 1995-97.

I have an old, so-called, "Leg of Mutton" hard leather case also. Back in the old days, they were popularly used for carrying takedown pump shotguns, such as the Winchester Model 97s and 12s. Mine is in fairly shabby condition with stitching coming loose, and I would probably have to take it to a saddlemaker to get it fixed up. I'm not sure it's worth the expense of doing that. Even though I have not tried it, I'd bet it would work OK for a M8/81. Has anyone tried that?

[Sarge756]

That`s a neat option for a case for our 8`s. Your mention of the Leg O mutton type case as an alternative is on target. I have two Leg O Muttons that have carried a variety of my collection from time to time. I`ve used them with my Parker and Fox Sterlingworths and even my 63 Winchester. As long as it fits it gives a secure case for transport .These come up from time to time on Fleabay and as you mentioned about yours they tend to be in disrepair most of the time.Just have to be picky unless you do leatherwork like me. The two pictured are the most common styles. The Model 8 pictured shows the position in the case.The lighter colored one opens on both ends and has a felt lined tube that isolates the two halves of the firearm. The other is the more traditional with opening at one end and a divider that seperates the halves.
The brand that is the most desirable is a Redhead.They are made from a heavy harness leather like latigo and are very well made. They bring a premium price but are worth it.These type cases are still made and new are in the $400 range so if you find a Redhead at half that you are doing good. Most common brand that I have seen, is like the darker case pictured.It is a VL&A made in Chicago and this one is very close to a Redhead in looks and construction. The lighter case is not branded.I was told several years back by a collector that it is most likely from Spain.
Joe

[DWalt]

My LOM case more closely resembles the darker one, but it has no tooled design. I guess I really should dig mine out and at least get an estimate from someone as to about what it would cost to get it back into shape. I have a first-year-of-production Winchester Model 1912 in 20 Gauge (this is before they were called Model 12s), and it fits fine in the LOM. I've had that case so long I don't remember where I got it, I think someone gave it to me.