HBG -
It depends a little on why you want a saddle scabbard. If you're going on guided or outfitted hunts and want your own scabbard so it's not a gamble on what's provided, that's one thing. If they don't/won't provide a scabbard that's another. If you are a hunting horse owner that's another. There are good nylon, canvas, etc. ones out there, but not many of them provide the rigidity that the good leather ones do. Horses and valuable objects are a gamble in the mountains any time, but the extra stiffness of leather can help. Nevertheless, in the event of a real wreck, scopes can get whacked, buttstocks splintered, rifles fall out entirely and other unpleasantries can happen.
I've got both types, but way prefer the heavy leather on a horse. The other padded one works great on the floor of the pickup with junk piled on, or even in the bed with camping gear when I need truck space for people. Please don't get one of those plastic abominations designed for ATV's yet advertised as 'can be used for saddle scabbard with optional straps'. If buying new, I'd look at Triple K Leather and Outfitter's Supply. Not sure if the Triple K will take the 28" barrel Encore, but think it will.
Heavy duty straps are another key item. They can be leather or heavy webbing, but you want nothing to do with cheap stuff here either. The hardware needs to be top notch, too. Plastic buckles, buckles held to leather with a single rivet and so on you want to stay clear of. I went to the site mentioned above and the pics indicate the guy knows his business. It says he's booked out to November - word must be out!!
Another Tom
