Eve Flanigan 12.11.23
Skinner Sights is a brand synonymous with quality sights for lever guns. Their finely machined, superbly finished ghost ring/bead combos grace countless lever action rifles, sometimes straight from the factory or as upgrades to stock sights. But there’s a lot more to this growing company’s gun accessories selection. In fact, it’s a veritable Santa’s workshop in the snowy north. Here are five of my faves.
Skinner Sights Coverage on AllOutdoor
Skinner Sights Biothane Sling
Biothane is a remarkable synthetic material. Stronger than latigo leather yet just as flexible, it’s surprising it’s not in common use for sling material. Skinner Sights’ interpretation of a two-point biothane sling is classy and practical. The continuous loop design means there are no keepers or messy loose ends. Its adjustment holes won’t become ovals with use as leather does. Blood, mud, and rain wipe off easily. This super-strong sling is outfitted with two Chicago screws as insurance against unwittingly loosened screws. Swivel loops are included for convenient attachment to a rifle. $45
Skinner Sights Lever Gun Light Rail
So new it’s not even on the Skinner Sights website yet, but this gadget is, as far as I know, the only one of its kind and made in-house via CNC machine. The Lever Gun Light Rail makes it possible to mount a Pic rail-ready flashlight onto a lever gun. In the words of designer/CEO Andy Larsson, it is “simple, rugged, and made to look like it grew up on the gun.” It easily installs on either side of the barrel/magazine for ambi use. Skinner Sights is a new Olight dealer and sells both the individual mount and light/mount combos. I had the chance to shoot on a dark range with this gadget and found it to be very handy to use and slim enough to not interfere with tight storage situations. Contact Skinner Sights for information on pricing.
Skinner Sights HTF Tactical Garment Bag
Skinner Sights is becoming well known for its in-house sewing shop, and this bag is part of the reason. Shaped like a traditional garment bag, this one is extremely durable Cordura on the outside and potentially full of surprises on the inside. It’s made to carry a personal bugout arsenal in plain sight. The interior of the HTF Tactical Garment Bag features secure carriage for a carbine or defensive shotgun, two full-size handguns, a bevy of magazines and ammo for each, and other accessories you deem necessary. Once loaded and ready for travel, its weight will be the only thing making it obviously different from any other unremarkable-looking garment bag. Even if it stays home, its unassuming appearance amongst clothing in a closet is unlikely to tempt burglars. This bag lends itself to discreet carry in non-permissive environments as well as keeping emergency supplies in reach but out of view in a vehicle. Offered in olive or black and currently on sale for $189 (regularly $249) as of this writing.
Skinner Sights Mini Scabbard
Small rifles, AKA youth rifles with an overall length of 32 inches, for example Cricket rifles, the Savage Rascal, and a few others, are great but carry cases for them are rare. Enter the Mini Scabbard. This tough Cordura case is just long enough for these little rifles and short enough to be toted to the truck by most young hunters. A single Fastex buckle closure on the butt end and wide carry strap make for efficient use. These cases are offered in bright pink, blaze orange, black, or olive. Unlike a lot of goods made for kids, this accessory is built to last as a hand-me-down between siblings or even generations. $39
Skinner Sights Simply Rugged Butt Cuff
Leather holster maker Rob Leahy of Simply Rugged is the crafter of these one-of-a-kind butt cuff cartridge holders with optional cheek rest. Top grain leather is used as the wrap. The cartridge loops are also leather, as is the lacing that secures the cuff to the rifle. These cuffs lend practicality and custom, rustic mountain style to a lever rifle. The built-in cheek rest models provide a convenient resting place when shooting with an optic. The Butt Cuff is offered in common lever gun chamberings including 38/357, 44 Magnum/45 Colt, 30-30, and 45-70. They are priced at $90 with or without the cheek rest.
The small team at Skinner Sights take great pride in making products that are tough and which have proven themselves in real-life use before hitting the market. Over the years as I’ve owned and handled their sewn products, the quality of stitching and finish work is immediately evident. Zippers, when included, are never flimsy. And while I’ve never used the Simply Rugged Butt Cuff, I’ve experienced Leahy’s holsters firsthand and can attest to the consistent attention to detail and high quality associated with the brand.
Skinner Sights CEO Andy Larsson and wife Sheila Larsson are avid international hunters who design and build sewn accessories they personally find useful afield. While the brand obviously began as, and still is, one focused primarily on lever gun sights, their sewing shop is giving a market saturated by mass-manufactured, sub-par products some serious competition.
