Gun Case Suggestions

[Norkon]

Hi Everyone,

So i'm planning on traveling down to the states this winter (from canada) to spend some time in the heat. During this time I figured it would be nice to bring my rifles along to try out the ranges. My import permits are already in place. So I'm looking for advise on how to travel with 2 rifles through airports while keeping weight down and say to handle.

I first thoughts were find a pelican case big enough for everything (pelican 1750 or 1770), this will undoubtedly be overweight and heavy (thank god for wheels i guess) and the next idea was buy a hard case with no foam and carry the rifles inside their soft cases (i have them in drag bag/shooting mats). For the latter option, is this enough padding? How rough are baggage handlers?

I don't know, someone provide me with insight. I have attached a link to IMGUR to see what I want to bring. The want list is everything in the picture. The need list is rifles only and accessories packed with luggage. I haven't weighed my rifles but I would think my Sako comes in around 18 lbs and my RRA in at 14? Really I have no clue...

http://i.imgur.com/tNbwY8a.jpg

 

[SourMash]

I used to go on duck hunting trips all over the nation. I bought one of Cabela's aluminum gun cases with the wheels, it was big enough for 2 shotguns and it worked flawlessly. Although the airlines do not care about the shape of your luggage, they broke one of my wheels once and there is a decent dent on one of the corners, it did its job well and protected my guns. I highly recommend spending the money on quality equipment for whatever route you choose. Throwing luggage is what these people's job is and sometimes I think they take it too serious. As far as flying with the guns, you shouldn't have any problems as long as they're locked away and you also cannot have ammunition in the same unit as the guns. (Buy your ammo once you get to where you're going). Good luck

 

[NICETRY]

Get a pelican case. My 1750 has held up great for the 7 years I have had it. The outside looks like it has been to hell and back but my guns have been safe. I have packed two rifles or two shotguns at a time in it and have not gone over the 50 pound limit with it. Some airlines at different airports may not even weigh it because you have to take the case to a TSA area to get checked and from there TSA will take it. Also you do not need to use a TSA lock I recommend a normal keyed lock. Make sure you use at least two locks on your pelican case. If they can open it and pull something out they will not take it. And as far as ammo goes each airline has their own rules on how much you can bring but I have traveled with a brick of 22lr, 100rd of 45acp, and 100 of 338lm.

 

[triceratops3]

I'd say a pelican is your best bet for security/protection, but not sure which one would be able to hold all that stuff. My rifle is pretty snug with bolt, 2 mags, and sunshade in my 1750.

I know people also put their dragbags in pelicans without foam. As long as its snug and doesn't shift around I don't see why you wouldn't be good.

 

[OneShotJim]

For the stuff you have in your picture, I recommend the Boyt H-51. It's a "two rifle" hard case that will hold a lot. In my opinion its very well designed and built. I just flew with mine a few weeks ago to TX & back (from GA) and it did great. You can customize the middle layer of foam to hold what you want. Rather than two rifles, I cut mine to hold my 6.5 Creedmore w/McRee chassis, bolt, magazines, spotting scope and tripod. Got a great deal on mine during a Bass Pro sale; $150. They normally sell for ~$220-240. The H-51 weighs 24lb unloaded. Here's link to Boyt's hard cases: HARD CASES

Don't know about flying between Canada & US, but be sure to check and double check all security and airline rules. For TSA and US airlines ammo must be in checked luggage separate from the firearms. Have a blast shooting the the US!

 

[NOMAD]

Take a look at the Plano gun case review we just added to our site.

I have used every case on the market and I still have my first pelican. It has been a work horse and loyal. However the Plano case I used this year went on a lot of trips and it looks virtually brand new.

The review offers a lot of good info.

TEAM BLASTER :: GEAR REVIEWS

 

[Norkon]

Well it looks like the boyt wins. Only caveat is that it won't stand upright on its own. I might check the pelican 1750 for that feature or add some bumpers to the bottom of the boyt.

Just checked the pelican 1750 specs again. It's nearly 2" less it width leaving it impossible to fit everything.

Here's the preliminary fit. It's tight but it should work, I may end up removing the ar hand grip for transport to give the scope some more room

imgur: the simple image sharer

 

[crowdog7]

Put Some Bubble Wrap Around The Scope If You're Worried That It'll Shift Around.