Rifle case suggestions. Hard cases only

Nathantc

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May 20, 2020
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ok so all of the cases i see even remotely close to what i need are $800+. To be clear there is not a single plastic box out there worth that in my eye.
so with that said, lets see what you guys know about that maybe i cannot find on google.

Rifle is exactly 50.25" long and from grip to scope cap is 12.5"

so for my comfort im looking for a case with an ID of 55"x 15" or better with customisable foam if possible.


wxdqm9.jpg
 
Rifle is exactly 50.25" long and from grip to scope cap is 12.5"

so for my comfort im looking for a case with an ID of 55"x 15" or better with customisable foam if possible.
wxdqm9.jpg
You really don't want to fly it around unless uncle sam is paying freight, but 1770 pelican is what you seek.

New around $500, there is a like new Demo at BH Photo for$380 with free shipping.

The 1750 (see above post) will fit your rifle, however, and is cheaper and lighter and plays alot bettr with airlines.
 
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An Explorer Cases X-Large rifle case would work. Thing is a beast!

Int dimension inc.​

L60 5/8" W14 13/16" D6 5/16"

BH Photo has it for $438.00 w/ free shipping.
 
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I have three 1750 Pelican travel vaults. They have pic-n-pluck foam option which foam that is cut into a 1" square grid.
I'm very particular and used toothpicks to map out the squares that were going to be plucked. . The next step would be to
glue felt to the foam to keep it together.
The weighs 25 pounds empty but have wheels and I have trusted my guns in them since 1990. They are about 275.00 each.
I trusted them enough to send three actions in for lot testing not long ago. I have one case dedicated to my Vudoo.
With scope your looking at over $5000.00 worth of toy's that needs protection. The 1750s downfall is my length is only 51"
inside and the height is 13.50". I doubt you will leave the bolt in place because it will tear up the top piece of foam.
You may pull off your muzzle brake or shorten your LOP if possible. This will sound dumb at first but if you cant find a larger case,
you may consider removing the grip for transport since it is only one screw. I'm sure that Pelican makes another box that is
longer. Like the V800????? I only had about 1" on her height and 2" on her length after I customized mine but I felt my rifle was
absolutely safe. The foam contacts so much area that stuff just wont move.
Make certain your case has wheels and a second handle on one end is also a nice thing to have. You will also want to figure
out where the CG of your rifle is and keep it centered on the handle of the case purely for comfort sake. Stuff like bolts, bi-pods,
magazines, cans and even ammo can be used to balance the case out. With un-scoped guns, I toss two guns in with a rolled
up towel between them. Old Pelican cases had the most miserable latches but they resolved that and they are now very nice
to open and close. They also have a automatic vent and an O-ring seal.

Best of luck.... Good looking rifle !!
 

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Pelican maybe? Never used them but they seem solid. This one is 50 x 13.5 but I’m sure here are other options. And under $300

This one is technically a "double rifle" case - but will fit with a 53" internal dimension:


Also, I've got a Plano "double rifle" wheeled case that is slightly shorter at 51.5" internal dimension:

 
Pelican 1770 is what you need, gives you a couple inches all around as a buffer. I have the IM3220, its deeper, but I can fold the stock and it works great. Use a sharp knife and it slices through the foam to any shape you like.
 
thanks, not sure why google didn't bring up the Pelican 1770 but that looks to be perfect with its 54.6 x 15.6 x 8.6" inside space.
I just want something with plenty of extra space around the rifle and scope for impact protection during travel.
 
ok so all of the cases i see even remotely close to what i need are $800+. To be clear there is not a single plastic box out there worth that in my eye.
so with that said, lets see what you guys know about that maybe i cannot find on google.

Rifle is exactly 50.25" long and from grip to scope cap is 12.5"

so for my comfort im looking for a case with an ID of 55"x 15" or better with customisable foam if possible.


wxdqm9.jpg
I bought a Pelican V800 from this site (doesn’t have the precut foam tho), seems to have the best prices and free shipping compared to anywhere else. I wanted the most space as well but I didn’t want to spend $550 on the 1770 for this gun. I might buy that 1770 model for the new gun tho when I start traveling more.

www.buycasesforless.com
 
I bought a Pelican V800 from this site (doesn’t have the precut foam tho), seems to have the best prices and free shipping compared to anywhere else. I wanted the most space as well but I didn’t want to spend $550 on the 1770 for this gun. I might buy that 1770 model for the new gun tho when I start traveling more.

www.buycasesforless.com
the revews scared me away from the v800 saying the foam is much to soft and the case itself is flimsy. If none of that is true id like to save the money and get the v800 vs paying 2.5 times that for the 1770. My issue is this, the case needs to survive airport baggage monkeys. In the future i plan to travel a lot for hunts. Here state side it will be in the bed of a pickup under a bed cover for transport. The pick up wont be so rough as the baggage handlers. either way ive got right at $4500 (with optics) invested into the rifle alone. Add a ballistics computer and range finder to that and well, Im thinking im better off with the 1770. I do like that the v800 is slightly slimmer, and only around $200, and i can get it in tan.
 
the revews scared me away from the v800 saying the foam is much to soft and the case itself is flimsy. If none of that is true id like to save the money and get the v800 vs paying 2.5 times that for the 1770. My issue is this, the case needs to survive airport baggage monkeys. In the future i plan to travel a lot for hunts. Here state side it will be in the bed of a pickup under a bed cover for transport. The pick up wont be so rough as the baggage handlers. either way ive got right at $4500 (with optics) invested into the rifle alone. Add a ballistics computer and range finder to that and well, Im thinking im better off with the 1770. I do like that the v800 is slightly slimmer, and only around $200, and i can get it in tan.
It’s pretty solid if you ask me, I loaded this thing up and it hasn’t let me down. The foam is dense, not at all like the cheaper foam I’ve used before in handgun cases. I’ve hauled this thing around a lot the past two years. Even dropped it out of a lifted pick up truck bed (6’ off the ground) by accident and all I got was a scratch. I’m a fan to be honest and I’ll probably by a second for the next gun unless I need just a bit more space. Here’s what I have packed into mine currently.
0F24AD14-1925-45A0-9312-9580BB8071EF.jpeg
 
There’s a ton of reviews on cases for less site, I’d read through them and see if anything stands out that you don’t like. It’s $179 for the V800 on that site vs $540 for the 1770 so it’s a decent swing between the two. Maybe call them Monday and see how the return policy works on the large cases, worst case you don’t like it and send it back for the 1770 instead. They have really good customer service from what I’ve experienced, I bought a case for my pistols and it was too small so they sent a call tag with the bigger replacement case.
 
well i suppose i could buy the v800 and if i decide later to get the 1770 i can repurpose the v800 for my milled ak47 with room for magazines.
 
well i suppose i could buy the v800 and if i decide later to get the 1770 i can repurpose the v800 for my milled ak47 with room for magazines.
That’s typically what I do espicslly when you have too many firearms. I’m looking for a case for my labradar and some other gear now so I don’t have to worry about it in the soft cases or bags when I travel.
 
Harbor freight has a great case for the Labradar for like 25 bucks
If the Harbor Freight brand had a case big enough for my rifle, id trust it completely. Their band comes in many names while being 100% the same product.
Below is a link to a fb group im in where i used one of their smaller cases to make a weatherproof junction box on my Freightliner Cascadia. I made a 100% standalone trailer wiring circuit for RV and basic non semi-trailer plugs. This case has well over a year and 10-30k miles on it now being 100% exposed to weather and road conditions. Has not become brittle, leaked, or even faded at all.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HDTRVs/permalink/3985987768095644/
 
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Had a local fabricator build me a custom aluminum case for about $250. 1/8" aluminum welded together with a full hinge along the back and 4 lockable latches.
now that is an idea, though i would hate the condensation and grey powder cause by aluminum. Major reason i replaced all my metal under deck tool boxes on my trailer with poly ones. Southeast Texas is not moisture friendly to say the least.
 
I really like my Kalispel Case Line shotgun case: https://kalispelcaseline.net/our-cases

Their standard rifle case is a bit shorter than you would prefer but they do custom sizes, and their powder coating (on said shotgun case) is very well done.

They also have a neat locking bar, solid hinges, and an option for wheels.

But yeah, if you’re looking for poly and long, that’s going to be expensive too.
 
I really like my Kalispel Case Line shotgun case: https://kalispelcaseline.net/our-cases

Their standard rifle case is a bit shorter than you would prefer but they do custom sizes, and their powder coating (on said shotgun case) is very well done.

They also have a neat locking bar, solid hinges, and an option for wheels.

But yeah, if you’re looking for poly and long, that’s going to be expensive too.
still would worry me with condensation being a metal case.
 
now that is an idea, though i would hate the condensation and grey powder cause by aluminum. Major reason i replaced all my metal under deck tool boxes on my trailer with poly ones. Southeast Texas is not moisture friendly to say the least.
I am a in the Houston area, rattlecan stops the oxide dust. Zinc rich primer and topcoat.
 
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I am a in the Houston area, rattlecan stops the oxide dust. Zinc rich primer and topcoat.
very good to know. I was just basing it on the disaster aluminum boxed had on my tools and equipment for my trucking business. Poly boxes do not have that issue. (Lumberton Tx here). Figure rifle cases during transport and from climate control would have the same negatives.
 
OP if you are in any way worried about "keeping a budget", please keep in mind the airline fee structure for oversize luggage,

@lowlight flies with a 29in AIR 1615 with 62in max dimension for the case. Inside he runs an AI-AX rifle w/swich barrel removed to fit in regular luggage allowance (no $$). He knows what he is doing as a regular air-traveler...
Oversize: from 51 to 100 pounds in weight or 62 to 80 inches in total dimensions

A 1770 (or similar) is ~87inches in total dimensions (beyond oversize) and is $$$$ freight on commercial airlines. You are talking paying $150-250 each way for your bag (ie $300-500 in fees).

This amounts to another airfare for your rifle in addition to yourself.
 
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OP if you are in any way worried about "keeping a budget", please keep in mind the airline fee structure for oversize luggage,

@lowlight flies with a 29in AIR 1615 with 62in max dimension for the case. Inside he runs an AI-AX rifle w/swich barrel removed to fit in regular luggage allowance (no $$). He knows what he is doing as a regular air-traveler...


A 1770 (or similar) is ~87inches in total dimensions (beyond oversize) and is $$$$ freight on commercial airlines. You are talking paying $150-250 each way for your bag (ie $300-500 in fees).

This amounts to another airfare for your rifle in addition to yourself.
yes, i understand this. The 1770 is a reasonable price to me. I was seeing prices of $800 or more for brands i've never heard of. That is why i made this post.
Most of the time the rifle will be transported by myself in the bed of a pickup. Not terrible no, but it want a case that WILL survive freight handling if/when needed.
My rifle is over 50" long by itself. so i'm not escaping freight cost there. It also weights right about 17 lbs. So adding the weight of a case, gear, and possibly ammo. Im going to guess 60 ish total lbs or less. So freight is going to cost me for sure regardless.

After looking at all the suggestions here, im leaning towards the 1770. Might even just trade my Savage B22 in 22 wmr for one. Been thinking of selling it anyway. Wonderful rifle, just never use it as much as i thought i would.

its the one closest to the camera. To bad FB marketplace is so anti-american. Used to be the best place to post such a trade.

nr2n6w.jpg
 
I travel with pelican cases nearly every week for work. Then when shooting I drag them with me also. If you have not hauled the big cases around an airport be ready. Also be ready for fees possibly if your not frequent due to weight. I'm a bit spoiled in that regard. I laugh when I see guys complaining about weight fees when traveling with shooting gear. And the bigger the case the more damage it will actually be exposed to.
 
This would be tight but would fit
my rifle is 50.5"x15" it wouldn't fit at all. Sadly id love to use that brand and style case, but they need to have one bigger Listing says that case is
  • Interior dimensions: 50-3/8 in. x 13-5/8 in. x 5-1/8 in.
 
Have you considered a folding stock? It will shave a bunch of inches off the length.
I also travel a lot for work (~75k miles per year) and have seen airlines damage things you would expect to be strong. Have had a punctured pelican 1720 (baseball sized hole that luckily just missed stuff) and more destroyed hard and soft suitcases than I can count.
 
Have you considered a folding stock? It will shave a bunch of inches off the length.
I also travel a lot for work (~75k miles per year) and have seen airlines damage things you would expect to be strong. Have had a punctured pelican 1720 (baseball sized hole that luckily just missed stuff) and more destroyed hard and soft suitcases than I can count.
i chose an oryx to modify to my needs for the fact it's basically one solid aluminum bar end to end. I don't want any type of folder or chassis with moving parts. That said i found a shop in houston that is going to trade my Savage B22 22wmr even up for a brand new 1770 with the pick n pluck foam. That will work till i order the foam i want.
As for baggage handlers and freight in general, trust me, i know they can break the unbreakable. I ordered a pair of brand new rear leaf springs for my 1 ton years ago, and somehow they broke the entire eye off of one of them. I want a quality case to "help" this issue, but clearly will pay to over insure my items just incase.
I never shoot the .22wmr anymore since i built my 7.62x39 savage axis, so im trading something that just collects dust for something useful. Im good with that.
 
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well Traded the Savage B22 locally today for a new unused 1770. Thanks for all the suggestions. The pick & pluck foam kinda sucks so i'll be ordering foam in the future. For just riding in the bed of my truck this will work for now with this foam.

Side note
i sure wish it had a handle on the side as well, not just on the ends. I see some do, and some don't, the one i got does not. I may just add one myself.

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If the Harbor Freight brand had a case big enough for my rifle, id trust it completely. Their band comes in many names while being 100% the same product.
Below is a link to a fb group im in where i used one of their smaller cases to make a weatherproof junction box on my Freightliner Cascadia. I made a 100% standalone trailer wiring circuit for RV and basic non semi-trailer plugs. This case has well over a year and 10-30k miles on it now being 100% exposed to weather and road conditions. Has not become brittle, leaked, or even faded at all.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HDTRVs/permalink/3985987768095644/
I shoot a short action w/26" barrel in an AICS 1.5 chassis. Fits in my harbor freight apache case just fine. I think it was $100 or so. I got it on sale about two years ago.

It's a friggin tank. The pick n' pull foam is garbage, but the case itself is solid as a rock.
 
has anyone replaced the pick & pluck foam that comes in these, any type you personally recommend.. I see pelican replacement foam is over $200 OUCH and it does not specify if its the same crap im wanting to get rid of. Also i want solid foam for the lid, not the egg crate stuff. It's too thin to properly protect between the rifle and the hard plastic of the lid.
 
has anyone replaced the pick & pluck foam that comes in these, any type you personally recommend.. I see pelican replacement foam is over $200 OUCH and it does not specify if its the same crap im wanting to get rid of. Also i want solid foam for the lid, not the egg crate stuff. It's too thin to properly protect between the rifle and the hard plastic of the lid.

That’s where I picked up my last replacement foam. You have to layer it if you want it really thick. I think the max thickness was 3” but it was only $60 for a 72”x40”x3” which I just cut in half and doubled up with some spray glue. I should off bought thinner material and made more layers but it worked out ok since I had thin layers already that weren’t cut in the case. I’ll probably buy one each (1” 2” 3”) next time.
 
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Pelican maybe? Never used them but they seem solid. This one is 50 x 13.5 but I’m sure here are other options. And under $300
I have a couple of Pelican Vaults, can't remember number, each is 53.5 x16.5 interior, each has three handles and six lockdown latches, each was less than $300. LOVE THEM!!! One caveat, the one with the heavier gun bulges a bit, wouldn't trust the waterproof sealing 100%.
 
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ok so all of the cases i see even remotely close to what i need are $800+. To be clear there is not a single plastic box out there worth that in my eye.
so with that said, lets see what you guys know about that maybe i cannot find on google.

Rifle is exactly 50.25" long and from grip to scope cap is 12.5"

so for my comfort im looking for a case with an ID of 55"x 15" or better with customisable foam if possible.


wxdqm9.jpg
I use the Pelican 1700, 1750, and the 1770......my MRAD MK22 Deployment Kit came in it. 1770 is 54.5 x 15.6 x 8.5 inside dimensions......but be prepared to add a small block engine to truck in around...it's a gut buster before adding equipment. Also, don't laugh, but a Harbor Freight Apache 9800 case is a lot of performance at a reasonable price.,,,,MSPR $164.95. I bought several at $99.00 HF 9800 has been as indestructible as the Pelicans. Inside dimensions are close for you application......50.375" x 13.5" x 5.125", 22.6lbs with Pluck-'n'-pull foam. However, you might be able to angle your rifle for added clearance. Or, does your stock pull shorten any at all?? Can't tell from your pic if it shortens, how easy/repeatable.
 
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I use the Pelican 1700, 1750, and the 1770......my MRAD MK22 Deployment Kit came in it. 1770 is 54.5 x 15.6 x 8.5 inside dimensions......but be prepared to add a small block engine to truck in around...it's a gut buster before adding equipment. Also, don't laugh, but a Harbor Freight Apache 9800 case is a lot of performance at a reasonable price.,,,,MSPR $164.95. I bought several at $99.00 HF 9800 has been as indestructible as the Pelicans. Inside dimensions are close for you application......50.375" x 13.5" x 5.125", 22.6lbs with Pluck-'n'-pull foam. However, you might be able to angle your rifle for added clearance. Or, does your stock pull shorten any at all?? Can't tell from your pic if it shortens, how easy/repeatable.
reading a few post above i show where i just picked up a 1770. If the Apache case would have world i would have gotten it without thinking. They truly are the best bang for the buck in all their cases, really, anyone who doubts them should seen them in person. That is my usual go to, and being as i have a few i was able to test fit, there was just simply no way it would work, and still protect the rifle from damage on the ends of the case.

I love those harbor freight cases so much i even used one to make a weatherproof electrical junction box on my Freightliner Cascadia. Honestly they are on par with pelican for their ruggedness and weather sealing ability. I also prefer their vent system over the pelican.
 

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