Case for firearms

Game Larder - Your reliable choice for Game Larder solutions - www.gamelarder.com
Roebuck270

Roebuck270

Well-Known Member
This year i will be traveling more frequant with my firearms, normally i take one or two rifles, this year i will need to travel with two rifles ( sako and tikka ) and one shot gun ( over and under ) now im trying to find the best way to get them all in one case, need to keep the size and weight down, any ideas ? Iv seen some people while at airports with very small cases and manged to squeeze two rifles in but never had a chance to speak with them. I would be very greatfull if anyone can come up with some good ideas, i have a peli case which is very big and bulky bit i would struggle to get three guns into it.
 
I use a Peli, which as you said, is bulky and heavy. However, its realy strong and well made. I think you will struggle to find a case of this quality which will hold 3 guns.
 
The first time I flew with my rifles I used a Winchester alluminium case (supplied by Sportsmans). Had to take the scopes off to get them in. When I picked up the case after clearing customs it had gained a few dings (obviously been subjected to some rough treatment)!

On the next trip I used a couple of MTM cases (Ex Callum at Precision Rifles). These were better due to more padding inside. I still took the scopes off as a precaution against misstreatment. You need to grab an airport trolly to carry these and all your normal luggage!

A couple of American freinds had stainless steel cases made. These are much shorter and all they do is strip down their rifles. On arrival they simply re-assemble and re-zero. This looked about the best I've seen so far.

One other thing to consider is to have your kit flown out by a specillist like Garry Cosstllo at PBS.

hillside
 
I think the challenge you set was the two rifles and a shotgun - not a common theme and as you've already said, Peli is the standard. I've never needed to carry more than two at a time, so no experience - I guess you need to decide the smallest space you are happy with packing your guns into and go from there? Some may feel there are cases that will do it that you don't and vice versa
 
Roebuck270 said:
This year i will be traveling more frequant with my firearms, normally i take one or two rifles, this year i will need to travel with two rifles ( sako and tikka ) and one shot gun ( over and under ) now im trying to find the best way to get them all in one case, need to keep the size and weight down,
Click to expand...

Those are conflicting objectives, of course. I have had several cases which didn't stand up to the abuse of baggage handlers. On one occasion, I saw them drop a rifle case end-on out the back of the plane. The case burst and the muzzle of my .243 impacted the concrete with subsequent damage. The airline's attitude amounted to "so what".

I now have a Storm case (I think it's the 3100). If you travel by air with rifles, it's one of a small number of suitabe cases and the one I would recommend. I bought mine from jptpak.com (UK based) and thorougly reccomend both their price and attitude to the customer. I originally ordered online from a company in Northern Ireland who took the order and billed my credit card but didn't have the case in stock, couldn't get it in time, and then refused to refund my money. The credit card company refunded me and then the NI company had the cheek to come chasing me. Together with five TSA approved locks, mine cost me £225 in September 2008.

The Storm is available in a number of sizes. You could fir two rifles easily if you removed the scopes. My case weighs about 18 lbs empty, and your allowance on many airline is 50lbs per bag. In addition to my rifle, I put my binoculars, range finder, skinning knife, camera plus 20 odd AA batteries, and much else besides and it ends up weighing near 50lbs, which means my other case with all my clothing etc doesn't exceed 50lbs.

Hope this helps.

-JMS
 
Thanks to all that responded. as i said i alreay have a Peli case, its fantastic. i have now decided to just take the normal 2 rifles with me, my .308 and .375. My peli case is bulky which is the only draw back for traveling by plane along with all other baggage and ideally wanted to find a small sulution. I will be sending the case to a company who can fit a custom fit foam for rifle cases.
 
Pelican cases all the way!

Sauercase.jpg
 
Always used a heavy Doscile double case. I can get both my 375 and my 270 with the scopes on, plus a good hunting knife. There are I think 6 security latches and two areas for padlocks.

I have used them on 5 African trips and 2 trips to Finland and never had a problem with either case. BUT I bought both mine from USA.

Terry if you want to borrow the case for your trip let me know.
 
Try Americase.com. I have used an older one of these cases ( for two Rifles) and it was very tough but heavy. I currently use a peli but that doesnt help you. No idea where you would get an americase here, imagine you would have to bring it in yourself. They are a quality item though.
 
This is the sort of thing that makes sure your rifles are safe but, as has been said, they are heavy before you put anything in them.
If the airline makes a standard charge for carrying firearms then it doesn't make any difference.
Easy jet have a standard charge of £25 and make no reference to weight so if the airline you use is the same, this is the case to use.
If anybody lives local to me they are welcome to see it, or even borrow it if it is for one specific trip and suitable.
 
Swing off mounts come in handy as do interchangeable barrels on rifles like Sauer Mauser Blaser etc. Ditto comments about rough baggage handlers. I thought live explosive contained in a (albeit aluminum) metal case was called a bomb but the dents in my case and my son's rifle case were unbelievable, courtesy of Virgin's handlers G4 security at Jo'burg.
 
A blaser or Sauer really is the way to go. I am on the look out just now for a suitable case that would take a disassembled Blaser with a spare barrel plus an OU shotgun.

The Peli etc are so damn big. The other thing people don't think of is getting one of these sodding brutes into a hire car at the destination airport. Learnt that one the hard way.

A takke down rifle really is a must for an air traveller these days.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Clips for Habroks bino case harness
Replies
8
Views
163
Hebgirl
H
Pick-up tail gate problem
Replies
5
Views
570
mudman
M
Intro
Replies
2
Views
141
VSS
VSS
Sold: HIKMICRO Condor CQ50L
Replies
6
Views
687
DavyG
DavyG
Firearms Renewal Kent Police
Replies
1
Views
197
KarlParker
KarlParker
PSE Composites Limited - The next level Rifle Stocks
Back
Top