Stalker62
Well-Known Member
During our last wee sojourn to the Dark Continent, one of my travelling companions ripped into me, about my rifle case.
He even went so far as to imply that it was not 'airworthy' - whatever that means.
Truth be told, it is an old case and has, much like its owner, seen better days.
I kept an eye out on the SD classifieds.
Sooner that I could save up, a likely candidate threw their hat into the ring. A 1750 Peli that was looking to be re-homed.
After a couple of false starts, through no fault of the seller (or indeed the buyer), we met in a dark lay-by on the A303.
How to recognise each other?
I was carrying a folded up copy of 'Ringers World' (the campanologist's favourite read) - he should think himself lucky it was not 'Swingers World' - the big clue for him, was that he was carrying a 1750 Peli.
Having lost none of my old skills, I deduced that this was my man. A quick chat, and the deed was done.
Another seamless trade, curtesy of SD - it really is a gem for this kind of stuff, and I am very grateful for it.
The seller, was kind enough to include a bundle of foam - which would have done the job...it would.
I should have left it there.
I didn't.
Someone on SD mentioned Red Box.
Red Box (google them) are a 'bespoke foam' company. I know right.
I tried to order some of their foam on-line. It was not cheap, but over a certain amount, they include a 'free' cutting set.
They were going to send me a scalpel. What on earth were they thinking?
I could not 'cut a corner' without stabbing myself. There has to be another way.
There then followed some email traffic, betwixt them and me.
I could spend 'X' and bodge it, (and cut myself into the bargain), or I could spend X x 2 and have them do it 'properly'...
I vacillated for longer that a man of my age should.
Fcuk it, I'm in!
Digging out the almost maxed out credit card, I make an appointment to go down to them.
I am very clear that I will be bringing rifles to their premisses, are they OK with that?
They are remarkably relaxed about it.
A day and time is booked, and I explain that I will be bringing two rifles, no ammunition, and my FAC. I will leave the rifles in the car until such time as they are content, I will then bring the rifles in, prove them to 'whomever' and tell them, I will not be leaving the sight of them. Again they are totally cool with it. It is refreshing.
I set off in the middle of the night - drive all night - and end up at their premises in Southampton, one hour before they are due to open at 0730 hours.
At 0729 hours, the lady whom I have been 'chatting' to, pulls into the staff carpark. Cannot fault her on the timing.
Fifteen minutes later and I am introduced to their 'man'.
I show him what I have brought - Peli, two rifles, binoculars, moderator, knife (@Stuart Mitchell), and a few bits and bobs.
"Can you make the foam fit two rifles?"
"Yes I am sure I can..."
He then scans both rifles on a 'thingy', and amalgamates them on the screen.
He also scans the other paraphernalia and detritus, that I have thrown onto his desk.
He then sends this information to the CNC machine - which does its thing.
"Have you thought about a colour scheme?"
"Red?"
"You obviously haven't thought about a colour scheme have you Sir?"
"My I suggest purple?"
"You may!"
I know it is a bit of a spend. I know this.
However, I am really pleased with the end product, and have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone who is minded to go down the same route.
He even went so far as to imply that it was not 'airworthy' - whatever that means.
Truth be told, it is an old case and has, much like its owner, seen better days.
I kept an eye out on the SD classifieds.
Sooner that I could save up, a likely candidate threw their hat into the ring. A 1750 Peli that was looking to be re-homed.
After a couple of false starts, through no fault of the seller (or indeed the buyer), we met in a dark lay-by on the A303.
How to recognise each other?
I was carrying a folded up copy of 'Ringers World' (the campanologist's favourite read) - he should think himself lucky it was not 'Swingers World' - the big clue for him, was that he was carrying a 1750 Peli.
Having lost none of my old skills, I deduced that this was my man. A quick chat, and the deed was done.
Another seamless trade, curtesy of SD - it really is a gem for this kind of stuff, and I am very grateful for it.
The seller, was kind enough to include a bundle of foam - which would have done the job...it would.
I should have left it there.
I didn't.
Someone on SD mentioned Red Box.
Red Box (google them) are a 'bespoke foam' company. I know right.
I tried to order some of their foam on-line. It was not cheap, but over a certain amount, they include a 'free' cutting set.
They were going to send me a scalpel. What on earth were they thinking?
I could not 'cut a corner' without stabbing myself. There has to be another way.
There then followed some email traffic, betwixt them and me.
I could spend 'X' and bodge it, (and cut myself into the bargain), or I could spend X x 2 and have them do it 'properly'...
I vacillated for longer that a man of my age should.
Fcuk it, I'm in!
Digging out the almost maxed out credit card, I make an appointment to go down to them.
I am very clear that I will be bringing rifles to their premisses, are they OK with that?
They are remarkably relaxed about it.
A day and time is booked, and I explain that I will be bringing two rifles, no ammunition, and my FAC. I will leave the rifles in the car until such time as they are content, I will then bring the rifles in, prove them to 'whomever' and tell them, I will not be leaving the sight of them. Again they are totally cool with it. It is refreshing.
I set off in the middle of the night - drive all night - and end up at their premises in Southampton, one hour before they are due to open at 0730 hours.
At 0729 hours, the lady whom I have been 'chatting' to, pulls into the staff carpark. Cannot fault her on the timing.
Fifteen minutes later and I am introduced to their 'man'.
I show him what I have brought - Peli, two rifles, binoculars, moderator, knife (@Stuart Mitchell), and a few bits and bobs.
"Can you make the foam fit two rifles?"
"Yes I am sure I can..."
He then scans both rifles on a 'thingy', and amalgamates them on the screen.
He also scans the other paraphernalia and detritus, that I have thrown onto his desk.
He then sends this information to the CNC machine - which does its thing.
"Have you thought about a colour scheme?"
"Red?"
"You obviously haven't thought about a colour scheme have you Sir?"
"My I suggest purple?"
"You may!"
I know it is a bit of a spend. I know this.
However, I am really pleased with the end product, and have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone who is minded to go down the same route.
Good job I’d not come across that outfit when I had to take two rifles to SA a few years back - like most I drew round mine with a marker pen then got out my trusty Opinel to do the cutting.
still very nice though,
