Airline Approved Gun Case

Bonecollector

Bonecollector

Veteran member
Mar 9, 2014
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Ohio
I'm in the market for a new gun case. My 'go-to' rifle is a little long so I need to unscrew the brake to fit in my cheap truck cases. I need a nicer case for traveling to Canada this year and figured I might as well purchase a good one that will work well for any possible flights as well. Of course Pelican is the gold standard I hear, but SKB seems very nice as well.

My initial thoughts after handling a few over the weekend;

The Pelican was much heavier due to outside construction. Does that make if more durable, I don't know.
The SKB was 30-40% lighter, but I found the latches to be much nicer.

Both had several locking latches for padlocks and price was within $20 of one another.

I also looked at the Plano version. What was in the current stock was not impressive. I also saw another off-brand that was not worth the time reviewing.

I only need to carry 1 rifle, but it may make sense to have a case that can also carry a backup rifle as well.
BTW, my rifle has a 26" barrel, including the brake.

I know many of you fly so you've probably already gone down the road I'm looking to transverse concerning a case.
Looking for thoughts. Thanks guys!
 
hunter25

hunter25

Very Active Member
Sep 8, 2016
535
395
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
I have the older model pelican which has served well but the latches can be tough sometimes. The new vault seems much easier and has a better price point.
I also have a cabelas extreme on which I really like the buckles.
Definitely get the double rifle. Always room for a second rifle if needed but I also like the extra space around 1 rifle.
Mine have flown several times with no problems or loss of zero.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
 
JimP

JimP

Administrator
Mar 28, 2016
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On a African hunting forum that I am on the first and mostly only case that any of them recommend is the Pelican. These are hunters that fly everywhere for their hunting fix.

I have a old Cabela's aluminum 2 rifle case that I use. On my trip to Africa the only problem that I has with it is where somehow a piece that allows a locking rod got bent. All I could figure was that someone hit it with a hammer since it was in a location where it was really out of the way of anything else.

On the 2 rifle vs 1 rifle, you can always pack extra clothes into the case if you have the extra room. On the other forum hunters will actually pull the foam out of one side of the case and pack it with clothing to save weight from their other checked bag.

I do suggest that you get one with rollers on one end. Lugging a heavy case through a airport is not much fun.
 
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Work2hunt

Veteran member
Mar 2, 2013
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St. Louis, MO
I have a Pelican case that I have flown with 4 times now. Never had any issues with my gun. Case looks rough thanks to the airlines. But, my guns were just fine.
 
2

280ackimp

Active Member
Jul 4, 2017
166
28
New Hampshire
This is a good question. I have a few of the old aluminum cases. They are great for what I need.
I like the Pelican/storm cases but ...
1, they are heavy vs the aluminum and
2, having a case that keeps out the elements is nice but I dont need one, the rifles are 2-3 days in transit even if you ship them in advance.

Also, I found that the dimensions of all cases except take down shotgun cases exceed airlines linear inches allowed standards and those SOBs are all too willing to hit you with excessive baggage charges especially when travelling from the east.

I shipped my rifles last year to avoide the BS with the airlines and TSA.
 
T

Tim McCoy

Veteran member
Dec 15, 2014
1,855
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Oregon
I have an older SKB one gun case I’ve used. It’s is my go to for a one rifle trip. If I take two, I have an Aluminum two gun case I use, but it’s a big ole heavy thing.
 
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Work2hunt

Veteran member
Mar 2, 2013
1,366
11
St. Louis, MO
280ackimp said:
This is a good question. I have a few of the old aluminum cases. They are great for what I need.
I like the Pelican/storm cases but ...
1, they are heavy vs the aluminum and
2, having a case that keeps out the elements is nice but I dont need one, the rifles are 2-3 days in transit even if you ship them in advance.

Also, I found that the dimensions of all cases except take down shotgun cases exceed airlines linear inches allowed standards and those SOBs are all too willing to hit you with excessive baggage charges especially when travelling from the east.

I shipped my rifles last year to avoide the BS with the airlines and TSA.
Click to expand...
I've never been charged with extra fees for a gun case. Not saying it couldn't happen, but not my experience.
 
Bonecollector

Bonecollector

Veteran member
Mar 9, 2014
5,862
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Ohio
I checked out the Pelican Vault on-line and it appears much cheaper than the model I looked at in Cabelas yesterday. The model I was handling was roughly $230 vs the 2 gun Vault 53" at $199. Currently on sale for $159.
Perhaps it is their top tier level product made of some sort of resin... don't know.
This seems like a steal... or too good to be true.
 
T

tim

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Jun 4, 2011
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north idaho
bonecollector

if you get the 2 gun, your trecking poles, fishing rod, binouculars, ect can go in the case also.

I also met a guy who kept some cash in his between the side walls and the foam, for just in case.
 
W

Work2hunt

Veteran member
Mar 2, 2013
1,366
11
St. Louis, MO
tim said:
bonecollector

if you get the 2 gun, your trecking poles, fishing rod, binouculars, ect can go in the case also.

I also met a guy who kept some cash in his between the side walls and the foam, for just in case.
Click to expand...
I store other stuff in my 2 gun case too. I keep my spotter and binos in there while traveling.
 
JimP

JimP

Administrator
Mar 28, 2016
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Gypsum, Co
You learn different tricks on packing stuff into the case. For a African trip is is suggested that you pack your camera gear, and binoculars along with a change of clothing in your carry on along with wearing your hunting boots. Just in case your checked luggage is lost for a while. That way your hunt will not be ruined. They always have rifles that you can rent from the outfitter if needed. This is also good advise for any travel with firearms where airlines are concerned.

Then once you reach your destination you can keep valuables in the hard case. Just lock it up with them in it. There shouldn't be any crook in your hunting camp that would get away with packing a rifle case off.

Then for your trip home go ahead and pack whatever you want into the case. It won't matter too much if it disappears for a few days once you get home.
 
Bonecollector

Bonecollector

Veteran member
Mar 9, 2014
5,862
3,667
Ohio
UPDATE:

Ran to the local Cabelas on my lunch break. I work halfway to it when driving from home so it works out for me.
When I was there over the weekend, they did not have the 'vault' cases on the shelves for whatever reason. However, they had them in-stock and on SALE today so I picked up the V-800 Double Rife Case for $159.00 Regular price is $200.
After looking it over and reading reviews on the net, it seems like a great deal. I'm sure this case will more than exceed my expectations for my anticipated usage. It will spend more time traveling in my truck across country than in the air, but I need a good case and now have a good case and am ready to fly when the time comes.
Thanks again for the feedback guys- much appreciated.
 
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