OT- Source for a cheap airline shot gun case?

[2ndovc]

The Old Man is heading back down South to the boat. I gave him a short barreled 12 ga. H&R to take along with him (he's already got the info as far as bringing it into the country). We're looking for a small lockable airline approved take down case that isn't real expensive. So far everything I've come across costs more than the H&R did!

Any Ideas?



jb

[3t-]

2ndovc,

No info on an airline case...but if I'm not mistaken he would be able to break the gun down and ship the gun to himself pretty cheap if there was an address on the destination end that he could use. Just a thought.

[Old Ironsights]

I agree with 3T.

A "cheap" airline case is a bad thing.

Break the gun down, box it up well, and US Post it to himself - General Delivery, Post Office X.

That way it is secured until he shows ID to pick it up at the counter.

[2ndovc]

He's heading back to the island of Trinidad. Don't think that's possible as far as brining it into the country that way.

It's only an $80 shotgun and as long as it arrives in mostly one piece we're not to worried about it.

He previously had a Mini-14 with him but on several occasions he didn't think he was going to get it back from customs officials on a couple different islands.

The idea is if they want to keep the H&R, no great loss.


jb

[Old Ironsights]

Ah. OK. Here's what you do.

Take the stock off the gun.

Pack the stock in a suitcase.

Get a length of 3" or 4" ID PVC that is about 3" longer than the assembled Barrel & Reciever (minus stock)

Get a solid end cap, a screw-cap fitting, PVC cement and some Foam Rubber.

Glue the endcap on one end and the screw-fitting on the other.

Screw the cap on, then CAREFULLY DRILL A HOLE ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE THREADS & CAP.

Stuff 1"+ foam rubber into the solid end, wrap the gun in cloth until it just slides in, then slide it in the tube. Put another chunk of foam on top, then screw the cap back on.

Run a long, brightly colored Zip-tie through the cap-hole, but do NOT zip it.

This tube can now be Checked-in (show unloaded, close-up, ziptie shut) or Shipped via International UPS/Fedex with appropriate labling.

Note, if you do NOT do the ziptie/cable hole, then this is also a great way to store a gun on a boat...

[dr walker]

I have used the standard black plastic rifle case with the egg crate foam interior. I think I bought it at KMART. It cost me less than $25. I have used this case loaded with a rifle 8 times on airlines with no problems.
A buddy of mine spent over $200 on an aluminum looking heavy duty case. The airline not only damaged his case, but cracked the stock on his rifle.
So, I guess I say if they want to break it it doesnt matter what you put it in.

[2ndovc]

OI, I'll check on home made cases.


Doc,

I was thinking along those lines too. What he wants to try is get it inside of his duffel bag to avoid the extra baggage fees. I don't
know if that's gonna "fly"


Thanks for the input guys!!

jb

[AmBraCol]

You need to check with the airline and their rules for shipping guns. Go to their website and see what they have to say. I don't know if any accept a gun inside of a duffle bag inside another case, checking their website and maybe even printing out the info is a good place to start. When I brought back a couple rifles last February I went to the airline's site for the specific info. Based on that info I bought a heavy duty Storm Case (NOT a cheap item at all) which was "over sized" but allowable since it was a rifle case according to the airline's rules. I also stuffed it full of items I needed besides the rifles to "bring it up to weight". Since I was paying an extra bag anyway I wanted to make it worth the $$$. Even got a small can of Kroil fitted in. Then I reached customs and the fun started... it was interesting having to explain to customs that I knew more about their country's laws than they did ... Had to come back the next day to explain things to the head honcho but the bag was locked and weighed prior to my leaving to ensure that nothing "evaporated" overnight... Anyway, chinamart and similar often have eggcrate cases for cheap. I prefer to pay a bit more for a sturdier case such as the Storm or the Pelican. Once you arrive you'll have a good way to store or transport the gun as well. Since it's a take down you should be able to find one that's a bit cheaper than the one I got (double rifle). Jeff Quinn recommended the Storm case and I've been quite happy with it.