Hard Travel case

[Ray Newman]

Recently took delivery of my heavy barreled Sharps.

Now I need a stout travel case to protect it & the 'scope during transport to/from the range.

Need a hard case that has interior dimensions of approx. 53" L X 10 -12" W.

Kalispell has an aluminum hard case that will fit, but it weighs 27 pound empty & the rifle weighs 22 pounds w/o the scope. Several others, inc. Pelican are too short. The large Winchester case looks & feels flimsy.

Cabela's has one that may fit the bill -- the "Bullet Proof" cases, SKU IJ226582, 62"X12"X4.5". However, the local store doesn't have one in stock.

Does anyone have any experience w/ the Cabela's cases or any other large case of this size?....

[Jaguarundi]

BTT

[86er]

I like the Kalispell case quite a bit. My favorite case is an aluminum 3-gun safari case. The rifles are upright, not on their side. It has been around the world twice without even a slight ding to any of the contents.

The Pelican cases are about as good as it gets for a molded case. However, I have seen content shifting - not frequently but often enough that it is far from a rare occurence. You really need to cut the extra layer of foam to fit your gun to keep it from shifting. I have seen one instance where a latch was broken off and another where the corner was broken off entirely. The contents stayed in it.

Cabelas supports their products very well. Their bullet proof cases are not bullet proof. In one instance, the end was crushed causing the seam to separate. The barrel was sticking out a few inches, but everything stayed inside and didn't get hurt. They replaced the case for the cost of shipping.

I get to see a lot of interesting stuff from clients coming from all over the world 48 weeks a year.

I recommend Strong Case for aluminum 1-866-552-2273, Kalispell welded aluminum, Steiger aluminum custom cases and Galazan welded aluminum rifle cases (www.connecticutshotgun.com).

Americase makes a part molded/part aluminum case. I have always been skeptical of their strength under worst case scenario, but I have seen more of this brand than any in use and have never seen one damaged. They will make custom lengths for you too.

FWIW - my 3 gun strong case weighs 31 pounds empty. If I put two guns in it I am almost always paying the airlines and extra $25 for overweight bag. If I'm paying anyway I usually throw in my accessories or a third gun. For one rifle, the Galazan is heavy but won't put you overweight (I have that one for a one-gun case).

You need to assess your protective needs and travel plans. I would go to Sportsmans Insurance Agency out of FL and insure your rifle, the scope, case and accessories for replacement value. The policy covers repair to damage and will compensate you for all your stuff in the case including the case. For the rifle you mentioned it would run around $100 year.

Boyd makes a molded case now that is supposed to be comparable to the Pelican brand. I have seen one and it was nearly identical to the Pelican to my eye. I don't know the price.

Good Luck! I would be happy to answer any questions or assist you further if you desire.

[Bill]

Now I need a stout travel case to protect it & the 'scope during transport to/from the range. .... Need a hard case that has interior dimensions of approx. 53" L X 10 -12" W.

Ray,
Your local golf shop may have a tough but inexpensive golf-club case.
I use one to transport my 26" barrel Marlin 45/70.

[AmBraCol]

The Storm Case is highly recommended by Jeff Quinn over at http://www.gunblast.com

http://www.stormcase.com/

I picked one up in February and am happy with it. They don't make one as long as you specify, but you can get one of their shorter ones and ship the rifle partially disassembled. That's what I did with my Gamo CFX - pulled the action/barrel out of the stock and shipped it that way - and the CVA Kentucky rifle was shipped the same way in the same case. Midway and Grafs both carry them. According to Jeff the Storm is superior even to the Pelican.

[AndyM]

I bought a double rifle case by SKB for my first trip out west. The case held up wonderfully well against the airline baggage handlers. I could/would reccomend this brand to anyone looking for a hard travel case...

[AmBraCol]

Another excellent (yet not cheap) possibility would be Bear Track cases.

http://www.beartrackcases.com/

A 50 caliber case by them will set you back over $600...


925-1242 .50 Caliber Tactical w/Wheels 54"x15"x6.5" 35 lbs
$638.00


925-1142 .50 Caliber w/Wheels 64"x13"x6.5" 36 lbs
$676.00