Looking for a Hard Shell rifle case

Clinth · August 2, 2000, 08:29 PM

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I'm looking for a lockable Hard shell rifle case that holds 2 AR's and a handgun. I will be using it for storage and transporting the rifles on Airplanes. Any suggestions? What are the pro's/ con's of Plastic shell vs. Aluminum shells?
Clinth

jcoyoung · August 2, 2000, 10:50 PM

I have a Pelican case for my AR. The thing is tough as nails, has locations for two padlocks, and has that neato decompression valve thingy.

I also have a 4 place SKB case (HUGE!) and I'm not quite as happy with the fit quality. The locking latches seem a little chincy to me, but they do the job. Good for trips to the range but I don't think I would trust it to the luggage gorrillas.

I've heard that Starlight cases are pretty durn tough too, but I don't have any experience with these. I've also heard they are kinda spendy.

If I was flying, I would probably just buy a Pelican.

BTW: Aluminum cases will dent, plastic springs back.

Happy shopping!

Clinth · August 2, 2000, 11:58 PM

What model of Pelican cases do you have for your AR?

Engineer · August 3, 2000, 12:46 AM

Just a suggestion - maybe look into one of those SKB cases that musicians use for keyboards - I think those would be big enough to hold your guns and provide adequate protection.

Oops, just read the above post again - not sure if the SKB's referred to above are specifically for guns or generic use - but some of the one's I've used seem pretty tough.

[This message has been edited by Engineer (edited August 03, 2000).]

jcoyoung · August 3, 2000, 12:01 PM

I have a Pelican 1700. My 16" barreled AR15 just barely fits with about 1" to spare on either end. The 1750 is a little bit bigger if you need to transport 2 firearms.

My SKB case typically carries 4 rifles/shotguns and 2 pistols. I probably put too much stuff in it because the rivets for the handle (not the metal one on the end, but the plastic one on the top) ripped out after a while. I replaced the rivets with solid stainless steel rods (axles from an RC car).

I'm not sure what your locking preference is, but the SKB looks like it has those "one-key-fits-all" type locks. IMHO, owner purchased padlocks are probably the best choice.

MountainGun44 · August 3, 2000, 12:32 PM

I also have a Pelican case. It is a Browning version. Mine is the shorter of the large cases with wheels on one end. Shotguns and easy to take down rifles are perfect fits. They $200 plus, but will last forever.

ArmySon · August 4, 2000, 08:46 AM

Cases 4 Less has the 1750 for $159.09
http://www.cases4less.com/detail_pelican_1750.html

MountainGun44 · August 4, 2000, 10:42 AM

That is a good deal!

August 2, 2000, 08:29 PM	#1
Clinth Junior Member Join Date: April 30, 2000 Location: North Pole, AK Posts: 12	-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I'm looking for a lockable Hard shell rifle case that holds 2 AR's and a handgun. I will be using it for storage and transporting the rifles on Airplanes. Any suggestions? What are the pro's/ con's of Plastic shell vs. Aluminum shells? Clinth

August 2, 2000, 10:50 PM	#2
jcoyoung Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2000 Location: Oak Forest, IL Posts: 661	I have a Pelican case for my AR. The thing is tough as nails, has locations for two padlocks, and has that neato decompression valve thingy. I also have a 4 place SKB case (HUGE!) and I'm not quite as happy with the fit quality. The locking latches seem a little chincy to me, but they do the job. Good for trips to the range but I don't think I would trust it to the luggage gorrillas. I've heard that Starlight cases are pretty durn tough too, but I don't have any experience with these. I've also heard they are kinda spendy. If I was flying, I would probably just buy a Pelican. BTW: Aluminum cases will dent, plastic springs back. Happy shopping!

August 2, 2000, 11:58 PM	#3
Clinth Junior Member Join Date: April 30, 2000 Location: North Pole, AK Posts: 12	What model of Pelican cases do you have for your AR?

August 3, 2000, 12:46 AM	#4
Engineer Senior Member Join Date: May 16, 2000 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 146	Just a suggestion - maybe look into one of those SKB cases that musicians use for keyboards - I think those would be big enough to hold your guns and provide adequate protection. Oops, just read the above post again - not sure if the SKB's referred to above are specifically for guns or generic use - but some of the one's I've used seem pretty tough. [This message has been edited by Engineer (edited August 03, 2000).]

August 3, 2000, 12:01 PM	#5
jcoyoung Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2000 Location: Oak Forest, IL Posts: 661	I have a Pelican 1700. My 16" barreled AR15 just barely fits with about 1" to spare on either end. The 1750 is a little bit bigger if you need to transport 2 firearms. My SKB case typically carries 4 rifles/shotguns and 2 pistols. I probably put too much stuff in it because the rivets for the handle (not the metal one on the end, but the plastic one on the top) ripped out after a while. I replaced the rivets with solid stainless steel rods (axles from an RC car). I'm not sure what your locking preference is, but the SKB looks like it has those "one-key-fits-all" type locks. IMHO, owner purchased padlocks are probably the best choice.

August 3, 2000, 12:32 PM	#6
MountainGun44 Senior Member Join Date: April 27, 2000 Posts: 343	I also have a Pelican case. It is a Browning version. Mine is the shorter of the large cases with wheels on one end. Shotguns and easy to take down rifles are perfect fits. They $200 plus, but will last forever.

August 4, 2000, 08:46 AM	#7
ArmySon Staff Alumnus Join Date: April 14, 2000 Posts: 2,926	Cases 4 Less has the 1750 for $159.09 http://www.cases4less.com/detail_pelican_1750.html

August 4, 2000, 10:42 AM	#8
MountainGun44 Senior Member Join Date: April 27, 2000 Posts: 343	That is a good deal!