The Accurate Reloading Forums
Would you take your rifle to So. Africa in a plastic case?
12 May 2009, 03:49
Ezra4570Would you take your rifle to So. Africa in a plastic case?
I normally take mine in a high end alum. case that holds three rifles. I only travel with two but I place optics in the third. I would like to travel light on my next trip. I am only taking one rifle and I hust purchased a single rifle SKB case for the trip. I am having second thoughts as to if it is strong enough. Have any of you used similliar cases?
Thanks
I've flown SKBs to Africa 4 times now, also to Canada, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas.....no worries
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I have used a Storm Case several times for one rifle and a Tuffpac for two without any problems. Both are plastic.
jpj3
I've used a double SKB case on four African trips and a single SKB case four times and had no problems. With the single case I did put the scope in my backpack and a spare in my checked luggage.
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12 May 2009, 05:12
N E 450 No2I have an SKB case. I am not comfortable with the latches. They do not appear secure to me.
I now use a Tuff Pak. I have used a Pelican, and consider the Harddigg the equal of the Pelican.
DOUBLE RIFLE SHOOTERS SOCIETY
12 May 2009, 05:34
GeoffM24I have flown twice with my Hardigg storm case and it is packed up and ready to go with 2 rifles for this Wed at 4:35 for Botswana!
It is what the US Military uses
http://www.militarycases.com/Military.html12 May 2009, 06:21
Frank MartinezI did, at least I think the tuff-pak is plastic.
Frank
But if you mean a walmart case, I don't think I would.
Frank
I've done at least 10 trips to Africa and umpteen in the U.S./Canada with the same TuffPac. I did modify it to use a TSA lock. I've had zero problem. I find I can pack everything I need in one and just use a carry on for valuables and a a couple of days clothes.
Saving a few bucks on an inferior case can be penny wise and pound foolish. I learned my lesson the hard way having a rifle barrel poke through a "bargin" case.
JudgeG ... just counting time 'til I am again finding balm in Gilead chilled out somewhere in the Selous.
12 May 2009, 07:36
mustbhuntnYep, I've taken my SKB to Africa 3 times and have loaned it to friends for 2 more African trips and another trip to New Zealand, and one to Alaska. It shows some wear (scratches in the plastic) but I bet it will last my lifetime (which should include another 20 or so trips overseas).
I've used the SKB double gun case for one trip to Africa and multiple trips inside the US. No problems at all, but for this month's trip to the Limpopo Province I've added hasps for external padlocks and I'm quite happy with it.
12 May 2009, 08:49
Rick BehlingPelican cases are pretty tough
12 May 2009, 10:27
Use Enough GunI'm with the judge, but with the non-TSA lock on mine.
If you've got a plastic stock then a plastic gun case should be just fine. Put the scope in your carry-on if allowed and the risks will be even less.
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12 May 2009, 15:04
tendramsI have used Pelican and Starlight cases all over the planet and had ZERO trouble. The Pelicans are probably heavier than necessary as the starlight has performed without issue in spite of the fact that it appears much less "ruggedly" constructed.
quote:
Originally posted by Use Enough Gun:
I'm with the judge, but with the non-TSA lock on mine.
My TuffPac has both the originally installed locking system and a TSA lock. There is a reason.
Before I installed the TSA lock, on three separate occasions I have been called/paged from the gate to go to the TSA (or security) area to open the case for inspection. Once was at Dulles on a return (after customs), once at JFK (point of origin ... I actually had to go down on the tarmac that day) and once in Jacksonville (again upon original departure). All were on a leg of an international flight. I've never had an inspection after the original TSA inspection upon checking baggage on domestic flights.
I don't hear well and almost missed the pages from TSA while sitting at the gate awaiting boarding. I don't want to think what would have happened if I hadn't responded and the TSA folks had decided that they needed entry to the case. A TuffPac is just that... Tough to gain entry without a key. So... I modified the case, always insure the contents and just let the TSA folks (or baggage handlers?) have access for inspection (or to steal the contents) and go with the flow.
I always include my cell number on my external baggage tags and inside I include a note with a thank you and an extra lock (again with my cell number).
Just my way of handling life with a little less angst.
JudgeG ... just counting time 'til I am again finding balm in Gilead chilled out somewhere in the Selous.
12 May 2009, 16:58
Ezra4570I was worried about having to drag all my clothes in and out of the tuffpac at customs and TSA. Have you had trouble with repacking?
12 May 2009, 17:31
WoodhitsThe SKB is tough & light, I'd use one without hesitation.
12 May 2009, 18:33
GeoffM24quote:
Originally posted by JudgeG:
quote:
Originally posted by Use Enough Gun:
I'm with the judge, but with the non-TSA lock on mine.
My TuffPac has both the originally installed locking system and a TSA lock. There is a reason.
Before I installed the TSA lock, on three separate occasions I have been called/paged from the gate to go to the TSA (or security) area to open the case for inspection. Once was at Dulles on a return (after customs), once at JFK (point of origin ... I actually had to go down on the tarmac that day) and once in Jacksonville (again upon original departure). All were on a leg of an international flight. I've never had an inspection after the original TSA inspection upon checking baggage on domestic flights.
I don't hear well and almost missed the pages from TSA while sitting at the gate awaiting boarding. I don't want to think what would have happened if I hadn't responded and the TSA folks had decided that they needed entry to the case. A TuffPac is just that... Tough to gain entry without a key. So... I modified the case, always insure the contents and just let the TSA folks (or baggage handlers?) have access for inspection (or to steal the contents) and go with the flow.
I always include my cell number on my external baggage tags and inside I include a note with a thank you and an extra lock (again with my cell number).
Just my way of handling life with a little less angst.
It is my understanding that you are not supposed to use TSA locks for guns as you are supposed to be the only one with the key. That is why they have you open it in front of them at check in and lock it in front of you. So while it would be a pain to be called down to open the case, that is exactly how it is supposed to work so that no one is getting in there without you.
12 May 2009, 20:02
Michael RobinsonI prefer and now use heavy gauge aluminum cases. But I must admit that I have used Pelican and SKB cases with no problems.
Mike
Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer.
12 May 2009, 21:17
Larry SellersEZ - Simple solution. Use the Tuff Sack inside your Tuffpac. Everything packs inside the sack, simply pull it out, open it up, exposing all the contents, then zip it back up, slid it into the Pac, lock and you are good to go. No other system out there works this well for protection and ease of operation.
Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member
quote:
Originally posted by Ezra4570:
I was worried about having to drag all my clothes in and out of the tuffpac at customs and TSA. Have you had trouble with repacking?
12 May 2009, 21:18
Colonel_KlinkPelican all the way! You can drive a truck over them, and the foam is custom fit for your rifle.
12 May 2009, 22:51
Larry SellersCK - Usually a "truck running over your guncase" is quite aways down on the list of things that could happen to it!!
Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member
quote:
Originally posted by Colonel_Klink:
Pelican all the way! You can drive a truck over them, and the foam is custom fit for your rifle.
12 May 2009, 22:54
Use Enough GunYes, the TuffSak is indispensable to the effective use of the TuffPak.
13 May 2009, 01:08
John LuytI hate to say it, but we had a client arrive back home last year with his 7mm barrel sticking out the end of his SKB case. Not a pretty sight
13 May 2009, 02:51
LionHunter12+ safaris with my TuffPak and no problems.
Mike
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13 May 2009, 03:40
Dangerous DaveI saw some guy was selling some nice one gun cases on AR Bay.
Look at that Alaskan case.
OK I confess it's me! But look any way.
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13 May 2009, 07:01
Ezra4570Where do you get your tuffpaks? How heavy are they?
13 May 2009, 07:30
fatbutnotdeadStarlight case. Even better than Pelican. Not sure about Hardigg??
Before they made all these great cases they make today, I've flown rifles in a cheap Doskocil case to Africa and Canada several times with no problem. I have used a Pelican since the late 90's, and I've put 100, 000's of miles on it.
JD
13 May 2009, 20:34
onefunzr2quote:
Would you take your rifle to So. Africa in a plastic case?
Yes, to South Africa and then on to Namibia. Two full-stocked rifles in a Starlight case, as opposed to break down double rifles in a tuffpac. And I'd do so again.
Starlight touts they are the choice of military units, showing them being driven over by a tank.
13 May 2009, 23:50
Use Enough GunEzra4570: As to tuffpaks check with Harry here on AR.
13 May 2009, 23:56
TrophymanI have seen some plastic cases that didn't fare too well. Hurt some nice guns.
I have Americase 1,2 and 3 gun cases. IMHO, best there is.
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14 May 2009, 08:01
RVL III+ # next for SKB!
Robert
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14 May 2009, 08:05
Ezra4570Harry who?
14 May 2009, 09:56
Use Enough GunHarry! Oh hell, just try contacting him at
http://www.huntersheadquarters.net 14 May 2009, 18:21
Larry SellersI agree that there are a lot of good "gun cases" out there. Some mentioned here such as Pelican, SKB, Americase and all. These are fine if you just want a "gun case". But I want/need more from a travel case than just a place for my rifle. Thus the Tuff Pak is my choice. Consider this, you will need a soft case while on Safari. With the Tuff Pak system, your soft cased rifle w/scope goes into the Pak, along with my hunting boots, down vest or jacket, raingear, extra hunting clothes, extra scope, 1st aid kit and whatever else to fill out the 50# limit. All these items are encased within the Tuff Sack, for ease of access if someone wants a visual on the contents. It has wheels, a bullet proof locking system, doesn't look "gun casey", and is extremly durable. I will never use a "gun only" case as one of my two checked bag limit. With the additional gear in the Tuff Pak my second checked bag can now be a lot smaller and lighter. It's worked for me on well over two dozen trips. So, would I take my rifle/s in a plastic case? Sure, as long as it's a Tuff Pak.
Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member