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I finally did it! My safari is booked for September 2012. Its a Plains game hunt for 10 days. I'll be taking a DR SxS in 9.3x74R and a Ruger No.1 in 300WM. MY DR has a fitted hard case. I dont yet have a case for my Ruger. My question is what is the prefered way to "pack" them for the trip. This is my first time I will be traveling by air with rifles (as a civilian). Im nervous as hell about TSA (lock / dont lock / locks TSA has keys for / etc). Do I put both rifles together or seperately? Im traveling with a buddy, and he will be taking two rifles as well. We had talked about putting one of each of our rifles in a case together; to increase the chances that each of us would have at least one of our rifles when we arrived. As the DR breaks down, it can be packed in a more descrete case; but whatever I put the Ruger No1 in, its gonna scream GUN. Do I buy seperate hard cases for each gun? or pack them together? I remember hearing something a few years ago, about a case similar to a hard golf bag, that was designed for rifles to be padded with clothing. I recall some controversay and broken rifles. Im also not sure what type of case to useto bring for the safari truck. I dont mind honest field wear; but I prefer to minimize damage from bouncing in the vehicle. HELP Im sooooo confused.... Size Matters--A study of PDW's, PCC's, and SBR's http://www.onesourcetactical.c...rs.aspx#.U9NDS3ZundU | ||
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I have found the best way to pack my rifles is to place them inside well padded soft cases first. I prefer the Boyt heavy canvas soft cases with the leather trim. I then place the rifles in the soft cases inside a TuffPak and fill the remainder of the Tuffpak around the soft rifle cases with light stuff like sweaters and other clothes to act as padding for the rifles. I have used this same technique using a Pelican case, but it seems to work best with a TuffPak. You will need the soft cases for your rifles in Africa anyway, so why not pack them in the soft cases for the flight? When you get the total weight to 50 pounds, you are done. I have never had any problems using this method, and I generally take a large bore double and a scoped .375 H&H or 9.3x74R as my two rifles. This year, I took 3 rifles in my TuffPak using this method. Do not use a TSA lock for your rifles. Regulations state that only you can have the key for your gun case. I generally use small Master locks to lock my gun case, and I always pack both my rifles in the same case. Make sure your ammo is packed in a separate piece of luggage and is in a hard side lockable container. Americase makes a great little aluminum ammo case that fits in my duffle for this purpose. Do not hesitite to PM if you have any questions. Mangwana | |||
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I agree with the above. If you use a tuffpak with soft cases inside, you have great protection for flying, and then you have your soft cases with you for everything else without taking up more room in other luggage. Having soft cases on the back of a safari truck is pretty important. I also like having the ability to pack a bunch of other stuff in my tuffpak. I have done it 7 times to Africa, and I have never had anyone say a word about having more gear in my tuffpak. I also probably fly with my tuffpak on other hunting trips an additional 10-12 times a year and have never had this issue anywhere in the world. Not saying it doesn't happen, but it has not to me. Good Hunting, Tim Herald Worldwide Trophy Adventures tim@trophyadventures.com | |||
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congrats on taking the leap ! i very much like the stormcases - they are tough , water and dustproof and in many years of traveling several times to africa with my guns i have had no damage or loss - you will always hear the odd horror story about guys whose guns got lost/broken , but these are very much the exception rather than the norm - as far as for the vehicle , get some durable softcases , red oxx make some good ones , i personally shoose bright colors and different colors for each rifle so its quick and easy to know which is which - "The greatest threat to our wildlife is the thought that someone else will save it” www.facebook.com/ivancartersafrica www.ivancarterwca.org www.ivancarter.com ivan@ivancarter.com | |||
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A plug for the Kalispel cases. They are very, very tough. Also agree on the Red Oxx cases, they make a light-duty gun sleeve that is easy to pack and offers good protection in the truck gun rack. Mike | |||
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I've used a TuffPac for 20 or so safaris and about as many domestic hunting trips. I've never had a problem with damage, airline, customs or pilferage (and I don't expect any in the future). I, too, agree with putting rifles in soft cases within the TuffPac and using them to keep off dust and to "cradle" my guns from the banging around that can occur in a gun rack. JudgeG ... just counting time 'til I am again finding balm in Gilead chilled out somewhere in the Selous. | |||
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Ivan's point about different color soft cases for different calibers for quick identification is a great one. I do that with my .300 and .458 - and sometimes getting a rifle quickly means the world... Good Hunting, Tim Herald Worldwide Trophy Adventures tim@trophyadventures.com | |||
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EDELWEISS, All these guys have made some great points and recommendations. Personally I've used an ICC welded aluminum case for about 20 years and it has held up incredibly well. The foam can be cut to accommodate all your shooting gear so your kit is all in one piece of luggage. As for soft case when your in the field you inevitably will bump into some species you want while riding around in the Cruiser. Keep the one rifle your most likely to use between your knees and ready to rock. Having both rifles in cases in the rack will cost you valuable time to get it out of the case, load, check scope etc and that may equal a lost opportunity. Mark MARK H. YOUNG MARK'S EXCLUSIVE ADVENTURES 7094 Oakleigh Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89110 Office 702-848-1693 Cell, Whats App, Signal 307-250-1156 PREFERRED E-mail markttc@msn.com Website: myexclusiveadventures.com Skype: markhyhunter Check us out on https://www.facebook.com/pages...ures/627027353990716 | |||
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EW, Good advice here. I'd go with good aluminum double gun case and put both rifles in it. As for a gunslip in the field, the best advice is to hold one that you might have to use if you jump out of the vehicle for a quick stalk. The other one can be in a soft case in the vehicle. Just ask your outfitter if he/she has an extra so you don't have to add bulk to your packing. Best for the New Year, Tim | |||
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I have a Tuff-pak and one of the advantages of it is that most folks think it holds golf clubs and have no idea that you are carrying rifles. We have been waved right through customs both entering other counties and coming back to the US I use the Red Ox soft cases inside with different colors for different calibers. They work well to protect the rifles in the Tuff-Pak and in the bakkie. Have gun- Will travel The value of a trophy is computed directly in terms of personal investment in its acquisition. Robert Ruark | |||
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Wow! I wasnt expecting this; it seems folks either love or hate the TuffPak and it either works great or opening and re-packing by TSA types causes more issues. Lord, it was a whole lot easier when all I had to do was make sure my chute deployed.... I dont quite understand the comments about the case being opened when the owner isnt present. Will that happen if I fly non-stop? Im not opposed to gun-specific hard cases like Pelican or the various metal cases. My DR has a "fitted" case with straps to "secure" the pieces inside. It has typical briefcase three wheel combo locks the keep honest people out or release to a screw driver. Im sure I could run a bike type pad lock through the handles. Is this an option? The TuffPak video shows a separate ammo box stored INSIDE the TuffPak, with the guns. Is this really considered SEPARATE for TSA? The Cop in me says anything that DOESNT look like a gun case is a good thing; but not if it F's me up later. I feel like a virgin bride getting ready for a wedding night. I want everything to go right; but IM scared of the unknown.  Size Matters--A study of PDW's, PCC's, and SBR's http://www.onesourcetactical.c...rs.aspx#.U9NDS3ZundU | |||
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+1 for the tuffpak, | |||
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I have not used a tuff pac before. I can see that they would do a great job of protecting your rifle(s), but it seems it would be a pain to un-pack and re-pack your clothing and such around your rifles. While travelling to Zim, i had to show my rifles many times and if i had to unpack and re-pack all my clothes around my rifles every time some customs person wanted to check the serial numbers i would have gone nuts, not to mention the extra time involved in re-packing. The Pelican case for me was great and my rifles were both true when i got to camp. For now, i will not be changing to a Tuff-pac and i just can't see why so many people like them so much...I guess you can't knock it till you try it though... I also have an aluminum Kalisbell case. Although very tough, it is also very heavy and i would not use it for airline travel with 2 guns in it due to the overall weight increase from my plastic Pelican case. Maybe mine is a heavier guage of aluminum or something, but it is really heavy....With my double and my bolt rifle it would surely be over the 50lb mark... | |||
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Next question---A bag over 50lbs isnt forbidden, its just an extra charge??? Is that correct??? How insane is the over charge? Size Matters--A study of PDW's, PCC's, and SBR's http://www.onesourcetactical.c...rs.aspx#.U9NDS3ZundU | |||
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Yes it is an extra charge and not forbidden. Most airlines list overage weight charges on their sites. I have always been able to keep the weight under 50 pounds. Another plug for the Tuff Pak. Place the rifle in a soft case, pack some extra clothes around them. Never an issue for inspection. The rifle slides out of the soft case and back in with no problem. Last year I traveled with three rifles in the case and stayed under the 50 lound limit. One other note. My double has alway gone broken down in a Storm case. | |||
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Edelweiss - a couple of answers here. The overweight bag is going to cost you $100 each way (as an example) from Dulles to Harare. On one safari, I overnighted in Jo'burg, and when I checked my bags in Jo'burg to go to Harare the next morning, SAA wanted to charge me extra again. The man from African Sky (who also works with Gracy travel) fortunately spoke Zulu, and talked the SAA agent out of the extra charge! Note that with SAA you get an extra baggage allowance if you are hunting, so I always take an extra "free" bag. Make sure you print out the rules from the SAA website and have them with you when you check in (assuming you are flying SAA) as all of the gate agents will tell you they have never heard of this extra baggage allowance before. As for ammo, it needs to be in a lockable container in a bag totally separate from your rifles. Mangwana | |||
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Looks like you are getting a variety of good answers and it should also be clear no one solution suits all... I personally like the Americase because I can safely and securely get two rifles in a relatively small case and easily stay under a 50lb weight limit. I have one of the two sided cases case with the internal flap that I use for two doubles. I ordered it just long enough to accommodate 26" barrels. I have a similar case that I've used for one double coupled with a bolt action rifle with the action/barrel removed - think it is about 37" outside length. That one would also serve for two disassembled bolt action rifles. Either of those cases leave enough room and weight allowance for scopes, knives, cleaning suppies and softer light items like socks/underwear. I put a couple of soft lightly padded slips in my check bag for daily use on the vehicle if the PH doesn't have soft cases available. I find that a relatively small rifle case, along with a carefully packed check bag and single carry-on allows me to personally move all I am taking in one lift if necessary. That means no dependence on porters, carts or counting on someone you may not know to watch while you shuttle loads. Sometimes that can mean up/down stairs too. Good hunting, | |||
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When using a TuffPac, make sure that the soft case(s) is butt up. I glued a 1" closed-cell foam pad on the inside of the top of the case and pack one jacket or pair jeans as my last item. To remove the gun, I just remove the jacket and then hold on to the gun case with one hand and slip out a rifle with the other. Nothing is disturbed and the gun will slip right back in. This, of course, is easier done with an unscoped rifle, but I remove my scopes (QD mounts) for travel, anyway. On my last trip through JNB, I saw a first time safariphile and fellow poster on AR (who will remain unnamed) with clothes all over the place because his gun was packed muzzle up. He won't make that mistake again, I'll bet.
JudgeG ... just counting time 'til I am again finding balm in Gilead chilled out somewhere in the Selous. | |||
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TuffPac, for reasons and packing directions I have posted many times. 16 african safaris and many other foreign countries and never a problem. Whatever case you use, remove the bolt from the rifle and pack it inside the case. Mike ______________ DSC DRSS (again) SCI Life NRA Life Sables Life Mzuri IPHA "To be a Marine is enough." | |||
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A Tuffpack will generally get you an extra charge based on volume even if it is under 50 pounds. Check the airline's web site and print out their rules to show at the airport as they frequently don't know their own rules. | |||
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Packing and unpacking the tuffPak is simple if you have their Tuff Sack. You pack all of your guns, clothes, etc in the Tuff Sack then slide it into the Tuff Pak. When you show it to TSA, you simply slide it out, unzip, then slide it back in. You don't have to get your socks and sweaters all over the floor  Have gun- Will travel The value of a trophy is computed directly in terms of personal investment in its acquisition. Robert Ruark | |||
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I have never been charged an extra fee for my Tuffpak if packed at or below 50 pounds, and I have travelled with it on a lot of different airlines. Anyone else experience a surcharge for a TuffPak under 50 pounds? Mangwana | |||
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I haven't read all of this. If someone has said this already, I apologize. Generally, I use an Americase. They are well built and hold the guns well if strapped in properly. I have used them for a very long time. I do always have to use loc-tite the handles as they tend to loosen. I have 2 Tuffpaks. I have used them to take shotguns to Argentina many times. At the RENAR office, they always insist on me removing the shotguns from the Tuffpak. That isn't so bad. However, getting them back in is a monumental pain in the rear. Having said that, I use both to take my things other than firearms when I go to Africa. I always place the most valuable things in the very bottom. This makes it very difficult for the thieves in Johannesburg to remove anything easily from your bags. They are excellent for this. For in the field, I take something that is fabric of some sort (no plastic). it does keep a lot of dust off. | |||
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Not me. I've carried it all over with no extra bag charges. Will J. Parks, III | |||
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Wrong - Mike, the Tuff Pak will NEVER get you an excess charge because of its size. It falls under the sporting case rules and is allowed by every USA and foreign airline I have ever flown. If you got charged extra based on this criteria, you simply got screwed by the airline person you checked in with.  Tuff Pak makes the Tuff Sack which is a must when using this case. EVERYTHING goes inside the tuff sack, then you simply slide it in and out of the case if need be. As others have stated I have never been asked to remove the tuff sack, but simply slid the rifles out of the soft case for a visual ID. Simple, safe and secure, the three important aspects of transporting your firearms. Larry Sellers SCI Life Member
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The first year I took an Americase with my Double, the case came home in tatters. It appeared that they had dropped or thrown the case and 2 of the corners were broken. Luckily, the case did not come open. I have not tried the TuffPak but when I can find one, I will most likely end up using it. Have been using a Browning Bruiser, I think they quit making it now, but it is no worse for wear when I get there or home. Also have used a Pelican, which now owns the Stormcase brand I believe, and they hold up well. | |||
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I've used TuffPaks extensively and like them a lot. If you get one, get the StuffSak along with it. It's a long duffel (as long as the TuffPak itself) that zippers along its length and has a drawstring opening on one end. You fill it up with two rifles in soft cases and your other stuff at the bottom end so that the end of the soft cases are at the drawstring opening. For inspection purposes, you open the draw string, unzip the soft case (don't pull the case itself out)and pull out the long gun to have the serial numbers confirmed then slip it back into the case already in place. For bolt guns I always take the bolt out and store it inside a sock and put that inside of a boot at the bottom of the TuffSak. I carry two bolt guns plus two sets of boots, jackets etc in the TuffPak this way. Having said all of that, for my most recent safari during which we took two bolt guns and two doubles. I put the bolts in as mentioned above and borrowed a 1650 Storm Case from my good friend Biebs for the doubles. These were carried in broken down form given NE 450 #2's experience with a broken wrist on his double. As far as charge vs. forbidden for weight overage, I thought there was a nominal charge for overage. In fact, I wasn't asked for any payment though all of our bags were over by a few pounds on our way to Namibia from Newark via SAA and Namibia Air. BUT flying from Namibia to Jo'berg on Namibia Air I cound not pay for one of my bags that was over by 4kg - I had to take stuff out of that and put it into another bag. If you are "over" pack an extra duffel bag and lock. If you run into the issue we experienced, pull out the duffel and unload some of the weight from the offending bag. Finally - check with your individual airlines. Some have a 50lb weight limit some have a 20kg (44lb) weight limit like Namibia Air. I use TSA locks on my regular luggage but you should NEVER use TSA locks on firearm cases. There is much written about all of this here on AR but this is the "Cliff-Notes" version of what I have gleaned. Congratulations and good luck NRA Lifer; DSC Lifer; SCI member; DRSS; AR member since November 9 2003 Don't Save the best for last, the smile for later or the "Thanks" for tomorow | |||
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Tufpak 4 safaris and still in the game. Found it once when overnighting in Atlanta with all the golf bags. Mike | |||
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I like the storm cases as well.....have about every size they make. Mac | |||
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JJ Perodeau once told me never to travel or ship a double rifle while it was assembled. When I took the one I had to Africa, I put it in a double rifle case fully broken down and put that case in my tuffpak. I also brought an extra soft rifle case with me so I could keep the dust off the rifle while I was actually on safari. ____________________________________________ "Build a man a fire, and he'll be warm for a day. Set a man on fire, and he'll be warm for the rest of his life." Terry Pratchett. | |||
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Wait til you ask what type of shoes/boots to wear, the type of shooting sticks to practice off of and if you should take your own, and if you need a seperate case for ammo and what should you should buy, oh and do you need a gun clearance service and who to hire for a ticket agent, oooops and if you want to overnight in JNB where.....I think thats a good start. | |||
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For me it is a Tuff Pak, with a Tuff Sack. I haven't flown with mine yet, but it works well even in the back of the truck, or with buddies, or..... Doug | |||
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I'd like to offer a poor man's solution. I take all my rifles apart and put them in a "shotgun" case. This is locked and put into a pull around duffel. (I found the lightest is Cabelas.) That way you have an old duffel like everyone else on the outside but it is completely protected on the inside. Clothes and gear make up the remainder of the 50#s. (You can get away with 23kg. on some flights.) This is a much easier package to put in the hunting vehicle and does not call any attention to itself. I recently brought home 6 long guns from RSA in this manner, in my 2 allowable 50# suitcases. No overweight and all arrived in good health. camshaft | |||
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Hook em Horns | |||
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There has been more than one post stating to "never use TSA locks on gun cases." Could any of the posters tell why not to use them. I'm unfamiliar with the problem this causes. Haven't traveled with guns in awhile. Hook em Horns | |||
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The regs require that the guns be in a suitable hard case with a lock that can only be opened by the owner of the case. That means keyed lock or non-TSA combination lock. The problem with the TSA lock is that TSA personnel have a master key that allows them access to the case. So, no TSA lock on your guncase. Will J. Parks, III | |||
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While the TSA itself says it is fine to lock your gun cases with TSA approved locks Click here and scroll 3/4 down for TSA rules individual airlines and airports have varying rules and application thereof. To prevent heartache and delays, only you should have the key, hand it to the appropriate screening personnel and have it handed back to you after screening is complete. TSA locks mean that you lose "control" over opening your firearm cases according to some of the airlines and airport personnel. NRA Lifer; DSC Lifer; SCI member; DRSS; AR member since November 9 2003 Don't Save the best for last, the smile for later or the "Thanks" for tomorow | |||
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Will, I never use TSA locks on my gun cases for the reasons stated in my post but it appears that the TSA has changed their position on this. See the link in my post below yours above NRA Lifer; DSC Lifer; SCI member; DRSS; AR member since November 9 2003 Don't Save the best for last, the smile for later or the "Thanks" for tomorow | |||
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I always buy a roll of bubble wrap to take inside my TuffPak & put it in last to make things more secure. It doesn't weigh much & you can also use some of it to pack valuable souviners in on you flight home. As for the TuffPak being a pain unloading & reloading to show the officials your firearms, I spend a little time packing & unpacking with my TuffSak before I leave home & I can get thru the drill fairly easy. Pull the bubble wrap, lay the TuffPak on the side with the TuffSak down, slide the whole thing out about a ft, grab my soft case & pull it the rest of the way out. Reverse it going back in. After my 1st trip to Africa, I don't bother with TSA locks anymore. Good Luck & Good Hunting LORD, let my bullets go where my crosshairs show. Not all who wander are lost. NEVER TRUST A FART!!! Cecil Leonard | |||
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Gentlemen, I do have a dog on this fight as I am the largest Tuffpak dealer in the world. Many of you I know from all our dealings on AR. DSC and SCI. Now, as far as protection....there are many excellent cases on the market. I have traveled in a metal case and in a Pelican. Never a problem with the firearm even though there was damage to the case on two trips. Tuffpak was born thanks to customers. Mr. Robert Petersen (deceased) of Guns and Ammo, Petersen Publishing fame called up Nalpak (owners of Tuffpak) and told them that the Nalpak case would make a damn good guncase if they would put wheels on it...he already had he stated. Thus Tuffpak was born. Next customers said they wanted a lock and that we needed a duffle bag to fit the inside. We started and still use a steel six prong vending machine type key lock and we have the Cordura(TM) Nylon duffle that fits the inside. It has the drawstring top, full length double side zipper (fillet it like a fish) fabric luggage handles and a shoulder carry strap. Now we have found a better rubber handle and better wheels. They are standard on all Tuffpaks. The standard case holds 3 scoped rifles in soft cases or 5 shotguns in the same. The empty case weighs 18 pounds. The idea behind Tuffpak is to get you to travel with as little luggage as possible. You might as well pack other items you will need on your hunt inside this case. Does it work? Every major firearms manuf. at the conventions travel in Tuffpak. Some have purchased more than ten. I have had the good fortune to sell the case to them. The same for several of the major optics companies. In the above postings you can read what Tuffpak owners say. They must work or you would see them blasted by many posters. I have traveled in this case since June of 1999 with no problems. I wish I had been everywhere my case has been. It has been borrowed many times. I will use it again in July for a Namibia / Zim. safari. No way I want my Dakota .416 RM damaged. Follow the suggestions of fellow posters or from suggestion on my web site and the in and out of rifles for show and tell at customs is easy. Now, I put my ammo in an MTM Dry Survivor box which can be locked. The case does not eat up much of the weight allowed. I also use a Master Lock Python cable lock to lock my case to a tree, bed etc. for an in camp safe. The calble lock could also be used to zip tie the top to the bottom should you ever encounter a damaged lock. The case would be locked and can fly. I have not had this problem but the Boy Scout motto is still a good one and the lock is inexpensive. I will be 74 yrs. of age on this next safari and my motto is: "If if don't roll..it don't go!" Like I said. There are many good cases on the market. Most are heavy and eat up your weight allowances. Some will come home with corners damaged, Presto locks broken or hard to open. My old Browning / Pelican got a corner pad knocked off but no damage to the double or the .416 inside. No wheels but lots of weight. My old metal case had a gouge in the top that was hard to believe and the over center lock was damaged but would work if you beat hell out of it with your shoe to get it open. And it would leak dust like crazy around the supposed foam lid seal. Again...never damage to the guns inside. It was very heavy and no wheels. Pelican, Storm, Starlight, SKB, Americase all are good but I would be happy to show you and explain where and how they can or will fail at some point. Your gun may or may not be damaged when they do. All I can do is show you where the problem will be sooner or later. IF I knew of a better case than Tuffpak. I would be traveling in it. Making a living selling gun cases is not what puts groceries on my table. Feel free to stand in my booth at any of the shows and hear the horror stories we hear from the flying public. Make sure you keep score how many negative tales you hear about Tuffpak. My best salesperson is you...who have already spent your money and traveled in Tuffpak. Better tomorrows! You can borrow money but you can not borrow time. Go hunting with your family. | |||
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