I can't believe I'm asking this but does anybody have any recommendations for a quality soft rifle case?
I've got a closet full of the crappy, flimsy cases with ridiculous pockets that nothing seems to fit in

Ideas?

Regards,
Scott

The Boyt heavy canvas cases with the leather trim and side pockets are the best I have used. They work very well inside a Tuffpak as well. They are pricey, as in about $120 or so, but are made of heavy green canvas, are well padded and they have heavy brass zippers. Boyt stands behind there products as well. I had a zipper break on a year old case this year, and they replaced it free of charge.
Mangwana

Look at what JW Hulme and Duluth Pack have to offer.

L L Bean has a very nice waxed cotton soft gun case. I have seen one in person and liked it. Only small problem I saw was that it did not have a handle but a carrying strap. I like the handle myself

Cabela's has cases VERY similar to the Boyt cases which Mangwana mentions, and they are less $$. I have both and would be hard pressed to tell the difference.

I like Red Oxx. It's a great case; sturdy and protects the rifle over here and in the gari over there. Water/Dust-Proof, sturdy, sturdy zippers, good padding and protection for the rifel. Only two issues for me, may be one additional for you.

1. Potentially your issue: It has an external pocket, that frankly, I wish it didn't. Doesn't bother me, and it's one of the more useful external pockets on a rifle case I've encountered. Will hold a couple of boxes of ammo for example.

My issues:

2. It's a bit bulky for travel purposes. I try to travel small and I might need to step up my duffle one size to accomodate one next time.

3. It won't follow you home -- it's that good a case. My last one is hunting in Tanzania as we speak. How can you refuse when your PH is putting a quality rifle in a canvas case held together by duct tape?

I'm thinking of getting a purple one next time (they make them). No self-respecting PH would go out with a purple rifle case. That's the working theory anyway.

If you are looking for something to take on safari, I am very impressed with the Red Oxx gun slips, thick enough to protect, but don't take a lot of space in your luggage. I started with one and soon bought another. I now even use them to transport my firearms locally to hunting camps, etc.

I've seen the slips and they look great. Would work great on the gari, but not so good on the charter if they can't accomodate your hard case, which is usually not a problem I admit.

quote:

Originally posted by LionHunter:
Cabela's has cases VERY similar to the Boyt cases which Mangwana mentions, and they are less $$. I have both and would be hard pressed to tell the difference.

My problem with the Boyt/Cabelas cases is the zipper is opposite the handle. This means that while carrying the case loaded the gun is resting on the bottom, against the zipper teeth, which are very rough and seem fully capable of scratching a nice wood stock. God forbid the zipper fails then the rifle falls straight to the ground. Just doesn't make sense to me.

Redd Oxx is one I hadn't thought of and will definitely check out!

Thanks guys!

Filson makes a nice one. Been using mine for years without any obvious wear.

Vanderhoef:

Agreed. I've got some and those cases seem upside down to me. Really worry about dumping a rifle if the zipper failed. Why not build them the other way -- zipper on top?

I second the Boyt cases and the Red Oxx rifle slips.

"Galco" http://www.usgalco.com/Holster...ID=4086&CatalogID=12
My one stays somewhere between Afton Lodge RSA and Niassa Reserve awaiting my arrival.

They are kind of dorky, but I am in love with the sniper rifle drag bag cases made by Condor.

Filson makes a high quality soft gun case, but they are expensive.

"Buy the best and cry only once"

Toss up between boyt & orvis.

The RedOxx with pockets and a tuffpac can't be beat.

Have been using RedOxx for years.
Very tough.

quote:

Originally posted by Dave Fulson:
Have been using RedOxx for years.
Very tough.

http://www.safariclassics.net/sponsors.html




Just funnin' ya. Red Oxx is good stuff. I have one of their air boss bags and love it.

Dick Murray had a soft foldable case that could be packed in luggage. Try Dick Murray custom leather.

Another recommendation for Red Oxx. I use the Flat Dog cases. No zippers, pockets or handles. Just a generous flap and a tie at the butt end. Sturdy and secure.

Unfortunately all the earth tone colors are on back order with Redd Oxx.

I like the looks and style of the Flat Dog case. It's sturdy enough for a stand alone case that may end up thrown in the back of a Supercub?

Thanks for the ideas fellas!

quote:

Originally posted by Vanderhoef:
It's sturdy enough for a stand alone case that may end up thrown in the back of a Supercub?

I wouldn't literally throw it, but if handled with the same care you'd use with any rifle in a soft case, the contents will be fine.

I've driven, flown and boated with mine and suffered no problems to date.

Once, a guy knocked my rifle over (it had been leaning against the wall of a tent) while it was inside a Flat Dog case. I was worried that he might have knocked the scope out of zero. When I subsequently checked it, the rifle was still on target.

quote:

I've driven, flown and boated with mine and suffered no problems to date.

As have I, a strong second for the Red Oxx Flat Dog gun slip. I have two and they have traveled extensively with me...

Really??

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

quote:

Originally posted by Dave Fulson:
Have been using RedOxx for years.
Very tough.

The Redd Ox Flat Dog case protects against dust and scratches very well and it packs easily for travel. However, it does not prevent dents in the stock while in a bakkie's gun rack. Ensure that the gun rack is padded well before travel on rough terrain. I learned this the hard way with 5 or 6 dents in the stock of a custom rifle from one afternoon's trip on rocky roads.

+1 for Boyt

quote:

Originally posted by 415sbaird:
Filson makes a high quality soft gun case, but they are expensive.

"Buy the best and cry only once"

Amen....on both counts. I own the Filson.