I picked up a couple of gun socks to bring with me to Africa for use in daily transport in the trucks and such as they are compact and light. For those who have been before, what is the opinion gun Socks over soft sided rifle cases? are the socks sufficient?

I have never tried the gun socks in Africa but have used soft cases. When I have used gun socks on scoped rifles at home they are very slow to get on and off. Not sure if that will be an issue for you, but it would have been an annoyance for me. Even on unscoped rifles I think they would be slower. I also think the soft cases give better protection because of the padding.

In the 8 trips I made to Zimbabwe I have never had or used any type of case while hunting. I suppose I'm not the usual hunter in that respect as I never let my rifle out of my hands and would never under ANY circumstance put it in a truck rack. If I am in the cab the rifle stands between my legs if I am in back the rifle is usually across my legs or standing between them usually with the butt on my foot. Any other time my rifle is in the hardcase. Just my way of course.

I would prefer the extra protection of a soft case in the gun rack that is outside behind the truck window on our trucks. It is a simple process to just lift one out of the open soft case. It has worked for us for many years.

A soft case makes it easy to get the rifle in and out. The case can stay in the rack and by simply unzipping about 12 inches, the gun will slide right out and then back in without ever removing the case. Also, I doubt that a gun sock will protect the rifle enough during those tooth jarring termite mound rides.

What Charles said!

Stick with the soft gun cases. The gun socks are for storing your guns at home in your safe. Ditto on all of the comments regarding the ability to remove your guns quickly from the soft gun cases vs. the gun socks, and the added protection that a soft gun case gives to your rifle over that of a gun sock.

I do exactly what Zimbabwe does. I have seen a few rifles get trashed in those racks even when they were in a case. Besides, sometimes you just have time to jump out of the vehicle, run a short distance, and take a quick shot. That extra 20 or 30 seconds may cost you the opportunity.

Geronimo

I would go with the gun sock. Rattling your scope off center from the bumpy truck ride would probably improve your shooting. I've seen you shoot!

Thanks, I think I'll let Stevie (aka hambone) bring cases, and I'll steal his and give him my socks....

Good info everyone!

I tried the socks and every negative mentioned is true. I'll add that they do not keep dust off of or out of your rifles as well either.

A gunsock was too slow and cumbersome even for an unscoped double rifle and a nightmare for a scoped rifle. Even if there is no rush they're just a pita.

BTW, if the tracker is doing his job, if there is any rush or not, by the time you hop out of or off the truck he should be handing you your rifle.

JPK

I have used soft cases on all on my trips.

Gun socks are great for protection in a gun safe, but not while in the field.

A gun sock is of value sitting in your closet bsck home. It's worth nothing on a hunt.

So what I'm hearing here is that there really is no better choice for gun protection in the fieled than a gun sock....

Seriously, thanks for the advice.

Here is the rifle case I use most often.It is a vinyl case that looks like leather.It does not get dirty,has pockets for ammo,and a pocket for address or ID.It is not expensive.[URL= ]Kolpin vinyl rifle case[/URL] It is the case I keep my rifle in the pick-up truck behind the seat.

Guys here is an option on a product we sell that can come in quite handy when traveling light is an issue. It is mainly intended to be used during field transport in vehicles or boats etc... Using it helps to cut down the need for constant cleaning and oiling in wet or dusty conditions. This is especially so when traveling with a two gun battery.


Hope it helps!

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I would go with the soft case. I have used both socks and soft cases and the soft cases (thin padding and light weight are the keys) are best, IMHO.

The traditional soft side gun case is still the best, IMHO. You want the padded protection for the rifle and scope, as well as the hard rubber or reinforced end of a soft side case to protect the muzzle of your gun as well. I still think that it's best to stick with the soft side cases. I have used them on the last 5 Safaris to Africa and would not consider going there without them. My guns ride in them, front or back of the vehicle with me, usually between my legs, and partially opened for the rifle to be taken out for use in a moment's notice. The only time that it was a hassle, it was my own fault, as it was a very cold evening and I had the gun case zipped shut when we suddenly and unexpectedly ran across a huge pair of bush pigs. Suffice it to say the bush pigs won that encounter.

No, the socks are not sufficient. Take soft sided cases. I have some that role up and tie for easy packing.

I usually take two guns in the truck - one cannon and one for smaller plains game. One is inevitably in the gun rack and in a soft case. I wouldn't use the gun sock. In my experience, the PH usually has his gun in a soft case in the rack as well.