Hello everyone. I am going to buy one or two guncases. Not being able to go in to local gunshop and have a look at all the guncases available is somewhat hampering my decision. I know alot of people who will read this have traveled alot, and have a vast amount of experiance traveling with firearms. I don't.Thats why I need your help.

I have narrowed the choices down to these two brands, Kalispel and Starlight. Both seem like excellant cases. The main noticable differance as far as I can tell is the Kalispel has an aluminum shell , and the Starlight has a plastic shell.

These cases will be used to ship guns back and forth to gunmakers, and also be used for my trip to Africa.

Here are the links to the cases below:

http://www.starlightcases.com/...7&action=show_detail

http://www.exploreproducts.com...iflecaseGC521004.htm

Will appreciate any advice.

Also, if I buy a Kalispel should I have luggage wheels installed?

Thanks

Question:
Which brand would you choose?

Should I buy 2 one rifle case's, or 1 two rifle case?

Choices:
Kalispel
Starlight
2-one rifle cases
1-two rifle case

 

Something is not right w/your poll, I think. One may only select 1 of 4 choices. Are you asking about brands AND size, like I think?

I vote for SKB, even though it's not listed.

I'd get the Starlight over the Kalispel as it does not have exposed pad locks bars etc.

Thanks Robert, maybe I can fix it....although I don't know what I've done wrong..I should never be allowed to mess with anything computer related!! I always seem to mess something up.
Here we go.....

Well...I didn't find the problem....O'well....let's roll with it.

You can take the SKB 4-rifle case, take out the separator, carry two rifles in soft cases (which you need anyway), binoculars, spare scope, knives, a couple rolls of duct tape, and some extra foam to jam in there and hit 48 pounds exactly.

Aluminum/metal cases DENT!

Check out AMERICASE on the web. Outstanding value & service.

The ICC case is not new or light weight but it is a tough bugger. I've had mine 16 years and see no reason to buy anything else. The new ones have wheel and they are well worth it.

quote:

Originally posted by CLIFT:
Check out AMERICASE on the web. Outstanding value & service.

My and my hunting partner's African experiences says otherwise.

The South African airlines baggage handlers destroyed my partners case and the zero was seriously off on my rifles.

Hopefully their cases have improved since then but being a product tester at their prices didn't leave a good impression.

I have a couple of aluminum gun cases but I think the product below is better and it's much cheaper. It comes with a TSA lock which is easily replaceable, is warranted for life and replacement locks are readily available. In fact, I just wanted one replacement lock in case TSA managed to break one; they sent me two absolutely free.

The nice thing is, it doesn't look like a gun case and you can pack your guns and quite a bit more stuff besides. It also weighs a few pounds less the the aluminum gun cases I have.

http://www.skbcases.com/sports/product/golf/hard.html

You really owe it to yourself to look at the TuffPak guncase.

www.tuffpak.com

I bought mine in 1996 and it has gone to Africa over a dozen times as well as Canada. All the experienced safari hunters I know have switched to this case. Too many advantages to mention, but one I will tell you about is weight. Airlines now limit international baggage to 50 lbs. Thie is one of the lightest multiple gun cases and allows you to pack boots and jackets, etc. along with your rifles. Check the website for endorsements.

BTW, under TSA rules for transporting firearms, the case is to be locked and the key kept by you. This means it is NOT to have a TSA lock on it, and you don't want to put a TSA lock on a guncase.

LionHunter: Agreed 110%. +

first choice TuffPak - you already have soft cases when you hunt and you can pack extra clothes, etc.

2nd choice, SKB Double Rifle - greak case and you can put in bino, sticks, etc.

Had both for years, they have travelled all over, and never had a problem with either...

First of all, I don't think it matters whether the case is aluminum or plastic. I have an aluminum one that has been beat to hell and gone by luggage handlers and belt conveyers. It is still holding up, but I'll have to replace it soon or buy new latches, corner protectors and hinge. Also if you're buying the two gun case make sure it has wheels because it will be too heavy to carry (20lbs. + without guns). The thing I would recommend most is to buy yourself some very DENSE foam rubber to go between the layers of foam in the case and cut out a thru pocket in it to hold each gun. The reason for this is because all the handling through airports etc. will cause the guns to settle if they pack the case standing on the edge. Without the separator you'll have them banging into each other. The DENSE foam separator will hold them apart. Learned this lesson the hard way!

TuffPak --- only way to go!

I like my Pelican case it has been to Africa a couple of times. That 3M tape really shines with a surefire on it (so I can see if my case is on the loading dolly from the aircraft window, at least that is the plan)

Pelican for me. I purchased it at www.cases4less.com They had a limited run of orange double rifle cases and I scooped one up. It does not get lost in a sea of black cases and I can easily spot it being loaded on the plane.

I use bright orange duct tape on all 6 sides of my suitcase and SKB case....I hear lots of usually by those still trying to figure out which bag belongs to them. Best of all, easy to spot someone grabbing mine by mistake or "accident"

Maxbear.
PM sent.

Check out www.ziegeleng.com I have one of their cases and it has held up well. Nice case and good people to deal with.

I also have a Tuff-pak and like it also.

BigB

quote:

Originally posted by BigB:
Check out www.ziegeleng.com I have one of their cases and it has held up well. Nice case and good people to deal with.BigB

I use a Ziegel now and it has taken a terrible beating from the airline gorillas but never any problems with the rifles inside.

I certainly recommend a wheeled case. I have used a cabelas heavy duty 2 rifle, a cabelas 2 rifle 1 bow, a tuffpack and a pelican. I have kept them all except the tuffpack. I got rid of the tuffpack because I think the others protect my guns better but primarily for ease of travel.

Let me give you a example from my long and painful list of run-ins with Federal employees and wannabes: My last trip out of the US when checking my guns US Custommonkeys (2 officers because its such a difficult job) required me to open and verify serial numbers (rifle to 4457) while at the ticket agents both (for lack of a better word). Then after checking in I had to be escorted to TSA where they opened and verified that I didn't have anything naughty other than a 375 H&H. You want to unpack a tuffpack 2 times under those circumstances, have at it.

SG - I can certainly see your point to the extent of show and telling everything in your case. With my Tuff Pak, it's really quite simple. A dozen plus trips to date. Everything is in the zippered Tuff Sack, simply slid it out, unzip and everything is fully exposed for all to see. When everyone is satisfied, simply zip it back up, slide it back in the Tuff Pak, lock it up. No hassle, no repacking, no problem. I really don't see another case out there that beats the Tuff Pak system.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

quote:

Originally posted by SG Olds:
I certainly recommend a wheeled case. I have used a cabelas heavy duty 2 rifle, a cabelas 2 rifle 1 bow, a tuffpack and a pelican. I have kept them all except the tuffpack. I got rid of the tuffpack because I think the others protect my guns better but primarily for ease of travel.

Let me give you a example from my long and painful list of run-ins with Federal employees and wannabes: My last trip out of the US when checking my guns US Custommonkeys (2 officers because its such a difficult job) required me to open and verify serial numbers (rifle to 4457) while at the ticket agents both (for lack of a better word). Then after checking in I had to be escorted to TSA where they opened and verified that I didn't have anything naughty other than a 375 H&H. You want to unpack a tuffpack 2 times under those circumstances, have at it.

Larry is right on the money. The TuffSack is a must have. When I first bought my TuffPak, they had not started making them and sometimes the show & tell was a pain. I bought my TuffSack the first year they had them and they make the inspection/repacking process as simple as possible - slid it out/slide it back in. I'm betting SG never got the TuffSack to go along with his TuffPak.

TUFF all the way. Everything said about them above is true.

I have the starlight and have used it on several trips to Africa. I doubt there is a case that would do a better job of protecting your rifles.

I have used several cases over the years, I prefer the Tuff Pak.

But what ever case you choose, get one with wheels.

From the choices you listed, I'd go with the starlight. I would stay away from aluminum cases, they tend to get dinged up in transport. I had a single case I took on a caribou trip to Canada in '04 and it was dinged up by the baggage handlers. I'd also keep an eye on the case weight. Some cases will get you hit with over weight charges by the time you get 2 rifles in them.

Yes, you definitely will want wheels on the case you get. Makes it a lot easier getting around airports.

If you are shipping one gun to a smith, then maybe a single and a double may be a good choice.

Last year I bought a SKB 2-gun case for my trip to Africa. I really like that case.

I have used the same Kalispell 2 gun case for over thirty years. Somewhere between 35-50 airline trips. It went to Namibia last year and will go to Zim this year.

It is simply indestructible.

I used Kalispel cases for airlines transport within the US until the allowed dimensions changed and it would cost $100 each way to use one. Many trips but never a damaged rifle. Damned shame they changed the rules!

I now take a single bolt rifle broken down or a double in a Pelican breakdown case which is within the smaller dimensions. Also use it to send guns to smiths via USPS. Is not light, but gives great protection.

Have used the TuffPack to Africa several times. They are the best of all in my opinion.

I agree that the TuffSack is a must. Like LionHunter said, you slide it out and back in for inspection and everything goes smoothly. The TuffSack makes all the difference in the world in properly using the TuffPak.

I have one of the Storm cases by Hardigg and I love it. I'm 5'1" and about 120 lb. and I have no problems getting it opened and closed, rolling it around, or carrying it with my .300WM and .375H&H, scopes, and other misc. stuff inside. It is just great. I know some folks love the tuffpak, but I would rather not have a bunch of other stuff in with my guns. JMO

For reasons already noted above, I don't like the Tuffpak case.

I've used the Kalispel heavy gauge aluminum two rifle case for many years. I can recommend that case.

I've also used and can recommend the Americase and SKB brands.

All excellent cases.

Gentlemen,
There are few if any major manuf. of firearms today that do not travel from factory to conventions etc. without doing so in a Tuffpak. They can not afford to have their goods arrive at some show damaged. These manuf. include such names as Holland, Purdey, A&S, Dakota, Merkel, Mossberg, Empire, Browning,Kreighoff,Peter Hoffer and etc. Then you get into folks that use them such as Hornady, Leupold, Trijicon and Swarovski. There are not guesses on my part. I sold most of them myself since I started with Tuffpak in 1999.
I have stated before that there are many good cases on the market. I myself have traveled in an old Cascade metal case and a Pelican double rifle case. All of that before I discovered Tuffpak. At no time did I have any damage to my firearms but I did suffer damage to the cases in one way or another such as deep gouges, bent over center locks, broken off corner protectors, leaking of Aussie bull dust into the interior of the case due to faulty seal.
The object of Tuffpak is to allow you to carry your firearms and gear protected but to do so using less pcs. of luggage.
If you will use the Tuffsak duffle that goes on the inside I think you will have few if any problems.
When in Africa I was told my pvt. charter plane had no room for any hard case I just pulled out the Tuffsak with all my gear in it and told them to take the Tuffpak home and I would pick it up 21 days later. That worked like a charm. It also makes for great ease when it comes to show and tell at any airport. I had to do show and tell on the tarmak at dark thrity one evening in Santiago. No problem. Unlock top, undo drawstring top, partial unzip Boyt soft case and pull up two Benellis. Customs said thanks and I rezipped Boyt, locked the Tuffpak and went back into the terminal and flew home to Texas. I never had to unload anything.
No matter...there are many good cases but after doing this for several decades I can show or tell you where most cases made today are going to fail sooner or later. Most problems have to do with latches, rods or hinges. Very few with the skin of the case.

Most all the cases mentioned in all this discussion work fine protecting your firearm. The question becomes for how long, what else can you take in the case with your firearm.? Is it all easy to move about? Did your case get damaged?
Over the years in my retail hunting store I have sold cases such as Starlight, Americase and Pelican/Browning and then the less expensive stuff too like DoscoSport and Plano.
If you know how to use the Tuffpak properly then I doubt you will ever use another case when air traveling with firearms and gear.

In a real practical sense, the only container capable of doing the job Right the first and every time is the Tuffpak. I will tell you why.
In the real world of travel on airlines now, one can only have a container that weighs 50lbs or less. The tuffpak can handle two rifles in soft padded cases and a couple of other bagged items and make weight. Only the skb can even come close and it is very difficult to load and close properly and its security is suspect. I took a screw driver and opened mine when I lost the key. Not a deterrent to thieves at all.
Unloading the tuffpak is extremely easy. If you put two cases nose down with the upper part partially unzipped, the rifles slide in and out very easily. I put my jacket in the bottom to further protect the barrels in transit and I keep a long zippered bag to put scopes and binoculars in and they come out in one slight tug. I have a tuffsak for each but with the weight restrictions down from 75 to50 lbs. there is not as much weight available to load into the tuffpak therefore having a lot of stuff in the case to load or unload is no as important to me know.
The strength of the tuffpak in incomparable. At the Dallas Safari Clubthat I bought mine at, three substantial sized guys stood on a tuffpak and bounced up and down for quite a while and no harm came to the case or contents. The total weight of the guys was close to half a ton. My Americase with double rifle weighed in at about 40lbs. one scope and no other gear. I own two Tuffpaks and inherited the third when my friend died. These three are in constant use by someone. I think they have been to Africa about 45 times and never had an incident. If you want to trust you stuff to a bunch of thieves and antigun nuts in anything less than a Tuffpak so be it. This wheel doesn't need to be reinvented.

I don't mean to highjack this thread, but I think this belongs here. I just booked my airline tickets for my first African trip, and the agent (a very experienced hunting-travel specialist, well-known and respected here on AR) assures me that gun cases are exempt from weight restrictions. No 50-lb limit! I hope this is correct, as my Pelican with two rifles can only barely meet that ceiling, and then only if I remove scopes and pack nothing else in the case.

Anyone heard this before? I have seen so much on this and other threads about the difficulties caused by the 50-lb max that I hope someone can confirm this.

BTW I will be on Lufthansa to Frankfurt, then Air Namibia.

Again, sorry if this is an unwelcome highjack.

John

STARLIGHT CASES ARE THE WAY TO GO TOUGH RELIABLE & LIGHTER THAN THE PELICAN

Outstanding responce folks. Thank you. I love to read about real life experiances, and take in the advice of people in the know.

What about this case: http://www.americase.com/pages/order/at2gun.shtml

I wish guncase companys would offer more photos, showing the locking mechanisms.

So, let me get this straight.
With the Tuffpak, you can pack your guns , clothing and gear all in the same case if you want?
Wouldn't you still need a seperate case/bag for your ammunition?

jwm - don't know your agent nor does it really matter. Sporting/gun cases are exempt from the baggage "size" rules but not the 50lb "weight" rules as far as I can figure out. I wouldn't want to expect to not pay "overweight" charges on a gun case that was over 50lbs.. Maybe something new, or something on a particular airline??

maxbear - you will still most likely need another checked bag when using the Tuff Pak system, so you will have a place for your locked ammo box, along with the rest of your gear. Most put boots, heavy jacket, extra scope, and such in the Tuff Pak. For me two guns, boots, jacket and other bulky clothing items bring me right in at the 50lb. mark. If only taking one gun, you might get by with just the Tuff Pak and a well stocked carry-on bag?

I have used several "others" but after experience with the Tuff Pak, won't/don't use anything else.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

maxbear...Tuffpak places the print off from TSA site into each case. Federal laws says ammo may be in same case with gun. The airlines you fly may not want it that way. If so many of us put the ammo into an inexpensive lockable metal cash box or a lockable single pistol case made by someone like MTM Caseguard and place that inside the Tuffpak. Now you have your ammo locked away and separate from your firearms but in the same outer container. It works for us.
JWM...I think you will find your are bound by the 50# limit. Your agent is misinformed most likely.

Traveling with firearms is an adventure no matter how you cut it. The only people that have to follow any semplance of law are the TSA folks, and they are sometimes in error. Some airlines want ammo with guns, others don't, some allow other stuff with guns some don't.

It really pays to check with your airline and your launch point for the rules. Copy the rules and be prepared to (nicely) challenge the idiots that don't know there own rules.