I have a 1750 and would like to know whether I have to or should cut the foam to fit the rifles. I would rather not because I take different rifles on different trips to Africa. Any experience would be appreciated.

If I can close the case, it's good enough.-Rob

quote:

Originally posted by Robgunbuilder:
If I can close the case, it's good enough.-Rob

+1

DEFINITELY, CUT THE FOAM!!!! IMHO, there is no other way if you want to enjoy the full protection the case offers.

Cheers,
Canuck

I've never cut the foam in my cases. What is your concern? Shifting?

If the foam is dense enough, the gun won't shift. If it isn't, consider sewing some hook-and-loop (aka Velcro) on the ends of some webbing and threading it through two slits in the foam so you can secure it around the grip and fore-end.

George

As I mentioned in the other thread, I've had guns shift in this case when the foam was uncut.

Also, when the foam is cut TSA and other countries' custom folks can't screw up and put the guns back in touching, as I have had happen.

Scope rifle cutout work just fine for my shotguns and double rifle too, though you can get extra foam for a set of customized cebter pieces.

JPK

ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS cut the middle layer foam in the Pelican case!!!

If you do not do this your rifles can shift and slide when thrown around by the airlines.

If dropped with enough force they WILL slide to the end of the case with enough impact to crack or break the wrist - I can show you the repairs made to my Custom Mauser varmint rifle from this! [It will never be the same however!]

In addition, remove the bolts and cut a little slot for them as well in the foam. If left in the actions they can act as a fulcrum if/when the case is bent or flexed.

Another piece of foam is cheaper than a new stock.

Les

When you cut the foam, be sure and cut it with the scope toward the handle of the case.
So when carried the weight of the rifle is not supported by the scope.

You just buy more center foam pieces to fit the different guns that you have.

Thanks to all! Looks like I need to cut or find another type of case.

I have a Storm Case and as I recall there are three layers in the thick part of the case. I cut layer two in an outline smaller than the scoped gun to create a sort of nest to place the gun in. By having a complete layer of uncut foam over the cut layer I successfully got two scoped rifles that were close to an from RSA this spring.

I kinda bantered this around, looking at a couple of websites on cases that showed high speed video of cases being dropped on end, I decided cutting the foam was the best way to protect the rifle. I also opted to keep the bolt seperate.

John

Go to the DIY column over on AR15.com. That shows a very slick way to get a perfect fit for your rifle and accessories.

It is easy and cheap to get replacement middle foam layers to use for different rifles.

LD

I have a 1750 and it only works well when the foam is cut to pattern. Had two pairs of rifles smack each other on a trip ging the uncut route. Testiment to the power of plucked foam in a Pelican - just sent some bottles of $%@&#& to one of my crew in Perplakistan. Arrived fully intact with no issues.

If you cut the foam well, and have a snug and even fit, the entire length of the rifle will support the weight of it (or the force of any jar/jolt) equally. There shouldn't be any extra pressure on the scope. The only direction of a force that could be troublesome in theory would be straight down on the muzzle. I slip in a piece of denser foam at the end of the muzzle to mitigate that.

Cheers,
Canuck

Ready for the trip:


Without the clutter of slings and folder with permits, etc:

I cut them tight against the the butstock top and bottom, same on the forend.

Then lots of room around the scope, so the scope will be the last thing to get hit on a side-to-side or end-on-end impact.

Just my 2 cents concerning the velcro straps, be careful I have had velcro leave marks on wood stock finishes. Just my 2 cents
Roger

Hi Guys:

Pelican gun case foam is made to be cut and formed to rifle. You risk damage of your rifles from severe impact without the custom fit.

Use a piece of chalk to mark the outside of rifle and barrel. Make it a hair smaller for a tight fit.

Use an electric carving knive to do the cutting, it works like a charm.

These cases may be heavy, but I seen one thrown out of an army truck at 60 miles an hour and bounce for a country mile, and the rifle was still protected and safe.

Regards.... Jim P.