This will be my first trip to Africa with my double rifle and I’m looking for the best case for air travel. I have a couple Negrini cases but I’m not sure about using them. I also have a Pelican iM3100 I could use but was looking for something less bulky. Any suggestions based on firsthand experience?

Negrini is not tough enough for commercial air travel (I have several). Use a Pelican or equivalent with center foam cut out to match rifles.

Here is the test: Carefully pack your rifle and equipment into the case and lock. Step up onto the bed of a pickup truck, raise the case over your head and throw it as for as you can onto concrete. Repeat 2 times. If that process causes you to cringe as all, you need a better case.

Going to have to disagree, bradhe.

I would use and have used my Negrini case for international air travel.

Most recently, I just used it for a trip to and from Cameroon earlier this year and had zero problems.

Not a double, but a Blaser R93.

It's a great case.

A Danish guy on our flight had a Browning over under in .375 H&H Mag. Super rare and cool rifle.

He used a leather covered wooden case with only one strap that worked!

No problems.

Would I do that?

No.

But with a Negrini?

Yes.

They drop a Negrini off a cliff in this torture test.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Alt3dJ1b0ds&t=81s

John,

A Kalispel take down case. I have used one to take several different English doubles, my Heym, etc. to Africa and never experienced an issue. Strong, durable, locks well, does not weigh a lot . . . and does not look like a rifle case. I had an auto upholstery company make me a canvas cover for mine. Protects the case and makes it look even less like a firearms case. Also, can remove the foam that comes with the case and have custom cutouts made that precisely fit your rifle to further minimize the risk of movement.

Personally I would never consider a Negrini case for air travel.

Kalispel Case

I have used my Negrini cases all around the globe with no problems. Last time I went to Zimbabwe with my son and daughter we all three carried our rifles in Negrini cases that fit inside our duffel bags.
I have found that by taking the barreled action from the stock and putting them in a shorter Negrini case make lots of travel issues easier

When I travel with my vintage DR I do so with it in a Pelican. I also have a Negrini, but its size makes me think it would be more tempting to steal. Whichever way you decide to pack it, just make sure that it is broken down. That will make damage to the rifle less likely.

Besides being lightweight, the largest advantage I find in the Negrini cases are the ability to carry them completely enclosed in shorter wheeled luggage cases. That way they don’t attract the attention, and sometimes extra fees, that large gun cases do in many countries.

My Chapuis DR came in a Negrini case. I had no idea they were so well-regarded and tough. Glad I read this thread!

I have shotguns that are cased from factory in Negrini cases.

I wouldn’t travel with these and risk damage.

I use either Pelican hard case or tuff pak.
In 17 safaris they haven’t failed me.
They are just a more sturdy case than the Negrini.

Are Negrini cases as strong as Pelican, ICC or Kalispel cases (I own all of them)?

I would say no.

Are they in most cases much smaller, and in all cases much lighter and plenty strong enough?

I would say yes, without any doubt.

skl1, just make sure it is a double wall case. I am not sure if the Chapuis case is the same "level" as those that are meant to be able to take some airline abuse.

My Zoli 450/400 double rifle came in a nice short lightweight Negrini case and I used that case on numerous trips. On one trip to Kyrgyzstan my two companions paid more on excess fees just for their rifle cases than our original airfare! While I paid none as my rifle and case was inside a roller bag with all my clothing.

I doubt the Negrini cases are “as tough” as large and much heavier Pelican and aluminum cases, but when enclosed inside normal looking wheeled luggage they don’t look like a gun case and are less likely to be abused or stolen.

quote:

Originally posted by bghntr416:
skl1, just make sure it is a double wall case. I am not sure if the Chapuis case is the same "level" as those that are meant to be able to take some airline abuse.

Thanks bghntr416! Appears to be double walled.