Flying With Guns-What kind of rifle case?

[Guest]

I will be flying with two aluminum-stocked rifles soon and was wondering what, in your experience, would be the safest case to transport them in.

Also if anyone had any experience of putting both rifles in soft cases and putting both those soft cases into a hard aluminum case.

I have heard about loosening all the bedding screws ect. but are there any other "tricks" I can do to better aid these rifles from snapping in half?

Any horror stories will be welcomed, something can be learned from them! : )

[Bill Poole]

I have heard of cast aluminum stocks (walther anschutz) breaking when the gun case is dropped.

I have heard that removing the barreled action from the stock will prevent this or reduce the risk.

on my case, I cut the foam out into the shape of the stock and the bbl action and fly with them separated.

if one of those rifles is an CA Air gun, I hope you are not the victim of harrassment and denial of service as others have reportedly been.

Poole
http://arizona.rifleshooting.com/

[sparky]

Don't know about loosening bedding screws and such, but I've had great success with this case:

http://www.thesportsauthority.com/produ ... age=search

[Guest]

I know that at the Jr. Olympics in Colorado Springs several rifles were found to be damaged, some badly, due to the utter disregard of the baggage handlers. I recall a commercial for luggage that showed a large gorilla abusing a suitcase, I believe it is prudent to assume no less from any bagage handler working on the ramp.
I have been unable to locate insurance for transportating firearms via air. Also, the air carrier will not cover firearms, or so I have been told by ticket agents.

Starlight makes a really tough case, it is used by our military and is made to their specs. Pelican also makes good cases.

Here is the link for Starlight:
http://www.starlightcases.com/

Here is the link for Pelican:
http://www.pelican-cases.com/cases.html

Both these cases are air and water tight, so changes in perssure will not be an issue.

I would remove the action from the stock just to be sure. Make sure the fit is tight in the foam.
FWIW I perfer the starlight case.

[TWP]

I know that at the Jr. Olympics in Colorado Springs several rifles were found to be damaged, some badly, due to the utter disregard of the baggage handlers......

I don't know if it's just the baggage handlers. I had a couple suitcases that came through Denver end up crushed. The airline replaced both of them.

I believe at least part of the problem is the automated baggage handling system at Denver.

FWIW my daughter uses an SKB case (like this one: http://www.casesbyskb.com/weapons/doubl ... e-5009.htm ) and so far we have had no problems.

[sparky]

Looks like the SKB double rifle case is popular.

[Mike McDaniel]

Try the KK Air cases. www.kkair.com

These are heavy-duty aluminium cases. I recommend getting the wheeled ones for rifles. Do NOT get the wheeled duffel, it slips.

[Guest]

SKB cases carry a $1500 damage protection warrenty, that would at least pay to repair or replace most stocks....

just something to consider

http://www.skbcases.com/sports/support/warranty.html

[pilkguns]

the most important thing you can do to minimize gun damage is take the action out of the stock. Over the last 15 years I have seen numerous (mOre than 100) rifle swith broke stocks that were broke in the wrist area (of all types aluminum, wood and laminates) and the case itself shows no outward signs of damage. It happens at just about every major match you go to, the first thing you do is fix broken stocks that the airlines have broke. If you take the action out of the stock and lay them side by side, then they help protect each other and most importlantly take the long leverage away that can crack the stock.

[jrmcdaniel]

The Starlight cases can often be gotten directly from them for a discount. I have one for my Stey LG100 and it has survived one round trip with no problems at all. The cases are hard to close because of the close fit -- the TSA people did not proper close mine but I had 2 locks and they both held.

The Pellican case is very similar.

FedEx is a good alternative. Their ground shipping is very inexpensive and very fast (much better than UPS in both cases).

Best,

Joe

[B & S]

I bought a hard aluminum case from cabela's. It will hold 2 guns with the sites removed. Her small bore is an Anshutz in a grunig stock and the other is a 700 feiwerkbau. The airlines have managed to scrape it up pretty good and but a couple of dents in it but the guns are always fine. We have been to the jr olympics twice and just got back from camp perry.

[randy8745]

I bought a hard aluminum case from cabela's. It will hold 2 guns with the sites removed. Her small bore is an Anshutz in a grunig stock and the other is a 700 feiwerkbau. The airlines have managed to scrape it up pretty good and but a couple of dents in it but the guns are always fine. We have been to the jr olympics twice and just got back from camp perry.

Cabela's "Bullet Proof" Series gun cases are made by KK Air in Rathdrum, Idaho. I and many of the competitors around here have owned KK Air cases and they have all peformed well in protecting the rifle. The cases have beaten up by the airlines, but the rifles have all come through unscathed. We have also used SKB cases and they are quite popular, but for the money I think the KK Air hold the gun in place much better then most other gun cases. USA Shooting used to recommend KK Air cases, but know I see they are using "American" Cases. I guess American is paying them more money or making them an offer they can't refuse. I have looked at American cases at the Shot Show and I would still go for the KK Air cases with wheels.