Gun Travel Case Nerd Out Session

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Godfather

Well-known member
So I’ve been nerding out on gun travel cases of late, and @Jason Vincent prompted me to share my latest creation, and see what the community may be doing in each’s respective corner.

For me, I’ve had cases come and go, used and new, self cut foam, Magpul systems, etc., and I wanted SIMPLIFICATION. By my figuring, I could get down to three travel cases and some derivative of custom foams for variation in rifles and gear, knowing foam is easier to store.

For me, the first two were: (1) a double rifle case, used less often but good to have; and (2) a single long gun case, used way more often, especially for Africa, larger North American game, anything big and offshore. In both cases, these have to accommodate ammo and other gear (bi-pod, tripod, ammo, tools, sling, spotting scope, etc.), and would be paired with a duffle for clothes etc., and a backpack, for any notable adventure. Of course international you have to vary ammo plans accordingly.

Case (3) got more interesting. This was for smaller game, cous, axis, whitetail, hogs, and bird hunting, with the thesis being my rifle, clothes, gear, ammo, etc., all fits in one box, checkable, and is paired with a backpack to carry on. Naturally these would be by definition shorter hunts, like the Outrider FE 1st annual Cali Boar hunt with @Dave Costarella this weekend.

Here is my first stab at this beta test, and it seems to work. I happen to be driving, but this passes the airline poundage limit and would work.

Closed cell foam - tray system with levels - based on the Pelican 1615.

Fits my FE/Q collab, and can take up to a 20 inch Proof barrel as I have in 6.5. Two boxes of ammo. Sling. Tools. Bipod. Tripod. Boots. Four days of clothes, some in a lid organizer that optimizes space and gives cushion. Toiletries. Bino’s and chest rig, and some ancillary kit, and jacket, in my backpack.

My open cell foam “alpha” worked without issue but the foam was a mess. Hopeful this does well, if so I’ll pivot to shotguns and more.

So what’s your travel gun case nerd moment or preference?
 

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Dude... that is a well engineered configuration. You're gonna have to do a show and tell for the class once we all get into camp. (If it was a Condition 1 case we could have done a 60 second review)

I got my shit everywhere... rolling duffle, daypack, range bag, ammo case, cooler in the bed, cooler in the cab and rifle on the back seat. It's gonna take me a half hour to unload...
 
So I’ve been nerding out on gun travel cases of late, and @Jason Vincent prompted me to share my latest creation, and see what the community may be doing in each’s respective corner.

For me, I’ve had cases come and go, used and new, self cut foam, Magpul systems, etc., and I wanted SIMPLIFICATION. By my figuring, I could get down to three travel cases and some derivative of custom foams for variation in rifles and gear, knowing foam is easier to store.

For me, the first two were: (1) a double rifle case, used less often but good to have; and (2) a single long gun case, used way more often, especially for Africa, larger North American game, anything big and offshore. In both cases, these have to accommodate ammo and other gear (bi-pod, tripod, ammo, tools, sling, spotting scope, etc.), and would be paired with a duffle for clothes etc., and a backpack, for any notable adventure. Of course international you have to vary ammo plans accordingly.

Case (3) got more interesting. This was for smaller game, cous, axis, whitetail, hogs, and bird hunting, with the thesis being my rifle, clothes, gear, ammo, etc., all fits in one box, checkable, and is paired with a backpack to carry on. Naturally these would be by definition shorter hunts, like the Outrider FE 1st annual Cali Boar hunt with @Dave Costarella this weekend.

Here is my first stab at this beta test, and it seems to work. I happen to be driving, but this passes the airline poundage limit and would work.

Closed cell foam - tray system with levels - based on the Pelican 1615.

Fits my FE/Q collab, and can take up to a 20 inch Proof barrel as I have in 6.5. Two boxes of ammo. Sling. Tools. Bipod. Tripod. Boots. Four days of clothes, some in a lid organizer that optimizes space and gives cushion. Toiletries. Bino’s and chest rig, and some ancillary kit, and jacket, in my backpack.

My open cell foam “alpha” worked without issue but the foam was a mess. Hopeful this does well, if so I’ll pivot to shotguns and more.

So what’s your travel gun case nerd moment or preference?
How are you attaching the zippered pouches to the lid? That is a fantastic setup.
 
Dude... that is a well engineered configuration. You're gonna have to do a show and tell for the class once we all get into camp. (If it was a Condition 1 case we could have done a 60 second review)

I got my shit everywhere... rolling duffle, daypack, range bag, ammo case, cooler in the bed, cooler in the cab and rifle on the back seat. It's gonna take me a half hour to unload...
I love the set-up @Godfather! WOW! I'm more like @Dave Costarella. When I had to travel across the country for Sniper Instructor School it was a pain! Granted I had to travel with more than a person normally would have for a hunt... My rifle, duty belt, equipment (NVO, tripod, binoculars, rangefinder, sniper hide netting, poncho, etc.) plus 1,000 rounds of ammo, my civvies, etc.
 

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Dude... that is a well engineered configuration. You're gonna have to do a show and tell for the class once we all get into camp. (If it was a Condition 1 case we could have done a 60 second review)

I got my shit everywhere... rolling duffle, daypack, range bag, ammo case, cooler in the bed, cooler in the cab and rifle on the back seat. It's gonna take me a half hour to unload...
Yes @Dave Costarella - I tried to find a Condition 1 case as the base, may be a good option, I did not see it.
 
Condition 1 does those for their pistol cases. They're great for storing stuff like reading glasses, red dot tools, etc.

Where are y'all doing your boar hunt? I'm heading up to Tejon the first weekend of April
Boar hunt is now, hunted last night, this morning, and the fun will continue until it ends…member at Tejon? How is it?
 
Pretty slick setup for sure.

If I'm driving, I'll throw soft case(s) in the Camlocker in the truck bed and call it good. Airline travel called for something robust, especially after Delta destroyed an SKB case and I could never fit what I wanted (need and want are not the same lol). Came across the Tuffpak from Nalpak and love it. Has wheels, lock, and I'd suggest getting the optional bag they offer, to help get everything in/out. Gun goes in a soft case and into the bag. All my hunting clothes & gear pack around it.
 
I usually pack the rifle box pretty solid. This is prior to leaving for South Africa, las April. Rifle in the soft case, this one is a Marsupial Gear case, it’s awesome. At the bottom are my binos in the Kuiu rig, nest to that on the far left is a tripod. There is a small support bag nested in there too for shooting off the truck. Just above the tripod bag is my laser rangefinder, back up system to the binos. In the black pouch is a Fix-It Stix tool kit. In the tan/orange pouch top left (FHF Gear) it holds the silencer, rifle sling and bipod. A spare magazine, and a stock pouch are also wedged in along the top. The case is an SKB from one of my Gunwerks rifle purchases.
 

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On my last Africa trip I only took a .450-400 double rifle. I broke it down in that same Pelican case (without the sexy foam insert) and packed my clothes around the soft case. Other than my ammo, which I had to check separately, I rolled out of the airport with that one case and a small backpack. It was awesome.
 
So I’ve been nerding out on gun travel cases of late, and @Jason Vincent prompted me to share my latest creation, and see what the community may be doing in each’s respective corner.

For me, I’ve had cases come and go, used and new, self cut foam, Magpul systems, etc., and I wanted SIMPLIFICATION. By my figuring, I could get down to three travel cases and some derivative of custom foams for variation in rifles and gear, knowing foam is easier to store.

For me, the first two were: (1) a double rifle case, used less often but good to have; and (2) a single long gun case, used way more often, especially for Africa, larger North American game, anything big and offshore. In both cases, these have to accommodate ammo and other gear (bi-pod, tripod, ammo, tools, sling, spotting scope, etc.), and would be paired with a duffle for clothes etc., and a backpack, for any notable adventure. Of course international you have to vary ammo plans accordingly.

Case (3) got more interesting. This was for smaller game, cous, axis, whitetail, hogs, and bird hunting, with the thesis being my rifle, clothes, gear, ammo, etc., all fits in one box, checkable, and is paired with a backpack to carry on. Naturally these would be by definition shorter hunts, like the Outrider FE 1st annual Cali Boar hunt with @Dave Costarella this weekend.

Here is my first stab at this beta test, and it seems to work. I happen to be driving, but this passes the airline poundage limit and would work.

Closed cell foam - tray system with levels - based on the Pelican 1615.

Fits my FE/Q collab, and can take up to a 20 inch Proof barrel as I have in 6.5. Two boxes of ammo. Sling. Tools. Bipod. Tripod. Boots. Four days of clothes, some in a lid organizer that optimizes space and gives cushion. Toiletries. Bino’s and chest rig, and some ancillary kit, and jacket, in my backpack.

My open cell foam “alpha” worked without issue but the foam was a mess. Hopeful this does well, if so I’ll pivot to shotguns and more.

So what’s your travel gun case nerd moment or preference?
Dig it. Well done.
 
On my last Africa trip I only took a .450-400 double rifle. I broke it down in that same Pelican case (without the sexy foam insert) and packed my clothes around the soft case. Other than my ammo, which I had to check separately, I rolled out of the airport with that one case and a small backpack. It was awesome.
@Keith Wood - that’s the compelling moment, simplicity - it worked excellent on the beta trial - so it will be my standard for travel deer trips now - maybe the Mega Fix will allow the same for Africa some day - next foam project will be easier, over under for bird travel.
 
I usually pack the rifle box pretty solid. This is prior to leaving for South Africa, las April. Rifle in the soft case, this one is a Marsupial Gear case, it’s awesome. At the bottom are my binos in the Kuiu rig, nest to that on the far left is a tripod. There is a small support bag nested in there too for shooting off the truck. Just above the tripod bag is my laser rangefinder, back up system to the binos. In the black pouch is a Fix-It Stix tool kit. In the tan/orange pouch top left (FHF Gear) it holds the silencer, rifle sling and bipod. A spare magazine, and a stock pouch are also wedged in along the top. The case is an SKB from one of my Gunwerks rifle purchases.
Super cool @Bill Mazelin - and no issues in transit?
 
Pretty slick setup for sure.

If I'm driving, I'll throw soft case(s) in the Camlocker in the truck bed and call it good. Airline travel called for something robust, especially after Delta destroyed an SKB case and I could never fit what I wanted (need and want are not the same lol). Came across the Tuffpak from Nalpak and love it. Has wheels, lock, and I'd suggest getting the optional bag they offer, to help get everything in/out. Gun goes in a soft case and into the bag. All my hunting clothes & gear pack around it.
@Chip Hunnicutt - by the time we hunt quail again at Hollywood, this will have a tray insert that holds a 20 and/or 28 plus my gear - the simplicity in use was awesome
 
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