Rifle case for airline travel

[KidVermicious]

I need to purchase a hardsided locking rifle case for airline travel. It needs to be lockable, and it needs to be secure, and since I'm going to use it exactly once it needs to be less than horribly expensive. Most of the sub $100 cases I'm finding are crap, made of thin flexible plastic that can be pried open to retrieve the rifle even when "locked". TSA will bounce these.

Any recommendations? The ideal case for me will have decent hinges and locations for padlocks on the ends of the case as well as along the latched side, and will be sturdy enough that it can't be pried open between the locks, and less than $100 - ideally around $50. Does the case I want exist or am I asking too much?

 

[jstim]

I need to purchase a hardsided locking rifle case for airline travel. It needs to be lockable, and it needs to be secure, and since I'm going to use it exactly once it needs to be less than horribly expensive. Most of the sub $100 cases I'm finding are crap, made of thin flexible plastic that can be pried open to retrieve the rifle even when "locked". TSA will bounce these.

Any recommendations? The ideal case for me will have decent hinges and locations for padlocks on the ends of the case as well as along the latched side, and will be sturdy enough that it can't be pried open between the locks, and less than $100 - ideally around $50. Does the case I want exist or am I asking too much?

To be honest, from everything I have seen out there, it unfortunately is. Now, the cheaper cases you have referred to, wont be kicked back by TSA as long as they are locked. It sounds like you know what you are doing with this. The have you unlock it, the check it, make sure the bolt is removed, and then have you lock it. I would just say for you to make sure that there is some kind of insurance on it just in case. Just my 2 cents.

 

[KidVermicious]

I saw that one - it's a "tactical case", for an AR style carbine. I don't have exact length on the rifle I'm picking up, but I'm pretty sure it won't fit. I think this one's a better idea, though it's still more than I want to spend for a one-shot case I might have to bite the bullet*.

Amazon.com : Plano 10252 Gun Guard DLX Double Scoped Rifle Case : Hard Rifle Cases : Sports & Outdoors

*I'm not sorry

 

[nevada]

I saw that one - it's a "tactical case", for an AR style carbine. I don't have exact length on the rifle I'm picking up, but I'm pretty sure it won't fit. I think this one's a better idea, though it's still more than I want to spend for a one-shot case I might have to bite the bullet*.

Amazon.com : Plano 10252 Gun Guard DLX Double Scoped Rifle Case : Hard Rifle Cases : Sports & Outdoors

*I'm not sorry

that is similar in size/shape/price to my hard case. mine has aluminum finish, with 4 sturdy latches, drag wheels, and a carry handle. I cant say for sure it has clasps for a lock, but I would guess it does.

I got it at a local sporting goods store, unfortunately I don't remember the brand name.




are you flying somewhere to buy a rifle? why not just have it shipped? its way cheaper than a new case.

 

[KidVermicious]

are you flying somewhere to buy a rifle? why not just have it shipped? its way cheaper than a new case.

No, the rifle is flying to me actually, it's an heirloom that a family member is going to bring with him when he visits. I don't want it shipped because that has to go through an FFL and leaves a paper trail. I don't believe Big Brother has any business knowing what firearms I own, and when I can help it, he won't.

I suppose breaking down the barrel is an option, Zac, I hadn't thought of that.

 

[curtis325]

I just bought a nice one for my AR's and such (holds 2 AR's and 2 pistols). Also works to transport my over/under as long as it's broken down. I bought it because it was the only short decent case I could source locally (Sportsman's Warehouse). The 4Runner has a pretty small cargo area and the long cases just wouldn't fit without folding a seat down. Anyhow, here is what I got:
Amazon.com : Boyt Harness H-Series Full Size Rifle/Carbine Case : Hard Rifle Cases : Sports & Outdoors
It is built very well and would be perfect to ship a rifle across the country.

 

[moneypit]

Rifle case

I am using this for a HK91A2, shipping and air travel. The only thing I did was to adapt it to lock the ends with padlocks. It now has 4 locks, 2 on the long side and 2 on the ends. It's not the heaviest material but is suitable for air travel. It is also heavy to carry even empty.


Amazon.com : Plano Pillared Double Gun Case : Hard Rifle Cases : Sports & Outdoors

 

[KidVermicious]

I am using this for a HK91A2, shipping and air travel. The only thing I did was to adapt it to lock the ends with padlocks. It now has 4 locks, 2 on the long side and 2 on the ends. It's not the heaviest material but is suitable for air travel. It is also heavy to carry even empty.


Amazon.com : Plano Pillared Double Gun Case : Hard Rifle Cases : Sports & Outdoors

That's good feedback and I like the price. What mods did you do? Have any pics?

 

[moneypit]

Rifle case

I don't have the case here now. There are holes for the padlocks on the side opposit of the hinge but none on the ends. I used long shackle Master locks #510 (keyed alike). The case has a reinforcement edge all the way around, I just drilled a hole for the lock shackle. FYI, this case is large. Enough room for accessories, extra magazines or even a handgun or two.

 

[MStudt]

I bought an aluminum case off eBay a couple years ago. You can find them from around $30 and up there.

 

[philsey]

Buy a good one, then sell it for half on eB or CL.

 

[White 4x4runner]

I had a cheap big 5 case that had 6 places to lock it. 2 on each end and one on each side of the handle. I placed some master locks on all points with my ar, shotgun and a couple boxes of ammo in it. Got to the airport opened it up placed the waiver stating i declare the firearms in loaded and ammunition in original packaging closed it up and sent it to Alaska. Same thing on my return. No issues at all.

 

[White 4x4runner]

Unloaded* TSA wouldn't have been happy if i loaded them.

 

[KidVermicious]

I've heard they frown on those sorts of shenanigans.

 

[nevada]

I've heard they frown on those sorts of shenanigans.

completely OT, but my girl shut the entire airport down....because she had a single .40 cartridge in her purse. lame and ridiculous.