My custom M14 project is nearly complete, so I'm going to need a good hard case for it. With the optic and other add-ons, it will be at least a 4-5k project.

I'm curious what hard cases others are using. I've specifically been looking at 3 Pelicans:

- Protector 1750 - Heaviest, but best protection
- Storm iM3300 - Lighter, but similar price to the 1750
- V800 Vault - Also light, and much cheaper

Overall, the price difference isn't huge, so I'm thinking more about the difference in materials, latch types, weight, etc.

Also, is it a bad idea to ship a rifle in such a case? While it can be locked and would be very damage resistant, such cases seem to scream "STEAL ME" when going through the UPS system.

I picked up 2 of these Boyt cases and I like them. I have a Pelican as well and I don't see the price difference. For 100 bucks I'll do this every time. I will say the latches are a little annoying but I put my big boy pants on and deal with it. If you search around I think the longer ones are in the 150 range.

Also, genna need some pictures of that M14.


https://sigforum.com/eve/forum...370070674#2370070674

I've seen a lot of broken cases but I've never seen a broken Pelican. Other cases may look like a Pelican, but I don't believe all plastic is equal. I've got some cheap guns in (relatively) cheap cases. But I use Pelicans for those special guns.

rambo

P.S. I've never owned a Boyt so I can't speak to them.

P.S.S. I once bought a used Pelican with a broken latch, at a big discount. Pelican sent me a replacement latch free. Was an easy install. I also bought a Pelican briefcase with a broken combo lock, also at a big discount. Someone had tried to jimmy the lock and broke it. Pelican sent me a whole new lock assembly, another easy install.

I'm a Pelican believer.

rambo

More info:

https://peliproducts.co.uk/blo...20use%20alloy%20ones

https://blog.peli.com/products...rotector-storm-cases

rambo

RTIC makes a great gun case. RTIC is the Yeti clone in injection molded plastic.
Free shipping.
Unbeatable price when on sale.

Pelican FTW. We used them in the CG, large rifle boxes, big square jobbers, etc…when units would deploy we’d ship their pistols and ammo in the pelican box. If sailors can’t break them nothing can…except shark bite and children under five.

No sharks in NM and my youngest is 5.

I have had good luck with stuff from MTM. They now have a tactical rifle case. Not Pelican rugged, but 1/3 the cost.

Hard to argue with a guy called rambo, been here since Clinton, and chooses words carefully.

He's right. Pelican wins in a fight.

But if you're anything like my dumbass and you need 10 cases and you aren't dropping into Nam to free POWs the Boyt is good enough. I can get 2 Boyts on sale for 1 Pelican generally.

The latches are annoying though. And probably not as good as Pelican.

I think the question becomes, is this spared no expense Custom M14 worth the extra $ for the ugly bird.

Get a Pelican and while you are at it, go ahead and invest in custom-cut closed cell foam for the case. There is a website called My Case builder that sells cases and allows you to custom design foam for your specific configuration.

custom cut foam

I've been using Storm cases since before they were bought by Pelican and continue to swear by them as by all indications, they've maintained the high standard that Storm set.

The dual latches on the end was the clincher. Too many stories of rifle cases at airports getting their ends pried-open and the long gun getting slipped-out.

quote:

Originally posted by Slippery Pete:
I think the question becomes, is this spared no expense Custom M14 worth the extra $ for the ugly bird.

At this point, I think the cost of the Pelican over others is in the noise. Plus, I've been teaching a lot of classes on the side this year, so I don't mind treating myself a bit.

quote:

Originally posted by corsair:

The dual latches on the end was the clincher. Too many stories of rifle cases at airports getting their ends pried-open and the long gun getting slipped-out.

I noticed that about the other cases vs. the Protector. While I don't think it would be easy to pry one open on the end, I was surprised that their flagship tank model didn't have latches on the ends, but the Storms do.

quote:

Originally posted by mo4040:
Get a Pelican and while you are at it, go ahead and invest in custom-cut closed cell foam for the case. There is a website called My Case builder that sells cases and allows you to custom design foam for your specific configuration.

custom cut foam

I saw that. Ain't cheap, but I've heard good things. I'm almost tempted to just do my own because I have access to a fairly large hot wire foam cutter. If it turns out I suck at it, I can let the pros handle it.


Any thoughts on the shipping question? I was planning on UPS to send this out for bedding and some other items. Would cardboard be more discrete?

You just spent $5K on a rifle. Don't skimp on the case. Pelican all the way. (Mine are 1750's) I use an electric carving knife to customize inserts to my needs. Works great. Full foam inserts to fit are a lot cheaper than custom cut and you can customize to desire and for different situations.

quote:

Originally posted by pace40:
You just spent $5K on a rifle. Don't skimp on the case. Pelican all the way. (Mine are 1750's) I use an electric carving knife to customize inserts to my needs. Works great. Full foam inserts to fit are a lot cheaper than custom cut and you can customize to desire and for different situations.

F.E.V.

Time for a mild intervention here (and I mean this with all the Sig Forum love I can muster )

Let the highlighted sentences in the quote above marinate for a moment...

The cost of the case and foam is insignificant to the cost of your rifle and optic. Protect them as best you can. If you do plan on cutting your own foam, get closed-cell foam, as it does not retain moisture.

I spent nearly 33 years working at airports. The shit that will happen to your luggage is mind boggling. As pace40 said don't skimp.

However, having said all that, if you never plan on putting your rifle in the hands of others for transport, then you can tell me to F@#k-off and I would be in complete agreement.

Where did I indicate that I may skimp on the case? I put 3 Pelicans up for discussion as options.

That doesn't seem like skimping. Walmart cases were never in the running. I don't mind looking at the other brands suggested, but I'm primarily focused on the Pelicans.

I'm simply aware of the fact that the most expensive doesn't always equal the best and wanted a more in-depth discussion.

No reason for anyone to fuck off; I'm just confused where this is coming from.

I've got 4 SKB cases, heavy latches, pressurized, they are tough, and heavy.
There's nothing 2nd rate about them, and they aren't cheap. Sorry I've never had a Pelican.

All Pelicans are not equal (Protector, Storm, Air and Vault):

https://www.thecasestore.com/l...etween-pelican-cases

rambo

By the way, Pelican latches are a real pain in the...fingertips to open. This tool makes it easy and painless:

https://nalpak.com/Peliease-Latch-opener

rambo

By the way, there’s a company called Custom Case Builder that does custom interior for all the top line cases, Pelican, SKB and a bunch of others for the true custom touch … they sculpt the interior for your item & accessories… a step above pluck foam, and they have an assortment of different foam density so regardless of the case you select, they can help you with its interior!