JWarren 0 Posted February 27, 2007 Report Share Posted February 27, 2007 Hi guys, I've been playing with the idea of getting a nice fitted hard case for my 308. Here's the problem: In order to have clearance for how I'd possibly like to transport the rifle, I'd need a large case. Ideally, I'd like to transport it withe the PSOP scope attached and *possibly* with a 20 round magazine in the rifle. This is making the rifle rather tall. With a 20 round magazine in the rifle and an 8X PSOP, I'm looking at a roughly 12" tall rifle. The largest cases I've seen have either 13.5" or 14" internal dimension clearance for the height of the rifle which leaves the rifle rather crowded in the case and may not offer the top and bottom protection I'd like. For reference: Pelican 1750 internal dimensions: 50.50" X 13.50" X 5.25" Hardigg Storm Case iM3300 internal dimensions: 50.50" X 14.0" X 6.0" What are you guys doing for transport cases? Thanks John Quote Link to post Share on other sites
shaneman153a 39 Posted February 27, 2007 Report Share Posted February 27, 2007 I use the crappo-wal-mart one, but I don't load the mag. One of the ranges here requires that you show registration as you enter, and if you opened up the case with a mag in (empty or not) they would kick you off. I don't imagine it would give a cop a warm-and-fuzzy if he pulled you over and searched either. my .02 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JWarren 0 Posted February 27, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 27, 2007 I hear ya... I am only talking about capibility, not how I intend to transport it. However, I very well may. A lot of my transporting is strapped to a 4 wheeler and getting from my house to my deer stand. Here, the police are very RKBA friendly, and expect you to have a firearm.... but they'd freak out as much seeing an unloaded one as they would a loaded one, I expect. For the purpose of this, I could as easily say that it has to clear my pistol grip and scope mounted. The grip has about the same length as a 20 round magazine on mine. (It is an adjustable palmrest "PSG1-ish grip) I looked at the walmart cases, but didn't thing it would fit... I may look again. Thanks! John Quote Link to post Share on other sites
adamsesq 0 Posted February 27, 2007 Report Share Posted February 27, 2007 I looked at the walmart cases, but didn't thing it would fit... I may look again.Thanks! John When it comes to gun cases I tend to "think outside the box." I definately prefer something that does not look like a gun case. For what you are wanting, a keyboard or guitar case could work perfectly - check out the local music store. Sporting goods stores in the tackle and fishing departments as well as the camping departments also can be a good source for non-traditional cases. Finally (and my favorite), surplus stores. Empty cases from all sorts of electronic gizmos find their way there and I can usually find something perfect for my needs at a well stock surplus store. Sometimes coming up with a good source for foam to line a case (if it doesn't come with it) can be harder than finding the case. Craft stores, upholstery stores/shops and online are all good possibilities for that. -Scott Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JWarren 0 Posted February 27, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 27, 2007 Adam, I swear you are reading my mind! I was talking to my wife last night about the possibility of using a Keyboard case, stripping it out, and filling it with "pluck" filler. That would be inconspicious, as well as be lockable. The foam won't be hard to get at all. I've found a lot of places that sell the fill foam for Pelican cases, as well as some that sell fill for various shipping needs. Looks like I'll have to think outside the box if I am gonna put my rifle IN a box John Quote Link to post Share on other sites
adamsesq 0 Posted February 27, 2007 Report Share Posted February 27, 2007 Adam, I swear you are reading my mind! I was talking to my wife last night about the possibility of using a Keyboard case, stripping it out, and filling it with "pluck" filler. That would be inconspicious, as well as be lockable. The foam won't be hard to get at all. I've found a lot of places that sell the fill foam for Pelican cases, as well as some that sell fill for various shipping needs. Looks like I'll have to think outside the box if I am gonna put my rifle IN a box John Pluckable foam has its uses, especially in a deep case. I use it in a lot of my cases but my experience is that it is a major PITA! I will try to not get a case any deeper than necessary and use "egg crate" foam if at all possible. Then you are not stuck to the exact pattern, you don't have to be careful how you place and remove objects and it doesn't loose its shape over time as other pieces fall out. Not to mention it is huge amounts cheaper. Pelican foam for a rifle case could cost as much as the case or the rifle itself - ok maybe that's an exageration but its close. Egg-crate foam can be found in large inexpensive sheets as mattress toppers. Just some thoughts. -Scott Quote Link to post Share on other sites
busy_squirrel 1 Posted February 27, 2007 Report Share Posted February 27, 2007 I have heard that in this state, if the case says something, and it's not a gun type name, that it'll be concealing a rifle, which is illegal here. I think plain opaque cases are allowed, as well as gun cases. I was hoping to do the same thing, get mine to fit with scope and 20 rounder, but I havn't found anything yet. I really didn't want to make something work, but I'll swing by the music shop tonight and look for a plain case. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kresk 10,063 Posted February 27, 2007 Report Share Posted February 27, 2007 (edited) I have one of those Pelican cases and have been extremely satisfied with it. The construction is very sturdy and the foam protection is more than adequate. The wheels are also very handy. I am using it to transport an AR10 with a large scope on it and there is plenty of room. The gun shop where I gought mine did custom cutting of the foam (no charge) so the contents fit perfectly. Edited February 27, 2007 by tritium Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JWarren 0 Posted February 28, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 28, 2007 Cool guys... Tritium, How tall is the AR-10? I think the Saiga 308 with an FBMG is right at 12 inches tall. John Quote Link to post Share on other sites
shaneman153a 39 Posted February 28, 2007 Report Share Posted February 28, 2007 I looked at the walmart cases, but didn't thing it would fit... I may look again.Thanks! John When it comes to gun cases I tend to "think outside the box." I definately prefer something that does not look like a gun case. For what you are wanting, a keyboard or guitar case could work perfectly - check out the local music store. Sporting goods stores in the tackle and fishing departments as well as the camping departments also can be a good source for non-traditional cases. Finally (and my favorite), surplus stores. Empty cases from all sorts of electronic gizmos find their way there and I can usually find something perfect for my needs at a well stock surplus store. Sometimes coming up with a good source for foam to line a case (if it doesn't come with it) can be harder than finding the case. Craft stores, upholstery stores/shops and online are all good possibilities for that. -Scott Man, my guitar case was 109.00, but I like the idea. Antonio Banderas-ish. ( I assume you're talking about a rectangular case for an electric) JWarren, I hadn't even thought of carrying it on a 4 wheeler. I thought you were the next DC Sniper or something. I guess I'm in that city mindframe. Some Wal-Marts sell a "double scoped" rifle case. It's still the cheapo thin plastic, and egg-crate insides, but I'm 100% sure you could fit gun with mag inside. I think it ran $30. This isn't the one that I'm talking about, not as cheap, but would definately fit. http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4303558 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JWarren 0 Posted February 28, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 28, 2007 shane.... no worries my friend I may take another look at the Walmart cases now that I have the measurements of my rifle written down. Regarding music cases, I still think a keyboard case may be a good start, but not sure about a guitar one. I have a Hard Case for my Martin Acoustic guitar and I don't think It would fit in that one. Dad has a number of Fender Stratocasters and there is one that it MAY be able to fit in, but most seem to be far to thin to close on the rifle. All I know about keyboards is that my best friend has a number of them. I haven't seen the cases, but as large as the keyboards he has is, I can see how that case would be a good one to start with. The next question would be if one could find one that is water resistant. Some of the cases like I have for my Martin seem like they would not stand up well to getting mud or any significant amount of water on them. Still.... yeah... Antonio Banderas-like would be nice TNT just had "Desperato" on this week again. Best line from the movie is when the priest asks if he'd like confession. His response: Maybe later, Father. Where I am going, I'd just have to come right back. Classic. John Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kresk 10,063 Posted February 28, 2007 Report Share Posted February 28, 2007 Cool guys... Tritium, How tall is the AR-10? I think the Saiga 308 with an FBMG is right at 12 inches tall. John The AR itself is 7 1/2 inches tall, 11 with the scope. There is 13 1/2 inches of foam to work with. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JWarren 0 Posted February 28, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 28, 2007 The keyboard case option looks very doable... but OMFG some of them cost a lot! http://www.skbcases.com/music/products/pro...p;c=76&s=76 http://www.skbcases.com/music/products/pro...p;c=76&s=76 I'm seeing some of these cases going for the mid-350's in cost. I think that makes them a bit cost-prohibitive since we haven't even talked about foam inserts on these.... John Quote Link to post Share on other sites
adamsesq 0 Posted February 28, 2007 Report Share Posted February 28, 2007 The keyboard case option looks very doable... but OMFG some of them cost a lot! http://www.skbcases.com/music/products/pro...p;c=76&s=76 http://www.skbcases.com/music/products/pro...p;c=76&s=76 I'm seeing some of these cases going for the mid-350's in cost. I think that makes them a bit cost-prohibitive since we haven't even talked about foam inserts on these.... John But they do show up for the $25-50 in surplus stores and thrift stores all the time. -Scott Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JWarren 0 Posted February 28, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 28, 2007 hehe...yep... I think I've seen a few in local pawn shops. I think I'll swing by one on the way home tomorrow. This site is giving me all sort of ideas: http://www.rockhardcases.com/guitarandbass.htm John Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JWarren 0 Posted February 28, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 28, 2007 Ok.... looks like problem solved. For reference a Saiga 308 converstion with: 16 inch barrel 3 inch muzzle brake 9.5 inch stock PSOP scope 20 round magazine Will *roughly* have the following dimensions to work with: 40 inches long 12 inches tall 3 inches wide I found these that will work and has a wide range of quality to cost: http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/template...&hasJS=true http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/template...ndexId=cat20772 http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/template...ndexId=cat20772 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
shaneman153a 39 Posted February 28, 2007 Report Share Posted February 28, 2007 Yep, that first one is the one I've seen at wal mart. Funny I was down at Cabelas looking for it 3 weeks ago and didn't see it. I couldn't remember the name on that sucker. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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