Gun case

[Redfishga1]

Last trip I used my pelican to take 1 rifle and a shotgun. This next trip I would like to take 7x57 (it worked so well last time), 9.3x 62 and my new double. If I had to I could leave the 9.3 but I’m just curious what kind of 3 gun cases are out there.

 

[Mekaniks]

Last trip I used my pelican to take 1 rifle and a shotgun. This next trip I would like to take 7x57 (it worked so well last time), 9.3x 62 and my new double. If I had to I could leave the 9.3 but I’m just curious what kind of 3 gun cases are out there.

You can get them all in a Tuffpak https://nalpak.com/TuffpakSport

Or in one of the aluminum 3 gun cases like a Kalispel https://kalispelcaseline.net/gun-cases

I personally prefer the tuffpak, but everyone has their own preference and priorities….
Regardless, with 3 guns you are going to be over 50 lbs and likely pushing 60.

 

[glblanchard]

Hi Redfish,
TuffPak 1050 may accommodate three rifles in soft cases, but I bet it will be heavy. I have a 3 gun aluminum case, also very heavy.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

@rookhawk has a vintage 3 gun aluminum case for sale. As stated, they are heavy when loaded with 3 rifles and likely exceed the 50 lbs limit. Going business class you get 70 lbs usually.

 

[ActionBob]

I've taken 3 several times. In cases designed for 2. Took off scopes and slings. 3 rifles may be difficult to get down to 50 pounds but with a shotgun I was at 51 pounds and they didn't question it. This last trip we flew business so the weight was not as critical being allowed 70 pounds.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

TuffPac with 3 rifles on last 3 trips.
Delta charged $100 extra for over 50lbs
I knew that before checking in. Next trip possibly 3 also. Haven't decided.

 

[Redfishga1]

Which tuffpack model do you suggest?

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

Which tuffpack model do you suggest?

I have the 1050 Key lock that a also added a combo padlock and hasp to. For a little added security

 

[rookhawk]

@rookhawk has a vintage 3 gun aluminum case for sale. As stated, they are heavy when loaded with 3 rifles and likely exceed the 50 lbs limit. Going business class you get 70 lbs usually.

That case is sold, however there are a few members that have the AT3GUN Americases around that we did the special group buy on. Those are ideal.

2 guns and shooting sticks gets you under 50lbs (coach). 3 guns gets you under 70lbs (business) That’s how to avoid overweight baggage fees.

 

[Mekaniks]

Which tuffpack model do you suggest?

This one- https://nalpak.com/Tuffpak-1050-Gun-Case-BLACK-w-Cushioned-Handle

I bought the padlock version, but converted it to the key lock for additional security. The padlock version is handy but I was concerned about a padlock getting knocked off (or cut). The key lock version seems more secure.....

Mine weighs 18 lbs empty....

The essential piece to using a tuffpak is making sure it is stuffed as much as possible. I use good quality soft side gun cases because they take up more room in the case and I usually put my coat and / or raingear or other heavy garments in the bottom or top if I only have one or two guns. I have even packed my waders in it when going sea duck hunting and only one shotgun.
Some guys are cutting out a piece of foam (think gun case foam) that matches the shape of the case and sliding it down in the bottom, or under the lid for additional protection which is also a good idea.

There has been some discussion recently about packing "other" items in a gun case with guns when traveling internationally. I have never had that problem, but there are some other respected members that say they have seen it.....

 

[AimSmall]

Tuffpak will fit 3. Depending on which ones, can put you at, or over, weight limits. If I recall, it weighs 20lbs. Can weigh it Monday if needed.

 

[Philip Glass]

Last trip I used my pelican to take 1 rifle and a shotgun. This next trip I would like to take 7x57 (it worked so well last time), 9.3x 62 and my new double. If I had to I could leave the 9.3 but I’m just curious what kind of 3 gun cases are out there.

Typically you will be running into a weight and possibly a size issue with a 3 gun case. It certainly can be done with a few extra fees. Be cautious with the Tuffpak recommendations as clothing are no longer allowed in the gun case when traveling to JNB.
I would not consider a 3 gun safari. Just juggling two guns is enough trouble for me with my double and R8. So I would say just leave the 7x57 at home.
Have fun planning the next one!

 

[BeeMaa]

I’m with @Philip Glass - two rifles are more than enough. Carrying nearly 50 lbs around the airport is cumbersome to say the least.

Figure 20 lbs for the case and 10 lbs per rifle (average) and you are now danger close to the 50 lb limit.

Two rifles makes it much more manageable. Plus you can have foam custom cut to fit your existing case for whatever rifles you want to take.

 

[rookhawk]

How I get it done:

I used to do 3-gun safaris (7x57, 375hh, 470ne) but later moved to two gun safaris, omitting the small bore. Now that my kids are my hunting companions, I have to carry their rifle with me so we’re back to three guns, my large bore, a 375HH that fits youth I can tolerate using in a pinch, and their small bore rifles.

I look forward to their 21st birthdays when they can carry their own rifles so I can go back to bringing what I want.

A 7x57 or 7x64 is an ideal plains game rifle, but not essential if you have a 375hh.

All of this thread is kind of irrelevant because the limiting factor isn’t rifle cases, it’s the 11lb ammo restriction. You can bring about 50 rounds of 375hh and 30-40 rounds of 470NE. Adding a third gun gets you in the pickle of having the right quantity of softs and solids for three guns while keeping it under 11 pounds…tricky.

 

[BeeMaa]

All of this thread is kind of irrelevant because the limiting factor isn’t rifle cases, it’s the 11lb ammo restriction. You can bring about 50 rounds of 375hh and 30-40 rounds of 470NE. Adding a third gun gets you in the pickle of having the right quantity of softs and solids for three guns while keeping it under 11 pounds…tricky.

We took two ammo cases and packed it separately to avoid this issue. One for my wife and one for me. Admittedly, we took way too much ammo and will only be taking one case next time.

 

[Zinz]

Tuffpak…. Hands down. Whether you’re taking two, or three.

Mine weighs 18 lbs empty....

The essential piece to using a tuffpak is making sure it is stuffed as much as possible. I use good quality soft side gun cases because they take up more room in the case and I usually put my coat and / or raingear or other heavy garments in the bottom or top if I only have one or two guns. I have even packed my waders in it when going sea duck hunting and only one shotgun.

I do exactly this ^ Put your rifles in good soft cases inside the Tuffpak and then use those soft cases in the back of the bakkie.

The case has wheels, so it’s easy to get around. It’s lightweight construction but very strong. I always carried two rifles and a shotgun, plus extra clothes or gear. They hold a lot.

Overweight baggage fee…? You’re dropping at least $10,000 on a safari, lay the money down.

Ed Z

 

[Edster]

This one- https://nalpak.com/Tuffpak-1050-Gun-Case-BLACK-w-Cushioned-Handle

I bought the padlock version, but converted it to the key lock for additional security. The padlock version is handy but I was concerned about a padlock getting knocked off (or cut). The key lock version seems more secure.....

Mine weighs 18 lbs empty....

.
Some guys are cutting out a piece of foam (think gun case foam) that matches the shape of the case and sliding it down in the bottom, or under the lid for additional protection which is also a good idea.

I did this took a left over piece of Kaizen foam and pushed it all the way down.
I had 3 rifles in mine for trip In April. I used gun bags made by Skinner Sights. They are a little thinner and a bit lighter. Kept rifles nice and snug. Case loaded weighed just under 50lbs. Browning X Bolts, one in 30-06, one 375H&H and a Savage 110 classic in 308.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

About 20 years ago, three of us were going elk hunting in Montana. We put 3 rifles, each in a soft case, in a SKB golf club travel case. Used clothes and some foam to pad things and it worked fine. The case and 3 rifles, with scopes, was right at 50 lbs.

 

[Inline6]

The first time my son and I went we took 3 rifles. 300WM, 375H&H, and 416REM. The case came in at 72#s. I did some sweet talking to the lovely ladies and they were kind enough to mark it 70#s. It was a $200.00 charge in 2021. It might be more now. Much cheaper than a business class ticket. The biggest problem for us was figuring out ammo. We were pretty limited at 11#s. We did not bring much back.

We used a quad storm case I found a good deal on through ebay, did not have a foam. Used soft cases on each rifle.