Hard vs Soft vs Takedown vs full case for O/U

[Taging653]

I've seen where a lot of people say they use full length soft cases for hunting so they can just pull the gun out and go, and they use hard takedown cases at the gun range because there's more time to putz with stuff. Generally this is also how I've done it, but I may be about to change my mind..

I've also seen the point made that assembling / disassembling an OU is where the greatest likelihood of damage occurs - people drop forends, ding barrels and stocks etc. Also the club where I shoot has a good distance between sporting stations, requiring a car ride. So my gun ends up riding around in a back seat with no case.

What is your routine? Have you ever damaged a gun during assembly? Is there a reason not to use a full length soft case at the range?

 

[Tango]

I use a soft take-down case only when the shotgun won't fit into my car's trunk full assembled. I agree that too much unnecessary assembly/disassembly increases the chances of damage to the gun. I've seen plenty of parts dropped and stocks dinged as guys fumble with assembly at the trap/skeet/clays club. Typically, my shotguns go to the range fully assembled in a high-quality soft Boyt case. If I'm flying or traveling longer distances where security or added protection is necessary, then the shotgun is assembled inside of a soft Beretta or Wild Hare soft range slip then into a Pelican case. It's always nice to have at least a thin gun slip type case available, especially when you're in-out and around vehicles or carting around a clays range.

I find these relatively thin Wild Hare and Beretta slips to be great for range use when you have to walk or take a golf cart around a larger property. They don't have the super thick padding of a traditional soft case, but they do offer good protection and easy access on the range. I use them all the time in Europe where the guns typically have to be cased between stations or drives.

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[BeeMaa]

My long guns stay assembled most of the time. When I go to the rifle range, clays course or hunting fields they get put in a soft case for travel in a vehicle...where I am in control of handling the firearm. For shotguns, it's typically something like this...

When I plan on airline travel, the long guns are broken down to fit into a smaller package. This is for instances where I will not be the only one handling the case. This is for protection from the likes of ticket agents, baggage handlers and government personnel. I will also include a soft case to be used once we reach our destination and assemble the firearms.

I see no real benefit of taking down a firearm for going to the range unless there is a reason...like you can't fit a full sized soft case in your vehicle. However, I know some people who ALWAYS disassembly their firearms. And that's the way the ball bounces. Everybody has their own way for their own reasons.

 

[mdwest]

Soft case. I only take the gun down for deep/thorough cleaning after a tournament or a heavy training session… they get stored assembled and stay assembled until it’s time to scrub them.. and then immediately after get reassembled..

 

[rookhawk]

I've seen where a lot of people say they use full length soft cases for hunting so they can just pull the gun out and go, and they use hard takedown cases at the gun range because there's more time to putz with stuff. Generally this is also how I've done it, but I may be about to change my mind..

I've also seen the point made that assembling / disassembling an OU is where the greatest likelihood of damage occurs - people drop forends, ding barrels and stocks etc. Also the club where I shoot has a good distance between sporting stations, requiring a car ride. So my gun ends up riding around in a back seat with no case.

What is your routine? Have you ever damaged a gun during assembly? Is there a reason not to use a full length soft case at the range?

A full length “gun case” as we incorrectly call them in America is a Gun Slip. A gun slip is designed for transport in the field, bouncing around in the back of a buggy or pickup. You cannot leave a gun in them for long, because they are the perfect humidity attractor for a ruined gun. I’ve ruined a gun leaving it in one for a mere 8 hours after a damp hunt.

For shipping across the country or around the world, a double rifle or double shotgun should ALWAYS be broken down in a two-piece configuration. A shotgun is a weak weapon, moderate pressure on the side of the hinge pin and you can destroy them as easily as Joe Thiesmann took a tackle to the side of his knee ending his career. The amount of leverage that can be exerted by UPS or any typical malcontent by throwing an assembled gun is significant. Don’t do it. If I receive a fine gun assembled in the mail, I’d be likely to send it back for a refund.

For presentation, a gun should be broken down in an open take down case. It allows it to breathe. It also allows you to detect the beginnings of rust as you pass by so you can quickly wipe it down.