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Author
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Topic: Pet peeve, and annoyance by a crabby old man
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Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
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posted November 19, 2023 12:07 PM
I was just leafing through one of my periodicals, hunting and gun magazines.
There were two articles about gear that kind of bothered me. Both were touting rifle cases for airline travel. The typical Cabbala's or Plano type of long wide and narrow cases with locking holes, in other words, what just about everybody buys to protect their treasured firearms. And, everybody knows what they look like, some are more beefy than others, have a handle and wheels but they are still the same design, a clamshell type that you open and close with a full length lid or cover and inside is the typical egg crate foam, and the reviewer said sometimes he can squeeze in a pair of binoculars and or some ammunition, if airline regulations allow?
This is all well and good, but my gun case doesn't look anything like those slab sided diving boards that everybody else owns.
Let me attempt to describe my airline gun case. But first of all, I got the tip from a Safari forum a long time ago, maybe 25 years ago and I used it for Africa.
Picture a very hard and rugged case in the shape of a GOLF BAG. It's upright with wheels on the bottom and one of those round key locks with the little cuts for a key like you would see to access a glass jewelry case. I don't know what they hell they are called by my coke machine has the same type of key and lock. edit: tubular pin tumbler lock
Okay, now imagine a shape that is not round and not square, kind of a trapezoid and the cover lifts off, (there is a 2" wide nylon strap that holds the cover in place. Actually, these cases are made for travel with expensive tripods, for cameras, or whatever and here's the best part.
I could stuff two soft cased rifles inside and a whole bunch of hunting clothing packed all around. Consider this! Returning from Africa, in addition to everything I packed in it going across on two 12 hour flights, I also packed an ostrich egg inside! Try that with your slab sided Cabbala's rifle case!
But here's the reason and pay attention! When you get to your Outfitter or Professional Hunter, as the case may be, now you don't have to worry about that six foot slab sided and armored case, and try fitting it on a horse or in a SUV. Yes, if you can throw your case in the back of a Pick Up, that's fine and dandy, except for access. My soft cases would never fit in a Cabbala's case, but a soft case comes in very handy when you are actually on the ground, in camp or hunting. And, generally, you have to leave your gun cases at home, or borrow one from your outfitter when you get there. edit: IF IT FITS?
Bottom line is; my case, it's called a "Handy case" or Easy Pack? edit: maybe Tough Case"? something like that I I bought it from a company in San Diego that mostly caters to Photographers but also to a few International hunters that are in the know. I've only used it 3 times, but every time, I marvel at the utility of the thing and ponder the fact that so many hunters are stuck on the rugged and virtually bullet proof slab sided gun cases that are limited in their utility once on the ground at your destination.
I would have to drag it down from the rafters to get the real name....maybe it was Tough Case? IDK?
Anyway, for what it's worth. And, here's a bonus; it doesn't look like a gun case, which stand out and a few are pilfered at the airport or the taxi every year. Of course, once a firearm is declared at the airline, it's as SAFE AS THE CROWN JEWELS! It's the only baggage at your destination that you have to show your I.D. in addition to a claim check, and they are special handled, they do not come down the Carousel with everything else. And, like I said, this thing looks more like a friggin' GOLF BAG than anything else and you just do not tumble to what it actually is. And, I think I could have put THREE cased rifles inside, if I wanted. But, at least in Africa, you are only allowed Two! At least for hunting.
Anyway, that's my bitch. More people should be aware of these cases because they are extremely useful and utilitarian. Not particularly cheap, I think they cost about $300?
Good hunting. El Bee
Couldn't find my maker, but this one is very similar. In fact, it's so similar, except for this uses a padlock, that I think it's possible that they bought out my manufacturer?
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1390830-REG/skb_1skb_r5011w_roto_molded_50_tripod_case.html
[ November 19, 2023, 12:48 PM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 31459 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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TA17Rem
Hello, I'm the legendary Tim Anderson, Field Marshall, Southern Minneesota Sector
Member # 794
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posted November 19, 2023 05:49 PM
I have the semi square case with some type of metal covering and foam inserts. it holds to scoped rifles and two 100 round ammo boxes. Took it to AZ few times in back of truck or airplane and it did its job..
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What if I told you, the left wing and right wing both belong to same bird!
Posts: 5064 | From: S.D. | Registered: Jan 2006
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Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
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posted November 20, 2023 11:54 AM
Tim, we know all that, you can throw it in the back of your truck, and you can also throw your soft cases in the truck, same way. And, everybody has one, I have one, but that's all they do is hold a bare rifle and maybe some ammo, if the regulations allow it. International travel can have some restrictive regulations and you must comply.
This case I have is for when you have limited baggage; they count the number of checked suitcases, and this thing holds RIFLES IN SOFT CASES, so you can use the soft cases after you arrive....read it again to understand the application, and the utility!
Good hunting. El Bee
edit: ko ko, can you explain this application to our friend here? The utility of this thing has gone way over his head!
[ November 20, 2023, 11:57 AM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 31459 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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Kokopelli
SENIOR DISCOUNT & Dispenser of Sage Advice
Member # 633
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posted November 20, 2023 12:54 PM
All I know is that the LAST THING I would want to be seen with in an airport is ANYTHING that remotely resembles a gun case. Issues with security and / or theft.
On the other hand, I scored a violin case at a yard sale that I use for a pistol case for my .41 Mag and a couple of boxes of ammo. Serious 'panache factor' at the gun range.
![[Cool]](cool.gif)
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And lo, the Light of the Trump shown upon the Darkness and the Darkness could not comprehend it.
Posts: 7579 | From: Under a wandering star | Registered: Apr 2005
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Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
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posted November 20, 2023 01:26 PM
WOW! That is so cool! (violin case) The only thing is why 41 Mag? That's like kissing your sister!
I have a 357, and I have a 44Mag, so I can't think of any reason why I would need a 41Mag? Where on earth do you find the ammo for such a uncommon caliber?
By the way, what make? Seems to me only Ruger chambers for 41 Magnum? If Colt and S&W have, or did have them for sale, I'm a little hazy about that stuff; BUT, I'm not a pistol geek anyway, so I'm far from up to speed on who or what makes or sells 41 Magnums? Maybe Tyrus, is that spelled right?
Good hunting. El Bee
[ November 20, 2023, 01:26 PM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 31459 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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TA17Rem
Hello, I'm the legendary Tim Anderson, Field Marshall, Southern Minneesota Sector
Member # 794
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posted November 20, 2023 02:11 PM
i read it Leonard, I ignored the soft case part as my state no longer requires a soft case out in the field, so I no longer use one.
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What if I told you, the left wing and right wing both belong to same bird!
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TA17Rem
Hello, I'm the legendary Tim Anderson, Field Marshall, Southern Minneesota Sector
Member # 794
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posted November 20, 2023 02:15 PM
Koko some violines are worth big money and that's what I'd be grabbing by mistake. I flew to AZ 2-3 times no issues with the guns in hardcase, you go to separate room, no big whoop.
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What if I told you, the left wing and right wing both belong to same bird!
Posts: 5064 | From: S.D. | Registered: Jan 2006
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Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
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posted November 20, 2023 02:24 PM
<sigh> but this is Africa, Tim. And it is considered a worthwhile item to be able to zip a gun into a soft case while driving bumpy dirt roads in a Land Rover. Actually, it was a Toyota Land Cruiser, to be technical.
Anyway, I still think I was very fortunate to have my soft cases with me while banging around in the "BUSH" as they call it.
Here's the bottom line, just for your benefit. I had my soft cases with me because the golf club luggage allowed me to store my guns inside the soft case and put all of it ....oh never mind!
I feel like sieging Lance on your ass! You don't want that!
Good hunting. El Bee
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 31459 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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TA17Rem
Hello, I'm the legendary Tim Anderson, Field Marshall, Southern Minneesota Sector
Member # 794
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posted November 20, 2023 03:20 PM
Oh come on Leonard Im sorry! Lance don't play fair he might have his gunny do all the work.
[ November 20, 2023, 03:22 PM: Message edited by: TA17Rem ]
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What if I told you, the left wing and right wing both belong to same bird!
Posts: 5064 | From: S.D. | Registered: Jan 2006
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Kokopelli
SENIOR DISCOUNT & Dispenser of Sage Advice
Member # 633
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posted November 20, 2023 04:18 PM
Ruger .41 Mag ............. Think performance of a .44 and recoil of a .357.
I find ammo at gun shows now & then and the seller is usually glad to be shuck of it. For no more than I shoot bullets I likely have a lifetime supply.
I got a deal on the gun from a retired bear guide. Tragic when it was all lost in that canoeing accident out in the middle of Lake Roosevelt.
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And lo, the Light of the Trump shown upon the Darkness and the Darkness could not comprehend it.
Posts: 7579 | From: Under a wandering star | Registered: Apr 2005
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Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
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posted November 21, 2023 02:00 PM
I have a good friend that actually FOUND a 41Mag on the 40 Mile river in Alaska. being as how it's a rather small community, he was able to return it to the original owner, reasonably quickly, under the Alaskan standards and conditions.
He now lives in Whittier, his adventurous days are behind him.
Good hunting. El Bee
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 31459 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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