View Full Version : Show me your AR's Hard case
Radioflyer
04-11-11, 10:52
I'm looking to build a foam Insert for my new rifle case that better fits my AR and some accessories and such. I have the tools and supplies to cut the foam any way i need, but I'm looking for some ideas. Work area is 35.5" x 11.5"
What do you have in your AR's hard case?
I did this once because it seemed like the cool guy thing to do at the time. I had space for the rifle all dressed up to go to the prom, space for my typical sidearm of choice, slots for mags, both primary and secondary, utility slot for sling, cleaning kit, etc., and slot for silencers for each.
What I found out was that I almost never used it. When I would go to the range I'd always have to bring extra stuff anyway, it was heavy and bulky, and I couldn't ever change anything on the rifle. If I cut the foam to be more adaptable my gun would flop around because of the extra space. The foam also held moisture and the gun developed some rust spots. I've since replaced the foam with a soft case that's far easier to carry, holds only the minimum of what I need, and another bag for various sundry items. When flying, the soft case goes into the hard shell of the Pelican case, no foam.
That's just been my experience, I don't know how others stack up. I believe that there are other foam options that might perform better than the standard foam that comes in a Pelican. If you look at pictures of the M110 kit that KAC delivers to the .mil it looks like the setup would be a little better.
My experience matches JohnnyC's. Complete waste of time. friggin' case just takes up space in the closet now and I tote guns in soft bags and gear in a wheeled toolbox.
x3
I had a nice Storm case but end up selling it off. I use soft cases or no cases at all.
Quiet-Matt
04-11-11, 12:25
Soft case for me as well, or I just throw all the guns and other crap in the back of the vehicle.
The hard cases are great when you have to fly but the good ones are very expensive and freaking heavy.
Soft case for me as well, or I just throw all the guns and other crap in the back of the vehicle.
Same here.... the bed of my pickup is my Hard Shell case. It holds everything including my gongs.
usarmy15t86
04-11-11, 16:52
I'm not a fan of the foam cutout setup, because it's not something you can play around with and adjust from time to time. I do, however, use a soft/hard case combo. I travel a lot, and like to keep my rifles protected with the hard case, but still like the modularity of the soft case.
Right now, I use the Larue Tactical Soft/Hard Combo (http://stores.homestead.com/Laruetactical/Detail.bok?no=452) and with the exception of it being only big enough for my 16" carbines, I love it!
I recently came across this, the Optics Planet OPMOD case (http://www.opticsplanet.net/opmod-shooters-mat-drag-bag-double-rifle-case.html), and I might be getting rid of my Larue case to use one of these for my longer rifles and shotguns. I like the fact that it will fit in the larger, 45 inch hard cases and I can use my longer rifles in this case.
If you want the hard case for protection or security, I'd go with a hard/soft combo. The foam is just too much of a pain in the butt.
I think if you need a hard case, your best option is to have one w/o foam and just use a soft case that will fit into one if required. That way it's not carbine specific(or folding stock bolt gun) and will more useful to you. You would also have the option of chucking in other small items as needed that you otherwise couldn't if you had cut outs.
I made the mistake with a smaller one for pistols/mags, used it once before chucking the custom cut foam. I know have rugs/throws and take what pistols, revolvers, ammo, etc I need.
I use the $50 Midway long gun bags, hard cases aren't practical for basic transportation, in my opinion. They have a place, but I don't use them.
You need to order your hard case with egg crate foam on both sides. You can put whatever you want in it then.
I also don't use a hard case except for flying. It takes up too much room and is too big and heavy for casual range and weekend trips.
Pretty much the same as everyone. I do travel quite a bit so I need my hard cases, but when at home I just use soft cases.
I do offer a hard case w / custom cut foam for custom builds. This was the last one I did and was given as a gift.
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd60/SSDSurf/Guns/692002.jpg
mkmckinley
04-11-11, 23:09
You need to order your hard case with egg crate foam on both sides. You can put whatever you want in it then
Good advice. I use my hard case when I'm going to be driving for awhile and it's raining. I just use it like a big soft case though. You want some adaptability. Having simple egg crate lets you pack whatever you need that particular day.
"El Cheapo" unheard of soft case within the Pelican 1700, that's all!
http://i987.photobucket.com/albums/ae360/chc_hmc/Pelican1700_Open.jpg
"El Cheapo" unheard of soft case within the Pelican 1700, that's all!
http://i987.photobucket.com/albums/ae360/chc_hmc/Pelican1700_Open.jpg
Now THAT is a slick,versatile setup. I like it. :cool:
"El Cheapo" unheard of soft case within the Pelican 1700, that's all!
http://i987.photobucket.com/albums/ae360/chc_hmc/Pelican1700_Open.jpg
That's exactly how mine is as well.
I've got a SORD USA Rifle Case in my Pelican 1700. Use the pelican to fly to hotel. Hotel to range, I roll with the SORD USA case only
https://www.sordusa.com/shop/product.php?productid=150&cat=43&page=1
My experience matches JohnnyC's. Complete waste of time. friggin' case just takes up space in the closet now and I tote guns in soft bags and gear in a wheeled toolbox.
No tactical wheelbarrow? :haha:
Magic_Salad0892
04-15-11, 11:07
I break my SBR, detach the suppressor, and put in in an Osprey backpack.
Pistol gets concealed on my person, extra magazines and ammo will be in my car, or backpack.
Works well for me.
One issue: Put small hand towels along the bottom of the backpack to absorb shedding lubricant. I've learned to wipe down the carrier to prevent that, and reapply lube as needed. Messy lesson.
DiabhailGadhar
04-16-11, 13:25
I just picked up one of those uber expensive ($200) Pelican/Hardigg Mobile Armory soft bags, the newer generation of the one that Chris Costa has in MAG DYN ATC vol 1, and that thing is solid...love it!! I will probably use it a few dozen times and then Ill do a review on it if any one is interested..
Back on target...I was actually speaking with a buddy of mine that has the Hardigg iM3220 hard case that two of my cases would fit in and he said +1 on all the previous comments. He doesnt fly with is Accuracy International EVER so having the hard case is a bit of an overkill and the original foam he had started to fall apart after awhile. IMHO if you HAVE to get a hard case thats a really solid brand to get...
Here is my Starlight case. It rides daily in the trunk of my car and the rifle has not lost zero or experienced any other problems such as moisture or dust entering it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v162/goddamnit/CasedSPR.jpg?t=1302979338
Radioflyer
04-18-11, 23:39
I've go egg crate on the lid side of the case. The plan is to have a cutout for the rifle itself, 3 mags and a small storage area for...well stuff.
I was looking for pictures for another post and scrolled past these in my photobucket account. Thought I'd post them. Biggest waste of time/money I think I've made in my shooting "career".
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/rob_s/gun%20stuff/DSC_1845mid.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/rob_s/gun%20stuff/DSC_1848mid.jpg
At least I tried to make the case fit two different guns. Thankfully the lowers on both were the same making that easier. I put each one down on the foam, traced them, and then cut around the larger profile in all areas. Pain in the ass, waste of time, and I think the case has left the house a grand total of maybe 4 times since I did this, and not at all in the last two years.
DiabhailGadhar
04-19-11, 08:34
I was looking for pictures for another post and scrolled past these in my photobucket account. Thought I'd post them. Biggest waste of time/money I think I've made in my shooting "career".
At least I tried to make the case fit two different guns. Thankfully the lowers on both were the same making that easier. I put each one down on the foam, traced them, and then cut around the larger profile in all areas. Pain in the ass, waste of time, and I think the case has left the house a grand total of maybe 4 times since I did this, and not at all in the last two years.
Well you got cool points for it looking really professionally done!
The more I look at these, the more I see that those pictures are a prime example of why not to do this. Neither of those guns looks like that today, neither wears the same optic, neither have the VFG that far back, and I don't own either of the lights shown.
I mad the same mistake a lot of guys make, which is thinking "oh, these are perfect, I'll *never* change these two guns!" :sarcastic:
Outlander Systems
05-08-11, 08:02
I was looking for pictures for another post and scrolled past these in my photobucket account. Thought I'd post them. Biggest waste of time/money I think I've made in my shooting "career".
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/rob_s/gun%20stuff/DSC_1845mid.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/rob_s/gun%20stuff/DSC_1848mid.jpg
At least I tried to make the case fit two different guns. Thankfully the lowers on both were the same making that easier. I put each one down on the foam, traced them, and then cut around the larger profile in all areas. Pain in the ass, waste of time, and I think the case has left the house a grand total of maybe 4 times since I did this, and not at all in the last two years.
:eek:
Dude, I *NEVER* would've thought you actually own(ed) a bipod. Wow.
:eek:
Dude, I *NEVER* would've thought you actually own(ed) a bipod. Wow.
Yep, got it used with an ARMS mount. :eek:
Comes in handy for POI shift testing and shooting for groups for article guns.
oh, and it keeps the rifle propped up and doesn't let it fall on the ground when I fall asleep at the bench. :sarcastic:
Stay away from the Pelican IM Storm cases. IM3100, IM3200, IM3300 etc. I ordered an IM3200 and two of the 6 latches were already broken before I could even open the box. No damage to the box whatsoever. The latches are flimsy as hell. I recently ordered a Pelican 1720 with no foam. Going to stick my softcase inside of it.
Evil Colt 6920
05-13-11, 05:38
I prefer a soft case under normal circumstances but use this "discreet" hard case while traveling.
http://i497.photobucket.com/albums/rr339/shotgunspree/001-2.jpg
Radioflyer
05-13-11, 06:27
Just finished mine last night:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c200/radioflyer1986/misc/Arms/IMG_20941.jpg
I prefer a soft case under normal circumstances but use this "discreet" hard case while traveling.
http://i497.photobucket.com/albums/rr339/shotgunspree/001-2.jpg
Lol! that's. Awesome! I have to do that.
Radioflyer
05-13-11, 07:42
I prefer a soft case under normal circumstances but use this "discreet" hard case while traveling.
http://i497.photobucket.com/albums/rr339/shotgunspree/001-2.jpg
The first time I took mine to the range, the rifle wouldn't fit in the hard case it came in with the optics mounted. I ended up carrying it in my electric guitar soft case. :sarcastic:
Thanks everyone. You saved me a whole bunch of money..........
Moose-Knuckle
05-14-11, 00:51
You need to order your hard case with egg crate foam on both sides. You can put whatever you want in it then.
I also don't use a hard case except for flying. It takes up too much room and is too big and heavy for casual range and weekend trips.
Spot on. If one has need of a hard case (air travel) then get the convoluted foam so you can place anything in there.
The custom foam case inserts are for a Man from U.N.C.L.E. assassin. :ph34r:
kaltesherz
05-14-11, 16:59
I use my hard case for flying, and I bring my AR on almost all of my trips these days so I find it pretty useful. I use soft cases exclusively when I hit the range.
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u64/kaltesherz/019-4.jpg
Work2shoot
05-14-11, 17:22
I use my hard case for flying, and I bring my AR on almost all of my trips these days so I find it pretty useful. I use soft cases exclusively when I hit the range.
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u64/kaltesherz/019-4.jpg
How can you bring the ammo on the airplane?
How can you bring the ammo on the airplane?
I always fly with ammunition.
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1666.shtm
You must securely pack any ammunition in fiber (such as cardboard), wood or metal boxes or other packaging that is specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.
You can't use firearm magazines/clips for packing ammunition unless they completely and securely enclose the ammunition (e.g., by securely covering the exposed portions of the magazine or by securely placing the magazine in a pouch, holder, holster or lanyard).
You may carry the ammunition in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as you pack it as described above.
I use a Pelican case for flying. Also comes to the range with me, depending on what I'm bringing or if I have a passenger or not. I have a standard cab Ford Ranger so there isn't too much space for rifles up front. Always nice to know that it can get knocked around in the back of the truck and not get damaged.
I have an absolutely dismal cutout of foam and generally just kind of mash stuff into the case. I'll take a pic later
mkmckinley
05-14-11, 19:36
I've flown quite a few times with ammo. On one trip the TSA decided to open my ammo boxes that were taped shut and not close them properly. In addition, they improperly closed the duffel bag containing the ammo. When I went to grab my bag off the carousel there were several rounds on 5.56 that had spilled out. People were a little surprised but nothing bad happened.
I've flown quite a few times with ammo. On one trip the TSA decided to open my ammo boxes that were taped shut and not close them properly. In addition, they improperly closed the duffel bag containing the ammo. When I went to grab my bag off the carousel there were several rounds on 5.56 that had spilled out. People were a little surprised but nothing bad happened.
TSA shouldn't be touching anything in your case without you present.
mkmckinley
05-14-11, 23:06
This happened when they required the ammo to be packed separately from the firearm and not necessarily in a locked hard case. I had it in the Pelican case with the gun and they made me take it out at the TSA station in Oakland, CA. There were some strange looks then, too.
Hmm...
This is interesting.
I was actually in the same spot as the OP- I have a terrible penchant for precisely organising everything (most of the time...:p), so I was going to go with a hard case + cut out foam.
But the comments about the possiblity of the rifle's layout changing in the future made a lot of sense to me. Especially seeing as how I'm still in crawl mode, things are bound to change with experience.
I'll definately be going with a soft case + hard case shell in the future.
So congratulations- you guys just cost me more money.:jester:
yea it looks bad a** when you open up your hard case with everything fitted etc. But after one range trip you will be done.
I prefer a soft case under normal circumstances but use this "discreet" hard case while traveling.
http://i497.photobucket.com/albums/rr339/shotgunspree/001-2.jpg
Ingenious!
I bought a pelican hardcase that fits perfectly my carbine in its softcase. I have just enough room to squeeze in some small stuff like my glock abd mags or ear protection etc. I have yet to use my hardcase. Its big as hell and is sure as hell heavy. My softcase does the job.
You really can't beat the flexibility of a soft-sided case that can also be tucked into a hard case, if needed. The Storm FieldPak is great. It can fit any of the two AR's I decide to bring to the range that day using the four rows of MOLLE loops, velcro straps and barrel covers to secure the rifles in place. The hard case still hasn't left the house, but it would be ideal for airline travel. I picked the set up from Optics Planet when they were running a 5% off anything promo. It's been money well spent. :smile:
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u216/JW1069/Misc%20firearm%20related/IMG_2723.jpg
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u216/JW1069/Misc%20firearm%20related/IMG_2725.jpg
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u216/JW1069/Misc%20firearm%20related/IMG_2726.jpg
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u216/JW1069/Misc%20firearm%20related/IMG_2727.jpg
heyman.niceshot
10-15-11, 14:12
Pelican 1700 case with 5 custom layers of polyethylene foam, which is much firmer than your standard pelican pick and pluck and also closed cell. Also used some 3M high strength spray adhesive.
Used a Proxxon Thermocut hot wire foam cutter, which was a breeze to work and produced some nice lines.
Is this set-up suitable for every situation you're going to transporting with an AR? Of course not, but for the purpose it was built it works perfect.
TunaFisherman
10-15-11, 15:50
Pelican 1700 case with 5 custom layers of polyethylene foam, which is much firmer than your standard pelican pick and pluck and also closed cell. Also used some 3M high strength spray adhesive.
Used a Proxxon Thermocut hot wire foam cutter, which was a breeze to work and produced some nice lines.
Is this set-up suitable for every situation you're going to transporting with an AR? Of course not, but for the purpose it was built it works perfect.
Does any of that stuff rub together when it's closed? I use only soft cases but I really like your setup.
heyman.niceshot
10-15-11, 16:51
Nope. There is enough tension on every item on the lid that you can open it without anything falling out, even with the mags loaded. And the lower and upper are the same way, but I see what you are saying. But if I ever notice this becoming a problem, I'll just place another .25 inch layer of polyethylene between the lid and bottom layers.
thought i might as well throw my pelican 1720 in this thread.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x283/ok2bslow/Meh%20Cur/DSC_4509.jpg
Blue Force Gear is blowing out some gear including their 28" SBR cases.
http://www.blueforcegear.com/categories/Last-Call/?sort=featured&page=2
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