Fitting an AR into a guitar case: Hoping someone has done this before

[tanksoldier]

OK, I'm scheduled to take a rifle class in a couple months. Due to time constraints I'm going to have to fly rather than drive which means buying my ammo onsite, and checking a rifle as baggage.

As a police officer I've flown often with sidearms in checked baggage, but this will be the first time with a rifle.

I bought a guitar-shaped case and am trying to figure out the most efficient arrangement. Everything I've seen says to keep 1 inch between equipment pieces. Since I'm going to count this for training hours, I have to take most of my duty belt plus soft armor plus rifle vest... which will take up most of my suitcase.

So, attached pics are the current arrangement. The current plan is to take advantage of the "depth" of the case by holding as much as possible vertical... the pistols and taser will be standing up in slots, for example.

In the spirit of "measure twice, cut once" I thought I'd put this out there for feedback.

Suggestions? Comments? Bitches/gripes/complaints?

[omegajb]

That's an interesting case. Removing the stock and grip will help with real estate but you might need to remove the upper from the lower to see if it gives you more room.

If the training facility is willing to accept a package, you could ship the magazines and other parts to them via FedEx or UPS since they take up a lot of space.

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[mpddoug162]

Is the training being hosted by another agency? If so reach out to the agency contact and see if your gear can be shipped to them and stored in their armory until you get there. If it’s a private training group/facility, 99% have active duty or reserve officers on staff that maybe able to help, like accepting an equipment package from you. The weapons I would definitely try to keep close by, ie checked bags, but the other stuff I would consider shipping early if possible. Then there is always checking in another bag. Not exactly high speed low drag cost efficient , but all your stuff gets there at one time.

[bamashooter]

Just break it down, fit whatever you plan on carrying in the case, perhaps a bit more protection around the glass and march on. Sure hope you're not thinking the shape of the case will deter theft.

[Lefty223]

If you haven’t cut into the case yet, I used a bass guitar case and found I had all the room needed - for my use anyway.

Good luck on your course (hope you get to attend, due to Covid et al) and thank you for your service.

[Averageman]

I've done this;
Go over to YouTube and take a look at what others have achieved.
Essential stuff you'll need.
Plasticote Paint. Seals up the open cell foam
An electric carving knife. Makes larger cuts fast and accurate.
A "Hot Knife". Makes tight cuts for small items
Chalk for tracing outlines.

[simonp67]

Nice looking case, what brand is it? Thought about doing the same as you.


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[ST911]

OK, I'm scheduled to take a rifle class in a couple months. Due to time constraints I'm going to have to fly rather than drive which means buying my ammo onsite, and checking a rifle as baggage. As a police officer I've flown often with sidearms in checked baggage, but this will be the first time with a rifle.

Generally NBD depending on origin and destination. I've had no issues with long guns, follow the rules.

Others mentioned, but I'll echo- Depends again on where you're going, but consider shipping everything or at least excess items to yourself. Many training facilities do this routinely and can assist.

Since I'm going to count this for training hours, I have to take most of my duty belt plus soft armor plus rifle vest... which will take up most of my suitcase.

What does your gear have to do with hours?

[tanksoldier]

What does your gear have to do with hours?

Chief is big on “train as you fight”... so if I’m taking a patrol rifle course, I have to train equipped the way the patrol rifle will be used. Can’t say I disagree. Shooting a rifle prone in street clothes is much different than in duty belt, soft armor and rifle vest.

[ST911]

Chief is big on “train as you fight”... so if I’m taking a patrol rifle course, I have to train equipped the way the patrol rifle will be used. Can’t say I disagree. Shooting a rifle prone in street clothes is much different than in duty belt, soft armor and rifle vest.

I figured it was something like that. Glad you have that kind of support from your boss.

The flip side, if you have the option to travel easier... The whole "train as you fight" thing gets way overplayed, and often ends up being more shtick than substance. Part of taking a course is capturing technique and method, learning what to practice, and bringing it home. Running your gun slick vs jocked up isn't fundamentally different if your underlying foundation is good.

What class are you taking?