Need a shotgun case that doesn't look like a shotgun case

[edrex]

I'll be flying with my shotgun this summer. I'd like to find a case that is durable for air travel, and doesn't look like a gun case (I stay in hotels and don't want to draw extra attention).

Here are some of my needs:
Length + Width + Height less than 65 inches
Internal length minimum of 32 inches
Lockable/Secure for air travel
Preferably closer to $100 than $200+

I have seen some Vanguard cases that look like they would work but can't find any decent reviews or info on them. Same with Do All Outdoors cases. I can go with a Pelican for around $200, but it still looks pretty "gunny" IMO.
Any suggestions on cases that might work or does anyone have experience flying with any of the above cases?
Thanks,
ed.

[llamatrnr]

Guitar case.

[winnre]

Get a Pelican and stick fishing stickers all over it. Make it look like a rod case.

[crackerman]

Originally Posted by winnre

Get a Pelican and stick fishing stickers all over it. Make it look like a rod case.

Nah put FEMA stickers all over the case and really freak people out.

That said the Do all is probably your best bet for the non-gun gun case. Looks like a music or test equipment case. Though a pelican would be pretty good since 32" ID is usually to small to look like a gun case, especially if you put some thing boring like meteorology test equipment or Colonoscopy calibration equipment. No one is going to take that.

[wjc]

Here's another thought...

Can you break your shotgun down to two pieces. You could then get a small hard case that wouldn't betray you were transporting a full sized shotgun.

I have to do this for my Baretta as it won't fit into my normal cases (long barrel).

[RazzB7]

I just bought 2 of these and I think they are fantastic.



http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=516482

[g_conway]

^^ I like this one...

You can say it's for your Stinger Missle.

[RazzB7]

Originally Posted by g_conway

^^ I like this one...

You can say it's for your Stinger Missle.

I was thinking of claiming they were golf clubs if anyone asked. (Obviously not at the ticket counter when flying). They're about the right size. I like that I can secure two long guns in cradles and have room for other small stuff if I want.

[edrex]

Great suggestions. I like the idea of using stickers on the case to make it look like something else.

[tpuig]

Not sure what you have, but most shotguns break down. A shorter case is much less obvious and with a couple stickers, probably won't attract much attention.
If you're going to fly, it has to be tough and lockable, and having the shotgun already taken apart is much quicker for the "unloaded" visual inspection...

My buddy travels a lot with firearms, and he has a two piece set. The first is a fairly flat aluminum case that holds his rifle and/or shotgun broken down. The other is a duffel bag that holds clothes in one part, and the gun case in the bottom. Very nice, relatively small and you don't have any idea there is a gun case inside. I can't remember his brand, but something like this one.
http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=3E24
http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=246P

[edrex]

Sorry, I guess I should have mentioned that its a Benelli M2. So it can be broken down, and is 31" long when in pieces.

[mrblah]

pelican case or harddig w/ TSA approved locks. Once you are at your destination, you can either add more locks, add a cable lock to tie to furniture, rent a gun locker at a local gun shop (if they offer it), ask the hotel if they have a safe room/vault, etc.


Don't try to hide it, don't tell anyone what is in it (unless its the TSA or authorities, etc.), don't put stickers on it, and act nonchalant about it like what you carry is part of your normal routine. I'd rather have people guess all day long what is in my case, and not approach me, than someone ask me what is in my case because of my stickers.

Trust me nobody cares what is in your case, unless you advertise something on there.

[IntoForever]

And if you do put stickers on it, don't make it look like something else that is expensive.

[JoeJinKY]

Originally Posted by llamatrnr

Guitar case.

Yeah. go to an airport with a shotgun in a guitar case, and the TSA will break open a brand new box of latex gloves just for you!

[ysr_racer]

Originally Posted by mrblah

pelican case or harddig w/ TSA approved locks. Once you are at your destination, you can either add more locks, add a cable lock to tie to furniture, rent a gun locker at a local gun shop (if they offer it), ask the hotel if they have a safe room/vault, etc.


Don't try to hide it, don't tell anyone what is in it (unless its the TSA or authorities, etc.), don't put stickers on it, and act nonchalant about it like what you carry is part of your normal routine. I'd rather have people guess all day long what is in my case, and not approach me, than someone ask me what is in my case because of my stickers.

Trust me nobody cares what is in your case, unless you advertise something on there.

I travel with my shotgun, a lot.

Never use TSA locks.

Show up early, declare it to the counter, show them it's unloaded, sign the declaration, put the declaration inside the case, lock it, keep the key.

I use a Tuffpak, They're not cheap, but neither is my shotgun.

[mrblah]

DOH, thanks for clarification. I got confused with my late night posting.

You are right, the locks cannot be open by anyone other than you after declaration at the counter.

[llamatrnr]

Originally Posted by JoeJinKY

Yeah. go to an airport with a shotgun in a guitar case, and the TSA will break open a brand new box of latex gloves just for you!

To look for my amp?

[sharxbyte]

Originally Posted by JoeJinKY

Yeah. go to an airport with a shotgun in a guitar case, and the TSA will break open a brand new box of latex gloves just for you!

Nothing in the law says you cannot have a shotgun in a guitar case (or anything else for that matter) As long as you declare it (which if I remember right, is a legal requirement anyway) and you aren't flying internationally, there should not be any issues.

[g_conway]

Originally Posted by mrblah

pelican case or harddig w/ TSA approved locks. Once you are at your destination, you can either add more locks, add a cable lock to tie to furniture, rent a gun locker at a local gun shop (if they offer it), ask the hotel if they have a safe room/vault, etc.


Don't try to hide it, don't tell anyone what is in it (unless its the TSA or authorities, etc.), don't put stickers on it, and act nonchalant about it like what you carry is part of your normal routine. I'd rather have people guess all day long what is in my case, and not approach me, than someone ask me what is in my case because of my stickers.

Trust me nobody cares what is in your case, unless you advertise something on there.

NEVER use TSA locks on a gun case. Read the rules, NO ONE other than the owner is supposed to have the ability to open the case. Even many of the TSA idiots don't know the law. That case is only supposed to be opened in your presence. (rules outside of the USA...)

[Jeffy]

SKS makes instrument cases as well as gun cases. They look similar from the outside. At least the double case does. Honestly, though no one's going to give it a second look as long as it's in a rectangular case that doesn't follow the silhouette of the gun. They're a bit cheaper then Pelican/Storm.

My Storm i3100 case looks like a rugged guitar case.

[chillincody]

hard case for golf clubs n foam GTG

[ridiqls]

most important thing to consider is that you look cool

[pinochet]

empty

[mrblah]

Originally Posted by g_conway

NEVER use TSA locks on a gun case. Read the rules, NO ONE other than the owner is supposed to have the ability to open the case. Even many of the TSA idiots don't know the law. That case is only supposed to be opened in your presence. (rules outside of the USA...)

Echo anyone?

I'm fully aware of the rules, and someone has already pointed out my mistake, which I have already acknowledged.

[fitzrobbi]

I have few cases for my gun..which i've have taken from south-pak

[92greenyj]

How about a golf club or fishing rod case? Hell depending on where you are going a ski case would work well too

[Databyter]

I used to be into kite flying and the soft cases they sell with kites or for kites are a lot like longun cases.

I'm looking at one right now that my shotgun would fit into.

Some are soft cases and some are molded semi-soft or hard cases, and generally they do not look like gun cases.

Of course I am not talking about the kind of kites you might find at the supermarket.