Got Your Stinger Missile Box Yet?
Last month, we ran a story explaining how surplus aluminum Stinger missile transport boxes can be modified to hold two long-barreled match rifles side-by-side. We have received many emails concerning the Stinger missile box conversions. People wanted to know where they could purchase the Stinger boxes commercially. Folks also asked about shipping costs and weights.
On the outside, the Stinger missile transport boxes measure roughly 66″ x 12″ x 13″. Usable inside length is just under 62″. That’s nearly a foot longer than a typical long-range benchrest rifle with 30″ barrel — so you have plenty of clearance. As received from Uncle Sam, with hard foam internal cradles, the boxes weigh about 53 pounds. The boxes are watertight and are fitted with air relief valves, but they do not have key-locks. However, it is pretty easy to retrofit a hasp lock for security.
Stinger Missile Boxes $199.97 at SportsmansGuide.com
The Sportsman’s Guide is now selling the Stinger boxes for $199.97 plus shipping. These durable containers weigh a hefty 53 pounds shipped so there is a $5.00 “heavy product” surcharge in addition to regular shipping and handling fees. If you are a member of Sportsmans’ Guide’s “Buyers Club”, you can save money. Buyer’s Club price is listed at $179.97 plus shipping. If you’re doing a search on the Sportsman’s Guide website, these boxes are listed as “U.S. Military Aluminum Container”, item number WX2-157199.
Forum Member Stinger Box Offer
Paul Scott, one of our Shooters’ Forum members, acquired many of these Stinger cases a while back. He still has a half-dozen or so for sale at $175.00 plus shipping. These are the same type U.S. Army surplus missile boxes that Sportsman’s Guide is selling. The dimensions and features are identical, they’re just a bit cheaper. Paul charges actual UPS shipping, which should run from $30-$50 depending on far you are from Paul’s Texas home. To order, email pscott [at] pegasustexas.com.
It is very easy to add wheels to a Stinger Box. Start by sliding a solid axle through the horizontal “bumper” on one end. Add spacers, wheels, cotter pins and … Voilà, you have a wheeled double-gun transporter. Shown below is Paul Scott’s wheeled Stinger box: “The wife found a old hand truck dolly with 10″ no-flat wheels. Put the axle through the aft bottom bumper and secured it with 1/2″ pipe clamps. The spacer is 1/2″ irrigation pipe cut to fit and adapted for cotter pins. The 10″ wheels are perfect to fit in the box.”
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Tags: Aluminum, Gun Case, Sportsman's Guide, Stinger
If these were half the price, I’m sure this would be more common. You can buy a pelican/storm case for about the same price, so this doesn’t make much sense.
Ryan, remember the Stinger box can hold TWO rifles vertically, plus a ton of gear, such as a front rest and spotting scope. For something as big as this, Pelican is actually MORE expensive.
The biggest Pelican Storm #1750 gun case is only 50.50″ x 14.00″ x 6.00″ inside and can carry ONE gun, in a horizontal position which can put pressure on the scope.
Pelican did introduce a new $399.00 #1770 Long Case with wheels, but the interior is only 54.6 long x 8.6 inches deep, and that’s probably NOT deep enough to hold (vertically) two (2) F-Class rifles with scopes (If you leave an inch of foam under the buttstock).
To get a case with similar carrying capacity, you would need a Pelican Hardigg commercial case, such as:
AL5910-0604 Single Lid Case @ $598.50
Interior Dimensions:
59.06″ x 9.91″ x 10.30″ (150 x 25.2 x 26.2 cm)
AL6815-1005 Single Lid Case @ $771.75
Interior Dimensions:
68.00″ x 15.25″ x 15.32″ (172.7 x 38.7 x 38.9 cm)
A Stinger box will hold a LOT more than a typical Pelican gun case… a second rifle for starters.
I think this is a great idea. The only downfall being overall weight with 2 rifles, rest, ammo, and sandbags or other necessary gear, though any case is going to have weight issues when loaded with that much gear. Most anything designed by the military is very rugged, and considering these were designed to carry missiles, they are probably stronger than necessary. But when you are carrying $6000 worth of gear, you really want it well protected.
As far as Pelican being cheaper, you evidently haven’t priced a Pelican lately. As the above poster has noted, you are going to pay double for a case that isn’t as big or most likely built as rugged.
I have built a case with similar dimensions from aluminum diamond plate. Mine is 68″ long, 14″ deep, and 18″ wide. I have yet to weigh it, but it’s heavy! I built it as I have a small pick-up, and trying to fit 3 rifles in the cab was an exercise in futility. With my case I can secure it in the bed with ratchet straps, as I added steel rings in brackets on all four corners. It also has 10″ inflatable tires on one end from harbor freight that cost $6 a piece and a rugged handle on the other end so it can be rolled wherever needed. I am also designing a set of detachable legs so it can be used as a make-shift shooting bench. It also has 3 spots to strap in rifles that are totally padded and secure along with compartments to secure a rest and rear bag, ammo and spotting scope with small tripod. And when I plan to load at the range, I have a lip on the wheeled end and strap my loading box on it like a hand truck.
I truly feel the missile box is a great idea for anyone serious about gun protection and having a top notch case to contain all their gear. I probably would have bought one instead of building the monster that I have had I known about before now. It will be nearly as versatile as much box, without the hours of fab time I invested.
I use a diamond plate tool box, not one to fit in the width of the bed but one that is designed to sit above the wheel well along the length of the bed. It includes a lock and heavy duty hinges. The only thing I needed to do in order to make it waterproof was install bolts and sealing locking washers where the mount attaches. Surplus from Ebay.
Anyone know where these can now be purchased? Sportsmansguide is sold out.
awise1@cinci.rr.com