Stinger Missile Box Makes Dandy Double-Gun Safari-Style Case
You have to hand it to the Texans. Forum member Paul Scott (aka “FTRinTexas”), has created a sturdy double-gun case from a surplus Stinger Missile transport box. Measuring roughly 63″ x 11″ x 13″, the aluminum Stinger box is big enough to fit two, long-barreled match rifles side by side, stowed vertically, toaster-style. There’s even room inside for a spotting scope and other accessories. With a little effort (and some after-market foam), the Stinger box can be converted into a very practical (and rugged) gun case.
The converted Stinger box is also an attention-getter according to Paul: “Other guys at the range definitely do a double-take when you haul a missile case out of your truck! They’re kind of disappointed when I open the lid and they see there are only rifles inside.”
Advantages of Side-by-Side (Vertical) Rifle Cases
For wide-forearm rifles with big scopes, we have always liked the vertical storage (drop-in style) cases such as the Plano AirGlide. Vertical placement allows the gun’s weight to rest on the stock with no side-pressure applied to the scope turrets. We’ve asked Plano to make a double-gun case of a similar design, but that’s not going to happen any time soon.
There are companies that make large, metal-bodied safari cases that stow two rifles vertically, side-by-side. These cases are super-secure, but they are also very expensive. Cabela’s side-by-side Safari Case costs $399.00, and it will only hold rifles up to about 50″ overall length. Ziegel Engineering makes a beautiful two-rifle, top-loading Expedition case, but it costs $639.95, and is also limited to a 50″ rifle OAL.
The Stinger Solution — Inexpensive, Rugged Side-By-Side Storage
Paul Scott was clever to source a Stinger Box and transform it into a side-by-side double rifle case. With over five FEET (61.5″) of internal length, the box will secure guns with barrels up to 38″ with ease. And the Stinger box is wide enough to hold two F-Class guns side-by-side with plenty of clearance. Stinger boxes come with an O-ring seal, air relief valve, and handles on each end. Hasp locks are easily added, as are wheels (just slide an axle through the lower “bumper” flange on the box end.)
As received from Uncle Sam, a surplus Stinger storage box needs some modification to work as a double rifle case. Paul removed most of the internal foam padding from the lower section, and then used an electric knife to carve cradles to support the two rifles under the forearms and buttstocks. The original hard foam blocks in the Stinger box lid were replaced with closed cell foam like that used in Pelican cases. Paul found that the new foam in the lid would press down on the scopes’ elevation knobs, so he cut round holes in the top foam to provide additional turret clearance.
As you can see in the photos, Paul had enough room forward of the rifles to stow his spotting scope and disassembled spotting scope stand. Paul simply placed another layer of foam in the bottom of the box and then cut the foam to fit the equipment. Another foam layer can be placed over the spotting scope and stand to prevent slippage during shipment.
If you are interested in making your own double-gun case from a Stinger box, email PScott [at] pegasustexas.com . Paul has a few extra Stinger boxes he may be willing to sell for around $175 each. Each of these Stinger Missile containers cost Uncle Sam $2066.00 originally! The photo below shows the Stinger transport box before modification.
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Tags: F-Class, Gun Case, Gun Locker, Stinger Missile, Surplus, Texas
Can these be checked as luggage? Or are they too large?
First, as Gerry notes in another comment, you’d better strip off all the rocket/explosive references, or repaint the whole box, before you head to an airport.
On most airlines they can be checked, provided they are locked. However, you will probably have to pay “oversize” fees. Most domestic carriers impose fees if the COMBINED dimensions (L+H+W) exceed 62 inches. With this box you’re at 62″ before adding width and height.
Also, consider weight. Many carriers impose extra fees if the baggage item weighs 50 lbs/23 kgs or more. Other carriers set the limit at 70 lbs/32 kgs. You never want to exceed 70 lbs as the fees can be astronomical. American Airlines charges $450.00 for any checked item weighing between 71 lbs and 100 lbs. — That could be more than your ticket cost!
Well I read the entire article …twice..and I still do not know what Paul did with the stingers!!!
with tongue in cheek,
Roy
If you can make it into the Air Port carring a Stinger box with “Explosive
Projectile” stenciled on it you are either very brave or very stupid. And,
if you don’t get the Air Port shut down and evacuated we might get to see you on the evening news being escorted out in cuffs.
“Badlands”
These make great F-open range kits.
I added two 10” wheels in the back and bar up front and handle the box like a two wheel dolly. The large wheels handle natural terrain much better then the small airport wheels.
The rifle rides in the box on the front rest and rear bag. The legs on my front rest fold back so I can put the rifle down one side of the box. This leaves room beside the rifle for spotting scope and its base. But the box is 11” wide and will accept the Cadwell BR base. A bigger front rest can be strapped on top via the many open tubes.
I can also put all my other gear into this one range box. I have a one plastic box with tools and cleaning equipment, another box for my items needed at the firing line – wind meter, timer, glasses, etc. 200 rounds of ammo, cleaning rod, towel, Midway small mat, log book, elbow pad and a couple of bottles of water – all find their place.
Roll it back to the truck and in she goes. Back home everything is always loaded and ready to roll.
Before you fly with these you need to check with the airline…while what the editor said about oversize luggage may be correct with some airlines….
Southwest considers gun cases ‘sporting goods’ and the dimension restrictions don’t apply (it does count as a checked bag)……Now if you brought something that was 30x30x90 they might balk…..and I’m sure these are subject to change…..
It wouldn’t surprise me if the VPC will start using pix from your Stinger Storage Box/50 Cal combo as “proof” that 50 cals can “take down aircraft” in one of their Google “researches”…sadly I am only half way joking.