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July 23rd, 2013
The popular vertical-loading Airglide rifle case from Plano is on sale again. You may want to strike while the price is right. Amazon.com is offering the Plano Airglide for $42.95 with FREE shipping. Free shipping is important as transport fees add $10-15 to the price with many vendors. CLICK HERE to order from Amazon with FREE shipping.
Among injection-molded rifle cases, Plano’s AirGlide™ case is unique in holding a rifle vertically, in foam cradles. This allows ample room for the 3″-wide fore-ends on BR and Varmint rifles. The foam blocks front and rear can even be trimmed for a custom fit, and velcro webbing straps hold the rifle securely.
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Airglide Will Hold a Benchrest Rifle with Wide Fore-end and 28″ Barrel
Measuring 51 1/2″L x 7 3/4″W x 12 1/4″H, the AirGlide can easily handle rifles up to 50″ in length. That should hold BR rifles with barrels up to 28.5″ (or 28″ if you have a thick recoil pad). With its 27.5″ barrel, my 6BR is exactly 49″ long (including pad) and there is about 1.3 inches to spare in an Airglide. My 6BRDX (in a Tracker ST-1000 stock with a thin metal buttplate) has a 29″ barrel and it fits. If you have a real long barrel or extended buttpad, measure the gun first. The AirGlide has proven very popular with Varmint shooters and BR competitors. Lockable and airline-approved, the AirGlide is a unique product at an affordable price. This Editor owns three Airglides and they are my favorite cases for transporting wide-stocked rifles to the range. (For airline transport, I do prefer a heavy-duty, wheeled aluminum safari case with recessed locks.)
April 5th, 2013
Our buddy Dennis Santiago found a great deal on a good gun case for AR-platform rifles. Now, as a special promo offer, you can get the Patriot AR case, for just $59.99. This case will fit ARs with barrels up to 20″ in length. NOTE: The photo shows Patriot’s AR case with custom-profiled foam. This case will accommodate virtually any AR with barrels up to 20″ long (some foam cutting required for A2-style stocks). Exterior length of the case is 41.5 inches, and internal length is 40.0 inches. Along with the main, pre-cut rifle cavity, there are cut-outs for four (4) magazines, a suppressor, and boxed ammo. The foam is high-density, 2.2-lb Mil-spec polyethylene. Patriot claims this dense foam is “impervious to cleaning oils/solvents, and will not hold moisture”. The case features six (6) molded holes for padlocks, and there are guards protecting the latches. This case carries an ATA Specification 300 II rating.
Brack Wilson of Patriot Cases explains: “FINALLY, after hundreds of requests, our new AR case is available for purchase online at PatriotCases.net This is an incredible deal at only $59.99, and we are offering a special discount for purchases through end of day Monday (April 8, 2013). Enter discount code Facebook at checkout.”
Dennis Santiago tells us: “If you have one of these genetically modified AR-15s set up in 21st Century shooting configuration, this is the case for you. This is perfect for your 3-gun machine…. Friend Brack Wilson just started making them and they went up on his company’s shopping cart today. It’s a solid, lockable design that uses mil-spec heavy foam. They’re on introductory special this weekend so now’s the time to grab one. Enter discount code “Facebook” at checkout and it will deduct $10 from the total cost (so your net cost is $49.99). I think this is the deal of the weekend.”
Dennis hopes that Patriot will produce another version for High Power Shooters: “For you high power guys, I’ve asked Brack to consider making a version with cutouts for the Service Rifle AR-15 with magazine cut outs for one of those Creedmoor mag pouches, a couple of more 20-rd mags (sled + sighter mags), an ECI, a sling, a scorebook. Our kind of stuff. It’d be nice to have a proper hard case with the right cutouts for these guns. It’ll make them safer for transport going to matches.”
March 28th, 2013
Many of our readers ask: “Where can I find a top-quality rifle case that will hold my scoped, long-barreled F-Class, or Benchrest rifle?” Most of the cases you’ll find at retailers are only good for guns with max barrel lengths in the 27-28″ range. And many of these cases are a tight fit if you have a large scope with big tall turrets and side parallax knobs.
Well here’s good news for owners of rifles with long barrels (up to 32″ in length). Starlight Cases offers the SC-081454 Double Rifle Case featuring a deep lid that measures 3″ from top to bottom. The increased clearance provided by the 3″-thick lid provides additional protection, without creating side loads on your scope that can cause reliability issues. What’s more, making the lid taller allows the hard case to better fit wide-forearm rifles and rifles with attached bipods.
SC-081454 cases are currently on sale at StarlightCases.com for $288.00 (10% off). That’s not inexpensive…. but when you’re hauling up to $7000.00 worth of rifle and optics, that’s money well spent for the added protection it provides, particularly during airline transport.
Internally, the SC-081454 Double Rifle Case is 8″ Deep X 14″ Wide X 54″ Long. That’s long enough to hold rifles with barrels up to 32″ — so this case can hold Palma, Long-Range Benchrest, and F-Class rifles. Case weight, unladen, is 26 pounds. You can custom-fit the interior to your rifle by cutting the layered foam with a hot knife. The SC-081454 hard-case also includes a molded-in recessed wheel kit for ease of transport. These cases are offered in black, Olive Drab, and “flat dark earth” colors.
Why the Deep Lid is a Good Thing: We’ve seen issues with bulky rifles (with large scopes) jammed into cases with insufficient clearance from top to bottom. This can put side-loads on your scope turrets that can lead to problems down the road. While you don’t want your rifle to shift during transport, at the same time you don’t want the case lid and bottom pressing on the rifle optics. We do recommend cutting the foam to create a fitted recess for your rifle.
The patented Latch-Lock™ System (with O-ring seal) on Starlight Cases ensures an airtight, watertight, chemical resistant protective case. Fitted with a pressure equalizer valve, Starlight cases are tested watertight and airtight to 400′ pressures. These durable hard cases are temp-tested from -65° to 200°. ATA-approved Starlights exceed the stringent Military MIL-C 4150J testing standards. All Starlight cases are Made in the USA and backed by an Unconditional Lifetime Warranty. In addition, If for any reason you are not satisfied with your case when it is delivered, you have 7 days to return the case to the manufacturer for a full refund.
October 28th, 2012
This week, Cabelas.com is offering big discounts on its line of “Bullet-Proof” metal gun transport cases. Cabela’s toaster-style, double-gun safari case (item IK-226585) offers exceptional protection for your rifles. And this week the case is on sale for $339.88 — that’s $100 off the regular price.
 Cabela’s premium safari case is built from .063″ aircraft aluminum with 45° heli-arc welded corners all around. Your rifles drop in vertically, each in its own slot, providing a very stable “pocket of protection” for the guns. This safari case has long been popular with hunters taking high-grade rifles to far-away hunting grounds (from Alaska to Africa). It’s tough enough to stand up to rough treatment from baggage handlers.
NOTE: This heavy-duty case weighs 34 lbs. empty. Some travelers report that domestic airlines may impose weight surcharges.
Owner Review: The Bullet Proof gun case is the best I have seen. It left Medford, Oregon and made four airplane changes. When we arrived in Johannesburg, S.Africa, the case was well scuffed from typical baggage handling. We arrived at camp, open the case and everything was in good shape. Test fired our rifles and all was well. A great, well constructed case that I plan to use many more times. I believe it will be in good shape for me to hand down to my grandson. — MMiker, Medford, OR
Another good choice is the Cabela’s “Bullet Proof” Double Scoped Rifle Case with Wheels and Luggage Rack (item IK-227343). This unit is now marked down from $264.99 to $199.88. This case measures 52″ x 14″ x 4-1/2″. It features integral wheels and a fold-out tray that holds additional luggage when rolling through an airport or train station. The baggage tray is very useful, and the wheels come in handy in large airports.
Owner Review: I purchased one for a trip to Africa two years ago and the bag handlers, TSA, & Customs Agents in three countries, on both legs of the trip, were unable to knock the rifles out of sight-in adjustments. I went to Wyoming with my son for pronghorn this fall, again no problems. The rifles were still sighted in for 200 yards when we returned. I’m very impressed with this case so I purchased a second for my son for Christmas this year. Almost enough air time to fly around the world and only minor scratches to show for it. I don’t know about “bullet proof” but it sure is baggage-handler proof! — Steve, Long Island, NY
Owner Review: Takes a beating. This case has been through it all, and the two rifles inside have always been dead-on after the case has been abused by baggage loaders, bounced around [in the] back of a truck 4-wheeling into elk country. In the airport the flip-open shelf is great — load duffle bag on it and roll on out. — TM, Tennessee
If you have a tight budget, the best bargain of all may be Cabela’s 52″ x 14″ x 4″ “Bullet-Proof” double scoped rifle case (item IK-226580) that is also on sale right now. The non-wheeled version of this case is now $90.00 off, marked down from $219.99 to just $129.88. That’s a heck of a deal for an all-metal case, with sturdy latches and welded corners.
Owner Review:This is one tough case. I painted a large white lightening bolt on each side to make mine unique. The wear and tear on my paint job showed how rough the handling had been back and forth to Africa. My rifles were in perfect condition. — Richard, Oxnard, CA
Sale Report by EdLongRange. We welcome reader submissions.
July 15th, 2011
 Big Spring Enterprises, the Arkansas-based maker of Bore-Store gun sacks, has completely updated the www.borestores.com website. You’ll now find a modern, easy-to-use online shopping cart system with decent-sized product photos. To mark the new website’s “grand opening”, the Bore-Store folks are offering a 10% discount on all online orders. Everything in the webstore is now 10% off. With the discount, handgun cases start at $4.95 and the smaller rifle cases are just $14.40. And there are also knife pouches and multi-pocket magazine stores starting at $450.00.
On the updated website, it’s easier than ever to select the right size and shape for your particular firearms — from pocket pistols, to long-barreled Palma rifles. If you don’t know which size Bore-Store to order, the handy “Case Finder” tool will steer you to the appropriate product after your enter your firearm’s height (with scope) and length. For most scoped rifles, you’ll want either the 10″ x 46″ scoped rifle bag or the 10 x 52″ scoped shotgun bag (this works great for long-barreled target rifles).
Bore-Stores Protect Your Guns in Many Ways
 We recommend Bore-Stores and we use them. Our take on Bore-Store Gun sleeves is simple: They work great, so buy them and use them — for ALL your valuable firearms. These thick, synthetic-fleece sacks cushion your guns, preventing nicks and scratches. The breathable fabric wicks away moisture, and the fibers are coated with corrosion inhibitors. This Editor personally uses Bore-Stores for in-safe storage with all my guns, and I have never had one of my guns rust inside a Bore-Store, even when I lived a stone’s throw from the ocean.
Bore-Stores are offered in a wide range of sizes, so you can find something to fit everything from a Snub-nosed revolver to a 32″-barrelled 50 BMG. Rifle-size Bore Stores can be purchased for $17.00 – $21.00 from Brownells or MidwayUSA. Of course, you can also order direct from Big Spring Enterprises at www.BoreStores.com. Big Spring will also craft custom large or unusual sizes on request.
Story idea from Edlongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
July 7th, 2011
MidwayUSA has released new versions of its tactical gun case/drag bag that has earned very high marks from purchasers. This product is plenty wide, with a padded internal divider, so it really can handle two rifles. One purchaser confirms: “[This drag bag] holds my custom 300 Rem mag and my AR-15 with plenty of room.” MidwayUSA’s Sniper Drag Bag Scoped Rifle Gun Case comes in two lengths — either 50″ or 56″ overall. MidwayUSA says the internal length is 4″ shorter than the overall length, but that’s a little conservative. The 50″ length will handle most rifles with up to 25″ barrels, while the longer length should handle 30″-barreled rifles. We’re pleased MidwayUSA offers two lengths. One of the problems with many “tactical” gun cases is that they are simply too short for modern target rifles, particularly F-TR rigs. And many tactical competitors are running fairly long tubes these days.
MidwayUSA’s drag bags are made from tough, Cordura-style PVC-coated nylon, with reinforced stitching, heavy-duty zippers and closed cell foam padding in all pockets. These are big bags, with three large external pockets and one internal pocket. Notably, the full-length padded divider wall allows for secure two-gun storage, although this becomes a very heavy package with two scoped rifles inside. To assist with field carry, the MidwayUSA Drag Bag features backpack-style shoulder straps.
50″ Drag Bag Now On Sale for $64.99
Here’s the good news — now through the end of July, 2011, the shorter, 50″ Drag Bag is only $64.99 in either black or OD. You can save $35 off the regular $99.99 price. If you’re a tactical shooter and your rifle can fit in the shorter 50″ bag, jump on this deal. We doubt you can easily find another gun case with so many features for just $64.99. The 56″ Drag Bag costs $129.99, in either black or olive drab.
Positive User Reviews
James D in California, who purchased one of these bags last year, writes: “I don’t post reviews much, but this deserves comment. I was looking for an inexpensive solution to get my rifles to the range, so I purchased one of these drag bags. What a shock, It’s outstanding! Quality materials, excellent design and workmanship. It’s padded, has pockets inside of pockets, supports to where it as a pack, over the shoulder or like a case. It’s got everything! I also saw one at my local gunstore — EXACTLY like it for over twice the price! If you need a bag, this is it.”
June 30th, 2011
Dvor.com is a “private sale”, members-only discount site operated by OpticsPlanet.com. If you register (for FREE), with Dvor.com, you can purchase at low, “members only” prices. The deals change regularly. Most of the promotions last one or two days, but some special sales are good for a week. Here are some of the better deals for the next couple of days. Remember there are new deals nearly every day so you need to check Dvor.com frequently. We provide links for these three items. However to see the sale price or to order, you must first register with Dvor.com. Only Dvor-registered members get the super-low, limited-time sale prices.
OPMOD 3 in 1 Rifle Case
Dvor Sale Price: $52.00, Reg. $89.00
This is a double-rifle tactical case/drag bag that folds open to serve as a shooting mat. There are removable shoulder straps for field carry. The main interior compartment is 45″ long, and there are two large outside pockets, one 27″x10″ and the other 14.5″x10″. The OP MOD combines rugged PVC material, PAL webbing, and heavy duty zippers. This double case/shooting mat comes in black or tan. NOTE: This bag is too short for rifles with barrels much longer than about 26″. This is not an elite-quality case/drag bag, but it is a good value at the $52.00 sale price.
Frankford Arsenal Corn Cob Media – 15 lbs.
DVOR Sale Price: $14.00, Expires 7/1/2011 then $16.99
(MidwayUSA sells 15 lbs. of Corn Cob Media in a bag for $14.99 through 6/20/2011; Reg. Price $22.99)
While this Editor prefers walnut shells for brass tumbling, many folks favor Corn Cob Media because Corn media produces a very brilliant shine with less dust. The Frankford Arsenal Corn Cob Media has been pre-treated with brass polish to work more effectively. We recommend adding a bit of liquid Flitz to the mixture along with a small splash of mineral spirits. If you add Flitz or other liquid polish, be sure to run your tumbler for a few minutes to distribute the liquid and avoid clumps.
Vero Vellini High Climbing Double Sling
Dvor Sale Price: $44.00, Reg. $93.00 | Sale ends 6/30/2011!
This is a high-quality, neoprene padded double sling that lets you carry a heavy hunting or tactical rifle securely, centered over your back. The Double Sling leaves both arms free for climbing hills, trees, mountains or carrying gear. The system is similar to the sling rigs used by Biathlon competitors, which stabilize the rifle even when you’re moving quickly or climbing. If you miss out on Dvor’s $44.00 price, Amazon.com has the Vero Vellini Double Sling for $54.99.
 
March 29th, 2011
CDNN Investments recently released its new 2011-1 Catalog. As we’ve come to expect from CDNN, the new catalog is full of deeply-discounted pistols, rifles, shotguns, optics, magazines, gunstocks — plus myriad other gun parts and accessories. CDNN typically buys overstock or obsolete inventory from manufacturers and then resells these items — often at prices way below normal retail. You should download the 2011-1 catalog and see for yourself. Along with the firearm bargains, we found some amazing deals on shooting accessories. Here are a few…
Sllencio Ear Muffs Just $4.69
First, CDNN is offering Silencio EarMuffs for just $4.69 (or $3.99 for 6 units or more). If you help run a gun club or junior shooting program, and you need a large quantity of ear muffs — here’s your opportunity. You can buy a dozen muffs for just $47.88. Stellar deal.
Quality Kydex Holster for $9.99
Next, CDNN offers Uncle Mike’s molded Kydex straight-drop holster for just $9.99. This Editor owns this very same holster and I use it for general range practice and IDPA matches. I really like the straight drop which allows the holster to be used in multiple strong-side positions as well as cross-draw. This holster fit my Glock perfectly (way better than a $95.00 BladeTech holster I used to own). Don’t be fooled by the low price, this is a very good holster, with a better fit to the gun than many $100 holsters. Check the advert for availability for your Glock, Beretta, HK, or S&W M&P. If you can’t find a CDNN sale item to fit, you can normally get these holsters for under $22.00 at gunshops.
Better Grip for Your AR — Just $14.99
One of the first things many AR15 shooters do is replace the standard plastic pistol grip, with something that fills the hand better. One of our favorite replacement grips for AR platform rifles is the MFG Grip from Israel. Much more ergonomic than the standard grip, the MFG was originally developed for Israeli Special Forces. It features a stippled back, finger groove, and an internal storage compartment with trap door. It’s on sale at CDNN for just $14.99.
Hi-Viz 52″ Rifle Case Only $18.99
The last item that caught our eye is a Burnt Orange 52″-long plastic rifle case. This Plano-made gun case is lockable and airline-approved. Why would you want a bright-colored rifle case? Well, at a well-attended match you’ll often see dozens of virtually identical rifle cases. If your case is orange while all the others are black, there’s less chance someone may walk away with your rifle by mistake. And Airport thieves are less-inclined to grab a bright-colored case that is easy to spot at a distance.
CLICK HERE to Download Latest CDNN 2011-1 Catalog (34 meg PDF file).
February 12th, 2011
You should check out the new GunCases.com website if you need a gun case, gun safe, firearms storage solution, and/or shooting accessories. Guncases.com was recently launched by the folks who run OpticsPlanet.com, a major online optics retailer with a good reputation for competitive pricing, reliable shipping, and responsive customer support.
GunCases.com Offers Wide Range of Products
Hopefully the new GunCases.com website will emulate the better qualities of OpticsPlanet.com. A quick pass through GunCases.com shows that the website name is something of a misnomer — it offers much more than just gun cases, safes, and storage cabinets. You’ll find a complete range of firearms accessories, including ear muffs, eye protection, gun cleaning kits, rifle slings, bipods, shooting rests, range boxes, and more. When navigating the GunCases.com site, you can conveniently search by category, brand name, or keyword.
Quality Brands Featured
As expected the selection of rifle cases is very extensive. We were pleased to see that GunCases.com carries Plano AirGlide (vertical) cases, SKB Double Rifle Cases, Storm cases, Pelican transport boxes, and hardshell range boxes for bullseye pistol shooters. The AirGlide is one of the best choices for transporting a wide-forearmed benchrest rifle, and the SKB “bunkbed” two-gun case offers great protection for a pair of High Power or hunting rifles.
Large Gun Safes, Handgun Safes, and Security Cabinets
Guncases.com also carries a wide selection of gun safes and security cabinets. Large, heavy fire-resistant gun-safes are offered from Cannon, Homak, and Mesa Gun Safes. The prices on the big safes are pretty good. The popular Gunvault handgun safes are offered and you’ll find Homak steel security cabinets ranging in price from $99 – $499. While not as theft- or fire-resistant as a heavy-walled gun safe, a security cabinet can provide secure, locked storage for tools, optics, and other valuables.
December 8th, 2010
The folks at Personal Armament Podcast have come up with Holiday Gift Guide for Yuppie Shooters. While that story title mocks shooters who may have more money than skill, the list actually contains some interesting new gear. Here are a few examples:
Technoframes Ammo Carriers and Display Cases.
These CNC-machined display boxes look great. There are many varieties to choose from, including wood, metal, and plexiglass. We like the fact that many of the boxes are lockable.
 
 
Custom Tool for Loading and Unloading Revolver Moon Clips
This unique moon/de-moon tool set retails for $80 and is available from Randell Kenner, 3111 Lien Street, Rapid City, SD 57702, (605) 605-348-3538, bmtmooner@rushmore.com.
Moon Clip Tool photos courtesy www.ApexTactical.com.
Faux Guitar Case Gun Bag
This Ultimate Discrete Rifle Case, produced for LWRC Int’l by Blue Force Gear, stows a tactical carbine inside what appears to be a guitar case. Looks nicely made, but when you think about it, why pay $149.99 for the “Ultimate Discrete Rifle Case” when, for forty bucks or less on eBay, you can buy a real “previously-owned” guitar case that will do the same job — and be even more stealthy.
Check Out the Podcasts from PersonalArmament.com
You should visit the Personal Armament Podcast Site. Launched in 2009, this website features dozens of podcast interviews with interesting folks, including 2010 National Long-Range Champion John Whidden, Chris Hodgdon of Hodgdon/IMR Powders, and Kevin Thomas from Nammo Lapua.
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