As part of MidwayUSA’s Black Friday Week Sale, which ends today, Nov. 29th, MidwayUSA has discounted its popular Competition Series range bags. Both the compact version and the full-size range bags are deeply discounted for the remainder of today. The Compact Range Bag is just $29.99 in either black or olive drab, and the Large Range Bag, which is almost the size of a travel duffle, is $39.99 in black or OD. We think you’ll be very satisfied with either product (we like the OD color best). In April we field-tested the compact model and we were very impressed with the design and the quality. Below are highlights from our field-test. CLICK HERE for FULL TEST STORY.
MidwayUSA Compact Competition Range Bag
Measuring 16″L x 12″W x 10″H, this Compact Range Bag is definitely smaller than MidwayUSA’s popular Large Range Bag (22″L x 15″W x 10″H). However, the “Compact” version will hold plenty of gear — pretty much all a pistol shooter will need at the range. For a rifle shooter, it will haul ammo boxes, earmuffs, magazines, and other miscellaneous gear. The bag is made from a strong, heavy-duty PVC-coated polyester, with high-quality, large-toothed zippers. A comfortable, curved carry strap is secured by sturdy, all-metal clips. The “build quality” is visibly much better than most range bags on the market.
Deceptively Large Capacity for a ‘Compact’ Bag
To test the carrying capacity of the MidwayUSA bag, we loaded it up with 100 rounds of rifle ammo, 600 rounds of centerfire pistol ammo, 500 rounds rimfire, earmuffs and FOUR pistols tucked in the padded side sleeves. All that gear fit nicely with room to spare. (We recommend putting handguns in protective sleeves if you load two per side). The padded, full-width, zippered main pocket keeps seven spare magazines organized and protected. On the reverse side of the bag, a similar, full-length padded pocket provides undivided storage space. The bag’s many pockets make it easy to organize miscellaneous gear such as staple gun, target stickers, small binoculars, timers, and radios.
by Zak Smith
The simple and well-made rifle cases my dad and I used when I was a kid are hard to find and don’t fit the kinds of long-guns I shoot most these days: long-range precision rifles and AR-15s. There are plenty of “tactical” rifle cases on the market, but between poor construction and bad design features, it’s hard to really like most of them. One notable poor design feature is putting the zip opening on the bottom of the case (opposite the carry handle). The use of junky, low-quality zippers is another all-too-common defect.
MidwayUSA’s new “Pro Series” tactical rifle cases happily do not have those problems. The cases work well and have some good features. You can select between “tactical” black or a handsome OD green. Three sizes are offered, giving buyers a choice of 35″, 43″, or 47″ overall case lengths. Right now through the end of September, 2010, both colors and all three sizes are on sale.
I am not a fan of overloading rifle cases with a lot of extra junk, or bulky pockets that encourage it. The MidwayUSA case has plenty of internal compartments, and a large external pocket that may fit a compact M4/AR-15. Inside the main compartment, there are Velcro retention straps to hold your gun in place. The case also has angled, internal slash pockets on both ends. These help protect the muzzle on one end and help secure the buttstock on the other end.
Although the case is designed more for an AR-15 (with a half-dozen magazine pouches on the outside), I threw my Accuracy International AW — chambered in .260 Remington — into the case and took it down to the Sporting Rifle Match held at the NRA Whittington Center in Raton, NM. Although the bolt rifle wouldn’t normally fit in an AR case, with the AW’s stock folded, it fit perfectly with room to spare.
Editor’s Note: The 47″ version of the case can swallow fixed-stock rifles with barrels up to about 25.5 inches. In the 43″ Pro Series case, a non-folding Accuracy International AW with 20″ barrel plus factory muzzle brake fit fine, with no clearance problems.
I don’t use a thread protector on the rifle’s muzzle when the suppressor is removed, so the muzzle “pocket” in the MidwayUSA case was nice. My suppressor, rear shooting bag, and some ammo went in the outer pocket. The top zipper opening is reminiscent of the full-on sniper drag bags, or more pertinently, easy to pull the rifle out with the bag set on the ground or in the bed of my truck.
With a glut of rifle cases on the market, the MidwayUSA Pro Series is built well and has pricing that cannot be beat. Now through September 30, 2010, the Pro Series Cases are on sale at MidwayUSA. 35″ models are $38.99, the 43″ case is $42.99, and the largest 47″ case is $44.99.
Here’s a good value for you tactical shooters out there. MidwayUSA has its 50″-long black nylon tactical drag bag on sale for $64.99, marked down from $89.99. This is a very versatile bag that compares favorably with drag bags costing $120.00 or more. The bags feature heavy-duty zippers and tons of storage, including internal pouches for magazines. There is a removable divider allowing two-gun storage, and the drag bag has a shoulder-strap system so you can carry the bag in the vertical mode like a backpack. With two rifles inside, however, that’s a heavy load.
Used this bag recently at a 3-Gun match. It held a full-length AR, Remington 1100, and all the ammo, mags and gear needed for a stage easily. With the backpack straps, it was easy to carry all that weight. Highly recommended. — Bob M., MO
This is a real nice bag. It is just the right size for my 26″. .308 Rem 700. Plenty of padding, nice that it can hold two rifles, but it obviously gets real heavy. Side pockets are perfect size for a spotting scope, although the pockets aren’t padded enough for a scope. Bigger side pocket fits ear muffs and such. — T.M., WI
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 wear 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! (with a different name of course) Honestly, at twice the price… I’d still like it! If you need a bag, this is it. — J. Dawson, CA
I have few other more expensive bags and I would trade them for this one. Its great. Holds my custom 300 Rem mag and my AR-15 with plenty of room. All kinds of pockets for wind meters, clips, et cetera. – J. Harrison, GA
Black Bags Coming Soon. Green Bags Will Cost More
This black $64.99 drag bag is currently back-ordered, but it is expected in stock on 7/26/2010, so you might as well place an order before the price goes up. Also, note that Midway is offering a special promo for our readers (see below). FYI, a nice-looking olive drab version of this bag will be available in the future for $89.99. If you strongly prefer green you’ll want to wait… but then the price will be higher.
Save an Extra $10 off Order of $50.00 or More
If the price reduction for the Tactical Drag Bag isn’t enough of an incentive, MidwayUSA is offering an exclusive promotion for AccurateShooter.com readers this July. To save an additional ten bucks on your order of $50 or more, use PROMO CODE 2437210 during check-out. This promo expires 7/31/2010. NOTE: If, for any reason, this Promo Code does not activate during the online purchase process, call MidwayUSA’s customer service department, at 1-800-243-3220.
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.”
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.
Update 12/6/2009: The price has gone up to $39.99, but shipping is still free. When we released this story the price was $34.00.
The Plano Airglide vertical-style gun case is on sale at Amazon.com for $39.99 with FREE shipping. This has been one of the most popular sale items we’ve featured in the Bulletin. It’s a real good price because of the FREE shipping. Most other vendors charge $36.00 or more, plus up to $18.00 shipping per case. NOTE: The case is pretty roomy, but if your barrel exceeds 28″, the gun may not fit. Maximum internal length is 50″. Measure your rifle before you order.
The NRA National Championships at Camp Perry commence Monday the 13th of July. To mark that event, Creedmoor Sports is offering a special “Internet Only” deal on its Deluxe Scoped Rifle Case. This is a really nice soft case — heavily padded, and constructed of 1000 Denier, waterproofed Cordura Nylon on the outside and nylon pack cloth on the inside. It has carry handles, a shoulder strap, and even backpack straps!
The case comes in Olive Drab green only. A large padded exterior pocket is great for carrying cleaning supplies and ammo. There is even a special sheath for your cleaning rod. The case is offered in 41″, 48″, or 52″ lengths. The 48″ model will hold most rifles with up to 28″ barrels. The 52″ model is good for Palma rifles and other long guns with barrels up to 32″.
The regular price is $116.98. Right now, through July 12, 2009, the price is lowered to $85.00. This is an internet-only deal so you have to click the link below to get this low price. NOTE: This offer is for THIS WEEKEND ONLY and expires July 12, 2009 at midnight.
Some good deals are to be had among Midsouth Shooters Supply’s April Specials.
Barnes M/LE Bullets on Sale
Barnes Bullets has introduced a new line of Military Law Enforcement (M/LE) lead-free bullets. Based on technologies Barnes developed for military applications, this new line of bullets should be popular for self-defense, hunting, and the fast-growing Tactical market. Sale items include include the all-copper TAC-X™ rifle bullets and Barnes’ new RRLP™ (Reduced Ricochet, Limited Penetration) bullets. TAC-X are a solid copper projectile that provides controlled, double-diameter expansion — a good choice for hunters. The RRLP bullets feature a frangible, powdered-metal copper-tin core inside a guilding metal jacket. These open-tip bullets combine accuracy with explosive fragmentation.
Last but hardly least, Midsouth offers the new 50-Caliber TAC-LR™ Long Range bullets. These high-BC, solid-brass beauties are individually milled on CNC equipment. Two types are available, a long-nosed secant ogive style (035-51075) and a tangent ogive style (035-51076). Both 50-cal projectiles are priced at $32.90 for 20 bullets. That’s expensive yes, but still much cheaper than comparable milled 50-cal solids from “boutique” bullet-makers. Barnes’ 750gr secant ogive TAC-LR bullet has an amazing 1.070 BC.
Allen 50″ Euro Gun Case
The Allen “Euro” is a quality 50″-long case with enough interior space to handle 29-30″ barrels. This deluxe case features a fatter/taller front section to fit guns with wide forearms or attached bipods. This is a very nice soft case for a long-barreled varmint rifle or F-Class gun with a larget scope. It features very thick foam padding (1.5″ per side) and multiple, velcro-closed external pockets. Midsouth Shooters Supply offers this case in hunter green (item 168-91550) for $35.09. Supplies are limited so don’t hesitate! A similar Allen-made case in blue or tan sold as the Remington Yukon.
Montana Xtreme Solvent with Free Bolt Grease
Though the end of April, if you purchase a 4 ounce bottle of Montana X-Treme bore solvent for $5.86, Midsouth will include a FREE syringe of X-Treme Gun Grease as no extra cost. The Gun Grease normally retails for about $4.50 buy itself. Every bolt-gun owner should have some grease in a syringe applicator to prevent galling of the lugs.
Midsouth Owner Interviewed
In related news, Midsouth Shooters Supply owner David King was recently interviewed by WKRN television in Nashville, TN. When asked about the current ammo shortage, King said this is the most accute shortage he can remember: “I’ve been doing this since the early 60s and it’s never been like this … The ’94 shortage was tough, but not like this.” In fact, King said it’s so bad one of his dealers sold more ammunition in one day than he did in all of 2007. According to King, the surge in ammo sales began after the Presidential election in November and has continued unabated due to concerns that Congress will impose new regulations on firearms, ammunition, and reloading components. King said ammo-makers are producing product as fast as they can but he expects in may take a full year before the balance of supply and demand situation returns to normal.
Readers often ask us: “What is a good, affordable hard-shell gun case for benchrest and varmint rifles with long barrels and wide stocks?” While there are many excellent options, many premium hard cases (such as the SKB) cost $150.00 or more. For about $30.00, the unique Plano AirGlide™ is a great choice. Right now the AirGlide, item WX2-110200, is on sale at Sportsmans’ Guide for just $29.97 (or $26.97 for SG’s Buyers’ Club members). Lockable and airline-approved, the Plano AirGlide offers excellent performance for the price.
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. The AirGlide’s hinged top-opening lid provides ample clearance for large target scopes, with no side load on the turrets. (We’ve found that some eggcrate foam-lined gun cases can put enough pressure on scope knobs to alter your zero.) 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 29″.
by 
Last month, we ran a story explaining how surplus aluminum 
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 
