You show me yours...gun case configuration

Hornedfrogbbq · Mar 3, 2026

Just bought a Pelican 1750 and am considering various configurations for the foam to be able to fit a double rifle and a Win Mod 70. What else do you all put in your case for travel and what is the layout you have found that works best? This is "building" (pun intended) on a previous post by @Woodcarver.

kdenn · Mar 3, 2026

Most recent trip to Namibia. Pelican V800 with Magpul DAKA grid, I lay soft cases on top for extra protection along with copies of paperwork. I’ve cut foam and bought custom foam in past but this allows more flexibility to take different rifles.

Hornedfrogbbq · Mar 3, 2026

kdenn said:
Most recent trip to Namibia. Pelican V800 with Magpul DAKA grid, I lay soft cases on top for extra protection along with copies of paperwork. I’ve cut foam and bought custom foam in past but this allows more flexibility to take different rifles.

It is interesting to me where you have the foam that comes with the case and then custom cut foams like GunFoam and they all want a SUPER tight fit. Then you have these systems that seem to allow for more space/play in the fitting.

Do you feel your guns moving at all or are there certain spacers/foam that are tight that allow the others to be not as tight (i don't know how to say that eloquently)?

kdenn · Mar 3, 2026

I also used Magpul Velcro straps to tie down the guns and bolts. Adding the soft cases on top really helps hold securely. Plus depending on placement of the spacers very little to no movement. Talked to Magpul rep at SCI Nashville who said just buy some extra spacers and trim to get a tighter fitting if needed. I have a couple GunFoam as well which worked great on NZ trip. Heartily endorse these if you consistently use same rifles or shotguns. Have several different rifles to use for different trips and like the versatility of Magpul DAKA.

Ontario Hunter · Mar 3, 2026

Scopes are quick detached inside custom fit soft leather bags packed in carryon. Both rifles wear temporary slip-on recoil pads to protect stock from rubbing against adjacent muzzle. This is a single gun Pelican case. Much easier to deal with than double gun case. Some safaris I only travel with the 30-06 (top) and leave 404 home. Bolts remain in rifles and chambers closed. Bolt handles help keep the guns situated in the case.

Check with your outfitter to ensure he will have soft cases for you on his end. Mine does so I don't have to bother packing them in luggage. They can be bulky.

JHT · Mar 3, 2026

Hornedfrogbbq · Mar 3, 2026

JHT said:
View attachment 750358

Sp conceptually you felt better with bolts removed and stored in a separate, individual space. Why rather than keeping them in the rifle?

DieJager · Mar 3, 2026

For upcoming trip in 11 days....

Hornedfrogbbq · Mar 3, 2026

DieJager said:
View attachment 750376
For upcoming trip in 11 days....

What is the thought of keeping the optic in the case versus in your carry on? Did you cut the foam yourself and if so, what knife/cutting utensil did you use? I actually haven't pulled my foam out to see but i guess there are two layers...so they are all sitting on a bottom layer still?

CO_mtnman · Mar 3, 2026

I was planning on for my next safari in june, taking the top layer of foam out of my 1750 and putting the rifle inside a soft case, ensuring a tight fight with my sticks

DieJager · Mar 3, 2026

Hornedfrogbbq said:
What is the thought of keeping the optic in the case versus in your carry on? Did you cut the foam yourself and if so, what knife/cutting utensil did you use? I actually haven't pulled my foam out to see but i guess there are two layers...so they are all sitting on a bottom layer still?

I'm flying from Europe and whilst it would be preferable to take them in my carry on I hear several different stories about security giving people a hard time. I have a direct flight so I'm going to take the risk and am going to avoid a lengthy discussion in the airport with somebody who thinks he knows the rule. Also I figure if they take the scope they also will take the gun.

It is pick and pluck foam.I used two layers and one layer only until a certain depth. Until the gun and parts were level to the first layer and not sticking out anymore. Still enough cushion, I checked. I used chalk to give me an outline and a sharp knife for the cutting. That way you can even slice the pick and pluck foam cubicles into whatever shape you want. Afterwards I glued to two layers together with a glue spray that is intended for it. It was suggested on this website but forget the name.

Also bought some extra layers of pick and pluck foam for my case if I use other configurations in the future.

PARA45 · Mar 3, 2026

I have not used this company yet, but will soon. Check them out.

GunFoam GF-4514 Custom Foam Insert with Case

Professionally bonded aircraft mechanic grade cross-linked polyethylene foam Waterproof, non-corrosive, will not damage finish on weapons No…

www.gunfoam.com

Atticus · Mar 3, 2026

Pelican 1750. I cut the foam myself with a havalon —very easy—for my model 70 300 H&H and Husky 9.3x62. Scopes with Talley QD rings will go in carry on.

BnC 04 · Mar 3, 2026

One of the many configurations we have used over the years. We keep the cut foam inserts and swap out to whatever configuration the current trip requires firearm wise. I glue in my current 4457s as well as a copy of my passport in clear binder folders and our phone numbers on a sticky pad.

kdenn · Mar 3, 2026

@PARA45, wife and I used GunFoam for trip to NZ. Excellent product although pricey if you take different rifles.

Green Chile · Mar 3, 2026

Lately many of us are not carrying scopes in carry on bags. We will take our binos in carry on and I’ve never had an issue doing that.

Wildwillalaska · Mar 4, 2026

My last minute redneck conversion from October when I realized things would be too tight in the 1700.

Keep saying I’m going to measure and order a couple Gunfoam inserts but I never seem to get around to it.

Hornedfrogbbq · Mar 6, 2026

Wildwillalaska said:
My last minute redneck conversion from October when I realized things would be too tight in the 1700.

Keep saying I’m going to measure and order a couple Gunfoam inserts but I never seem to get around to it.View attachment 750498 View attachment 750499

Will, do you put your soft cases in there too?

BeeMaa · Mar 6, 2026

This is my current configuration, but I’ll be making some changes so my wife and I will both have rifles for the next trip.

Wildwillalaska · Mar 6, 2026

Hornedfrogbbq said:
Will, do you put your soft cases in there too?

No, in that one photos I just had them laying over the railing of my room after knocking a bunch of the dust off them.

I do need to check back and see what all we are allowed to have in the cases in route to African countries. I like the idea of having my shooting sticks or even phototripod on the case when only bringing one gun.

I also need to get off my bum and order a couple of the gunfoam inserts. There are some nice higher density closed foam sheet sets made for the different Pelican cases on Amazon as well.

You show me yours...gun case configuration

Hornedfrogbbq

kdenn

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Hornedfrogbbq

kdenn

Ontario Hunter

JHT

Hornedfrogbbq

DieJager

Hornedfrogbbq

CO_mtnman

DieJager

PARA45

GunFoam GF-4514 Custom Foam Insert with Case

Atticus

BnC 04

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kdenn

Green Chile

Wildwillalaska

Hornedfrogbbq

BeeMaa

Wildwillalaska

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