Pelican Storm vs Pelican Protector

[JG870]

I know the subject of travel cases has been beat up on this forum but I have a question.
Does anyone have experience with the Pelican Storm and the Pelican protector series of gun cases? Which is the most secure and will protect a rifle and scope from damage due to baggage handling?
The price is the same for both cases and both have an unconditional lifetime warranty so that’s not an issue.

I am leaning toward the Storm im3300 double rifle case over the 1750 case. My reason on the Storm is that it has 6 latches (4 front & 1 on each end).

Your ideas and knowledge would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Jerry

 

[chashardy]

I have the Pelican 1750 and have used it on two trips to Africa. I was able to put a scoped rifle as well as my double rifle broken down in this case and it worked fine. No issues. I bought TSA approved locks and it took the beating that baggage handling can dish out. It's a bit heavy, but the wheels on one end make it manageable.

 

[BourbonTrail]

Either would be fine.

some differences:
- protector series is polypropylene (heavier)
- storm is hpx (less rigid in the heat)
- storm series is based off the hardigg cases (which was bought by pelican). They have a push/pull latch which is “supposed” to be easier to open. In my experience with both, they are about the same, but the pelican latch is skinnier.
- you already noted the latch configuration difference.

 

[TTundra]

Storm is a few pounds lighter and slightly larger interior dimensions. Made of different materials. That said, I've used a 1750 for 15 years and shipped rifles in that case all over the US and traveled overseas with it.

Cant go wrong with either.

 

[JG870]

Either would be fine.

some differences:
- protector series is polypropylene (heavier)
- storm is hpx (less rigid in the heat)
- storm series is based off the hardigg cases (which was bought by pelican). They have a push/pull latch which is “supposed” to be easier to open. In my experience with both, they are about the same, but the pelican latch is skinnier.
- you already noted the latch configuration difference.

Thanks for the replies fellas!
BourbonTrail do you think the end latches on the Storm can maintain a better seal than the 1750
In different weather conditions or is the superior rigidity of the 1750 more of a plus?

J

 

[BourbonTrail]

Both are water proof and tested to the same Mil Specs, both pass. It’s really more of an ergonomics/preference issue for 99% of cases.
- The 1750 is ~6lbs heavier, but it is solidly made.
- The extra latches on the storm are there to aid in the lost rigidity, but may be more pry resistant.
- 4 latches is less to mess with, but they can be sticky
- their wheels are on opposite sides

my recommendation: get your hands on them first and see what you like, or buy one and be confident about your choice.

 

[JG870]

Both are water proof and tested to the same Mil Specs, both pass. It’s really more of an ergonomics/preference issue for 99% of cases.
- The 1750 is ~6lbs heavier, but it is solidly made.
- The extra latches on the storm are there to aid in the lost rigidity, but may be more pry resistant.
- 4 latches is less to mess with, but they can be sticky
- their wheels are on opposite sides

my recommendation: get your hands on them first and see what you like, or buy one and be confident about your choice.

Thanks BourbonTrail
I did look at the 1750 today and I like it.
Going to look at the Storm tomorrow and make a choice.

Thanks for your input I appreciate it.

J

 

[Ridgewalker]

Just an FYI, in a Blaser thread it was mentioned the size of the 1750 doesnt pass the dimensional test to not be charged extra.
One of my 1750s has made several trips to Alaska and Africa and has protected my gun well. There are some chipped plastic parts and hinge pins partly pushed out. But nothing detrimental.
Locks...I have never used a TSA lock on my gun case. I am close when I check in for them to get the key on both ends of the flight.
I now use a TSA lock on my checked baggage including ammo box after TSA destroyed the locks I had on an ammo case in an unlocked bag. They left me a note saying it was them who did it.

 

[JG870]

Just an FYI, in a Blaser thread it was mentioned the size of the 1750 doesnt pass the dimensional test to not be charged extra.
One of my 1750s has made several trips to Alaska and Africa and has protected my gun well. There are some chipped plastic parts and hinge pins partly pushed out. But nothing detrimental.
Locks...I have never used a TSA lock on my gun case. I am close when I check in for them to get the key on both ends of the flight.
I now use a TSA lock on my checked baggage including ammo box after TSA destroyed the locks I had on an ammo case in an unlocked bag. They left me a note saying it was them who did it.

Thanks for the info Ridgewalker.
The pelican 1720 is not long enough for my rifle so I guess I’ll have to pay excess baggage fee.

The Storm is basically the same size as the 1750

J

 

[Philip Glass]

I have the Pelican 1750. It’s been all over the world with me. I cut the extra two plastic lock holes off so I only need two locks. There must be a lock in every hole now as per TSA. I do not like the one with 6 latches. Plus the storm does not appear to have the two metal lock holes like the 1750 does.
I love Pelican and know you will too.
I have never had anyone tape it for size or charge me extra. Never.
Regards,
Philip

 

[JG870]

I have the Pelican 1750. It’s been all over the world with me. I cut the extra two plastic lock holes off so I only need two locks. There must be a lock in every hole now as per TSA. I do not like the one with 6 latches. Plus the storm does not appear to have the two metal lock holes like the 1750 does.
I love Pelican and know you will too.
I have never had anyone tape it for size or charge me extra. Never.
Regards,
Philip

Thanks Phillip
I think you’re right about the lock holes on the Storm..
Good idea getting down to two locks.

 

[Tra3]

I prefer the storm. My hunting party has a mix of the two styles. A few non-hunting related stickers make it look like a guitar case.

extra foam sets are relatively inexpensive so you can set it up for different configurations. An electric carving knife is a huge help. Or try a jigsaw (they make a blade for foam).

 

[JG870]

Thanks Tra3
I really like the stickers idea.

 

[Philip Glass]

Thanks Phillip
I think you’re right about the lock holes on the Storm..
Good idea getting down to two locks.

Yes you see you must have a lock in every hole and then extras for when the baggage monkeys destroy them. So in my case I carry 4 locks (2 for the case & 2 extra). I don’t want more due to weight. What if you have 4 lock holes and fill them as per the TSA requirement? They may destroy all 4 so you have to be prepared to take 4 extras. That is 8 locks and quite a bit of weight!
Check out my post on this subject:

So They Want A Lock In Each Hole?

You probably know that TSA is now requiring a lock in every hole on your gun case. That sounds like an inconvenience to me so....... I hate regulations and yes its hot in Texas! Regards, Philip

www.africahunting.com

 

[JG870]

Thank y'all for all the great info. After looking at the cases I decided to go with the 1750. I think both cases are top shelf. The thing I like about the 1750 is it seems to be a bit more rigid and I liked the all solid foam.