Preparing the rifle case for travel

mark-hunter

AH ambassador
Joined
Aug 14, 2016
Messages
5,933
Reaction score
11,810
Media
53
Articles
2
Hunting reports
Africa
3
Member of
Hunting club, target shooting club, national hunting and shooting organisations
Hunted
Namibia: Kalahari, Khomas Highland, Caprivi, Zimbabwe: Doma area
In my Pelican 1750 rifle case, there is space for two rifles.
I will take only one rifle to Africa (this time). So there is some extra space.

Question:
What other smaller items, equipment, bits and pieces do you guys put into your rifle case for travel together with your rifle?
Like - Shooting stick, binos, range finder, knife, etc?

Do you put your rifle scope in pelican case, or do you take it in hand laguagge?
 
I usually pack my knives in my gun case, but carry my optics with me in my carry on (daypack). I buy a new insert for each rifle or combo of rifles I travel with and cut them to fit what I'm bringing with me. I try to keep things separated as I've read stories of various agencies throwing fits over what's in the gun case with your rifles.

Configurations from my first and second trips to South Africa:

4H0wsF6l.jpg
cnlM226l.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Extra scope in rings, this saved me on a hunt in 2014 .
 
I usually pack my knives in my gun case, but carry my optics with me in my carry on (daypack). I buy a new insert for each rifle or combo of rifles I travel with and cut them to fit what I'm bringing with me. I try to keep things separated as I've read stories of various agencies throwing fits over what's in the gun case with your rifles.

Configurations from my first and second trips to South Africa:

View attachment 464715View attachment 464716

What case is this?
 
Boyt H51
 
In my Pelican 1750 rifle case, there is space for two rifles.
I will take only one rifle to Africa (this time). So there is some extra space.

Question:
What other smaller items, equipment, bits and pieces do you guys put into your rifle case for travel together with your rifle?
Like - Shooting stick, binos, range finder, knife, etc?

Do you put your rifle scope in pelican case, or do you take it in hand laguagge?
I keep the scope on the gun and put a gear bag with some misc stuff in there.
 
Is a fixed blade knife allowed in the airline rifle case?

I always pack my knives (fixed blade and folder) in the rifle case.. Have traveled like that with Qatar, American, and United to South Africa.. and never had a problem with any of them...
 
It’s a volume vs weight issue. I have a Tuffpack that I can stuff a lots of clothes and sleeping bag in which is added protection for the gun in a soft case. Also, including only soft material keeps the x-ray images clean which helps eliminate suspicions. Add heavyer objects too make weight limits, if needed.
 
I usually put binos, knives, etc in the gun case.

What I would not do is pack a bunch of clothes and such in the gun case. I see people do this and it just gets messy going through security and customs.
 
Take the foam out, place rifle in a soft gun bag, and pack your clothes around it.
Eliminates the need for a second item of luggage, and gives you a soft bag to use in camp.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
64,251
Messages
1,415,242
Members
129,392
Latest member
LethaCowle
 

 

 

Latest profile posts

wheelerdan wrote on Jager Waffen74's profile.
Sir, I think I have been writing to you about the purchase of the HK 639 rifle under an email "Tt Jake." If this is you, then I am truly interested. I am just trying to verify identify. Tt Jake is asking for a cash transaction. No disrespect intended, Just trying to verify who I am talking to. Thank you. Respectfully. Dan
Gary C wrote on HuntingFreak's profile.
Hey my friend, I am returning to SA for a Cape Buffalo hunt in June 26. My outfitter has suggested Highveld but I have read some poor reports. Wondering how satisfied you were with your mounts from them? Thanks in advance.
Finally back to somewhat normal I missed reading the messages and posts
Remember I will be at the ISE show in Denver Colorado for 8-12 January, and after the show I will be available for meetings anywhere in the USA I will traveling around to meet with old and new clients, let me know and we will set up a meeting!
Beautiful Aardwolf for our Spanish client and good friend Alberto
WhatsApp Image 2025-11-12 at 17.27.22 (2).jpeg
 
Top