Question About Case Size For Flying

[absales]

Hi all!

I have very little experience with air travel. I am trying to look up some general guidelines as far as airline requirements for size. Most of the information is AI generated so who even knows if it correct. I figured I would get some opinions here as part of my research.

I am considering this case. It seems to be the perfect size for me bringing 2 rifles of a larger size with bigger scopes.

Could I please have some opinions if the case will be too large? Thanks!

DAKA® Hard Case LR53

The biggest, best rifle case you’ll ever own

magpul.com

 

[JimP]

Never too large but can be too small.

I used the Harbor Freight Apache case for a single rifle but it will fit two.

If you have questions place your two rifles down on the living floor and measure what you need as far as width.

 

[Hogpatrol]

In your research, check the empty weight. The DAKA is on the heavy side. Airlines are different on weight limitations for gun cases too.

 

[BRICKBURN]

If you don't want to pay extra every time your get on a plane this is where cases run into issues with airlines. Every airline differs and different routes will also have restrictions due to the particular plane.

Maximum: Most airlines will not accept bags exceeding 115 linear inches (292 cm) or 100 lbs.
[linear inches in total (length + width + height)
Oversized: Bags exceeding 62 linear inches (up to 292 cm) may incur fees, often around $100-$150.
Overweight: Bags over 50 lbs (up to 70-100 lbs) incur extra fees

 

[Hyde Hunter]

I would get the Pelican 1750 instead it will fit 2 scoped rifles and you can cut the 2 inner lock tabs and only have to use 2 locks plus 2 spares. that case will require a total of 8 including spares. the Apache from Harbor Freight is ok also

 

[shootist~]

I suggest you do a layout on your floor and see if one of the Pelican cases will work. I think Pelican is by far the most popular. The 1750, however may be better suited for one scoped rifle and a shotgun.

I went with the slightly larger Pelican iM3300 - and with one layer of foam removed I can fit two normal-ish sized hunting rifles with 42mm optics - both in soft cases.

Then having bought the bigger case - I only took one rifle.

https://www.pelican.com/us/en/product/cases/im3300?sku=IM3300-00001

 

[Rimbaud]

I have a Pelican case, and also a TuffPak. I prefer the TuffPak because it looks like it is for golf club, and I stuff other stuff in the case. You cannot go wrong with either.

 

[375Fox]

The case you suggested is a bit wide. It’s 16.6”. I use the Pelican 3300. It’s 14” internal dimensions. The case you suggested will work, but I would not use any double gun case without latches on side (6 total latches). The case you suggested only has 4. That’s fine for a single gun case, but I returned the first double case I bought without the extra latches. It’s a lot of unsupported width and the rifles can put some pressure on the case lifting up the center until they get settled in. Wheels are also important on any double gun case you choose.

Pelican 3300

https://www.pelican.com/us/en/product/cases/im3300?sku=IM3300-00001

 

[Sabre]

Who are you flying with?

If you are flying with Delta, they treat rifles as "sporting equipment". As far as sizes allowed, this is their policy on that:

Notice that with sporting equipment, you are allowed up to 50lbs and 115 linear inches.

ETA: The Daka Case you posted is almost 30lbs with just the case and foam, no locks, no guns, etc.

 

[idiot101]

I agree with the advice to lay out your kit and measure it.

I have the Peli 1700 and that takes the double, or the shotguns but the pistolgrip on the rifle means it won't take one of each.

AS a related point i love the pelican RE-SET system

 

[Sika98k]

I have used a Pelican 1750 for one or two rifles. It’s great but big, long and awkward to manoeuvre through an airport or into a vehicle.
After a couple of trips abroad I realised that one of the first things done after a beer to wash the road dust out of your throat is to check zero on the rifles. So why not disassemble the rifles and pack in a more compact case. Like a Peli 3100 or 3220.
The 3100 is fine for one rifle and a few bits and bobs. The 3220 will take 2.

 

[MontanaPat]

I've been using a Pelican Vault double rifle case and I can fit 2 scoped rifles in it just fine and it meets the airline guidelines for size and weight. Remember for International flights you are allowed up to 70 lbs per bag but if you have to do domestic connecting flights they will limit you to 50 Lbs.

 

[thinchliff]

Hi Guys,
I realize the OP asked about 2 rifles, but I figured this was relevant anyways. This is my setup for a single rifle. It's 61 linear inches, under 50lbs, so no danger of any extra fees. I'm taking it to Limpopo next month (don't worry ammo will be separate, I just put it there for US hunts). It's a Kalispel AR case.

 

[MacJenkins]

OP’s case seams heavy. I would choose a pelican or storm.

 

[JimP]

The Pelican 1750 actually weighs a pound more than the OP's Magpul case

 

[absales]

Thanks all for the replies! I will be posting a picture of my current case with my two hunting rifles in it. It fits just perfectly. My fear is that once I add a .375 bolt action that will be just a bit bigger I will not have enough space depending on which rifles I am taking with me. The Magpul seems like it will fit any two bolt action rifles with room to spare.

Pics of my current setup to come, and the Magpul Daka is on order

 

[absales]

Here are my current two hunting rifles in a Pelican 1750 with Daka foam kit. There is minimal space between the top rifles scope and the plastic of the case, but I am not concerned because there is very minimal movement with the Daka kit.

I am concerned that I wouldn't have enough room on the bottom if I put a larger dangerous game caliber rifle on the bottom.

The new case comes tomorrow

 

[shootist~]

Its unlikely that you will put a large optic on a DG rifle, so that will help.
And if your first shot from close (20 yards) turns into a bit of a rodeo, you might even appreciate having 1x on the low end. (amhik)

 

[DieJager]

I've got the Nuprol XL 130x32 CM

 

[375Fox]

Here are my current two hunting rifles in a Pelican 1750 with Daka foam kit. There is minimal space between the top rifles scope and the plastic of the case, but I am not concerned because there is very minimal movement with the Daka kit.

I am concerned that I wouldn't have enough room on the bottom if I put a larger dangerous game caliber rifle on the bottom.

The new case comes tomorrow

I’d tell you that you want a bit more space between your scope and edge of case. You also want to face scopes up towards handle. I’ve can’t remember ever adjusting a scope’s zero after airline travel but they can move slightly. I’m very particular how I pack them. All it would take is a hard set down for the scope turret to make contact with the case the way it’s packed. I’d also highly suggest securing your bolts better. They will move. I tape mine to barrel with electrical tape. That way I know they can’t move and know they are with rifle.
Also, I’ve only seen this once at DFW on my last trip, but TSA opened the case so one side was totally empty and both foams stacked on top each other. I wasn’t allowed to interfere or touch. With regular foam, I didn’t like it but it didn’t really hurt anything. If they decide to do that with your Daka foam squares or loose bolts I’m not sure how that will turn out. I’m hoping that does not become a regular practice.