Rifle Case for International Travel – Vaultek XRC vs Pelican Vault?

[Woodcarver]

No, but it has been stated as the requirement at multiple airports.

By whom? Is it posted somewhere? Or just a ticket agent being a PITA? Just trying to figure out if the airlines or TSA has changed the rules, as it isn't on the TSA website, or Delta's, or Southwest's. Haven't looked at any others, yet.

 

[Mark A Ouellette]

Buy once, cry once (other the extra money spent for top quality equipment).

How many remember this marketing slogan from over 50 years ago? It is as true now as it was then.

How about the ultra-professional baggage handlers...

Here's the video for the above photo,

and a couple others,

Most safaris with travel cost $10,000 USD or more, right? Why cut corners on a discount brand rifle case when a top quality, proven case such as Pelican brand will in most cases last the safari hunter long past when age forces us to retire from those adventures?

If one doesn't hunt with an ugly gun, why would they travel with their custom rifle in a cheap case?

But it one doesn't mind renting gosh knows what rifle with a hodgepodge of ammo from their safari operator, well go ahead and save a few dollars on a rifle case...

 

[Nicaburns]

By whom? Is it posted somewhere? Or just a ticket agent being a PITA? Just trying to figure out if the airlines or TSA has changed the rules, as it isn't on the TSA website, or Delta's, or Southwest's. Haven't looked at any others, yet.

Airlines are not required to use TSA rules alone… they are the baseline. Airlines can and do set additional guidelines. You are welcome to try your luck with Delta… all I can tell you is based on numerous experiences as someone who flies nearly every week. I can assure you, I’m not an airport newb reacting to one agent. Your mileage may vary.

 

[Philip Glass]

Delta unashamedly forbids it, even on stateside travel. I used to travel with an SKB golf case when pheasant hunting since I could keep clothes and boots inside… not anymore. Multiple levels of agents repeating “only firearms and firearms related items.” So, I’ve only gotten by with ammo, spotters, tripod/bipod, etc… no clothing.
Last pheasant trip, I was glad I had a pelican case in the car or would have had to ship with my shotguns rattling around.

Interesting they made it universal. It started in Europe then JNB and I suppose Delta just made it standard.

 

[Philip Glass]

I never feel good about the Pelican premium. It always feels like a big rip off. You're lucky with the MP discount. I am an NRA RSO, and if you are too, or an NRA trainer, you get educator discounts from various brands. I've gotten SIGs at v good prices, and I also use something called ExpertVoice.com to get very good prices on all sorts of gear, sporting goods, etc. Worth checking out.

I'll give you a different perspective. What is it worth to have a gun case that will hold up for decades? My case has been to Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, RSA (many times), Tanzania, Cameroon as well as being beat around in the truck here at the ranch and still in near perfect condition. As usual It will be protecting over $35,000 worth of rifles and optics when I pack it next month to go on my elephant hunt. I'll not give it a second thought.
Yes the day will come when I choose to replace my trusty Pelican but I'd bet it will be out of vanity of wanting something new and not out of true necessity.
What's that worth? I hear over and over the sentiment of guys seeking the cheapest gun and ammo boxes for the safari of a lifetime. I don't get it.

 

[Philip Glass]

I really don’t understand why using 4 locks is an inconvenience. I’ve seen many talk about grinding the holes like this. That seems like more trouble than locking 4 locks.

When you have to have four locks that means you must have 8 locks in the event that Africa cuts them off. Unless you are using some little Mickey Mouse locks you get into a weight issue. Plus when in and out of the case getting to your destination it is more hassle. I cut my extra holes off in about 10minutes. That was nearly 10 years ago and I'm glad I did.
As we continue this discussion everyone should remember why this "lock in every hole" rule was instituted in the first place. It is due to idiots using those cheap plastic Plano cases for air travel and the obvious problems they create. If people keep doing stupid stuff with guns and ammo we will get more rules!

 

[Philip Glass]

Clothing is dangerous!

It is the fact they think you are concealing something plus the hassle for TSA to repack your undies!

 

[Philip Glass]

By whom? Is it posted somewhere? Or just a ticket agent being a PITA? Just trying to figure out if the airlines or TSA has changed the rules, as it isn't on the TSA website, or Delta's, or Southwest's. Haven't looked at any others, yet.

No idea about USA but this has been the case specifically at JNB airport for years.

 

[Russ16]

When you have to have four locks that means you must have 8 locks in the event that Africa cuts them off. Unless you are using some little Mickey Mouse locks you get into a weight issue. Plus when in and out of the case getting to your destination it is more hassle. I cut my extra holes off in about 10minutes. That was nearly 10 years ago and I'm glad I did.
As we continue this discussion everyone should remember why this "lock in every hole" rule was instituted in the first place. It is due to idiots using those cheap plastic Plano cases for air travel and the obvious problems they create. If people keep doing stupid stuff with guns and ammo we will get more rules!

I guess. I never worry about weight I rarely come close to hitting the limit and if I do I pay the fee which doesn’t bother me.

 

[Philip Glass]

I guess. I never worry about weight I rarely come close to hitting the limit and if I do I pay the fee which doesn’t bother me.

I understand and agree it's not a huge deal but there is still the hassle. And then there is Airlink that we fly every time who gives you 44lb for suitcase and 33lb for the rifle case before $$ kicks in. Just some things to think about.
Come on Russ join us clever guys and cut those holes off!

 

[Russ16]

I understand and agree it's not a huge deal but there is still the hassle. And then there is Airlink that we fly every time who gives you 44lb for suitcase and 33lb for the rifle case before $$ kicks in. Just some things to think about.
Come on Russ join us clever guys and cut those holes off!

Why don’t you just carry the extra locks in your carry on?

Maybe one day I’ll see the light for right now it just doesn’t bother me.

 

[Rimbaud]

I'll give you a different perspective. What is it worth to have a gun case that will hold up for decades? My case has been to Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, RSA (many times), Tanzania, Cameroon as well as being beat around in the truck here at the ranch and still in near perfect condition. As usual It will be protecting over $35,000 worth of rifles and optics when I pack it next month to go on my elephant hunt. I'll not give it a second thought.
Yes the day will come when I choose to replace my trusty Pelican but I'd bet it will be out of vanity of wanting something new and not out of true necessity.
What's that worth? I hear over and over the sentiment of guys seeking the cheapest gun and ammo boxes for the safari of a lifetime. I don't get it.

I have a Pelican, too. I just like my TuffPack a little better. Also have a Negrini for my R8. The only thing that surprises me on your post is that your rifles and optics don't cost a lot more.

 

[Hedge774]

It is the fact they think you are concealing something plus the hassle for TSA to repack your undies!

I don't wear undies, Mr. Glass.

 

[Philip Glass]

I have a Pelican, too. I just like my TuffPack a little better. Also have a Negrini for my R8. The only thing that surprises me on your post is that your rifles and optics don't cost a lot more.

Ha! Probably worth a lot more today if I had to buy them in 2026.

 

[Philip Glass]

Why don’t you just carry the extra locks in your carry on?

Maybe one day I’ll see the light for right now it just doesn’t bother me.

I'd just go right back to you sir. Why don't you just cut the darn plastic, useless extra holes off your gun case and be done with it? Once and done.
Honestly it may sound bad but I get a little bit of a superiority complex when arriving in the police office in JNB. I open my two simple combo locks and boom case open for inspection. Everyone else, all bleary eyed from the 15 hour flight, are fumbling around with keys and combos trying to get all four open. Then fiddling around with four locks not wanting to lose any..... It's like "Guys just want to go to City Lodge and have a drink and dinner, would you kindly hurry up!" (And there is like 15 of them)

 

[Zim Fan]

No idea about USA but this has been the case specifically at JNB airport for years.

Never had an issue with my tufpack in SA or anywhere. If you can only have firearm related items then by that view you cannot have removable foam. Clothing is used along with a soft bag to keep the firearms and related sporting equipment from moving around.

You cannot put your gun into your regular luggage and that has caused the confusion. So keep your clothes to a minimum in your gun cases. Unless there is something specifically written in the IATA regulations then Delta needs to provide that. It currently doesn’t exist and I for one will put an email request in to Delta.