Hard case vs Soft

[norcalcyclist]

Greetings -

At what point does it make sense to go with a hard case (ie Pelican) over a soft case. I'm thinking my scopes kind of dictate it ($1k plus), but was curious if anyone still uses a soft case for their high dollar gun/scopes?

 

[jasonk]

Re: Hard case vs Soft

Depends on where you're going. I travel on planes with a hard case, but rarely anywhere else.

I've had very high dollar rifles and scopes in soft cases (drag bag types) and just throw them in the back seat or the bed of the truck. One of the reasons for buying a high dollar rifle and scope is that they can handle bouncing around a little and not lose zero. The bag just protects them from all the other junk in the truck with them.

 

[spamassassian]

Re: Hard case vs Soft

For me, hard case for storage, soft case for when I have to carry the rifle any distance. Plus the soft case doubles as a shooting mat.

 

[puncher]

Re: Hard case vs Soft

If you have to put 6 or 8 in the trunk of a car to go to a match, definately soft. The hard cases take up too much room.

 

[Helmet]

Re: Hard case vs Soft

I use one of these and it works great. I'm only taking one rifle so I haven't had to make the decision to go to a soft case to save space. It's a long pothole ridden dirt road on the way to the range. I feel better about the bouncing around knowing it's protected in something.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/558961/plano-airglide-50-rifle--shotgun-gun-case-polymer-black
I got mine for closer to this price from somewhere
http://www.amazon.com/Plano-Vertical-Rifle-Case-Single/dp/B000P3WPXM

 

[Boss334OP]

Re: Hard case vs Soft

I started out in the hard case camp and have found myself softening my position. I have come to the realization that just like any other piece of equipment, there are situations where either one shines out over the other. IMHO, the bulky hard case is not needed most of the time and can be a huge pain in the ass to cart around. However, when traveling long distances over unfriendly terrain, the hard case is a must.

 

[E. Bryant]

Re: Hard case vs Soft

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: puncher</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you have to put 6 or 8 in the trunk of a car to go to a match, definately soft. The hard cases take up too much room. </div></div>

This. Soft cases are the way to go for packing several rifles into a vehicle. Flying on a commercial airline, obviously, is a whole 'nother story.

 

[boone3380]

Re: Hard case vs Soft

I bought a nice soft case and my hard cases now just collect dust

 

[Wolf22]

Re: Hard case vs Soft

Run a Storm IM3200 with a Midway case or SOT or ??? 36'' unit inside. Cover all bases - IMO.

gotta buy just one, the soft will be more universal and easier to manage

 

[ctmyers67]

Re: Hard case vs Soft

i`m sure you will find plenty of people on here who will swear by their tac-ops soft drag bag, and i would also bet there are plenty of high dollar, high powered weapons, and scopes being transported in these bags, expensive, but worth it

 

[kvwpwr]

Re: Hard case vs Soft

I never use my pelican anymore unless traveling on a plane. If you're bringing multiple(ie range bag and 2 rifles) cases somewhere you cannot grab 2 hard cases with one hand and the range bag.

 

[CarlsonCustoms]

Re: Hard case vs Soft

I've sold off most of my hard cases. I used to be a pelican guy. Soft cases are all that I need.

I can see a pelican for flying but that's about it.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Hard case vs Soft

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: norcalcyclst</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Greetings -

At what point does it make sense to go with a hard case (ie Pelican) over a soft case. I'm thinking my scopes kind of dictate it ($1k plus), but was curious if anyone still uses a soft case for their high dollar gun/scopes? </div></div>

I only use hard cases for flying. All my stuff rides to training or work in soft cases. Sometimes no cases.

If your $1K scope can't take a hit while its wrapped in padded nylon, then it's time to get a new scope.

<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hGBYzbnSYGE&hd=1"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hGBYzbnSYGE&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object>

 

[Quickdraw40]

Re: Hard case vs Soft

If you have a car, get a soft case. If you have a truck, get a hard case.

 

[JC Steel]

Re: Hard case vs Soft

Only reason to even buy a hard case would be if your traveling long distance or on a plane. Otherwise, soft case is all you need.

 

[AussieShooter]

Re: Hard case vs Soft

If you can afford it get the pelican 1750, rip out the foam and use the soft case inside. This means if you need a soft case you can just grab the whole kit when hiking with it. If you need the pelican case for protection you have that aswell and if you need a shooting mat that's all part of your kit.

 

[Mr Joshua]

Re: Hard case vs Soft

Nothing wrong with a soft case for local transportation. Does the job and not as bulky and heavy.

 

[Chingon]

Re: Hard case vs Soft

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: spamassassain</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For me, hard case for storage, soft case for when I have to carry the rifle any distance. Plus the soft case doubles as a shooting mat. </div></div>

What he said. Hate the hard cases at home. Too much of an effort to remove them from the cases. They are bulky too.

 

[icarus2005]

Re: Hard case vs Soft

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: spamassassain</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For me, hard case for storage, soft case for when I have to carry the rifle any distance. Plus the soft case doubles as a shooting mat. </div></div>

+1 with the caveate of Hard cases also for flights or cargo areas.