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Needless to say the first time I flew with a firearm I was nervous. I’d read the TSA guidelines and airline rules no telling how many times before I set foot in the airport. Long story short, I had no reason to be nervous. Once you know the requirements for flying and have the right case, transporting firearms is mostly about making sure your gear arrives in good condition.
Pelican Air 1755
Specs
Interior: 55 x 14 x 8 in
Exterior: 57.82 x 17.3 x 8.86 in
Weight: 25 lb with foam, 20 lb empty
Seal: IP67 waterproof with automatic pressure equalization valve
Warranty: Limited lifetime
Longest interior here, so long guns like shotguns and rifles with suppressors should fit no problem
Pelican’s HPX polymer makes it lighter than standard polymer cases this size
Waterproof, crushproof, and covered for life
Most expensive case on the list
Bottom Line
I’ve used the Pelican Air 1745 as my shotgun case the last four years anytime I fly somewhere to turkey hunt. Its been a great case and I have zero complaints besides the fact I have to disassemble my shotgun so it’ll fit. The Pelican Air 1755 fixes this issue with over 10 inches of added interior length, while keeping all of the other great features of the 1745.
Security: Six latches and four stainless steel lock hasps
Pluckable foam
Warranty: 3 year limited
Costs less than half what the 1755 does
16 inch interior width leaves room for big scopes
Four lock points keep the lid tight along its full length
Rated weather resistant, not waterproof
3 year warranty instead of lifetime
Bottom Line
The majority of hunters that travel to hunt are only flying a few times a year, not every week. The V800 gives you the build quality we’ve come to expect from Pelican cases at a more wallet friendly price. This case was designed with the rifle hunter in mind and is advertised to easily hold two rifles with optics mounted but is also long enough to hold most shotguns.
Seal: IP67 waterproof with pressure equalization valve
Warranty: Lifetime, made in the USA
Bunk bed foam system puts a rigid divider between your guns so scopes never touch
Holds two guns or a bow and a rifle
Injection molded shell is waterproof and backed for life
Costs nearly as much as the 1755 with less room
Bottom Line
This SKB case is the case for someone who prefers separate levels when flying with multiple firearms. This case comes with rigid foam dividers that keep your main rifle from contacting a backup. The SKB iSeries 5014-DB is also large enough to handle a bow and rifle combo if you need both for your hunt. Just be sure to measure your bow and make sure it’ll fit if you plan on purchasing this case for that purpose.
Lowest priced waterproof rifle roller on this list
Lifetime warranty at a budget price
Layered foam lets you set it up for one or two rifles
Only two padlock points on a 53 inch lid
5.25 inch interior depth gets tight with large scopes
Less track record than Pelican or SKB
Bottom Line
The Eylar 53 inch Roller Rifle Case is a great option for hunters who only fly to hunt every few years and don’t need to invest in a $500 case. You still get a waterproof shell, pressure valve, wheels, and lifetime warranty for about half the price of the top cases on our list.
Options: V300 with layered foam ($89.95) or V300PF5 with precut 5 pistol foam ($139.95)
Warranty: 3 year limited
Foam version costs under $90 and lets you cut the foam to fit your exact guns
5 pistol version holds five handguns and 19 magazines right out of the box
Small enough to pack inside a checked suitcase
Rated weather resistant, not waterproof
3 year warranty instead of lifetime
Bottom Line
Your handgun or backup sidearm needs the same locked hard case as your rifle. The V300 comes two ways, and both use the same shell. The standard version ships with layered foam for about $90, which works well if you fly with one or two handguns and want to cut the foam to fit. The V300PF5 adds precut foam with slots for five pistols and 19 magazines for about $140, plus a removable insert that frees up room for ammo or ear protection. Either one fits inside a checked suitcase, so the gun case stays out of sight and you skip an extra checked bag fee.
Federal rules set a few hard requirements for flying with a firearm:
Your case must be hard sided and lockable.
The hard gun case can’t open when locked. If someone can pry a corner and reach the gun, it fails.
Your firearm must be unloaded.
You must declare it at the airline check-in counter.
Every case in this guide meets those rules when you lock it properly.
Why the Seal Matters
A rubber O-ring or gasket around the lid keeps water and dust off your guns. Cargo holds and tarmacs aren’t clean or dry. The Pelican Air 1755 and SKB 5014-DB carry an IP67 waterproof rating. Pelican’s Vault cases seal against moisture and dust but carry a weather resistant rating instead.
Get the Foam Right
Foam keeps your gun from sliding around and getting scuffed in transit. High density foam cut to fit your rifle holds best. Pick and pluck foam is easy to shape, but it breaks down after repeated use. Most cases use layers about two inches thick.
Lay your guns on the foam and outline them before you cut or pluck anything.
Leave room for scopes, bipods, and other accessories.
Buy extra foam if you plan to change your setup later.
Features Worth Paying For
Pressure equalization valve: Keeps the lid from vacuum sealing shut after a flight.
Built in wheels: A loaded rifle case gets heavy fast in a long terminal.
Strong latches: Keep the lid closed when a baggage handler drops the case.
High impact plastic shell: Takes drops and rough handling without cracking.
