Case for the defence, enjoys peace of mind gun transport

Not so many years ago it was commonplace to put firearms
on the back seat of a vehicle or perhaps wrapped in a blanket or in vinyl bags in the boot when going to and from the range or hunting area. These days this is actually illegal in some states and is certainly not the best way to transport our valuable firearms anyway. They should be securely stored in containers which mini- mise impact damage and reduce the risk
of theft, preferably under lock and key and definitely out of sight.

The X-Hunter online retail store sent Australian Shooter several examples of high impact polymer cases they’re currently offering and which appear to meet modern requirements. The cases, made by Tough Move, include a large 53" (135cm) long- arm case in olive green, capable of holding two rifles or shotguns and a smaller sand- coloured version designed for handguns.

The larger case has external dimensions of 1360mm long, 370mm wide and 140mm deep and when empty weighs 8.9kg. Internally, the storage area is 335mm wide x 1300mm long, so will accommodate two of virtually any modern long-arms we’d encounter in Australia. It features latches at each end as well as five along the opening edge, with four substantial hinges on the opposite side.

A pair of good-sized padlocks can be fitted through 9.5mm holes on either side of the horizontal carry handle, while at one end is a vertical carrying handle. Each of these folds back into the case profile so they won’t snag on nearby objects and at the end opposite to the vertical handle are
a pair of wheels which enable the case to
be transported effortlessly. The top has grooves which are matched with tongues on the base, enabling the cases to be stacked securely when there are more than one.

Shooters who travel by air will find these cases ideal as they’re tough, easily handled

and should be able to have labels attached with minimal fuss. Once closed the foam lining is both dense and secure enough that even when being bounced around in-flight, guns inside should remain in position without shifting appreciably. The external structure ensures good protection against being damaged.

The smaller tan-coloured version
is designed for up to two handguns. Externally it measures 300mm x 250mm, is 85mm deep and weighs 452g empty. It also has a pair of the tongue and groove stackable features similar to those on
its bigger sibling. Internally it measures 280mm x 200mm and allowing for compression of the ‘egg crate’ foam lining, would hold handguns up to about 80mm
in depth. This model comfortably held my 6"-barrelled Colt Diamondback or a 1911- style self-loader, though longer-barrelled guns like the 8" revolvers often used in metallic silhouette would need a larger version. Two of the above smaller hand- guns can be fitted into a single case by arranging them accordingly.

They appear both neat and robust and are claimed to be crush-proof, IP67 waterproof and weatherproof. The polyurethane lining foam is hydrophobic (water repellent) and the larger case has a threaded cap labelled an ‘air valve’, which could be advantageous during air travel where temperatures

and atmospheric pressures can fluctuate substantially as altitude changes. For trans- port in vehicles, especially those with no enclosed boot such as 4WDs and station wagons, a steel lanyard cable would enable one or more of these cases to be locked in.

The larger case has an RRP of $295 while the smaller pistol case is listed at $60. Visit at x-hunter.com.au for more details of these and a wide range of other shooting and hunting-related  equipment.