Have you heard the stories about guns being broken on the airplane?
If you haven't, here's what happens. The airline employees are throwing luggage on the airplane because they're running a little behind schedule. No problem there. Most gun cases will handle a little punishment.
But when the luggage gets inside the fuselage, they place your gun box to where it is bridging other luggage. Now we're talking "leverage". Those 70 pound suit cases could turn into 700 pounds or more when piled the right way. Then they pile more luggage on top of that. This is what happens.
Fortunately we found out about this from our PH (Professional Guide) before we went on safari to Africa. He told us this is the most common problem with transporting guns.
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All our gun boxes come with wheels to make your trip a little easier. |
Since we are in the business of building tool boxes for trucks, we decided this was not going to happen to us. So we built a box that would handle the load. We used .080 thickness marine grade aluminum alloy with a full length piano hinge. We also put a double fold on the lid and box shell to give it even more strength. We figured more was better in this case. After all, some of those airline employees are guerrilla's themselves. The corners are then 100% heli arc welded.
What's different about our gun box? It's designed to carry your guns in your soft case. This gives you double protection in transit. Plus, when you get there you have a soft case for traveling in the field. The (top) picture shows two rifles with scopes in soft cases and a few boxes of bullets to boot.
As a bonus, you can stuff extra underwear, socks, etc. around the guns. It's nice to make every square inch count when you're traveling and it adds a little more protection for your weapons.
Note: Depending on the airline and the country you're traveling in. They often require you have the bolt removed from your gun. I just wrap mine up separately with an oil rag and keep it in the gun case too. However, they usually want your ammo carried in a different bag. Not a carry-on bag. I put mine with my checked luggage.
Do yourself a favor and contact the airlines for this info.
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This gun box has been to Africa twice, Canada, and several places in the USA. |
Your Highway Products gun box comes with a hasp locking system. You will need to purchase a pad lock of your choice. I would recommend a combination pad lock in case you loose your key. Plus, the airline security will need access when you check in. You don't want to be fooling around for a key.
I would also recommend that you purchase a cable style or bicycle lock to take with you. This allows you to lock your gun case to a post or anything solid if you have to leave it somewhere uncomfortable.
We sometimes traveled in an open cab Land Rover. When we stopped for food or fuel we always left someone with the rig but I was a little uneasy not seeing my gun box. You just never know what might happen when traveling. Especially in Africa. I also used my gun box for a safe while out hunting. I thought our PH took excellent care of our valuables but even he thought it was a good idea to lock things up.
You will love having your guns locked up and a place to keep other valuables when on a trip. It's impossible to watch them 24-7.
Want your guns to get there in one piece?
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