Recommended case for M1D?

[sdrob18]

My Dad passed away somewhat recently, leaving behind a nice M1D Sniper Garand and an M1 carbine, along with some pistols. I'm curious if anyone can recommend a good, lockable one or two-rifle carry case that includes model-specific foam cutouts. To date I've purchased generic cases for the pistols and am now hoping to find a worthy (and lockable) means of transporting these historical pieces in my not-so-friendly state of CA. Thanks for any recommendations you might have.

[Phil McGrath]

Any of the soft cases are not very securable, why mess with a lock when you can knife the material and get inside. While I do use a double rifle case made by Voodoo tact-i-cool it is more for humping all my shooting related brick-a-brack, back and fourth to the range. Any of the hard cases made of aluminum with a securing rod is the better option but you will have too cut/trim the foam if your wanting cutouts.

[m14brian]

There are companies that can laser cut the foam to your rifle, but they need it to measure it.
m14brian

[RDS]

The Kalispel Indian Tribe makes custom alum. gun cases at decent prices. Check the tribal web site.
Welcome to the forum.

[Phil McGrath]

There are companies that can laser cut the foam to your rifle, but they need it to measure it.
m14brian

What about chalking the outline and using a electric knife or better yet a hot wire off the stove burner makes a clean slice on foam.......

[m14brian]

What about chalking the outline and using a electric knife or better yet a hot wire off the stove burner makes a clean slice on foam.......

Yes that's the normal method, but laser is much cleaner especially for guns with a lot of stuff on it and such. I've seen where guys can't get the chalk or whatever off too, functional but looks like $hit in my opinion but I'm a perfectionist lol.
m14brian

[lapriester]

You certainly won't find any commercial cases that are "model specific" to an M1D or Carbine anywhere. Most high end hard cases are simply a crush fit inside when you close the case. The internal material is designed to form fit to whatever rifle you put in it. A correctly sized case would hold both the M1 and the Carbine at the same time. In the end, with one of the above, the rifles are far more secure than they would ever be with a case cut out specifically for the shape of the rifle. I have a 4 gun SKB case that I've transported my M1D, M1917, as issued Garand and a 1903A3 in by air. The rifles never moved inside the case and you know how baggage handlers treat luggage. After few trips the exterior of the case looks pretty beat up but still provides 100% security and protection. Pelican cases are also very good. None are very cheap but you get what you pay for.

BTW, by law you do not have to transport long guns in LOCKED cases in CA. Only handguns require that.

[sdrob18]

Thanks, lapriester. I have to say, I'm a bit shocked about the long gun exception insofar as locked cases are concerned...I've come to expect the worst here in California, unfortunately. Appreciate all the other comments as well. I ended up with a Pelican IM3300 Storm and am very impressed.

[lapriester]

Thanks, lapriester. I have to say, I'm a bit shocked about the long gun exception insofar as locked cases are concerned...I've come to expect the worst here in California, unfortunately. Appreciate all the other comments as well. I ended up with a Pelican IM3300 Storm and am very impressed.

Other than flying, my long guns go everywhere in soft cases in the back seat of my truck, on the floor. I've carried as many as a dozen back there at a time. Ammo in the camper shell or in a locked case in the cab. BTW, in that locked pistol case you can even have loaded mags in it but you can't have loaded mags loose in the front of the vehicle even when the handguns are in locked cases. Dumb, I know but, dumb is the way it is in the communist state we live in.

[budy]

Quick question, on a case like the Plano rifle case, with flimsy plastic and 4 latches.... are all 3 locks suppose to be used while transporting a M1 Garand? (I'm not going to even ask about trigger locks, on the M1, so please don't mention it)

I have 8 M1 rifles and often need to transport 3 at a time, which would require 9 locks, is that right? (I live in MA)

Thanks,
Budy

[Orlando]

why use any locks? Does you state require it? If its a state law you need to study up on those and not take advice off of a forum

[lapriester]

why use any locks? Does you state require it? If its a state law you need to study up on those and not take advice off of a forum

Jon is absolutely correct. The laws change state by state. Know the ones that apply to yours and any state you travel through.

[JGW006]

Try www.mycasebuilder.com

I have not used them (I intend to), but the service seems exactly what you want. It looks like you can photograph your rifle / rifles, upload the photo, and have custom foam laser cut to fit.

JGW