Rifle case for two

[Buckfever]

I am going to need a rifle case for {2} bolt action rifles to take on an airplane trip.  I have heard that some people buy the case and leave the foam out and leave the rifles in soft cases.  With the 50lb limit a case and {2} rifles is probably it?  What type of cases do you guys use?  Plastic or Aluminum?  Would also like to put my ammo for each firearm in the case?
Any thoughts?      Buckfever

[BRL]

I'd be interested to hear comments on cases too as I am in the market for a new case. I do know though that you cannot put ammo in the case with the fireams. You might even have to consider buying ammo at your final destination. 

[Mikey]

Buckfever - couple of thoughts here.  First is that airlines do not treat your guns well and I have seen them just toss the case around - I rarely see one handled gently after it leaves the inspection desk, so I would go for the strongest case you can get and expect to resight your rifle after the trip.   Second is to seal it with a color tape they don't have at the airport so if someone tries to get into the case you will see that your tape has been broken and you can call for assistance and make a report if necessary.  Third - most security (including police) I've met at airpports while transporting my rifles give you the look of death - like they wish you could make their day and may well treat you like doit or pond skum, so expect harrassment and delays; and fourth - I think that if you pack ammo in the same bag or container you pack your rifles in you will probably go to jail - they like that stuff as separate as you can get it.

The transportation security people will probably check the case in your presence and ask you questions, etc.  It is best to have the rifle disassembled - bolt out so they can look down the barrel and comment on its cleanliness (snort, snicker) - actually, the security people may not even remove it from the case to inspect it but just observe to see it is properly dismantled and ammunition is not stored with it.  

Best to call them first for specific instructions.  

Removing the padding - I think you can most likely find a two gun case without a problem and  considering the bumps the case may well take you may wish to consider leaving the foam in the case.  HTH.  Mikey.

[Graybeard]

Cabela's sells a line of really well made aluminum cases with foam padding and with velcro straps to hold the rifles in place so they don't depend on the tight fit of the foam to hold and protect your rifles. They are about the most economically priced high quality cases I've run across. I have one of the double rifle cases and a double take down shotgun case both. I highly recommend them and for sure if I were gonna turn a couple of my rifles over to an airline that's the case they would be in.

The double rifle case is under $100 and the double take down case even less. Each has four stout latches and key locks as well. Take a look at them and I think you'll agree they are a real bargain. Yeah they are made in China if that bothers you. What it means to me is I can get a case that would otherwise cost me over $400 for under $100.

[charles p]

I like the sound of the velcro straps.  I have two double rifle cases and when I use them I put the rifles in toe to heel, and try to place them so that the two scopes will not contact each other.  A sponge placed between the two will help if you don't have staps.

With airlines charging for additional bags, a two-gun case will pay for itself on a round trip flight.

My favorite case is a hard plastic scabbord that was made for an ATV.  It is lockable and is perfect for just one rifle.

If you have 56mm scopes, they could present a problem in some cases.