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Posted: 1/10/2005 1:27:50 PM EDT
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I have been looking around for a gun case suitable for an AR-50. I saw a Kalispel at a local sporting goods store, and decided I really liked the idea of an aluminum case over the plastic hard cases, and especially over the soft-side cases. In my opinion, I think it would be good to have at least 2 inches of foam extending beyond all points of the gun, if not more. Opinions? Since the AR-50 is almost 60" long, I want a case that is at least 64" long. Or should it be 66"??? Explore Products sells a Kalispel case that is 64" long, custom made for them. http://www.exploreproducts.com/kalispel50caliberriflecaseGC621206.htm But, it is only 11 inches tall. That isn't enough, is it? By looking at the photos on Armalite's web site, it looks like the gun is tall enough to take up more than 11" in it's 14" tall soft case. If I want to special order a case from Kalispel, I have to go through a dealer. As far as I'm concerned, that sucks. I gotta pay their markup. So I kept looking. Cabela's sells aluminum cases, as does ICC and Beartrack. Beartrack must make their cases out of gold or something. They are almost twice as expensive, and I don't think they are as nice. So I am skipping them. I called Cabela's to inquire about their "bullet proof" aluminum cases. They don't have any longer than 54 inches. And they wouldn't disclose the manufacturer. I called Kalispel to see if they made the cases for Cabela's. Nope. But they knew who did, and weren't too happy about it. I was told that an employee of theirs quit and became competition. Soon after, this person joined up with, or was bought out by another company. But Kalispel wouldn't tell me who this other company was. Hmmm... I'm no rocket surgeon, but a Google search only shows a few aluminum gun case manufacturers. So I called ICC. Sure enough, they make the cases for Cabela's. The 45 degree corners are licensed to Cabela, so they won't make a custom case with those corners. But they will custom make a case for me. And they will deal directly with me, instead of going through a dealer. I talked to Kevin Bailey at ICC, who was very helpful. He said they would be happy to make a case to my specifications. ....but it would cost me. He said as a guide, expect to pay double what Cabela's charges for the same case, if it was made custom. So my case will be somewhere around $500. However, he said that I should ask around and see if anyone else wanted the same thing. If they could make more than one of a particular design, it would bring the price down quickly. Specifically, he said the price drops dramatically if I can find 5 people who want the same thing. More orders drives the price down more. I'm thinking a case that is 64x14x6", 0.080" thick aluminum, wheels, and the rest made to their standard specifications. But I'm open to ideas. What would you suggest for the ideal case? So I'm not starting a group buy per se. All orders would be placed directly between you and them. But if we can agree on a particular design, we can bring the price down for everyone. Post your thoughts. Thanks, Dave |
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I got my wife one of these for her AR50. www.bagmaster.com/index.htm But I recall only paying about $150 For a hard case we have Starlight case, but to fit it in the Starlight I'll have to remove the buttstock and cut the foam. I just haven't gotten around to it yet. |
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I'm in a similar dilemma: I've got a Trapdoor Springfield .45/70 that, at 52", barely fits in any of the longest softcases I've got, and I can't close and lock the lid on my Nalpak "Tuffpak". Obviously, takedown isn't an option, so I want a case that has at LEAST 54" of inside length. At the right price, I would consider a 64" case w/ wheels and uncut foam ....Tagged! 
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It is going to be a few days until I have more information on the price. And... it looks like I may get a better deal from a Kalispel dealer. Have to wait and see. I've gotten more advice, input, opinions from people. Looks like good dimentions are: 64x16x6" Made from 0.080" thick aluminum. Wheels on one end. Handles on both ends, plus the standard briefcase handle. This dealer sold a single custom case to a guy a couple of years ago for $350. Although still not cheap, it is a far cry better than the $500 for a one-off the ICC suggested. The dealer is Alan Burghard. He is military, and gone often. (believe he is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marines) In the email I got from him today, he said he is at Camp Pendleton often, but should be home this weekend and will be able to check on things for those of us who are interested. I replied saying there may be more people interested, and asked that he ask Kalispel if he could get a price break that he could pass on to the customers. I'll let you know what I find out. Anyone have any more comments/suggestions about the size or options? Dave |
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I'm still waiting to hear from Alan, but I called Explore Products and got a quote from them. www.exploreproducts.com I talked to Scott. But he gave the information to Angela. If anyone wants to call them with questions, they said to ask about the custom case that Dave Webb called about. I was told that if a group of people ordered the same thing, there would be a slight discount. Slight, because they are already selling at prices lower than anyone else can touch. He was making it seem like they make their money on quantity, not price. Considering ICC gave a guess quote of $500, I agree. Anyway, for a 64x16x6 case, Made from 0.080" thick aluminum, Flat foam, (although you can get it with "pick and pluck" foam) Foam is in 1" layers, so you can trace the outline and cut a layer or two if you want . Foam is 80psi foam, as opposed to the standard 40psi egg carton foam. (which he said is cheap and inferior to the 80psi foam for heavy firearms) Wheels on one end. Standard briefcase handle, spring loaded handles on both ends Heli-arc welded corners, sealed rivits, full length hinge, etc etc etc... Anyway, the cost is $359.99 plus shipping. Shipping from Explore Products cost $35.99. If you look at web sites or something like a cabelas catalog, you will see that the shipping weight is 70 pounds. It doesn't weigh that much, but the shipping charges are as if it did. I think they said it ships as "class-2" freight. Dave |
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Me and two other guys placed an order today with Explore Products. At least two of us got a 66x16x6 case. Cost was $359.99 plus $35.99 shipping. I was told to expect a week or two before it was made, and at least 4 days in transit. Kalispel is located in Washington state, so it may be more or less time depending on where you are. Dave |
call explore products, they have a standard 62 x 12 x 6 case that is $290. all you need, cheaper than the much bigger size. they also have one that is a little smaller, that they specifically call a BP case. might be an even better fit for less money, both good things. |
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