One case for two rifles, or two single rifle cases?

[Longwalker]

I'm about a year away from my next hunting safari, and plan to take a pair of rifles, most likely a Verney-Carron bolt action take down 9.3x62 and a Merkel double rifle in 450-400 3". Either will fit in a very compact case, only as long as the barrels and a bit more. I could transport both rifles in one hard case, or in 2 separate hard cases, or perhaps in 2 separate identical hard cases placed in a heavy fabric over bag with straps to hold them together as a unit. Any thoughts / advice from the more experienced? I have not traveled internationally with two firearms before.

 

[Mekaniks]

You end up paying per bag on most Airlines. I would consolidate as much as possible. If you can take both rifles in one case and cut down on the number of checked bags that’s my vote.

 

[Spooksar]

One case two rifles, your probably flying Aur Canada to begin with so you be charged for both case even if strapped together.

 

[Adrian]

Keep your luggage to a minimum.
You will likely incur costs per item and the more pieces you take, the more chance of losing one.
It's much easier to travel with as few bags as possible, plus fewer keys and fewer locks and less time spent checking the firearms if you only have one case to open.

 

[IdaRam]

An electric carving knife works great for custom cut outs in the foam of a Pelican hard case. You should be able to pack both of those fine rifles in such that even United Airlines baggage handlers won’t be able to damage them!

 

[MarkCZ]

One case for 2 rifles always as some airlines charge per case.
markcz

 

[Divernhunter]

Use one case for two rifles. That is what I have done on my last 2 trips. The cost will be less than 2 cases.

 

[CAustin]

I'm about a year away from my next hunting safari, and plan to take a pair of rifles, most likely a Verney-Carron bolt action take down 9.3x62 and a Merkel double rifle in 450-400 3". Either will fit in a very compact case, only as long as the barrels and a bit more. I could transport both rifles in one hard case, or in 2 separate hard cases, or perhaps in 2 separate identical hard cases placed in a heavy fabric over bag with straps to hold them together as a unit. Any thoughts / advice from the more experienced? I have not traveled internationally with two firearms before.

One case in my opinion!

This is made to take a double and a bolt rifle!

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

If it were me, two rifles in one case. However, your idea of two identical, take down or short cases may have some real merit. If you can strap the two cases together and then put them in a canvas bag, keeping it all under 50 lbs, it should be treated as just one bag.

 

[johnnyblues]

Get yourself a Pelican double gun case and just go hunting. No way would I, or have I ever traveled to a far away hunting destination with one rifle. Stuff happens. Always better to have a gun you know and trust.

 

[Art Lambart II]

I'd go with the one case option, using two cases just doubles the chances the airlines will lose one or both of them.

 

[rookhawk]

@CAustin for the win. An aluminum americase is the best choice out there. Quick detach scopes in conjunction being a really, really good idea. Many guns are run over by baggage handlers either intentionally or because they are flat and black so they get run over by luggage trucks. Pretty hard to avoid the sight of a 2 or 3 gun Americase. It also doesn't look 100% like a gun case so you may not get any "baggage handler activism" working against your hunt.

 

[Bruce]

I only use a sturdy aluminum 2x rifle case when I fly with firearms to hunt.
Mostly taking 458 Win Mag scoped and also 375 H& H scoped....far better especially if secondary charter flights are involved.

 

[Shootist43]

I have an Aluminum Kalispel standard 2 gun case. I like the style of Charlie's better. There is a more positive separation of the two firearms also the case will stand on its' end which is helpful while waiting in line at the airport.

 

[Desert Dog]

One case for two rifles makes 100 times more sense. Less costs; less weight; less hassle.

 

[superdutch]

I love my double SKB case. I have brought it to Africa 3 times, and all over the US and it has worked great.

On one domestic trip the airline damaged it and SKB sent me a brand new case - their warranty is really good.

 

[Rob404]

I used an SKB double it weighed about 30# loaded but it had handles and wheels so no problem to schlep around

 

[AZDAVE]

I have the same case as @CAustin and HIGHLY recommend it. It has taken care of mine and my wife's rifles on several trips. and once case is just easier and cheaper to travel with.

 

[meigsbucks]

KISS: Keep it simple... One case. Tuffpak has some options that may appeal to you.

 

[BeeMaa]

I like the Pelican Protector 1750 and have been using it for years with no problems.
https://pelican.com/us/en/product/cases/long-case/protector/1750
However, after seeing the Americase Aluminum cases...