As I’m sure a lot of you do, I keep ammo in surplus GI ammo cans of one variety or another. I like this system as it’s air tight for long-term storage but also easy to grab and go to head off to the range with. However a few recent events has me wanting something a bit less obvious. Yes, lots of people use ammo cans to store lots of other things. I see them all the time at the jobsite and don’t think “gun!” when I see them in that context, but couple the can with a long “discrete” case and it becomes more obvious what you are toting.
I was thinking of going with some canvas tool bags, but I see three potential problems. The first is that obviously this offers no air-tight seal. The second is that I’m unsure if they are structurally sound enough to hold. The third is that they are not stackable or as easily storable at home. I’m thinking of addressing these issues a few ways, from keeping the ammo in the bag in ziplocks for long term, to continuing to use the ammo cans at home for long-term storage and just keeping one range-bag full, fed from the ammo cans, for leaving the house with.
I use ammo cans for storing a number of things, but especially ammo. Living in an urban environment in close proximity to neighbors, walking out with an ammo can can mean anything…but combine that with a long/narrow case (even though all of my cases are “discrete”, e.g. Sneaky Bag) and it shouts “going to the range”.
My solution…
Ammo cans for long term storage, canvas tool bags for trips to the range.
I also have one large ammo can labeled “ready use”. Any ammo that returns from a trip to the range (Some days I just don’t “have it”, and decide to pack it in early rather than burn down more ammo when I’m obviously having a bad day, or the wind is blowing too hard and I’m trying for accuracy) goes into the “ready use” can, and that’s the first that I pull from for the next range day.
The idea (and it works for me) is that I open most of my ammo cans as little as possible, and the ammo that I do transfer to the tool bags is most likely going to get used…if not on the current trip, then shortly thereafter.
In my line of work, we use ammo cans for truss bolts and tools. Everything smaller and sensitive to moisture goes into pelican cases. Will last a lifetime, have any size you can imagine, and can be locked securely. Also have the added benifit of not looking scary when toting through the hotel lobby like a couple ammo cans and a “guitar case”
I’ve been using my maxpedition versipack and a toolbox when I go to the range. To the untrained eye I just look like a contractor. A big husky tool box could fit the bill.
All because you can fill it with 5 gallons worth of ammo doesn’t mean you have to, lol! I’m sure if you were to put say 1K rounds of 9mm left in the boxes in it that it wouldn’t be anymore cumbersome than an ammo can filled with the same amount.
they sell or used to have 2 other sizes that were 5 times the price of the big one those buckets rock I use one as tool box for most projects I just find it easier alot of times select the items I need toss them in there and bamn your done untill you need the one thing you forgot
Big enough to hold enough ammo for a range trip, small enough to be portable and not get overloaded. Completely inconspicuous unless you’re moving 10 of them around at a time.
If the solution I find isn’t air-tight (meaning I have to dump the ammo from my home storage containers into my transport containers) I’m going to want as close as possible a 1:1 of can size:transport size. The boxes I use now are
30 cal 10.5 x 4" x 7": 500 rounds 5.56, 1,000 rounds 9mm
50 cal 12" x 6" x 7.5": not used much as I prefer the…
SAW 12" x 7" x 8.5": loaded AR mags
I use the 30 cal cans more than anything else by far, which is why I’m liking the TT covers so much. I’m going to order one red and one black TT cover for sure, and I wish they made them in other non-tac colors too.
I’ve been looking for a Pelican/Storm solution for the loaded AR mags and may go that route as well to replace the SAW box.
Let us know how they work out for you. I thought this was a great idea when I first saw them. Have you e-mailed TT to inquire about a custom yellow version?
I’m sure if you were to put say 1K rounds of 9mm left in the boxes in it that it wouldn’t be anymore cumbersome than an ammo can filled with the same amount.
