I am wanting to convert my hard shell Strat case into a case for the AR I will be ordering. I have seen people who convert hard shell acoustic cases but have not seen one done with a smaller electric guitar case. It will be for a 16" barrel, probably with the carry handle sight and maybe a fvg. Do you guys think it will fit? I know I won’t have a lot of spare room for extras in there but I’m ok with that.
The usable interior length is about 38" , the neck and head (barrel) narrows to about 6" wide and the body is about 10-11" wide.
Whenever I need a case for my AR I use an old electric guitar soft case. I would think all you would need to do is remove the hard inside and rplace it with cut foam so it fits the shape of the gun.
I’ve got a spare Fender guitar case laying around and thought about using that to move stuff in and out. However, the FENDER label makes it a highly sought after smash-and-grab prize, so I binned that idea. I thought about the tennis bag idea too, but around here, the contents of that bag would be up there for the S&G thieves too! YMMV, but I wound up settling on the no-name, ratty as possible gear bag.
I’m just doing it for the hell of it. I would never just leave it in the back seat of my car, maybe in the trunk for a couple hours at most. The original inserts came out of the case really easy and will go back in with a little glue. Now all I need is some foam…I was thinking about getting one of those 2" tempurpedic bed toppers but I may just go with the egg crate foam. Anyone know where to get some good foam?
If you have a Container Store in your area, they have pick n pull foam in various sizes/colors. You can also buy it on their store online, but the shipping probably wouldn’t be worth it.
Pelican Cases also has that foam. If they have a dealer in your area, try them. Lots of dealers for Pelican too. Come to think of it I’m sure they’ve found a way to vacuum-shrink that foam for easier shipping.
I play several string instruments,and this is how I transport my long guns. The cases can be easily modified for an AR. I still worry that someone may try to steal my" guitar or banjo",so it still needs to be well secured when it’s not in your hand.
As an ex-professional guitarist who knows how quick guitar thieves work, this whole concept is chock full of FAIL if you ever plan on leaving the guitar case unattended!
Unless the case/gigbag is actually in-hand/shouldered, it SCREAMS steal me, I’ll be easy to fence & if my owner catches you, he’s likely just a wussy musician (thieves make faulty assuptions, too). I have debriefed thieves who stated they would take a pass if they spotted a gun case (if there’s one gun, is the owner packing?) but would dive right into a car with a guitar case visible.
I carry my car long guns in racquet bags, bat bags, duffle bags, etc… Something that says smelly gym clothes & cheap sporting goods rather than expensive axe. In fact, when I’m travelling with guitars they stay VERY concealed in my vehicle - a thief will only find them by accident or prior knowledge of who I am.
I DID carry a sawed-off Ithaca 37 in a lap steel case for awhile a million years ago, but no one knew what the hell kind of instrument came in that funny little rectangular box, anyway.
