I got a Pelican Case 1720 today and I want to maximize my space inside it. I want other peoples opinion on what would be the best setup so I can make an informed decision and only cut once. This will be used for transporting my SBR and suppressors to the range and maybe storing them. I want to leave some room above the 14.5" upper rail because I will later add either a ACOG, or Aimpoint with the 3x magnifier.
Can someone do me a favor and measure their TA31 ACOG and tell me the maximum total height it stands above the rail. Can someone also measure the total height of an aimpoint PRO on a La Rue cantilever mount. Thanks. I just want to make sure I leave enough room between the two uppers so when I mount either one on the 14.5" upper, I have adequate clearance between the two uppers.
I currently have the Aimpoint 3x magnifier (twist mount) on my 11.5" upper, but I am going to move the aimpoint back an inch or two on the 11.5" upper and place the magnifier on the 14.5", but only if I get an aimpoint on a cantilever mount for the 14.5" instead of an ACOG. If I get the ACOG for the 14.5" upper, then I will leave the magnifier on the 11.5" upper.
My next question is, should I leave the suppressor attached to the pistol or should I have it disconnected and have a separate “hole cutout” for it?
What what do you think is the best setup?
Setup A with 6 AR mags and a total of 4 17rd Glock mags
Setup B with 5 Ar mags, 5 17rd glock mags and 3 33rd glock mags
Setup C with 4 AR mags, 5 17rd glock mags, and 3 33rd glock mags
or
Setup D with 4 AR mags, 5 17rd glock mags, and 4 33rd glock mags
There is about 1/2" to 3/4" of foam minimum between the edges of the “parts” and the case wall.
Can you think of a better “setup” that would give me more room and better use of my space?
Did you read your instructions? You need to give at least an inch of space between things to provide for the proper protection. Espeically at the walls. And a little more is probably better. Not to mention that cutting down to 1/2 an inch will be a challenge.
I’d assemble the rifle. Pick your favorite configuration. It will save some space and minimize some cutting
Mags are pretty robust and cheap in comparison to the rifle and optics. Consider if they really need to take up real estate in the case. Or if you need so many. I’d ceratinly dump the 33 rounders.
For me, I had nothing short of OCD when it came to planning the arrangement of items in my case. Having said that, a month after everything was cut and I was happy with my setup… I removed my FSB an went with a longer rail Of course this fudged things all up and now I need more foam.
I do suggest to keep the rifle assembled as previousy mentioned. For the sake of making room, easier cutting, and quicker deployment of the rifle in a defensive scenario. Dont do what I did. Make damn sure your rifles are configured the way you want them. I would wait for those optics before committing to cutting. Which reminds, I need to search around for some new foam…
These guys usually have pretty decent prices on foam. And they also have a “closed cell” foam option which most don’t have. Closed cell doesn’t hold moisture like open cell does.
I wouldn’t even cut out any foam. Just take out the middle section and put things in when you need them. You’re going to want to change something or add a piece of kit as soon as you cut the foam anyway. At the most cut out like some big sections to make different compartments for the various crap you’re going to be throwing in the case. AR stuff isn’t camera equipment. Unless you’re storing a high end custom shotgun or sniper system you might not need an inch of foams worth of protection.
Good advice there about things changing. Or if you’re going to get two sets of foam, then maybe make one custom and one generic.
And yes, an AR is certainly more robust than a camera…with the possible exception of the optics. But I would think that if you cut the foam any thinner than an inch, it may not hold up real well and tear with normal usage.
Lastly, I’m not sure what the intent of this case is. However, I generally find my pelican case is overkill for 99% of my needs. If I’m going on an airplane, it’s my first choice. But it’s too big, bulky and heavy for most everything else. I much prefer my 5.11 double rifle soft case for most things.
Remember too that you really don’t want to store anything in open cell foam for extended periods of time.
Agree with this. I cut the foam in mine and other than taking it to the range one time I haven’t used it since, and now the gun(s) have changed and won’t fit.
IMO cutting is not just a waste of time but a step backwards as it limits your flexibility.
Closed cell is the way to go for a gun case. It is firmer and stiffer offering better protection. Closed cell will not absorb water and is not affected by the oils or any solvents that may be on your gun. Open cell foam would deteriorate in these conditions.
Heres my kinda new Pelican 1720. (closed cell) Im keeping it simple this time, no cluttered look, just ready to go carbine and 4 extra mags. It works for me.
Nothing to do with this topic, but looking at those photos almost made me cry. You see, I live in NY… Suppressors, normal capacity magazines… I need a hug.
Of course this fudged things all up and now I need more foam.