Pelican Cases

Flying with Firearms: Why Pelican Is the Standard

TSA regulations require firearms in checked baggage to be in a hard-sided, locked container that completely secures the firearm from access. Pelican cases meet this requirement by design — their double-throw latches resist prying attempts that would compromise soft cases or thin hard cases, and the automatic pressure equalization valve prevents vacuum lock when opening at altitude or after temperature changes. At check-in, declare the firearm, complete the airline's paperwork, lock the case with a non-TSA-master-key padlock in the provided lock holes, and place the TSA orange tag inside the case. The Pelican 1510 carry-on fits most airlines' overhead bin dimensions and holds a disassembled handgun or compact pistol-caliber carbine with room for magazines and accessories. For checked rifles and shotguns, the 1700 and 1750 are the standard long-gun travel cases.

Pelican 1720 vs. 1750: Which Long Gun Case Is Right for You?

The Pelican 1720 measures 42.3 inches interior — fits most AR-15s, bolt-action hunting rifles, and shotguns with standard stocks. The 1750 extends to 53.5 inches interior, accommodating longer rifles, precision rigs with large objectives, and over-under shotguns with long barrels. Both use the same waterproof O-ring seal, double-throw latches, and automatic purge valve. If your rifle breaks down for transport, the 1720 often works where a full-length 1750 would be overkill. For dedicated airline transport of a precision rifle with a large scope, the 1750 is the right call. Both are TSA-compliant and accepted by every major airline.

Pelican Handgun Cases: 1170, 1200, and Vault V100

The Pelican 1170 and 1200 are the standard hard handgun cases — compact, lockable, and sized for one or two handguns with accessories. The 1170 fits most standard pistols up to full-size; the 1200 adds depth for suppressor-height sights or a compensator. Both accept standard padlocks in the latch holes and are TSA-compliant for airline travel as a checked item inside a larger bag. The Vault V100 and V200 are Pelican's value-tier alternatives — same crushproof and waterproof construction with molded foam optimized for firearms at a lower price point. For home storage of a single pistol, the 1170 or V100 paired with a padlock provides secure access control, though they are not rated as gun safes.

Pelican Vault Series: Full Protection at Lower Prices

The Vault line delivers the same crushproof, waterproof, dustproof protection as the classic Pelican series at 20–30% lower price points. The V100 (pistol), V200 (double pistol), V300 (rifle/shotgun), and V800 (double long gun) cover the most common use cases. Vault cases use a press-and-pull latch rather than the classic line's double-throw latches — the primary functional difference. The foam in Vault cases is pre-configured for firearms rather than the pick-and-pluck format, which simplifies setup but reduces customization flexibility. For buyers who need dependable Pelican protection without the flagship price, the Vault series delivers strong value.

Custom Foam Configuration

Classic Pelican cases use pick-and-pluck foam — a grid of individually removable foam cubes that allow fully custom interior configurations. Remove the cubes to create a precision-fit cutout for your specific firearm and accessories, preventing shifting during transport and protecting finishes from contact damage. For hunters who travel with a complete kit — rifle, scope, ammunition, cleaning supplies — a properly configured Pelican interior keeps everything organized and protected in a single locked case. Pre-cut foam inserts for popular firearm models are available from aftermarket suppliers if you prefer not to cut custom. For simpler setups, Pelican Vault cases include molded foam optimized for standard firearm shapes without any configuration required.

Sizing Guide: Matching Pelican to Your Firearm

Interior dimensions are the key spec. Measure your firearm in its longest carry configuration — stock extended, scope mounted, suppressor attached if applicable — and add 2–3 inches on each dimension for foam compression and magazine storage. For a standard AR-15 with a 16-inch barrel and collapsed stock: the 1720 works in most configurations. For a precision rifle with a 24-inch barrel, bipod, and large objective scope: go to the 1750. For a full-size pistol with a weapon light and suppressor: the 1200 or V200 provide adequate depth where the 1170 may be tight. When in doubt, go one size larger — a case that's slightly too big is far better than one that forces you to remove your scope or suppressor before travel.

Pelican vs. SKB vs. Plano: Choosing Your Hard Case

The three most compared firearm hard case brands are Pelican, SKB, and Plano. Pelican is the original military-specification design — widest size range, most extensive accessories ecosystem, and the strongest brand recognition for TSA travel. SKB produces injection-molded cases with similar waterproof and crushproof ratings at a meaningfully lower price in many configurations — a legitimate alternative used extensively by competition shooters. Their iSeries cases are particularly popular. Plano covers the value tier with functional hard cases for basic transport at the lowest price point — appropriate for vehicle transport and range use where airline travel reliability is not the priority. For frequent airline travel with valuable firearms, Pelican is worth the premium. For vehicle transport and occasional range use, SKB delivers comparable protection at lower cost. For basic protection on a tight budget, Plano covers the fundamentals.

Pelican Beyond Firearms: Coolers, Luggage & Gear Cases

Pelican's product line extends well beyond firearm cases. Their Elite Cooler series uses the same rotomolded construction as their cases — rated to keep ice for days in extreme heat and built to a standard that has made them popular with hunters, offshore fishermen, and overlanders. Pelican also produces carry-on and checked luggage in their Air and Elite series, applying the same protection philosophy to travel bags. For hunters who invest in Pelican for their rifle case, the same quality extends to gear protection across the full trip.

Shop Pelican Cases at Impact Guns

Browse the full Pelican lineup at Impact Guns. For other firearm storage options, see our gun safes page. For soft cases and range bags, see our cases and bags page. For airline travel guidance with firearms, see our how to order a firearm page.