Just in Case

posted on April 29, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
feature_image_just_in_case-500x266.jpg

Joe Kurtenbach of American Rifleman is about to embark on his adventure of a lifetime: hunting plains game at the Maroi Conservancy on the Limpopo River in South Africa. Several days ago Joe came to me asking if we had any tough cases lying around which he could use to pack some gear in for Africa. As luck would have it, I happened to have a Pelican case in the vault and the correct length to accommodate a set of PH Series shooting sticks from J&B Pro Outfitters.

I mentioned to Joe we should take the time to modify the case foam for his gear, considering the airlines treat luggage like a 3 year old does a bag of skittles. With a few sharp knives, marker, measuring stick and 10 minutes of our time we were able to recess the two S&W Performance Center revolvers (.460 S&W and .500 S&W) with mounted EOTech Holographic sights as well as a set of Weaver 10.5X 45mm Super Slam binoculars and not to mention the PH Series shooting sticks fit about as snug as a bug in a rug.

Of course we couldn’t leave well enough alone; part of our job here is to test stuff, as you may see in the picture, fully packed with gear, we took the liberty of dropping the case from chest height. Upon opening the case we noticed nothing different from when we originally closed it. It looks like our work is done and Joe is ready for South Africa, except, we forgot to make a spot for his pen. At any rate…Good Luck Joe!

When taking on a task of this nature take your time and carve little by little until you achieve a perfect fit-you can’t grow more foam, unless you know something I don’t.

Latest

FP 6.5Peak Launch Fusion Terminalascent Peakalloy 19
FP 6.5Peak Launch Fusion Terminalascent Peakalloy 19

Federal's New 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak: The Peak Alloy Case Goes Mainstream

Federal introduced its high-pressure Peak Alloy case design with the 7 mm Backcountry in 2025. Now, the company is incorporating it into high-pressure 6.5 Creedmoor loads with the +Peak design.

I Carry: Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC in a JM Custom Kydex Holster

In our latest "I Carry" video, a Springfield Echelon 4.0FC is outfitted with Aimpoint's new COA enclosed-emitter red-dot optic, and to carry this optic-equipped handgun, we've selected a JM Custom Kydex holster.

The Armed Citizen® June 5, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Multi-Caliber MK24 to Replace SCAR-H For SOCOM

U.S. Special Forces will soon be replacing their 7.62-NATO-chambered SCAR-Hs with a new, barrel-swapping MK24 Mid-Range Gas Gun-Assault (MRGGA) gun capable of running either 7.62 NATO or 6.5 Creedmoor.

Rifle Renaissance 2026: Exploring Rifle Skills Beyond Marksmanship

Being able to shoot in contextual situations, shoot from unusual positions, manipulate the rifle quickly and rapidly adjust one’s position based on distance are all essential skills for a well-trained rifleman. To train these abilities, The Complete Combatant hosted the first annual Rifle Renaissance event in March 2026.

New Guns For 2026: A Full Guide

While it’s claimed the firearms industry is experiencing a slowdown, that hasn’t meant a stall to innovation. It means gunmakers are working harder than ever to earn your business.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.