Gear Deal Alert: Rifle Hardcase for $99 Dave Merrill December 1, 2018 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Find out more about how we test products. Harbor Freight, purveyors of tools cast from the highest quality chinesium, definitely has their fair share of junk parts and tools. But their Pelican knock-offs don't appear to be among them. Earlier this year they launched Apache cases. They started with smaller ones aping the Pelicans you see for camera gear. I have two that I use specifically for silencer transport–but it's not like they are likely to break when dropped anyhow. They definitely appear to be waterproof. The smaller one we've submerged for over an hour with zero signs of moisture inside. Most recently they launched a full-sized rifle Apache case called the 9800. We picked one up to give you a full review after we've beaten and battered it. We're posting today because we came across a scannable coupon that expires after Dec 2, 2018 (scroll to the bottom for it). It's normally $140 but the coupon brings it down to $99; roughly half of the comparable Pelican. We'll say outright that we won't fly with these until we throw it off the back of some trucks and drop it down the stairs. But this beats the shit out of any semi-soft, bendable cheapo WalMart case. Let's go over some highlights: The latches are similar to the pre-Storm Pelican cases. This isn't bad, but it's not great either. There are two metal-reinforced holes for your padlocks. Sure, bolt cutters can do anything, but it will take more than a pocket knife, unlike non-reinforced ones. The handles could be a bit thicker. If you pack this case heavy I can see it being uncomfortable. Maybe roll some athletic tape over them? There's a pressure relief valve–and make sure this is closed before you dunk it. There on wheels on one side for rolling–time will tell if they'll hold up and this is the part we're most skeptical of. Dimensionally, it's a close mirror of the Pelican Storm iM3300 at 50-3/8in. x 13-5/8in. x 5-1/8in. We use these for our full-size rifles or for multiple SBRs. Of course the exterior on the Apache sports ribs (for her pleasure?) across. Cracking it open and you'll find eggshell foam in the lid, a layer of pluck-foam in the middle, and a standard piece in the bottom. To read more, hit them up online here. And of course, here's the coupon: Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
