Kalispel Bullseye Box

There is no indication Kalispel is making these anymore except possibly as a custom order.   Does anyone know someone making an aluminum pistol box, with a wide base?   I know some of the military teams used to have them.   I saw one at Perry a few years ago and should have snapped it up then.  
   People keep asking me where I got mine, and I would like to find a source.

Pardon my ignorance to the brand, but what is the general style? Is it like a pachmayr or strong case?

It is all aluminum. Opens from the top.

Kate - your photo link does not work for me.

RoyDean wrote:Kate - your photo link does not work for me.

Sorry.  I don’t seem to be able to condense the picture enough.

Like a briefcase style?

I’ve had this one for over 20 years.  I use it mostly at the range at home. It’s very strong, heavy and water resistant. I couldn’t find the case on their website but the dog crate in the background is still available.

Not a complete off the shelf solution, but I have seen people with Pelican cases in that configuration. Not the same thing but perhaps similar enough?

chiz1180 wrote:Not a complete off the shelf solution, but I have seen people with Pelican cases in that configuration. Not the same thing but perhaps similar enough?

Yea,   The trick with the Pelican is installing a scope mount and something to keep the lid parallel to the box while you use the scope.   They are good,  and if you get one with wheels, it can be very convenient.

The lid on the Kalispel case is held open with a large spring like on a screen door. When the lid is open the spring is straight and will not compress thus keeps the lid open. To close the lid just push the middle of the spring toward the hinge and it bends over. Works great. This arrangement would work on a Pelican case.

Rush223 wrote:The lid on the Kalispel case is held open with a large spring like on a screen door. When the lid is open the spring is straight and will not compress thus keeps the lid open. To close the lid just push the middle of the spring toward the hinge and it bends over. Works great. This arrangement would work on a Pelican case.

It does to a degree.  Just requires you to buy a spring and install it.  Also to mount a block inside the lid to attach a scope mount to so it will clear the lid.  Even then the Pelican lid doesn’t open quite perpendicular to the box.

Kalispel no longer produces this case. They said the demand was so low they dropped production. Also some parts were no longer available. 

I think I’ve heard that from other manufacturers.

I've done the Pelican case a couple of times. For the Pelican case you really need three things to make a good gun box..

(1) Find the "lid stays" on the website (if you can or call).  They are not springs, but a folding bar that has a locking point as it snaps open.  You can  install it to hold the top at 90 degrees. Just takes some good measuring and marking before you drill the holes for attachment to get a good 90 degree lib position when it locks.  

(2) Get long mounting bolts at the hardware store for the Hebard type scope mount so you can mount the base on the inside clear of the lid depth.  Then get some hollow plastic tube spacers and cut 4 of them long enough to get the scope arm clear of the top recess lip when mounting the scope.  Much easier than putting a whole block of something and then doing two attachments (to the lid and then for the scope mount).  Found them in the specialty fasteners section at Home Depot.   

(3) Get the Trekpak divider sets for the bottom of the case you choose.  It will let you configure how you want to hold your guns and equipment.  Its better, firmer and retains it shape better than trying to work with the foam stuff.

And I have 2 of the cases as shown in Rush223's post above, both with the optional padded vinyl covers (the covers were made by a company in Australia and were hard to track down).  They are a little heavy, but are pretty much airline / drop / bomb proof.

This is great information Cecil.   I may give it another go.

Thats cool Jim.   Somewhat answers the question of what do you do now for a scope mounting system.   Does anyone still make a Gil Hebard Mount?

For those who have gone the pelican case route, which box(s) are good starting points?

I believe the one I have is the 1510.   Smallest one with wheels.

I use the Apache clones sold at Harbor freight.

This is a 1450.  It is set up as a two layer box.  It has no specific room for “other gear.  It fits in a large suitcase with room to spare for clothing or gear.  The foam is available from gunfoam.com 

chiz1180 wrote:For those who have gone the pelican case route, which box(s) are good starting points?

Nice scope mount, Jim.  Can you point us to where it can be purchased, or did you make it yourself?  I've searched around on the Internet, but don't find anything like it.

Thank you,

Gary