3 or 4 Gun Case

Looking to finally get a BE box and I'm looking at the TnB Strong Case boxes after seeing lots of them at league nights.  I like the space in the 4 gun box, but man, it looks like its large and once loaded up, heavy.  However, I've heard that it doesn't fall over in the car (not sure if the 3 gun does...) and that it provides more space for all the stuff you need to drag with you plus the ability to throw in a back up gun. 

Is a 3 gun box adequate or should I start with a 4 gun for the long haul?  I don't want to buy something twice and the price is pretty close between the two.

http://www.bullseyegear.com/bullseyepistol/product.php?productid=114

http://www.bullseyegear.com/bullseyepistol/product.php?productid=83

if I had it to do over I would get the 3 gun 12 pounds vs 18 pounds and I think it would be  stiffer  my 4 gun racks side ways which bothers me and I have never needed 4 guns 
in a match.

I have the 3 gun and it is stable.  However if you are going to matches I can see advantage of 4 gun case.  That would let you take a backup 22 and a backup 45.

Chip

I planned on putting my wad cutter, EIC hardball and 22 in the box.  My EIC is the backup to my wad cutter when it's done.  I think the only backup would be a Colt Match Target or 22/45 for my Nelson Conversion.

Make sure you have enough room for the necessities. I use a gun-ho 4 gun or an old Pachmyr 3 gun. Both have enough room for mags,ammo, screwdrivers, pull thoughts, some oil, timer and my Junkers.

The Pachmyr also has a pocket attached to the side for ear pro, targets etc.

I'll be honest.
I wish I had a 5 gun box but use an old Pachmayr 4 gun.
.22, CF, .45, EIC, DR

Clarence

I have a 5 gun GunHo box. It is heavy, but I do like being able to put targets and repair centers in the bottom of the box. I only carry two guns

C.Perkins wrote:I'll be honest.
I wish I had a 5 gun box but use an old Pachmayr 4 gun.
.22, CF, .45, EIC, DR

Clarence

No plans for now on a revolver, just 22/45/EIC 1911. 

I may...get an M9/92FS at some point in the future, but that would be several years from now.

I have a pachmayr 5 gun with the drawer lowered for scoped pistols and a pachmayr 3 gun.  I have never used the 3 gun.  I have my DR Revolver, Backup/loaner ball gun, backup/loaner high-standard .22, primary AA .22 conversion and my primary .45 in the 5 gun box.

If I wasn't old-school and nostalgic, I would get the T&B strong case with the optional 4 gun tray.  Because it's only 8" wide I would also carry a small range bag for the spare stuff to keep the box from tipping in the car.

Someone advised that you might want to plan for "wheeled" transport of your pistol box and additional stuff for Camp Perry. What do you do different for that situation?

Finally a topic to which I can contribute.

I went with the 2008. If you think you might ever get something with the magazine in front of the grips you'll appreciate the extra length. Also, at one of the ranges where I shoot, the ports are limited in width, and the extra 4" of the 1812 would make it a tight fit for the case and what you put on the bench. The TNB website says you can get an extra pistol clamp to carry a fourth gun in the 1608 and 2008 or a fifth in the 1812. There's plenty of room in the 2008 for "stuff" and if you need to carry more, there is an add on drawer that attaches to the bottom of the box. While I have the basic 2008, it's already heavy enough to need to use the shoulder strap. You might want to use a cart if you put the drawer on and fill it.

Also consider the scope you'll use. If I were to do it again I'd get a 50 mm scope vs. 60mm for size and weight considerations. I just recently saw a 30mm scope that was perfect for indoor 25 yd (should have asked the brand and model).

Also keep in mind that some clubs require that all guns be faced down range. Yes even the ones in your box.
So be sure they all fit facing one way.

Dave C.

Another ting to consider....the more room you have the more stuff you decide you NEED.

Wile E Coyote wrote:Finally a topic to which I can contribute.

I went with the 2008. If you think you might ever get something with the magazine in front of the grips you'll appreciate the extra length. Also, at one of the ranges where I shoot, the ports are limited in width, and the extra 4" of the 1812 would make it a tight fit for the case and what you put on the bench. The TNB website says you can get an extra pistol clamp to carry a fourth gun in the 1608 and 2008 or a fifth in the 1812. There's plenty of room in the 2008 for "stuff" and if you need to carry more, there is an add on drawer that attaches to the bottom of the box. While I have the basic 2008, it's already heavy enough to need to use the shoulder strap. You might want to use a cart if you put the drawer on and fill it.

Also consider the scope you'll use. If I were to do it again I'd get a 50 mm scope vs. 60mm for size and weight considerations. I just recently saw a 30mm scope that was perfect for indoor 25 yd (should have asked the brand and model).

A word of warning. Do not use the supplied shoulder strap.
Mine broke. Fortunately my pistols and scope survived.

I used to own the 4 gun Strong Case but sold it.  For me, it was too large to carry around comfortably.  I was constantly banging it on walls and doors, it took up a lot of room on the bench as well.  I now use the GunHo 4 gun case purchased off eBay last year, it's just right.

if your young and strong, 4 or 5, but if not buy the 3 you will be glad you did, much easier to deal with

I have the 4 gun Strong Box with the extra drawer inside the box it is a great
set up but it is HEAVY!!!!!!! I had to put a different strap off my golf bag
and I replaced the pop rivets on the strap attachments with larger stainless steel
ones the stock aluminum will work loose over time. And I replaced the handle
with a steel one. If I had to do it over I would get the 3 gun to have on the line
and small range bag for stuff you might need. For sure at Perry

Wile E Coyote wrote:Finally a topic to which I can contribute.

I went with the 2008. If you think you might ever get something with the magazine in front of the grips you'll appreciate the extra length. Also, at one of the ranges where I shoot, the ports are limited in width, and the extra 4" of the 1812 would make it a tight fit for the case and what you put on the bench.

My weekly league is indoors, and space will not accommodate the 4 gun very easily, but the 3 fits. 
However, at the larger outdoor matches it  is not problem. 
That said, a 3 gun would work at both of course.

DavidR wrote:if your young and strong, 4 or 5, but if not buy the 3 you will be glad you did, much easier to deal with

Both apply, but I shoot with guys from Quantico and my USMC brethren still look awkward with the giant 4 gun box.

Maybe the three gun with the additional drawer would work.

Sounds like it the direction to go.

I heard the benefit is that the 4 gun is more stable in the car and in high winds.  Especially at Camp Perry where the 3 gun may need some extra work to secure it.  I'm shooting inter-service matches and so far I haven't seen wind being a major issue on the East Coast, but that may change when I get to California at Camp Pendleton.

Thoughts?

Call me if you would like to discuss a lighter box that can fulfill your needs.

Greg Walloch
Precision Pistol Box
949-280-7092

Borrowed a Gun Ho 4 gun box.  Too big (size not weight) IMO.  So I'm going the route of the 3 gun TnB, but need help with which version to pull the trigger on.

There are two version of the 3 gun box in dimensions, the only difference is the SRC-2008 is 2" wider.  I looked at a couple of High Master's boxes and all their stuff fit in the regular SRC-1608.  However, nobody had the SRC-2008 to compare too.  Does the extra width help or back to being somewhat too bulky?

Thanks again for all the great advice.


SRC-2008 (20" wide, 8" deep and 14" tall)
www.bullseyegear.com/bullseyepistol/product.php?productid=362&cat=6&page=1
SRC-1608 (16" wide, 8" deep, and 14" tall)
http://www.bullseyegear.com/bullseyepistol/product.php?productid=365&cat=0&page=1

I have seen the 2008 and it's FOUR inches wider.  I find it to be too wide.  I've got the biggest of the old Pachmayrs and it's only 18" wide.


Greg's custom boxes from the post above are very nice.  Top quality workmanship, and I think he can make it any size you want.

Good catch on the dimensions.

Agreed on Greg's boxes, I've seen them in action, but wood is not an option for where the pistol will be stored eventually, which is why I'm looking at the TnB.

Wile E Coyote wrote:I went with the 2008. If you think you might ever get something with the magazine in front of the grips you'll appreciate the extra length. Also, at one of the ranges where I shoot, the ports are limited in width, and the extra 4" of the 1812 would make it a tight fit for the case and what you put on the bench.

I just wanted to follow up on this thread.  And share my experiences.

I bought the 1812, and it doesn't fit my 1911 with a frame mount.  The front edge of the frame is getting scratched by the fingers, didn't realize that until I took it out.  No big deal, its just the frame not the pistol itself, and put some felt on the front edges of the fingers as an interim solution.  I was able to fit what I consider "essential" in the 1812, but ammunition for the 2700 match results in me running out of space.  Also the length didn't allow me to put all 7 magazines in, I could only fit 6 on the magnet.  I wish I had a few more inches so I could fit all 8 1911 magazines (4 wad / 4 ball).

Guest wrote:A word of warning. Do not use the supplied shoulder strap.
Mine broke. Fortunately my pistols and scope survived.

This turned out to be the case for me as well.  The supplied shoulder strap is very durable, but there is a small thin and weak piece of metal that keeps the hook from coming loose.  Mine did and of course, the case crashed to the ground, luckily, they were all secure so no damage/worries, but I will never use the included strap.  I saw the same thing happen to a friend a week later.

Rob Kovach wrote:I have seen the 2008 and it's FOUR inches wider.  I find it to be too wide.  I've got the biggest of the old Pachmayrs and it's only 18" wide.
Greg's custom boxes from the post above are very nice.  Top quality workmanship, and I think he can make it any size you want.

Rob, is the SRC-2008 protruding of the benches?  
I'm flying with my box for the Navy Pistol Team, so I have to fit carry on restrictions, Delta/United/American 22" x 14" x 9". 
The TnB Strong Case just squeaks by.

JayhawkNavy02 wrote:I heard the benefit is that the 4 gun is more stable in the car and in high winds.  Especially at Camp Perry where the 3 gun may need some extra work to secure it.  I'm shooting inter-service matches and so far I haven't seen wind being a major issue on the East Coast, but that may change when I get to California at Camp Pendleton.

I had my box blow over at Camp Pendleton.  I'm hoping the extra width can add some stability, but I'll probably secure it regardless. 
If someone who has used it at Perry, or other venues can comment on outdoor stability, it's appreciated.