Hello,
I'm working on building a hard cary case for LTRs and was wondering what foam to use. I want it to have a cut out for the rifle with sling, 4 mags, brick of shells, staple gun and staples so I can grab and go and have most of the basics covered.
Thanks,
Stand
Unless you already have a hard case lying around which you just need foam for I would get something like this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000P3WQ86/ref=oh_details_o03_s02_i00 or this http://www.amazon.com/Plano-Protector-Single-Rifle-Shotgun/dp/B000P3WQ0Y/ref=pd_sbs_sg_6 The only thing which might not fit in it comfortably is the brick of ammo, but thats why I drag around a 50-cal ammo can.
It is hard to source the materials locally in small quantities at a reasonable price.
That's why it is usually better to find a cheap case at Walmart.
Different types of closed cell foam, Eggcrate 'acoustical foam, seat cushion foam products are all out there though
http://www.foambymail.com/do-it-yourself-for-seats-and-cushions.html
Ultimately you want a product that won't start flaking apart on you
I have an inexpensive aluminum rifle case I use to carry firearms while traveling. I shoot SASS quite often and can get 2 rifles, shotgun, 2 pistols, and a few other odds and ends in mine. You might consider just getting one of the inexpensive ones. There are many brands and styles out there. I think I bought mine at Dick's Sporting Goods for under $100. There are also some plastic ones that will carry 2 guns for even less.
I use the egg crate foam that my CMP rifles come in. Works great!
In respect to the original post, you'll want ot use open cell foam, egg crate style.
Not quite what you're looking for but....
I've been well served by a Sportsman's Dry Box from MTM Casegard.
The bottom holds a couple of thousand rounds of .22, stapler, elbow pads, and a couple of granola bars with room to spare.
The lift out tray holds my Ruger mags (15, I like having loaners), a pair of shooting glasses, and a slotted tip screw driver for tightening the take down screw on my LTR.
In the "secret" lid compartment you'll find staples, spare chamber flag, Sharpie marker, cleaning rod with tips, a small bottle of CLP, Tech-Sight adjusting tool, Loc-tite, cleaning patches, and a few pairs of ear plugs.
If pushed I can walk out the door with box in hand and rifle slung Minute Man style to shoot an Appleseed and be able to loan gear out to my neighbors on the line.
And the box isn't much larger than a basic .50 cal ammo can.
Heck, come time for history I can sit on it to listen or stand on it to see over the crowd.
And yet I still have a car load of stuff every time I show up at the range.... #)
In my "day job" I'm a musician.
I spent a ton of money on custom road cases in my youth :)
when you do cut outs for harder/heavy items you will often want a foam that is more dense.
The nicer cases will have a layer of dense Foam between the item and the wall of the case. Then maybe a lighter Foam cradling the item and absorbing shock.
The dense foams are often Polyethlene and the lighter types are often Polyester.
Cheap "universal" cases will just use the lighter Eggcrate foam because it will compress around your item and hold it in place without needing a custom cutout.
Be aware that lighter foams will tend to crumble over time and can sometimes create residue that gets into your gear (takes a while)...but then it is time to reline your case.
You can cut the foam with SHARP razors.
Thanks JSD
That is the type of info I needed. I can't afford the type of case I can build. I'm less than imperssed with the case my M1 came with a latch popped off the other day. I think I will size and build in with wood where the stapler, ammo, etc. goes.
I specialize in sharp. I grew up around if you can't shave with it it isn't sharp, then got in to traditional woodworking and discovered there is a whole level above and beyond shaving sharp.
I will post pics when it is done.
Night
Just keep in mind that a strong wood case will be heavy.
The last custom flightcase Pedalboard I had built (for Guitar pedals) weighed 70 pounds EMPTY.
Then I started switching all my cases to Plastic.
Take a look at SKB and Pelican Rifle cases.
You can buy generic cases with or without foam and could cut your own inserts for it. They probably range between $125-$250 depending upon what you want but they do hold up well.