Pelican claims their cases are waterproof, crushproof and dustproof. I have no reason to believe otherwise. I’ve dropped my 1750 weapons case countless times, driven in the rain with it in the back of my truck, and generally beaten it up. The inside always stays completely dry and it shows little sign of wear.

I mostly go duck hunting in Louisiana, so my heavy outdoor use is mostly seasonal, but even indoors you want something you can trust. When you spend a lot of money on a gun (like the Browning shotgun I own), you want it to last. In the past I’ve used soft cases, but I have friends who have always hailed Pelicans as the highest quality gun cases they owned.

After six months, I am completely convinced this polypropylene hard case is the last case I will ever need. Just holding it in your hand you can feel how durable it is, yet still light weight enough to be
manageable (about 26 lbs w/the foam). It also comes with a foam interior liner that is customizable so everything fits snug. In terms of safety, the 1750’s padlock holes are protected with stainless steel panels. The case even comes with an unconditional lifetime guarantee, though Pelican’s construction and quality seemingly deem it unnecessary.

Since purchasing this case, I’ve picked up a Pelican Micro Case, which works equally as well. Perfect for keeping a cell phone, wallet and keys dry.

— Steven Domingue

While equipping a cryonics response team that has to carry all kinds of fragile equipment as checked airline baggage, I sampled four or five different brands of containers. We concluded without any doubt that the Pelicans were the best, and they also tend to be the cheapest, so long as you aren’t tempted to buy them with the overpriced foam inserts. It’s much more economical and more satisfying to buy polyurethane foam separately (e.g. from upholstery stores) and cut it to fit the objects which you want to protect. A bread knife with fine serrations is good for cutting foam; a utility knife is not good; a band saw with a thin blade is the best of all.

I’ve lugged Pelicans through all kinds of punishing conditions, and have never seen one experience any damage. They are heavier than aluminum equipment cases, but they don’t dent, crack, bend, or break.

— Charles Platt

03/18/09