Custom Gun Cases with Foam Inserts

Your gun is an expensive tool that can be damaged wherever you go. That means you will need the best gun case that can accommodate all your firearms and their accessories. This is regardless of whether you are traveling, hunting, or going to a shooting competition.

Having a case for your guns might not be enough. You still need to consider interior aspects such as space and foam inserts that offer additional security to your firearms. Although most cases come with their branded foam inserts, sometimes you may want to customize the foam to fit your storage needs.

Are you looking to buy a custom gun case foam insert? Here is everything you should know about customizable foam inserts.

What Are Custom Gun Case Foam Inserts?

Custom gun case foam inserts are pieces placed inside the case to protect firearms and accessories from damage. Manufacturers make these foams using high-quality materials to allow them to withstand high pressure during movements. These materials also absorb shock and moisture, preventing them from reaching the contents of the case.

Interior damage to guns can happen without even damaging the actual case. This can result from rough treatment during shipping, sharp movement of the case, or moisture accumulation. Therefore, custom foam inserts, specifically die cut or Pick n Pluck forms will provide the right stability and spacing to guns, preventing damages.

Why Do You Need Custom Foam Inserts for Your Gun Cases

Gun case foam inserts have numerous benefits. These include:

• Shock Absorption. Your gun cases are likely to drop or knock at some point when traveling. Form inserts will prevent the energy from the shock from reaching the contents of the case.
• Prevent Unnecessary Movements. Damages are likely to occur to your guns and optics when they move or bounce around. Foam inserts will prevent such movements by keeping your guns in place and in the same state throughout the journey.
• Prevent Moisture Accumulation. The right foam insert will not absorb moisture. This will prevent your gun from rusting, especially if you plan to store it for an extended period.

Types of Custom Foam Inserts

There are various types of foam inserts you can customize to fit your gun case. However, choosing any type of foam depends on aspects like:

• The Purpose of The Gun Case: Are you planning to travel with it or use it for long-term gun storage?
• The Size and Weight of The Gun: Do you want a foam insert that can withstand heavyweight guns or lightweight pistols?
• Price Of the Foam Inserts: Do you want to invest in long-term gun protection or do you just need a replacement form insert for short-term use?
• Sensitivity Of the Case Contents: How sensitive are the case contents to temperature, UV rays, shock, and moisture? Do you have a robust red dot optic or a precision long-range scope?

With the right answers to the above questions, you can now proceed to choose from the following foam insert types:

Polyethylene Foam

Polyethylene foam (PE) is a closed-cell foam with the highest firmness and durability. The form is lightweight and does not absorb moisture. That means no matter how wet it gets; the liquid will stay on the surface without soaking the foam.

Polyethylene is also a very supportive foam, making it suitable for heavier guns and objects. It does not stain easily, hence; suitable for storing gun oils. It is further subdivided into cross-linked polyethylene (X LPE) and non-cross-linked polyethylene foam.

Pros

• It is durable and rigid for heavy gun storage.
• Excellent liquid resistance.

Cons

• Not as visually appealing when compared to other alternatives.

Polyurethane Foam

Polyurethane foam (PU) is an open-cell foam with more give than PE foam. This charcoal-color foam is softer and has a density of between 1.3 and 1.5lb. It is also a good shock absorber, making it ideal for sensitive guns and shooting equipment.

PU is the most common foam insert, maybe due to its affordability. However, it absorbs liquids like moisture and cleaning solvents easily. This can cause rust to your guns, while the foam will also break down easily over time.

Pros

• It is softer and easy to cut into different shapes.
• It is a cheaper alternative.
• Best for everyday use for sensitive gun accessories.

Cons

• Not durable.
• It is liquid absorbent and can cause gun rusting.

Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate Foam

Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) form is the least common foam insert used in gun cases. It is a closed-cell foam, which makes it liquid-resistant. It is also rigid with a good cell structure that makes it a good shock absorber, thermal insulator, and chemical resistant.

The EVA is commonly used for display gun cases and showcases due to its clean, smooth finish. However, it is much pricier; hence, not suitable for everyday gun carriers.

Pros

• Excellent shock, chemical, and thermal resistance properties.
• Durable for long-term gun storage.

Cons

• Much pricier than PU and PE foam inserts.

Other Types of Gun Case Foam Inserts

Other types of foam inserts you can use instead of the three common ones listed above are:

• Extended Polypropene (EPP) or Expanded Polyethylene (EPE) Foams. These are high-strength foam inserts with good shock absorption properties. They have high thermal resistance, protecting the gun from extreme temperatures when traveling.
• Neoprene Foams. These are rubber foams with good resistance to UV rays, abrasion, and extreme weather conditions. They also protect guns and other case contents from shock and moisture.
• EPDM Foams. These are also rubber foam inserts with good water, temperature, and ozone resistance. They have the highest operating temperature ranges of between -65℉ and 250℉. The range makes them ideal for sensitive gun components.

Common Custom Foam Insert Styles

Most custom foam inserts have the common advantage of allowing you to cut them based on your specifics. However, some foam inserts do not need cutting. That is because they can take the shape of a gun when you place them inside the case. This brings us to the following styles of custom foam inserts.

Convoluted Foam Inserts

Convoluted foam inserts are the most economical and convenient storage options. These foam inserts do not need cutting. Instead, you simply need to lay them in the case and place your guns and other items on top of the foam. The foam will then squish around the item.

Drawbacks

Convoluted foam inserts do not offer equal protection to the entire rifle. That means taller parts of the gun will have more pressure while lower parts will feel less pressure. This will lead to potential shifts during transit.

Customizable Foam Inserts

These are cheap and do-it-yourself (DIY) storage solutions that allow you to cut and fit items. They come with different densities to allow you to create the perfect foam cavity. You can create as many storage parts as possible using only one foam.

Drawbacks

It takes time to cut and create the perfect fit for your guns. The foam will also fall apart over time, especially with so many cuts.

Layered or Flat Foam Pads

Layered or flat foam pads are similar to customizable foam inserts. However, these options are cut to a specific length, width, and depth, with no cuts on the inside. When laying guns on a flat foam pad, each part fits in a specific cut, creating a flat layer on the upper surface.

Drawbacks

Although the flat foam pad allows you to control the storage plan, it is difficult to cut by hand. That means you will need the services of foam experts with 3D design software. These experts will use their in-house computerized numerical control (CNC) cutting equipment to create perfect pockets and compartments.

Best Gun Cases with Custom Foam Inserts

You can customize foam inserts to fit any case of your choice. However, this is only possible if you have the right foam or if the case allows customization. Here are a few gun cases that come with pre-installed customizable foam inserts. These will save you the time and costs of buying a new foam insert for every case.

Cedar Mill Discreet Concealment Guitar Rifle Case

The Concealment Guitar Rifle Case from Cedar Mill Firearms has one of the most reliable custom foam inserts. The case comes with a double-layered pick and pluck foam. This allows you to cut the foam insert to fit the dimensions of your guns and accessories.

Inside the case, you also get one egg crate foam and one flat foam. These give two more layers of protection from shock, dust, and moisture. Your case contents will stay in place during transit and no damages will occur from knock or falls.

Nanuk 985 Case

Nanuk 985 Case is among the well-known long rifle cases from Nanuk. The company creates this TSA-approved case with tough and durable mechanisms. These make it ideal for frequent hunters, sportspeople, and law enforcement personnel.

The case also comes with a custom form insert that allows you to cut based on rifle dimensions. The four layers of 1.5 lbs polyurethane foam allow you to customize and fit anything in the case. Also, the thick convoluted lid foam squishes over the firearms to offer extra protection.

Pelican 1750 Rifle Case

Pelican is known for producing some of the most famous unbreakable, water-, dust-, and shockproof rifle cases in the market. Most of their cases also come with customizable foam inserts. Although, you can buy one without a custom foam and get a separate compatible foam insert from Pelican.

Pelican 1750 Rifle Case is one example that comes with or without a custom foam insert. The Pelican 1750 case custom polyurethane foam has two layers, each 1.75 inches thick. The foam is dense enough to provide cushion to heavy rifles and accessories. The two layers also allow you to cut them using CNC machines for a snug fit.

Final Thoughts

Transporting and storing your firearms in gun cases with foam inserts is the best way to minimize damages and safeguard your items. Besides preventing gun movements, foam inserts also protect the case contents from shock, extreme temperatures, water, and dust. However, this is only true when you use the right foam insert.

For maximum protection and peace of mind, you can customize your foam insert to fit your firearm dimensions and weight. Here, you can utilize the information above and enjoy stress-free gun carrying when traveling or going hunting. 

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