First Impressions of Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case
The Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case promises rugged protection for your firearms at a price point that doesn’t require raiding your kid’s college fund. Pelican has a long-standing reputation for bombproof cases, and the Vault series aims to bring that level of durability to a wider audience. Having lugged rifles through harsh conditions for over a decade, I’m always on the lookout for reliable cases that can withstand the abuse.
What initially drew me to the Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case was the promise of a near-indestructible shell without the premium price tag usually associated with Pelican products. I needed a case that could protect my AR-15 from the rigors of travel, whether that was bouncing around in the back of my truck on a hunting trip or enduring the tender mercies of airport baggage handlers. My old soft case simply wasn’t cutting it anymore, offering minimal protection against impacts and the elements.
Unboxing the Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case was a pleasant surprise. The Ghost Gray polyethylene shell felt incredibly sturdy, inspiring confidence that it could handle whatever I threw at it. The weight was substantial, definitely heavier than my previous soft case, but that was a worthwhile trade-off for the added protection. The six push-button latches felt secure, and the ergonomic handles seemed comfortable to grip.
I considered the Plano All Weather Tactical Gun Case and the Savior Equipment American Classic Tactical Double Rifle Bag before settling on the Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case. The Plano case felt a bit flimsy compared to the Pelican, and the Savior Equipment bag, while offering double rifle capacity, didn’t provide the hard-shell protection I was after. Ultimately, the Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case struck the best balance between price, protection, and portability.
My first impression was overwhelmingly positive; the Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case seemed like a serious piece of kit. While initially skeptical about the “budget” Pelican offering, I was immediately impressed by the apparent build quality and thoughtful design. I was genuinely excited to put it through its paces and see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case to the Test
First Use Experience
My first real test of the Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case came during a weekend hunting trip in the rugged mountains of West Virginia. The case spent hours bouncing around in the bed of my pickup truck, enduring a mix of paved roads, gravel paths, and muddy trails. It also experienced a healthy dose of rain and some surprisingly cold temperatures.
The Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case performed admirably in these challenging conditions. My rifle remained perfectly secure and dry inside the case. The push-button latches remained firmly closed throughout the journey, even after some serious bumps. I did find that the size, while adequate, left little room for additional gear like magazines or cleaning supplies without strategically arranging everything.
There were no significant issues after the first use. I was pleasantly surprised by how well the case sealed out moisture, considering the heavy rain we encountered. The Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case was easy to wipe down and clean after the trip, removing all traces of mud and dirt.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case continues to impress. It has accompanied me on numerous range trips, hunting expeditions, and even a cross-country flight.
The case shows minimal signs of wear and tear despite being subjected to some rough handling. The polyethylene shell has proven to be incredibly durable, resisting scratches and dents. The latches still operate smoothly and securely, and the handles remain comfortable to grip even when the case is fully loaded. The internal foam has compressed slightly over time but still provides adequate cushioning and protection.
Maintenance is incredibly simple. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually all that’s needed to keep the Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case looking its best. I’ve also occasionally used a mild detergent to remove stubborn dirt or grime. Compared to my old soft case, which required frequent washing and patching, the Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case is a breeze to maintain.
The Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case has far exceeded my expectations. It offers a level of protection and durability that rivals cases costing significantly more. My previous experiences with cheaper cases involved frequent repairs and a constant worry about the safety of my firearms. The Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case has eliminated those concerns entirely.
Breaking Down the Features of Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case
Specifications
The Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case is built with a focus on protection and durability, boasting several key specifications:
- Manufacturer: Pelican
- Color: Ghost Gray
- Fabric/Material: Polyethylene
- Gun Type: Rifle
- Length: 44 inches
- Width: 16 inches
- Depth/Thickness: 6.25 inches
- Internal Length: 44 inches
- Internal Width: 16 inches
- Internal Depth/Thickness: 6.25 inches
- Fastener/Closure Type: Buckle (Push-Button Latches)
- Weight: 22.07 lb
These specifications translate directly into the case’s performance. The polyethylene construction provides excellent impact resistance, while the dimensions are well-suited for most modern sporting rifles. The weight, while substantial, is manageable, considering the level of protection offered.
Performance & Functionality
The Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case excels at its primary job: protecting your rifle. The rigid polyethylene shell and four layers of protective foam provide excellent shock absorption, preventing damage from impacts. The six push-button latches create a secure seal, keeping out dust, moisture, and other environmental elements.
The case’s strengths lie in its ruggedness and reliability. It can withstand significant abuse without compromising the safety of the contents. The push-button latches are easy to operate but remain firmly closed even under stress. One area for improvement would be more customization options for the internal foam layout.
The Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case more than meets expectations. It delivers on its promise of providing a high level of protection at an affordable price. I no longer worry about my rifle being damaged during transport.
Design & Ergonomics
The Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case sports a no-nonsense design focused on functionality. The Ghost Gray color is understated and professional. The heavy-duty handles are comfortable to grip, even when carrying a heavy rifle.
The build quality is exceptional. The polyethylene shell feels incredibly robust, and the latches and hinges are well-made. While the case is relatively heavy, the weight is evenly distributed, making it manageable to carry. There is a slight learning curve associated with the push-button latches, but after a few uses, they become second nature.
Durability & Maintenance
The Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case is built to last. The rugged polyethylene shell is highly resistant to impacts, scratches, and other forms of damage. With proper care, this case should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is straightforward. A simple wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep the case clean. The high-quality materials used in its construction resist staining and are easy to clean.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case comes standard with four layers of protective foam. These layers can be customized to fit your specific rifle and accessories.
While Pelican doesn’t offer a wide range of proprietary accessories for the Vault series, the case is compatible with many aftermarket foam inserts and dividers. The internal dimensions are also suitable for use with third-party rifle racks and other storage solutions. Consider purchasing additional foam for creating custom cutouts to fit your specific rifle and accessories.
Pros and Cons of Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case
Pros
- Exceptional durability and impact resistance. The polyethylene shell provides outstanding protection for your rifle.
- Secure and reliable latches. The push-button latches ensure the case remains firmly closed, even under stress.
- Weather-resistant design. The case effectively seals out dust, moisture, and other environmental elements.
- Affordable price point. The Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case offers excellent value for the money.
- Comfortable and ergonomic handles. The heavy-duty handles make it easy to carry the case, even when fully loaded.
Cons
- Limited internal customization options. The standard foam inserts may not be ideal for all rifles and accessories.
- The weight can be a factor for some users, especially when transporting heavy rifles over long distances.
Who Should Buy Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case?
The Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case is perfect for hunters, competitive shooters, and anyone who needs to transport their rifles safely and securely. It is also an excellent choice for gun owners who want to protect their firearms from damage during storage. This case is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable and affordable hard case solution.
Those who need a lightweight option or require extensive internal customization may want to consider other cases. Anyone needing to carry multiple rifles should also look at double rifle case options instead.
A must-have accessory would be custom-cut foam inserts to provide a perfect fit for your specific rifle and accessories. Consider also purchasing a desiccant pack to further protect your firearm from moisture.
Conclusion on Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case
The Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case is an outstanding product that delivers on its promise of providing rugged protection for your firearms at an affordable price. Pelican has successfully brought its legendary durability to a wider audience with the Vault series.
The price is more than justified given the level of protection and durability offered. This is an investment in the safety and longevity of your firearms.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable hard case solution. It’s a durable, weather-resistant, and well-designed case that will give you peace of mind knowing your rifle is safe and secure. Invest in your peace of mind, protect your rifle, and get your Pelican V730 Vault Tactical Rifle Case today!