packing a Flintlock rifle for shipping

[erstrauss62]

I am eventually going to sell a flintlock rifle and going to have to pack it for shipping. Looking for ideas on the container it ships in. I can pack it with bubble wrap no problem. It would seem I need something long enough for the rifle and small enough so it doesn't rattle around inside.

 

[jim mencken]

cheap rifle case from wallmart shipped mine to traditions in one no problems

 

[Calum]

'evening,

Also, if it has wedges, not pins, take the barrel off and ship with the ramrod in the barrel. Barrel off reduces overall length and also gives strength along the length of the stock. This is how one that I bought on the forum was shipped to me, and it worked very well. Just put the wedges back in the stock, so the new owner knows which way they go.

Mike

 

[erstrauss62]

Not exactly inconspicuous But I will check into that thank you

 

[Tumbledown]

Go see if a local gun shop has a couple of extra boxes, and tape them together to make a longer box.

Remove the lock and wrap it in bubble wrap by itself. Put plenty of packing at each end, particularly the barrel. Add extra cardboard inside to reinforce the ends of the box.

You can underpack, but you cannot overpack it.

 

[erstrauss62]

Hey calum dude,
This rifle is expensive and taking it apart is out of my league lol. I don't know enough about it . I'm afraid to damage it. Gun case is sounding pretty good!

 

[erstrauss62]

Oh I'm gonna over pack it!!. Thanks for the advice

 

[erstrauss62]

Never looked at a rifle Case before. This thing is longer than a shotgun. Barrel about 42 in. I'll check around. Thanks again

 

[Ben Meyer]

Definitely take the lock off and bubble wrap well. I received a Flintlock with a broken frizzen once.

 

[PathfinderNC]

If it’s an expensive rifle, maybe a wooden crate would be best. Lumber prices have dropped (yay!). It may cost about $40 or so, but it would do the trick. I re-use Kibler crates with lots and lots of newspaper as padding and have had great success. And be sure to ship it fully insured!

 

[erstrauss62]

That sounds like a good idea. I was thinking of making A coffin like Box to fit it Out of quarter plywood. I was going wrap it with a sheet Then bubble wrap. Pack it tight with some foam. Then screw the top down onto the coffin. It's not sold yet but when it does I want to be ready to go . Thanks for that idea

 

[erstrauss62]

Sorry I'm not the muzzle loader guru like you all. But I would be afraid to take the barrel or the lock off of this I just don't know enough about it

 

[Caniborrowsomeammo]

If it's an expensive rifle I would make a plywood crate for it, 1/4" is fine, but I would also line it with a sheet of luan glued to the plywood, it's cheap, even now, and will add an extra layer of protection.

 

[erstrauss62]

Sounds perfect!

 

[Mark Herman]

I use boxes that flouerscent tubes, 8', come in. Cut to length and put styrofoam insulation around the sides and ends. Electric supply houses usually have them in the warehouse.

 

[Pukka Sahib]

I guess everyone has his own ideas about what is best. As suggested, taking it apart is ideal and as you indicated, with a long barreled gun, it’s you only practicable alternative. I put the components in a cheap plastic case, then tape a piece of laminate flooring to each side of the case - it more or less prevents damage from “point loading”. A wood box would be ideal, but would cost a hell of a lot extra to ship.

 

[fixer02]

Just take lock off and bubble wrap it .

 

[andy52]

If it’s an expensive rifle, maybe a wooden crate would be best. Lumber prices have dropped (yay!). It may cost about $40 or so, but it would do the trick. I re-use Kibler crates with lots and lots of newspaper as padding and have had great success. And be sure to ship it fully insured!

This is what I would do also.

 

[Hatman/2nd line]

I don't think the idea of taking the barrel off is too good, leaving that long stock to being broken very easy? The barrel will keep it secure.

 

[erstrauss62]

Walmart has some hard rifle cases for about $40 and change. they are just over 50" I will have to measure this rifle