Tork Craft Rifle Case
TORK CRAFT PRODUCTS, especially their power tool accessory range, are a well-known and long-established brand. Less known are their hunting and shooting accessories. In the November 2019 edition I tested their gunsmith tool kit and found it more than up to the task. Recently I received one of their rifle cases to test.
It was immediately apparent that this is no ordinary case. Made from polypropylene and glass fibre, it’s clearly designed to take all the knocks a rough hunting trip can dish out. The outside dimensions are 1 190mm (L) x 430mm (W) x 165mm (H), while the inside measures 1 105mm x 340mm x 140mm. It’s waterproof, crush-proof and dust-proof, has four double throw latches and moulded padlock holes.
THE OVERLAPPING INTERLOCKING lid eliminates any distorting or mismatching and contributes to a sturdier case overall. A rubber o-ring ensures a tight seal. Robust hinges offer maximum security while rubberized handles provide for comfortable carry. The main oversized handle allows for normal carrying of the case, while each end has a smaller handle. One end also has two solid and fairly large wheels for pushing or pulling the case. Both the bottom and the lid have moulded protrusions perpendicular to the frame at the hinges, strengthening the construction considerably. A special air supply and exhaust valves ensure adequate ventilation and allow for pressure release during extreme atmospheric changes. The bottom has eight rubber pads acting as feet, raising the surface about 1cm to avoid scratches.
The case comes supplied with two layers of pluckable foam, pre-cut into small cubes so you can customize the case for a specific weapon. The lid has an eggshell foam sheet. The case I tested was big enough to stow two of my shorter bolt-action rifles. I decided to use only one, placed it on the top layer of pluckable foam and traced the outline with a permanent marker. I then simply plucked the cubes to create a custom fit for the rifle. I did the same to create additional space for an extra scope and ammo. The advantage is that by simply customising the second layer for another combination, I could easily use the case for two different configurations. I kept the plucked cubes to replace if I need to swop sheets.
I used the case on an arduous hunt in tough mountainous terrain, leaving it on the back of my bakkie for the entire trip which consisted of extremely bad roads. It withstood the ordeal with no problems; the rifle kept zero and suffered no damage. I also used the case as a seat and, when standing on it (I weigh about 130kg), the lid only gave way slightly. The construction is stronger than most cases I found at retailers, but keep in mind that it takes up more space and weighs 10.5kg. However, it is a quality product that will protect your rifles and scopes under most conditions, so well worth the extra bulk and weight.
If oun dth e Tork Craft rifle case online at prices varying between R4 000 and R5 723, so shop around.