Milbro Hard Case

Milbro is a household name in airgun circles, and they are now part of the Sportsmarketing (SMK) portfolio. Take a look at the SMK website (www.sportsmk.co.uk) and you’ll see there’s a comprehensive selection of gun cases to suit most situations. On show here is actually the largest case in their hard case range. There is of course a need for different types of cases, to suit different situations, and my discipline of Hunter Field Target competition shooting is a perfect example. When we go around the target course, we need something to protect the gun from the odd knock and possibly a quick downpour, but we don’t want to be lugging around a box hard case as this would just be impractical.

Total protection

However, the journey to get to that shoot location might be undertaken with several friends in one vehicle, and here, it can often end up in a stack of kit, with rifles piled on top of each other. OK, I’ll admit I am known for being rather obsessive about getting my gun knocked, but I could recount some horror stories from friends, where their treasured competition rig has been knocked and damaged, whether at home or en route. Our specialized guns and quality glassware to match can now cost considerable wonga, so it really does pay to show some respect. Place the gun in a cosy hard case and it can be pretty well forgotten about for the duration, whether that’s in transit to an event or while being stored in a cupboard at home. We are talking about peace of mind, and that’s where the Milbro Hard Case comes in. As mentioned, this is the big one, and at just under 54.5” in length and 13.5” in height, it’s super-sized indeed. However, bear in mind how many Field Target combos or specialist hunting outfits with silencers and bipods in tow, need extra room for safe carriage, then all that space can come in handy. Many shooters like to keep a raft of accessories in the case too, alongside the gun, so all bases are effectively covered here. Made from high impact synthetic compound, this case is made to take knocks along the way, and I have to say, it all feels solid, robust and well put together. Look to the front and everything is held secure by way of four slide-style catches, whilst on the reverse side, there are four large hinges down the spine. Open the case up and inside there is deep egg-shell-style foam throughout, offering support and resistance to the goods inside. Underneath the case, there are four moulded scuff runners, to take the strain and protect the base. The high-impact synthetic construction means waterproof on the face of it, although it’s fair to point out that these cases don’t carry the rubber water seal of the high-end flight cases. That’s not a criticism, as in my experience, that style of case is normally extremely heavy and as such, wholly impractical for all but the job of protecting the gun on a flight.

Transporter

This Milbro Hard Case is just the right balance, being strong yet reasonably light for manoeuvrability. The moulded central carry handle is comfortable too when the two sides of the case have snugly located together and the latches are closed up. I’m stating the obvious, but in fact, the only negative aspect is also the big plus - namely the size of the case itself. So, just measure up in the back of a small car, for example, to check that this cavernous protector will actually fit, and if it does, then I wholly recommend one, certainly at the current competitive RRP. Close protection from A to B and the ability to hold an abundance of shooting gear make this Milbro Hard Case the perfect travel companion. If the sheer size is an issue, then don’t worry, as one look at Milbro cases on the SMK website, as mentioned, will reveal a comprehensive line-up, with smaller versions available. Either way, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.