Plano Rustrictor AW2 42″ Rifle Case Review – First Look
I recently picked up a new gun, a Palmetto State Armory PA10 Gen3 .6.5 Creedmoor, and quickly found myself in need of a good rifle case to safely transport it to and from the range, as well as the hunt. After researching rifle cases, I chose the Plano Rustrictor AW2 42″ Rifle Case and I couldn’t be happier. This case has exceeded my expectations in every way and it has become a piece of gear that I no longer think about, it’s simply second nature to load it in the truck and go. The benefits of the Rustrictor additives give me the piece of mind that my weapon is safe, even if I neglect it in bad weather.
Below is my review of the Plano Rustrictor AW2 42″ Rifle Case.
Plano Rustrictor AW2 42″ Rifle Case Features:
The AW2 rifle cases are the first rifle cases in the Plano line to feature Rustrictor Technology, which prevents rust and corrosion of your rifle. The dual-stage lockable latches and a Dri-Loc seal create a watertight, dust-proof shield to protect even the most precious family heirloom. Inside the case, the pressure release valve equalizes pressure through temperature or altitude changes, allowing this case to exceed TMA standards.
Retail: $189.99
■ Four dual-stage lockable latches
■ Rust-preventive Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) infused
■ Ventilated foam to prevent rust
■ Pressure release valve equalizes pressure caused by altitude or temperature changes
■ Pre-perforated pluck foam for easy customization
■ Continuous Dri-Loc seal creates a watertight seal
■ Heavy-duty carry handle
■ TSA Approved
Is my gun protected inside the Plano Rustrictor AW2 42″ Rifle Case?
After utilizing the Plano Rustrictor AW2 42″ Rifle Case Review for a couple of months, I feel confident that my PSA PA10 6.5 Creedmoor is protected from damage, water, dust, and rust. The four dual-stage latches hold the case tightly closed and the Dri-Loc seal keeps dust and water out. Also, a combination of ventilated foam and pluck-to-fit foam inside of this case is designed to protect and secure your gun, as well as prevent rust. The pre-perforated pluck foam allows for easy customization to fit your rifle. You don’t even need a knife to do it, but it certainly speeds up the process!
Now, I’m not saying this case is bulletproof or crush-proof. If you abuse it, it’s not going to last. The Plano Rustrictor AW2 42″ Rifle Case is lighter than most of my gun cases. It’s great for throwing in the truck when heading to the range or on a hunt. However, I’m not sure if I would utilize this case to fly with. It is TSA approved but it seems a little thin on the padding and the plastic has some give to it. We’ve all seen how our checked bags and treated at the airport and if I were to fly with a weapon, I may consider a sturdier option just in case someone decides my gun case were to be abused and mistreated by people that I can’t control. Also, the external padlock holes are plastic which would make it easier for someone to circumvent your locks. However, if someone is going to go through this much effort to steal your weapon, they probably wouldn’t be deterred if they were metal either.
Specifications of the Plano Rustrictor AW2 42″ Rifle Case Review
Before you buy, make sure your guns will actually fit! The AW2 Rifle Case comes in three different sizes, 36″, 42″, and 52″. Just for reference, the 42″ rifle case weighs in at around 13 pounds without anything in it. Be sure you understand the difference in interior vs exterior dimensions. When measuring your gun, you’re going to want some wiggle room on the interior dimension. The AW2 42″ Rifle Case actually has an internal dimension of 43″ x 14″ x 5″. It’s marketed for guns 42″ or smaller but personally, I would recommend leaving a little more room than that and not going any bigger than a 40″ rifle. You can always turn the rifle slightly in the case for a slight adjustment but go with the bigger case if you’re in doubt.
Quick Tip: If the stock of your gun has the ability to shorten up like my PSA PA10 .308, then be sure to shorten it so you can fit more guns and gear within the case.
How to Fit Your Gun into the Plano Rustrictor AW2 42″ Rifle Case.
Customizing the foam within this case is imperative to safely storing and transporting your guns inside of the case. This process was quick and easy and this is how I did it.
- Choose the gun and items you want to store inside of the case.
- Next, lay each item on top of the foam inside of the case. Place the gun in the center of the case and ensure that no parts of the rifle or scope touch the plastic edges of the case. The more foam between your gun and the case, the better.
- Next, trace the outline of each item with a Sharpie, ensuring that the Sharpie is tight to the gun, magazine, or optic. Be sure not to let the Sharpie touch your gun though.
- Once you’ve traced the outline of each item, pluck out the foam inside the traced lines. To speed up the process, you can cut each piece out with a knife or an electric fillet knife. Be careful not to cut yourself though! For a tighter fit, cut inside of the Sharpie lines. For a cleaner look, cut on the Sharpie lines or flip the foam over before placing it back in the case. Cutting isn’t necessary as this rifle case is fitted with pluck to fit foam!
- Place your guns, magazines, and accessories inside of the case. If it’s too tight, make the necessary cut and remove the excess foam. If it’s too loose, take a scrap piece of foam and glue it in place. It won’t look as good, but it will do the job and protect your weapon!
- Finally, place your guns and gear inside and go hunt!
What makes Plano Rustrictor Cases Special?
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill plastic gun case. Plano has incorporated a bunch of technology into this case to actually prevent rust from occurring on your rifle. On top of the water and dustproof seal, this case has Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VIC) infused into the resin and foam to prevent rust. The ventilated foam protects your firearm from damage and provides 360-degree rust-blocking protection. In fact, this case blocks rust/corrosion 5 times longer than the competition according to accelerated lab tests not conducted by me. Plano utilizes a lot of this same technology in their popular fishing line-up as well.
Plano Rustrictor AW2 42″ Rifle Case Review Summary
The Plano Rustrictor AW2 42″ Rifle Case was perfectly designed to fit my rifle. It’s not too big or too large. I’ve used larger, heavier gun cases in the past and I tend to overload them if I’m not careful. I’ll end up throwing in a bunch of stuff that doesn’t need to be in there but this case fits just right. The case is lightweight, which is nice for throwing it in the truck and heading to the range to shoot. However, the lack of wheels on this case would prevent me from flying with it. Airports are busy, the lines are long and the walk to and from the vehicle is even longer, and not having wheels is a huge hurdle in this regard. However, if you don’t plan on flying with this gun case, wheels won’t do you much good anyway.
I’m extremely happy with this rifle case, from the easy to open dual-lock latches, to the lightweight, yet sturdy design. This case has proved to be durable enough for anything that I intend on subjecting it to and the rust blocking feature ensures that if I make a mistake, this case has my back. I’ve been known to box up a dirty/wet gun before and I only wish I had the Plano Rustrictor case at the time.
PROS:
CONS:
Ready to buy? You can buy directly from Plano, or pick this item up from an assortment of online retailers such as Amazon, Optics Planet, and more.
Thanks for taking the time to read my review. Also, thank you to Plano for supplying this awesome gun case to accompany me on future hunting adventures! Hunting Gear Deals is funded by affiliate commissions. We may receive a small commission when you buy from our partners using the links provided. There is no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting us by using our links when making your purchases.
AUTHOR BIO
Hi, I’m Camron is the owner of Hunting Gear Deals. I’m an avid bowhunter with a knack for finding smoking deals on hunting gear. Currently, I work in the oil & gas industry as an Environmental, Health, and Safety professional but my goal is to continue to grow Hunting Gear Deals and turn it into a full-time job.
Instagram- @huntinggeardeals
