The Storm series of hard cases is well known for its strength and updated features. As such, the iM3220 by Pelican makes an ideal protective case for long rifles and other equipment. Pelican continues to be the leader in protective hard cases that come in varying dimensions to meet your mission need.
As with all Pelican cases, the iM3220 Long Case is made from Polypropylene to deliver a watertight, crushproof, and dustproof case that provides a significant amount of external protection and stackabiliy. The case itself has four locking cleats on its lid designed to correspond to the four feet on its base, which reinforce its overall stacking strength.
Exterior
With an overall exterior dimension of 47.20” (L) x 9.20” (H) x 16.50” (W), the iM3220’s exterior is composed of Pelican’s traditional open-cell polymer construction for maximum strength and an impact resistant shell.
The iM3220 includes six newly redesigned Press and Pull™ latches made from an ABS polymer that secures the lid to the locking cleats on the case’s sides. In addition, there are two heavy-duty, ergonomic and foldable handles on either the long side, or on the top of the case to aid in picking up and transporting. Stainless steel hinge pins help provide maximum strength and durability to keep the lid secure.
Several protective features built into the iM3220 are its padlock protectors, and one automatic pressure equalization valve made with 3 Micron Hydrophobic Non-Woven material.
The iM3220 has two polyurethane wheels to aid in rolling and transport of the case, and can support its fully packed weight.
Interior
With an interior space of 44.00” (L) x 8.50” (H) x 14.00” (W), the iM3220 has an overall internal storage capacity of 3.03 ft³.
A one-piece, polymer O-ring provides a watertight seal to the interior storage space.
The iM3220 comes with three layers of 1.3 lb. polyurethane, open-cell foam that can be cut and is customizable to meet storage needs.
Specifications:
- Foam Layers………….………1.63″ each
- Minimum Temperature…-40° F (-40 ° C)
- Maximum Temperature…210° F (99 ° C)
- Max Buoyancy Weight……136.91 lbs.
- The Storm series comes with Pelican’s Lifetime Guarantee of Excellence
The iM3220 Storm Long Case is available in Black (featured), and OD Green.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Average (3/5): With an MSRP of $315.95, the iM3220 Storm Long Case is within the upper-range of the Pelican Storm series. The additional reinforcement, and dense polymer material made for a strong, durable case that is specifically intended to serve law enforcement and the military. Pelican recently acquired its closest competitor Hardigg in 2017, and as such many of its mid/larger products don’t have direct peers with the same attention to strength, reinforcing Pelican as a world leader in hard polymer cases. The closest competitor to the iM3220 case would be the Nanuk 995 ($269.95), or the 2 Rifle & Accessory Case ($559.95) by Case Club; however, in the case of the Nanuk it lacks the strength and design of Pelican (something reflected in the lower price). Considering all factors, and within the market, the iM3220 Storm Long Case is of the appropriate (or average) market price point.
- Comfort – Good (4/5): As a 47” length multiple rifle case, with a slim profile and rigid mid-handle, the iM3220 made for an easily maneuverable hard case that did not feel oversized when carried. The case itself had the storage size necessitating for either a full-sized carbine or bolt gun, SBRs, or other equipment. Once fully loaded, the iM3220 was somewhat heavier than its initial 16 pounds, and the extensive depth translated to a number of items that were carried inside and added to the overall weight. The deep locking cleats provided a secure anchoring point for stacking, and gave the overall shell a good amount of added rigidity. The two polyurethane wheels rolled quietly and easily without any resistance. Both handles had a rubberized, non-slip textured grip which made them feel secure during transport, and they also collapsed against the case when not in use that helped maintain an overall streamline profile.
- Durability – Good (4/5): The principle material of the iM3220 (and indeed almost all of Pelican’s hard cases) is Polyethylene, a type of high-density plastic that made it amazingly durable and resistant to shock. The open-cell foam inserts provided a good level of protection to the equipment and firearms contained inside (more so if the user takes the time to cut specific patterns into the one-piece foam for a specific item), but the foam (by design) tore somewhat easily. The case was dragged over rocks, thrown into a truck bed a number of times, and left out in inclement weather (cold/rain) with no detrimental effect to the foam, stored contents (although some surface marring was noted), or moisture penetration. Each Pelican Protector case comes with a lifetime guarantee from the manufacturer.
- Functionality – Good (4/5): From a functional aspect, the iM3220 was like all Pelican hard cases – a protective box with a pretty straight-forward design (it’s a box – it opens, it closes, it has foam for add padding). And Pelican offers a large array of products for the consumer, military/LEOs, first responders and more to choose one that best fits their specific needs. It is left to the imagination of the user to customize the foam for use, and to expand on the functionality of the case through aftermarket accessories (such as Greyman Tactical’s MOLLE inserts). The downside is then it had to be specific to that item (unless you make the cut pattern very generalized). Features like the rolling wheels and pressurization valves were an essential part of the design for long-term use or carrying. The stainless-steel protectors and hinge pins likewise fill an essential aspect of design as it ensured forced entry (shy of cutting) wasn’t possible. The lid itself did open and rotate to over 180-degrees so when opened, the hinges allowed maximum access to the interior. So, while Pelican cases have a fixed level of functionality, the user’s applicability and aftermarket options are available to expand on its use.
- Weight – Good (4/5): For its size and volume of Polypropylene, the iM3220 weighed 24.80 pounds (with foam). This was well balanced with the overall dimensions of the iM3220, and made it easy to transport by either the collapsible mid-length handle or collapsible handle on the top. While the contents added did not make the case too heavy to carry, the available wheels proved to be an alternative method should the user need it. In comparison; the Nanuk 995 (25.3 pounds), or the 2 Rifle & Accessory Case (31 pounds) by Case Club illustrate the iM3220 owes its reasonably light weight to its good level of material and function. Other hard cases can be lighter, but they will lack the robust design of Pelican’s Storm series.
Overall Rating – Above Average (19/25)
Product Link: https://www.pelican.com/us/en/product/cases/long-case/storm/im3220
I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.
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