Released in mid-2018, the V730 is one of several in Pelican’s newest Vault series of hard cases. The V730 is specifically designed for full-sized tactical rifles, but can accommodate a variety of items to fit within it. The Vault series of cases continues to provide Pelican’s leading protective cases to consumers using its proven materials and design.
As with all Pelican cases, the V730 Tactical Rifle Case is made from Polypropylene to deliver a watertight, crushproof, and dustproof case that provides a significant amount of external protection. The V730 is considered the revision to the traditional Pelican iM3300 Storm rifle case, but includes a refresh design and new features specific for the consumer.
Exterior
With an overall exterior dimension of 47.12” (L) x 19.18” (H) x 6.90” (W), the V730’s exterior is comprised of Pelican’s traditional open-cell polymer construction for maximum strength and an impact resistant shell.
The V730 includes six newly redesigned push-button latches that secure the lid to the bottom. In addition, there are three heavy-duty, ergonomic and foldable handles on either end to aid in picking up.
Several protective features built into the V730 are its four stainless-steel padlock protectors, and its an automatic pressure equalization valve.
The V730 has two polyurethane wheels to aid in rolling and transport of the case and its fully packed weight. Three high-visibility panels on the front aid in easy identification of the opening side.
Interior
With an interior space of 44.00” (L) x 16.00” (H) x 6.25” (W), the V730 has an overall internal storage capacity of 2.55 ft³.
A one-piece, rubberized O-ring provides a watertight seal to the interior storage space.
The V730 comes with five layers of open-cell, one-piece foam that is customizable to meet storage needs.
Specifications:
- The Vault series comes with Pelican’s 1-year Guarantee of Excellence
The V730 Tactical Rifle Case comes in Black (featured), and Desert Tan.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Good (4/5): At $189.95 the newer Vault series by Pelican is intended to be a more cost-effective option for consumers who want Pelican’s renown legacy in protective hard cases, but have shied away from the higher price tags to some of its previous product lines. For example, the V730’s direct Pelican comparison is the iM3300 long rifle case ($269.95) which has been around for years with a proven history professional, and in the field. Arguably there are any number of direct competitors to the V730, one competitor would include the iSeries 4719 Double rifle case by SKB ($379.99) or the Mil-Spec Double Long Rifle case by Plano ($249.99), yet both demonstrate a higher price point for the consumer and thus highlight the affordability of the Vault product line.
- Comfort – Good (4/5): While the 44” length of the V730 case was long enough to accommodate any full-sized rifle; the third, middle handle made transporting and maneuvering the case much easier than if it had only had two. The high-visibility panels made it easy to recognize the top and opening side – even in low light. The push-button latches were a notable improvement over more traditional C-type clamps, and provided an additional level of security against accidental opening (despite continually trying to force it open from the bottom of the latch). One difference between the Vault and Protector series was the absence of locking cleats on the exterior of the Vault, and that resulted in the case sliding off when stacked on top of other cases (the resolution was to use retention/cargo straps or stack vertically between other cases).
- Durability – Good (4/5): Made from Polyethylene a type of high-density plastic similar to high-density polyethylene, the principle material of the V730 (and indeed almost all of Pelican’s hard cases) was amazingly durable and resistant to shock. The open-cell foam inserts provided added 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 truckbed 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.
- Functionality – Average (3/5): From a functional aspect, the V730 is similar to other Pelican hard cases – it being a protective box. Pelican has a large array of products for the consumer, military/LEOs, first responders and more to choose one that best fits their specific needs. And while the V730 had improved angles and new push-button latches, the Vault series was designed more for the consumer in mind, and not members of the military or first responders. Features like the rolling wheels and the pressurization valve were essential as 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. As noted above, the lack of rigidity due to the absence of locking cleats was offset on the side by the reinforcement to the push-button latches, but the lid and base themselves lacked that added reinforcement. Thus, when opened, the lid had a little play in it given its one-piece design. This was less noticeable in the base, having for sides to draw on for structure. Since the V730 is intended as a long rifle case, there were fewer aftermarket applications that could expand the case’s functionality beyond its current application.
- Weight – Average (3/5): For its size and the volume of Polypropylene material, the V730 weighed 22.07 pounds with foam (17.30 pounds w/o foam). The advent of the third handle midway along the length of the case defiantly made moving it (loaded or empty) easy. In comparison to the market alternatives noted above, the SKB case weighed 21 pounds (with an interior storage dimension of 46” x 18” x 7.5”) and the Plano (being slightly larger) weighed 28 pounds (with an interior of 54” x 15” x 6.38”). Thus, the V730 had a weight appropriate (meaning not lighter nor heavier than competitors) to its materials and dimensions, and sacrificed nothing to the hard case’s protective qualities.
Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)
Product Link: https://www.pelican.com/us/en/product/cases/tactical-rifle-case/vault/v730
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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