I am often asked "what gun case type is best for me -- plastic, metal, or a classic presentation case (leather and or canvas built around a wooden frame)." The answer when choosing a gun case is... It depends what and where you are going to shoot.

Are you going to be traveling extensively via airline? If so, you had better check out a metal case. A good metal case, and I mean a really good one, does seem to withstand the abuse dished out, the exterior of the gun case that is. I have often wondered about what is really going on inside the case. You know, where what you are trying to protect -- your favorite gun -- is waiting.

Using common sense, if a forceful blow is received to the exterior of the case, what gun case type is going to transfer the least amount of energy toward the interior of the case and on to your prized shotgun, rifle or handgun? Well, my guess is, and keep in mind engineering was not my college major, a wooden box case, and then a plastic case, and in last place would be metal.

I once read an article from an online shooting publication where they tested various types of shotgun cases. I must confess to being very surprised when the presentation case (leather and canvas covering a wooden box) actually held up better than the brand name metal and plastic cases. When flying, however, I suspect most presentation case locks and hinges would succumb to the brutality of airline baggage systems.

Okay, the bottom line on my "common sense approach to what gun case type is best": If you are on a very tight budget, go with plastic and leave your favorite gun at home. If you are going to travel on the airlines... choose a metal gun case. Make sure it is a really well constructed case and that the interior is lined with a thick, high density foam to absorb the hits your case will take in baggage handling.

On the other hand, if you are a target shooter, whether it's a breakdown shotgun, handgun, or rifle, you most likely travel by car to your favorite shooting club or the next shooting event. These are the times when you may have your prized, straightest shooting gun along. You want a case that locks, provides protection from accidents when traveling around, (usually from trying to carry too many boxes of ammo, water bottles, shooting glasses and such, in one hand). Also, you want a case that shows you have a really nice gun inside and that you are serious about your sport.

In my case, I am not about to put a $2500 gun in a plastic gun case. Sheesh, that's like going to prom in my barn boots (okay I did that but I have matured, well, maybe not ...you'd better think of your own analogy). I also want the compartments in my gun case to hold all the stuff that keeps my gun in good shape... places for my bore snake, chokes, oil, and wrenches.

In summary, choosing a gun case really depends on where you plan to take your gun. For most serious shooters I believe a wooden frame presentation case covered in a canvas and or leather combination is the best choice. There are many different configurations and price options available. For 95% of your shooting experiences this gun case type, with its good looks, function, and durability, will protect and enhance your favorite gun.

Rick Bingman is President of Brooks & Thomas Gun Cases located in Colorado Springs Colorado. As an avid outdoorsman Rick has spent lifetime hunting, fishing and shooting. Starting at an early age working in his father's manufacturing company in Colorado Springs Rick grew up around production equipment. Thirty years later Rick is has combined his years of manufacturing leather products with his passion for the outdoors. His company, Brooks & Thomas has produced and is currently manufacturing fine quality gun cases for top gun manufacturers, conservation groups as well as for the individual sophisticated shooter. Visit Brooks & Thomas at http://www.brooksandthomas.com