I would imagine there are numerous threads here which contain references to rifle cases for sword transport / shipping.
For example, I regularly see 'shipped in rifle case' at the Marketplace forum.

However, I'm interested in the specifics, such as:

Which rifle cases are best for the job?

How protective are they?

What kind of price range are we talking about?

Etc.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Jon

if you are going to ship, Rifle case really is the way to go, it will not collapse like cardboard so it protects a sword from damage really well,

buy a fairly cheep one from Walmart.

A few makers use rifle cases to ship swords on a routine bases. Gus Trim is one of them; There are a few others that don't spring to mind right now.
Hard rifle cases are very protective, and even the less expensive ones can take some abuse, but have the potential to attract unwanted attention. However, I've never had a problem when receiving swords shipped this way. Another down side is that they are limited in the types of swords you can ship; you're limited to swords with simple guards.
Hard rifle cases can run you anywhere from about $20 to $250 or even more (the more expensive ones tend to be aluminum while the cheaper ones are always some form of plastic). Truthfully, the less expensive plastic cases work fine. You can probably find them cheap at your local WalMart or Big5 or other discount retailer.
Here are some inexpensive cases on-line (Plano is probably the most common maker of these more affordable cases):
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shooting/Gun-S...t104368680

http://www.amazon.com/Plano-Pillared-Single-S...amp;sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Plano-10470-Guard-Singl...mp;sr=1-29

I assume then that the compression from each side when closed holds the sword in place.

Also, I would think that I should avoid those that have a form fitted interior shaped for a particular rifle.

Jon

I bought my Albion Crecy from the classifieds here and it was sent to me in a rifle case. The last owner had made a couple extra pieces of foam to help hold the sword in place. I'm pretty sure that the normal foam wouldn't hold that sword in place otherwise. The sword is much thinner then your average rifle so you may need to make some adjustments as well.

Cheers,

Tomas

I have two cases with egg-carton textured foam inserts that sandwich the sword pretty tightly. They hold the swords reasonably well for normal transportation, although I'm sure they would shift if I shook the cases violently.

I use them and find they work well though I second the issue about "attention". Just be careful regarding moisture and remember to wipe the swords down periodically. THe foam seems to cling to humidity as they aren't air tight.