I've got a couple of inexpensive folding, lockable plastic hardcases that provide all the protection I can reasonably imagine could ever be needed. And I use them....sometimes. I actually prefer zippered soft-cases because they are less bulky, convenient, and entirely adequate, most of the time. If I were travelling with a rifle by airline where the rifle was going to be handled by baggage handlers, I would want to use both cases at the same time, and locked after any required official inspection. I'm not sure what the current rules are on that.....