Introduction
Ammo cans are extra than simply containers; they’re the guardians of our useful possessions, providing safety from the weather and offering a safe place to retailer important gadgets. All through historical past, these sturdy containers have been important for navy personnel and at the moment are an indispensable device for anybody who wants dependable storage. Whereas quite a lot of supplies are used to assemble these important containers, a major and well-liked selection is the plastic fifty cal ammo can. This text explores the options, advantages, numerous makes use of, and vital concerns that make these plastic containers the perfect selection for a large number of storage wants. We’ll delve into the small print, from the basic elements of the “fifty cal” designation to the important thing benefits provided by fashionable, plastic development.
Understanding the Fifty Cal Ammo Can
The time period “fifty cal” on an ammo can does not discuss with its precise caliber, however reasonably the dimensions and form that was initially designed to carry ammunition for the Browning M2 .50 caliber machine gun. These containers, initially designed to face up to the trials of navy life, have turn out to be synonymous with safe and sturdy storage options.
The “Fifty Cal” Designation
The moniker “fifty cal” on this context refers back to the dimensions of the can, and never the particular caliber of the ammunition it as soon as held. The fifty-caliber machine gun was a workhorse of the navy, and its ammunition required a powerful and simply transportable container. These cans have discovered their manner into numerous functions, holding all the things from ammunition of smaller calibers to general-purpose storage for instruments, survival gear, and different important gadgets.
Conventional vs. Fashionable Supplies
The historical past of ammo cans is strongly related to metal development, providing distinctive sturdiness and safety. Nonetheless, as expertise has superior, so has the out there vary of supplies. Fashionable plastic fifty cal ammo cans now present a viable and infrequently superior different. Let’s discover the important thing distinctions between the 2 supplies:
Sturdiness: Metal cans are undeniably powerful, able to withstanding important affect and stress. Nonetheless, high-quality plastic cans constructed from sturdy polymers usually present glorious affect resistance, sufficient for most traditional storage wants.
Weight: That is the place plastic actually shines. Plastic fifty cal ammo cans are considerably lighter than their metal counterparts, making them simpler to move, particularly when loaded. This weight financial savings is a significant profit for anybody who wants to maneuver and deal with their storage often.
Corrosion Resistance: Metal is inclined to rust and corrosion when uncovered to moisture and humidity. Plastic, being non-metallic, is impervious to those points, guaranteeing the long-term integrity of the container and its contents.
Price: Plastic fifty cal ammo cans are usually extra inexpensive than metal ones. Whereas the costs can range relying on the model and options, the decrease manufacturing prices of plastic usually translate to a greater worth for the buyer.
Benefits of Plastic Fifty Cal Ammo Cans
The benefits of plastic fifty cal ammo cans prolong past simply value and weight. They characterize a shift towards environment friendly, dependable, and versatile storage options.
Light-weight and Transportable
As beforehand mentioned, the lowered weight of plastic is a major benefit. This makes these cans a lot simpler to deal with, carry, and transport, whether or not you are loading them right into a car, taking them on a tenting journey, or just organizing a space for storing. The benefit of portability is a significant promoting level for many who prioritize comfort.
Corrosion Resistance
The resistance to corrosion provided by plastic is a major benefit. Metal cans can rust over time, particularly when uncovered to moisture or saved in humid environments. This cannot solely compromise the structural integrity of the can but additionally doubtlessly injury the contents inside. Plastic fifty cal ammo cans, however, will not rust, guaranteeing the long-term safety of your saved gadgets.
Waterproof and Hermetic Seals
Many plastic fifty cal ammo cans are designed with sturdy sealing programs, together with rubber gaskets and tight-fitting lids. These options create a water-proof and hermetic surroundings, shielding the contents from moisture, mud, and different contaminants. That is essential for safeguarding delicate gadgets like ammunition, electronics, or meals.
Worth and Affordability
The affordability of plastic fifty cal ammo cans supplies a wonderful worth proposition. In comparison with metal counterparts, plastic cans often supply a decrease preliminary value, making them an accessible possibility for a wider vary of customers. Moreover, the lowered weight and resistance to corrosion contribute to long-term value financial savings by lowering the necessity for replacements.
UV Resistance
Some high-quality plastic fifty cal ammo cans are constructed with UV-resistant supplies. This is a crucial function, as extended publicity to daylight can degrade many plastics over time. UV-resistant cans supply enhanced safety, guaranteeing that the container stays sturdy and efficient even when saved outside or in direct daylight.
Different Options
Producers additionally supply options that enhance the usability of their plastic fifty cal ammo cans. These embody molded handles for simpler carrying, stacking ribs to maximise space for storing, and added inside padding or modifications.
Options and Specs to Think about
Selecting the best plastic fifty cal ammo can is dependent upon the particular wants and meant use. A number of elements must be thought of in the course of the choice course of.
Development Materials
The kind of plastic used is a important consider figuring out the can’s sturdiness, affect resistance, and general high quality. Widespread supplies embody:
Polypropylene: This plastic is thought for its glorious chemical resistance, affect resistance, and affordability, making it a well-liked selection for a lot of ammo cans.
Excessive-density polyethylene: Presents good energy, rigidity, and resistance to each chemical substances and moisture.
Think about the thickness of the plastic used, as thicker supplies typically present higher sturdiness.
Seal Mechanism
The seal mechanism is what retains the weather out and the contents protected. Excessive-quality seals are important for moisture safety. Search for cans with:
Rubber gaskets: Generally used to create a good seal between the lid and the physique of the can.
O-rings: Present a fair tighter seal and infrequently contribute to raised general water resistance.
Dimensions and Capability
Decide the suitable dimensions on your storage wants. Think about each the interior and exterior dimensions of the can to make sure it suits your space for storing and might accommodate the meant contents. Pay shut consideration to the interior quantity to evaluate its capability.
Closure System
The closure system must be sturdy and safe, stopping unintended openings. Widespread options embody:
Latch varieties: Select a latch that’s simple to function but additionally supplies a safe closure.
Hinges: Be certain that the hinges are sturdy and well-attached to the can.
Shade Choices
Whereas the colour of the can is primarily aesthetic, it may well additionally play a purposeful function. Darker colours can soak up extra warmth when uncovered to daylight, whereas lighter colours might mirror extra warmth. Think about the place the can shall be saved and the potential affect of daylight. The colour additionally helps in simple identification and group of saved gadgets.
Model and Producer Fame
Selecting a good model is important for guaranteeing the standard and sturdiness of the can. Analysis completely different manufacturers and skim buyer opinions to get an concept of their repute and the efficiency of their merchandise. Search for manufacturers identified for producing high-quality, dependable ammo cans.
Widespread Makes use of for Plastic Fifty Cal Ammo Cans
The flexibility of plastic fifty cal ammo cans makes them a useful storage answer for numerous functions.
Ammunition Storage
That is, in fact, their commonest software. Plastic fifty cal ammo cans are glorious for storing ammunition of assorted calibers. They supply safety from moisture, corrosion, and affect injury, serving to to make sure the protected storage and preservation of rounds.
Outside Gear
These cans are nice for holding tenting gear, survival kits, and first-aid provides shielded from the weather. They provide glorious safety in opposition to rain, snow, mud, and different environmental hazards.
Instruments and {Hardware}
The sturdy development of plastic fifty cal ammo cans makes them perfect for organizing and defending instruments, {hardware}, and different workshop provides. The hermetic seals stop moisture from inflicting rust and corrosion.
Automotive Use
Plastic fifty cal ammo cans present safe and arranged storage in autos. They can be utilized to retailer instruments, emergency provides, restoration gear, or anything you’ll want to maintain protected whereas on the highway.
Different Functions
Meals storage: Can be utilized to retailer dry items in safe, hermetic environments.
Doc storage: Defending vital paperwork, images, or different delicate paperwork from moisture and injury.
Electronics storage: Present a safe and weatherproof surroundings for digital gadgets and equipment.
Emergency preparedness: They’re used to retailer emergency provides in properties and autos.
Upkeep and Care
Correct care and upkeep be certain that your plastic fifty cal ammo can will present years of dependable service.
Cleansing and Upkeep
Frequently clear the can, each in and out, to take away any dust, particles, or moisture. Use gentle cleaning soap and water, and keep away from utilizing harsh chemical substances or abrasive cleaners that might injury the plastic.
Examine the gasket and seal mechanism repeatedly for put on and tear. Change gaskets or seals that present indicators of injury to keep up the hermetic and waterproof integrity.
Storage Circumstances
Retailer the can in a cool, dry place away from direct daylight.
Keep away from excessive temperatures, as these can doubtlessly warp or injury the plastic.
If storing the can outside, be certain that it’s lined or sheltered to guard it from the weather.
Inspecting for Harm
Frequently examine the can for any indicators of injury, equivalent to cracks, dents, or warping.
Test the hinges, latches, and deal with for any indicators of damage or injury.
Deal with any points promptly to forestall additional injury and keep the can’s integrity.
Evaluating Completely different Manufacturers and Fashions
The market gives quite a lot of plastic fifty cal ammo can manufacturers and fashions. This part offers a normal concept of how they work.
Overview of Standard Manufacturers
M-Tech USA: Identified for producing heavy-duty ammo cans that provide glorious sturdiness and safety.
MTM Case-Gard: MTM is thought for its progressive designs and high-quality development, particularly of their line of ammo cans.
Plano: Plano is among the largest manufacturers within the storage market. It has a wide array of inexpensive choices appropriate for general-purpose storage.
Different Manufacturers: Harbor Freight, and numerous navy surplus suppliers supply a variety of cost-effective and sturdy plastic fifty cal ammo cans.
Mannequin Comparisons
It’s sensible to do in-depth analysis to match manufacturers. Think about these elements:
Worth: Evaluate the costs of various fashions.
Sturdiness: Assess the development supplies and general construct high quality.
Sealing: Confirm the effectiveness of the seal mechanism.
Options: Think about further options equivalent to handles, stacking ribs, and UV resistance.
The place to Purchase Plastic Fifty Cal Ammo Cans
Plastic fifty cal ammo cans are extensively out there from numerous retailers.
On-line Retailers
On-line retailers supply the comfort of buying from residence and infrequently present a wide array of manufacturers and fashions. Standard on-line retailers embody:
Amazon.
eBay.
Retailer web sites equivalent to Walmart, Goal, and others.
Native Retailers
Native retailers supply the chance to look at the can in particular person earlier than buying.
Sporting items shops (e.g., Cabela’s, Bass Professional Retailers).
Navy surplus shops.
{Hardware} shops.
Worth Concerns
Costs can range relying on the model, options, and retailer.
Think about the cost-per-unit of every mannequin.
Search for gross sales and reductions to get the perfect worth.
Conclusion
Plastic fifty cal ammo cans are a outstanding storage answer that mix the strengths of light-weight development, corrosion resistance, and affordability. Whether or not you are a hunter, camper, prepper, or somebody on the lookout for dependable general-purpose storage, these containers supply a flexible and reliable technique to defend your valuables. With the correct concerns for materials, seals, dimensions, and model repute, you possibly can select a plastic fifty cal ammo can that fits your wants.
Name to Motion
Do you’ve got a favourite plastic fifty cal ammo can, or a singular manner you make the most of them? Share your experiences and ideas within the feedback beneath! If you’re looking for extra info, you may additionally like our associated articles on tenting storage, survival gear group, and ammunition storage options.
