November 2023 - Cleaned up list; added How We Chose and individual categories.
Not sure the best gun case to properly store and transfer your guns?
From soft to hard cases, and even some covert ones…we’ll cover them all.
THE QUICK LIST
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Editor’s Best Soft Gun Case
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Best Bag u0026 Mat Combo
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Editor’s Best Soft Pistol Case
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Combo Range Bag u0026 Pistol Case
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Editor’s Best Hard Case
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Runner-Up Hard Gun Case
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Affordable Hard Case
How We Chose
Between the entire Pew Pew Tactical team we’ve used almost every case out there to bring our personal guns and testing guns to the range, airport, and other excursions.
We chose our top picks based on criteria such as:
- role fulfillment
- look/feel
- quality and durability
- value
Here are the winners that we still keep and use to bring our pistols, rifles, and shotguns to the range.
And since there’s so many roles and types of cases, we’re breaking our list down into these categories:
- Soft Gun Cases
- Hard Gun Cases
- Discreet Gun Cases
Table of Contents
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Best Soft Gun Cases
Editor’s Best Soft Gun Case – Savior Equipment
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Pros
- Streamlined or traditional pouch
- Heavy-duty Cordura material
- Great stitching
- Different sizes u0026 colors
- Well-padded all-around
Cons
- Heavy if completely full
I kept seeing Savior Equipment at the range and I had to try them out for myself.
Well, it’s been over 3+ years now and they are still my favorite go-to rifle bags.
There’s two primary flavors – the American Classic with three pouches in the front and the Urban Warfare with one large pouch and two smaller pouches.
Personal preference, but I like the more streamlined look of the Urban Warfare.
Be sure to use code “PEWPEW15” to get 15% off your order on their site.
I usually put my ammo and accessories in range bags and try to keep my rifle bags light.
They are built much better than random gun show bags, so they are a little heavier. And the stitching and zippers seem like they will last a long time.
The backpack straps are also well-padded for the arduous trek of bringing my rifles to the shooting bench, lol.
But I’d still be ok with bringing this on a longer precision shooting course where I’ll actually be trekking in the mountains.
Besides the two variants…they also come in different colors and lengths.
I like 36 inches which should fit all 16-inch AR-15s and AKs with adjustable buttstocks.
There are two padded sections so you can hold two scoped rifles. I like that there’s a fairly large section (not including the pouches) in the front to keep loose scopes or mags.
Make sure to measure for your bolt guns since you’ll probably need 42-inch or 46-inch versions.
Otherwise, the tiniest 36-inch is enough for AR and PCC pistol variants.
And in 2020, they had a substantial overhaul of all their bags which made them even beefier.
Again…we’ve secured a 15% off coupon for our readers with code “PEWPEW15” if you order on their site.
Here’s the American Classic version:
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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However my fav is still the Urban Warfare version.
Another of my favorites which I’ve been testing over three years has been their Coffin which semi-discreetly carries a fully-collapsed AR or pistol variant with ease.
Go with the 34-inch variant for a 16-inch AR-15.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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Best Bag & Mat Combo – NcStar VISM
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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Pros
- All-in-one bag & mat
- Space for ammo & DOPE cards
- Lightweight
Cons
- Stitching could be better
- Straps aren't well-padded
Ok…stay with me here.
Usually, I run away from NcStar (especially optics) but their VISM Rifle Bag is pretty good!
I’ve used it regularly for seven years and although it’s a bit thin to be truly protecting of a nice rifle, it doubles as a great shooting mat.
Well thought out pouches, clear sections for your dope, and ammo holders.
The straps aren’t the best, so I wouldn’t bring it on a long hunting trip…but it’s perfect for the range or short courses.
If you want to get into long-range and consolidate your rifle bag and shooting mat, this is the way to go.
Editor’s Best Soft Pistol Case – Savior Equipment Specialist
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Lots of room for guns, mags, u0026 accessories
- Configurable
- Heavy-duty build quality
If you’re looking for a sturdy pistol bag with loads of room for accessories, Savior Equipment’s Specialist has you covered.
The Specialist brings an internal size of 12.5 x 8.5 x 2.5-inches in its main compartment.
Main compartment also features magazine organization and two additional pockets for other odds and ends.
On the outside, you have another pocket perfect for admin items like ear and eye pro, multi-tool, gloves, and a mag loader.
Be sure to use code PEWPEW15 to save 15% off at Savior Equipment.
There’s also the larger Mini Range Bag which gives you even more space and is enough for a full range day even with multiple pistols and long guns.
There’s three compartments and plenty of space to put your ammo, pistols, and mags.
The middle compartment holds pistol mags and two zip pouches that I use for everything from ammo to ear pro and other electronics.
Plus there’s Velcro that lets you move and add additional storage options.
The other compartment gives you open space for pistols (or at least it’s what I use it for).
And the front compartment is more geared towards rifle mags. I’ve also been carrying some suppressors and other goodies in there too.
Affordable Soft Pistol Case – Uncle Mike’s
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Very Affordable
- Two sizes
- Discreet with no logos
Cons
- Cheaper feeling
Big logos is one big reason I don’t like using the factory boxes that most handguns come with…no need to advertise that you have a firearm. Uncle Mike’s solves that problem with an affordable price.
The medium size will fit 3-4-inch revolvers and most semi-auto guns with 4-5-inch barrels.
If you have something larger, they also have the Large Version for up to 7.5-inch barrel revolvers.
Light Bearing Pistol Case – Pew Pew Tactical Handgun Case
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Fits full-sized pistols with lights
- Lightweight
However one thing that always bothered me is the inability to be small, discreet, dead sexy, AND fit a light.
That’s why we designed our own Pew Pew Tactical Handgun Case that will fit almost all full-sized handguns with a torch.
If you don’t have a pistol light yet…check out our hands-on review of the Best Pistol Lights.
Combo Range Bag & Pistol Case – Savior Equipment SEMA
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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Pros
- Easy way to carry multiple pistols & gear
- Very padded
Cons
- Doesn't size down if you're carrying less
Looking for a combo range bag and pistol case?
The SEMA (Savior Equipment Mobile Arsenal) gives you plenty of space for all your accessories and ammo. Plus it comes with some nice pistol pouches that live in the bottom compartment.
And of course has lots of useful pockets inside too.
The backpack straps are nicely padded so even if you’re fully loaded with 4 pistols and all the range gear…your back won’t hate you by the end of the day.
Be sure to use code PEWPEW15 to save 15% off at Savior Equipment.
Best Hard Gun Cases
Editor’s Best Hard Case – Pelican 1700
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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Pros
- Very robust build quality
- Pick & Pluck foam isn't the best
- Has pressure equalization valve
- Rolling can be difficult with fully loaded
Cons
- Heavy
The gold standard in hard gun cases is…Pelican Rifle Cases.
There’s a couple different models but if you’re bringing an AR or something else that can be broken down…I like the Pelican 1700.
It’s rock-solid (waterproof, crush-proof, and dust-proof) and rolls, plus it has a pressure equalization valve.
The inside foam can be cut to fit anything. Inside dimensions are 35.75 x 13.50 x 5.25.
I’ve taken my Pelicans on tons of flights and although they get dinged up a bit…nothing has failed and my guns/optics have always been fine.
And for multiple guns or longer rifles, check out:
- Pelican 1720 at 42″ x 13.5″ x 5.25″
- Pelican 1750 at 50.5″ x 13.”5 x 5.25″
What’s your take on Pelican cases? Rate them below!
Runner-Up Hard Gun Case – Magpul DAKA
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Pros
- Great build quality
- Comes with DAKA Grid system
- Only needs two locks
Cons
- More expensive than Pelican
The crew at Magpul took a look at current gun cases and put some thought and engineering into improving the user’s experience. The result? The DAKA R44.
This polymer case is tough, and smart. Everything was designed to be functional and streamlined like the rounded corners, preventing it from catching on conveyers and the like.
There are two handles, one in the middle, and one on the end. Both of these feature the ergonomics Magpul has learned from making grips and they either stay out when needed, or tucked when not.
The latches are one of my favorite features because there are only two, and they’re on the same side. These little marvels are cammed so they apply extra force to the lid during closing.
Lock points feature a steel grommet that is further reinforced by more polymer when the latches close. Magpul even includes some hook and loop straps to keep your locks snug against the case, to prevent them from tearing off.
The exterior has other great features like feet to help it stand on either end, Magpul Dot Matrix for ID, recesses for strapping, and they are stackable. Plus, the sturdy rubber wheels include bearings to keep them trucking.
Opening up the case you find extra pockets on the exterior that hold small items and also act as an impact zone to protect contents. All the DAKA Hard Cases include the DAKA Grid system for organizing and protecting your valuables.
Affordable Hard Case – Plano
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Affordable
- Better than most stock rifle cases
Cons
- Not sturdy enough for flights
The Plano Rifle Case is a good start to a hard case and most likely better than what came with your rifle.
Lockable with decent foam, but I’d probably opt for something hardier if you’re bringing it on a flight.
Also be sure to check if it will fit your scope and rifle combination.
Otherwise, great for storage and the range.
Editor’s Best Pistol Hard Case – Pelican 1500
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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Pros
- Super sturdy
- Can hold 4-5 pistols & lots of mags
- Travel ready
Cons
- Need to purchase custom foam
The Pelican 1500 can hold 4 to 5 pistols, especially when they are loaded in vertically.
Plus, there’s custom foam to fit 5 handguns and a bunch of mags. They will also carry handguns with lights although tit will be a tighter fit.
I’ve also taken my Pelican 1500 on airplane trips and it’s survived every one. Plus the slightly larger size makes it a little harder to get lost.
Runner-Up Hard Pistol Case – Nanuk 910
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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Pros
- More affordable than Pelican
- Slimmer sizing
- Still great build quality
I love my Pelicans, but when I wanted something a little flatter for my suppressor and accessories. I couldn’t find the right model.
So I went with one of their big competitors…Nanuk that’s made in Canada.
The Nanuk 910 model was perfectly sized for my suppressors, accessories, and a handgun if needed.
- Exterior Size: L14.3″ x W11.1″ x H4.7″
- Interior Size: L13.2″ x W9.2″ x H4.1″
Now since I’ve gotten a couple more suppressors I’ve made it my dedicated can case.
Editor’s Best Travel Gun Case – Vaultek Lifepod
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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Pros
- Perfect size for pistol & mag
- Can be tied down
- Fast entry
- Comes in different sizes u0026 colors
Cons
- Not the most secure
My current travel handgun case if I’m driving and staying at hotels or Airbnbs is the Vaultek Lifepod.
Discreet with the sling bag, enough protection, quick access, and still able to be tethered down.
See it in action:
Buttons are still good even when wet since they are capacitive. I personally like to leave the latches unlocked when I’m going to sleep and only have the button code.
Space is decent for travel too. I only bring a compact gun with light and a mag.
My go-to choice for when you need a locked box for travel.
Now there’s the upgraded (and larger) LifePod 2.0 that I use at home for my holstered CCW or two securely store two handguns.
Or with the tray, some other stuff.
With the larger size also comes some cooler colors — my favorite being Black Multicam.
But whatever it is, you can’t go wrong for a secure box that looks great.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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Best Discreet Gun Cases
Guitar Bag Pick – ChromaCase
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Now we’re going discreet.
I started off with an acoustic guitar case when I only had one or two rifles. It had decent protection and the shoulder straps helped to lug my guns to the range.
I eventually broke the straps and also had to bring more than two rifles.
Pros
- Doesn't scream "GUN"
- Affordable
Cons
- Will sag if you're loading it up
Tennis Bag Pick – Wilson
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Pros
- Sections for multiple firearms
- Discreet
Cons
- Straps aren't great if you're full
Oh yes, tennis bags.
Especially multi-compartment tennis bags.
I had a lot of uppers and lowers, which broke down perfectly into my triple compartment Wilson Tennis Bag.
I had to use some t-shirts and rags as protection, but it was so easy to be discreet and carry multiple ARs.
Also has shoulder straps but since you’re carrying a lot more weight than rackets. It’s not going to be fun if you really have to ruck it.
Best Hard Discreet Gun Case – Savior Equipment Guitar Case
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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Pros
- Hard case protection
- Discreet
- Rolls nicely
Cons
- Need to cut foam yourself
The Savior Equipment Guitar Gun Case is a nice covert hard case when you don’t want your neighbors to know you’re off to the range.
It has rolling wheels…
And also nice durable handles and six clasps all around.
It also features a top handle and two lockable areas.
Overall, it’s pretty sturdy and can double as an airline firearm case because of the lockable areas. There’s no pressure release valve, however.
It comes with three layers of dense foam. You can cut the middle layer for your firearm and leave the top one for basically no movement.
Space is decent for an AR with optics plus a pistol or a bunch of mags.
You’ll have to cut the foam which I easily did in under 10 minutes with chalk and a steak knife. It’s no hot wire cutting, but it’ll do!
Overall, the Savior Equipment really is a nice covert hard case that’s enough for travel.
Premium Guitar Gun Case – Cedar Mill
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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Pros
- Higher-end feeling
- Pluckable foam
Cons
- More expensive
Another covert guitar gun case — except this one takes the nicer aesthetic approach.
The Cedar Mill Guitar Gun Case can hide in plain sight in your living room…and even spruce it up!
It’s covered in a nice faux leather that can take some abuse but I still wouldn’t throw it around or toss it in the back of the truck.
It’s main security is looking like a guitar case, but there’s also a lock in the middle clasp. Note it feels flimsy, and someone can probably easily Hulk it open by hand.
The interior has pluckable foam so you don’t need to break out the steak knife.
Check out the size of the pluckable foam.
Size is decent, too, and you can fit a handgun or mags in that top right space. It’s a tiny bit smaller than the Savior, which will work better with a longer barrel.
The guitar body area seems very similar.
If you’re looking for a very nicely built covert guitar case and you aren’t looking to fly with it…the Cedar Mill is a great bet.
Best Small Discreet Hard Case – Savior Equipment Fiddle Master
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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Pros
- Perfect for SBRs
- Comes with TSA locks & lock holes
Cons
- Doesn't come with foam for main compartment
How about a hard case for something smaller?
Enter…Savior’s 30″ Fiddle Master that’s perfect for a pistol or short barreled rifle (SBR).
It comes with two TSA locks and also two holes for your own padlocks if you’re flying.
Plus a final clamp and two inner straps to make sure nothing moves around or accidently opens.
Best Discreet Case for SBRs – 5.11 Tactical 28″
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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Pros
- More discreet soft case option
- Great for SBRs
- Nice build quality
Cons
- More covert options out there
The 5.11 Tactical case hits that middle ground you don’t always see with rifle bags — it’s great for those guns that are longer than pistols but would swim around in a full-length case.
At 28 inches long, this case is perfect for short barrel rifles (SBR), AR pistols, and other guns that fall into that “in-between” category.
Just like other 5.11 Tactical cases, this one is made from 600D Polyester, so it’s lightweight but still durable enough to haul your guns.
The exterior has a hook and look section on one side and a MOLLE on the other side. But is clean enough that it doesn’t scream GUN.
There are two padded carrying handles at the top in the middle, as well as an adjustable shoulder strap. Large, lockable YKK zippers open the bag up lengthwise to reveal a padded interior.
On the inside, there are corner pockets for retention of your muzzle and bott stock. Finally, there are also adjustable hook and look straps to hold your firearm securely in place.
FAQs
Can I store my guns in a case?
Although cases are great for travel and short term storage, guns should be kept in a secured location. Moisture can also accumulate in cases and cause damage to your firearms.
Should I get a soft gun case or hard gun case?
Soft gun cases are lighter and suitable for range or hunting trips, while hard gun cases provide more protection.
What are hard case requirements for airline travel?
Guns need to be unloaded and "locked in a hard-sided container." Check out the latest requirements on TSA's website.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, our recommendations for the best gun cases.
Really, your factory case will do fine, but for me, I just don’t like having the big logos that advertise you have a gun.
Also if you are traveling or have expensive scopes, you’re going to want better protection from a hard case, with Pelican being the gold standard.
What’s your preference…hard, soft, or discreet? Also, be sure to check out our Best Gun Range Bags for the best ammo and tool toting bags out there to combo with your new gun case.
74 Leave a Reply
I did not see Plano listed or Case Club. I am familiar with Plano but I have no knowledge or experience with Case Club. They make a 4 rifle or shotgun case that holds 3 pistols as well. It also has space for magazines and ammunition for all of the above according to their website. Amazon has the listing. I know nothing about the company but their video looks to be everything I would need including a hard closed foam interior that can be modified to fit about anything I would need to take with me. I’ve almost sold myself on it as it would hold everything and fit in the back of my suburban. I know it is impossible to test everything out there and I truly appreciate all the testing you guys do. I learn a lot and someday I would love to meet all of you in person. Thank you again for everything you do. I truly hope you are all making gobs of advertising dollars doing what appears to be my dream job.
I did an Apache case from harbor freight. I got precut foam from gunformz. Works wonderfully.
Mine wasn't on the list. I run the large SKB bunk bed case. It's huge and expensive, but it has wheels and grab handles. Fits in the back of my Canyon like a glove. And it will hold anything in my armory, bird guns, AR's, accessories, even my bow.
Savior will not ship to Alaska, therefore the company sucks
I get the overdesigned, overpriced thing. Still, my 36-in. Urban Warfare rifle bag works well. I shoot alone indoors, and can carry my AR-15, .22 rifle, semiauto pistol, ammo/mags and other gear with ease. I often use a homemade, heavy shooting rest, and the backpack straps, which I thought were a gimmick, help me haul it all to the shooting bay in one trip. No, it's not cheap, but I find this item very useful.
Gun cases have gone the way of most things, overbuilt and tactical. It's difficult to find an inexpensive case in a plain styling that simply does it's job, stop the dings and dents of transportation from gun safe to range. Too many cost more than a tank of gas and that kind of money takes away from, well, actually getting to the range.
I don't think we are exploring the range of materials available and how simple a case can be made. It's basically dense foam with some kind of handle on it - why not a military sleeping pad folded to trap the firearm with enough retention to keep it from sliding out? That is all we actually had years ago, a sewn padded sack in the shape of a gun, and the ones I have picked up over the years still work. I don't think they would do that well if I threw it out the side door of a Huey, but neither would we.
Cases are getting to the point of being paid social status, too much isn't enough.
eBay, my friend. If you have any experience spotting the scammers, you'll find TONS of quality hard and soft cases for very reasonable prices. A Savior kit will be market price, but there really are some decent (Chinese-made) range bags out there if you look.
Savior Equipment cases are nice but they're always sold out. Especially the larger rifle sizes. It's a pain and almost like they make them to sell out on purpose. Eberlestock is somewhat nicer, similarly priced and in stock.
Do you receive any form of compensation from manufacturers or suppliers for your reviews? Pretty heavy endorsement of Savior products, makes me wonder.
I too tend to question advice such as this article gives towards one company or another, but when it come to Savior I've been convinced that they make solid products. I have over a dozen rifle bags, a few pistol range bags, and even the wall rifle racks all made by Savior. Every Savior product I've purchased are all top-notch and would either buy again or recommend to a friend or family member. I'm not getting paid to say this.
Hi, we highlight everything in our disclaimer. But we do not accept payment to make the list so we can choose from our true favorite products. Products that we would recommend to friends and family. However, we do get a small commission for the sales of most products since this is still a business and we need to keep the lights on. Readers do not pay more for using our links.
For Savior in specific...we just really like their heavy-built and well-designed stuff.
OK , Thanks for the honesty in your reply. Rating products when you receive compensation and commission(ESPECIALLY COMMISSION) I would think inappropriate if not unethical, as this takes any product that does not pay you, out of the picture. I have Savior, as well as other gun cases and their cases are good but any heavily built gun case whether Savior , Pelican, Plano, etc. should adequate for most applications.
Surprised that you did not mention the Condor rifle cases. They do not feel the need to paste a large name on their cases and use only quality materials. Their side bags are also molly and can be removed and other appliances added.
I ordered a Case Club Hard Case for my Springfield VHS (Hellion) Bullpup. They have many types of Bullpup configurations to choose from for other Bullpups. The case comes precut for your rifle/bullpup choice. You pull out the pieces that you don't need for your gun or, cut-out the portion that will fit whatever accessory you have mounted (Optic, Light, Vertical Grip,
Bi-pod, etc).
There's 4 areas for your padlocks, and it has wheels for rolling through parking lots, lobbies etc.
I found that a padded ukulele case is the perfect fit for discreetly carrying a 10/22 takedown. And with the backpacker stock you can easily carry 200 rounds with it.
No Ulfednar range bags? I adore my small bag, it is the perfect tank for a visit to the pistol range. Its also got plenty of spots for patches and pins!
What country is Savior Equipment made in and who owns them?
Not cheap by any means, but I rely on Nanuk cases for both my AR and my aerial camera gear.
Decided on The Patriot 35" - Single Rifle Case for my Aero EPC-9
Thanks for the additional 15% off!!!!!
I use a modified laptop case: Pelican 1095. Mine has three handguns with mags and its flat, easy to carry, and discrete.
I really like what I'm seeing with the 30 inch Savior Coffin case for my SBR. Being able to strap that on my back and hop on my V2K and head to the range has great appeal for me. IDK if you could call it discreet. But in a crowd it probably can blend in alright, as long as the one carrying it isn't dressed like HRT on a mission. It's certainly small enough to eliminate any onlookers from immediately thinking a rifle is in there. But it seems to have room for everything you'd want to have with your gun. I intend to find out as soon as my finances recover from building my dream SBR...
I use a 35mm camera bag for range use. VERY discrete. It has room for a pair of ear protectors, shooting glasses and a small first aid kit in the main compartment. A couple of mags fit in one end pouch and a box of ammo in the other. A side pouch is perfect for my pistol. Every compartment is padded, so everything is protected.
Great review. I know I am in the minority, but I would like to see a review of the top bullpup rifle gun cases.
Im not sure there would really be any differences other than the overall case being one of the shorter models.
Pelican all the way.... I’m always surprised when gun people, second amendment people don’t buy American but will save a few dollars and buy stuff made In China. Support American workers, especially when it’s a better product
Not everybody wants or needs a hard locking water resistant case. No easy way to carry something like that on my motorcycle. One of the back pack styled cases designed for SBR's suits me best. If Pelican made one as good or better at the same price point, I'd check it out. But they don't. I googled it. Savior cases and bags are made Myanmar. I don't care. As long as it works. That's gotta be the bottom line.
Always enjoy your articles. I have learned much from your insights. Thank you.
Say what you want, but the Harbor Freight gun cases are pretty good for the price point, pick-pull foam insert, lockable, pressure relief valves and damn sturdy. Way cheaper than a Pelican case and the quality is comparable (and I do own both, as well as some of the other cases mentioned in the review).
Really like your PPT Handgun Case. Looks like a tight fit for Glock 34 G5. Would be great if it was large enough for a red dot. Does it only come in the one size?
Tried the Amazon link for the first Savior, molle version at 36". This review isn't that old, and it says $55 (accurate a the time of writing), but today 11/5/19 I'm getting an Amazon price of $63.27. That's quite a bump up. It would be nice if PewPew could get some sort of special deal at the reviewed price point for PewPew readers. The links have referrer information, so Amazon can know that the shopper came from PewPew. Sometimes the Amazon prices are tweaked from shopper to shopper. Sort of sucks.
Sorry, I meant 11/6/19. :)
I like the idea of the Guitar Gig Bag, but where can I source the foam?
I'm very impressed with the two Savior cases I own (one in each style). I don't think you can find a better soft case for the price.
I love your reviews and they have aided me greatly in my research for different things. However, in this list I feel you missed 2 that should have been included:
1) VOODOO TACTICAL - have 2 of their 42" 2 rifle cases. They ABSOLUTELY ROCK!
2) PELICAN? If you like Pelican - go to Harbor Freight and get the APACHE SERIES for $20-40 bucks. Eggshell and pick apart foam, lockable.....same thing......LOL
For Long Guns....
Pelican vs Apache (Harbor Freight) not the same! Not even close. Warranty: Apache 90 days; Pelican Limited Lifetime.
Industry Standard: Pelican
Best packaging (interior foam): Pelican uses closed-cell, not pick & pull (nobody likes this stuff, regardless of who makes the case).
Cost: Apache, Eylar (Amazon)
Not sure the guitar case is the way to go.... guitars are likely stolen more often than guns, and what are you gonna play when some girl asks for a song? "Happiness is a Warm Gun?"
Wait, girls do that nowadays?
Eric, I bought the Plano case from Amazon for $39 and got what I paid for. A total POS. The two interior locks will NOT lock. They just pop off of the case when you try to latch them. I didn't need serious protection, like for airlines or something, just trying to keep scratches off of my pretty weapon going to and from the range. so kept it Not worth returning at that price. but, I sure would not recommend it.
Bill
You might also check out some of the hard cases at Harbor Freight. Their Apache cases seem well made, with pluckable foam and pressure relief valve. They have several sizes. I bought the 3800 for my camera equipment. Kept stuff dry during rain in the bed of my pickup. They have a rifle size case with wheels. Reasonably priced.
Apache series rocks!
Disappointing to not see SKB on the list for hard cases. It’s a significant step up from the Plano and pretty close quality wise to Pelican. SKB has a bit more flex than the Pelican but, that’s not a bad thing. I travel the world for work with one of one prototypes with both Pelican and SKB and haven’t had failures or issues with the SKB.
If you’re just lugging gear for three gun or a bunch of gear for a range session, the DEWALT ToughSystem can’t be beat. It’s made of structural foam, full perimeter gasket, vent valve, lockable and it clips together for stacking or you can put it on one of the mobility carts. They also have a rack to install in the basement or garage to rack and stack your gear.
I second the GPS Handgunner backpack. It is awesome. A place for everything including up to 4 handguns as long as they aren't cannons.
I forget the name of the rifle case we just bought, but it has a generously padded interior that features a long molle strip and two long Velcro straps that secure our AR in place. Plenty of pouches on the outside for gear and mags. Wouldn't want to haul it a long way but it does the trick and protects the rifle, which is job one, right?
I have a Tavor 21 with a red dot on it and most of my cases arnt wide enough for the red dot and the protrusion that extends down from trigger before the mag well. Anyone found a good bag for a TAR 21.
I like Allen for soft cases, especially the U.S. made ones. I have several different hard cases and I do really like my Pelicans, but if you're on a budget look at Flambeau or the Harbor Freight cases. Flambeau is less than half that of a Pelican or even a Plano and really nice cases. Buy Kaizen Foam from FastCap.com and you can customize your own cases. The HF cases are good for taking to the range, dust and water protection, but I wouldn't drive over them with your truck. HF likes to compare them to Pelican but they aren't in the same league. That being said they are not bad for the price. I keep my Garmin GPS in one and it's great.
Is the PewPew Tactical handgun case lockable?
Thank you for the article. I found the Plano hard cases to be great for my needs.
The Apache rifle case is excellent from Harbor Freight. On sale for $99 or sometimes $109 it is an amazing deal on a Pelican-like case for less. Great seal, great wheels and plenty long for a rifle or two and even extra mags and goodies.
I’ll also add for ammo storage ammo cans are great, but so are their other Apache cases (smaller sizes) when on sale.
I agree 100%! I bought one during the sale, and it is every bit as good as the pelican for a fraction of the cost.
Please explain to me why all of the hard side pre-cut out foam cases have the scope bearing all the weight of the rifle when you pick it up by the handle. In many of them, the foam inserts do not reverse. I personally want my scope under the handle when carrying and especially if the airlines are going to be throwing it around in baggage on the hinge side. I've got more money in my scopes than I do in the rifles.
Order your own foam insert from mycasebuilder.com. I saw them at the NRA Annual Meeting and was impressed. You can get a customized for insert for relatively cheap.
Recently, Harbor Freight, started carrying Hard cases with pick apart foam interior. VERY REASONABLE. If you subscribe to their emails, you can get discount coupons for their cases on occasion. They are the equivalent of Pelican cases. The brand name is APACHE. I own 3 Pelican double rifle cases. For comparison.
I've been meaning to order a couple of those, thanks for the reminder!
I use a Wilson XL tennis racket bag for my folded Kel Tec SU-16C, fits perfectly, tough case, and pulls out ready to go. Makes people far less nervous coming and going to places.
That was / is a great review. Especially the tennis bag! What a great idea! Thanks!
Great article.I Have bought a condor bag I like it.It will hold 2 bolt action rifles well.the Velcro patches are solid.the only thing about the bag I still can't figure out is what goes in the long skinny external pouches?.I can get spotting scope some ammo ear/protection in the other pouches.The zippers are large tooth so no snaaging on it self.It is more $$ than the flat type type bags you review.The other bags I have stayed away from are the field line bags.the material just seems weird like not even e backpack type cloth.They don't identify it on the tags.
Great article as always. My brother and I have four Savior bags and have been pretty hard on them. So far they have held up perfect. They are very comfortable as a backpack.. My new favorite hard case is from CaseClub. It came precut for Ruger Precision Rifle and can hold an additional AR rifle in the other half. The case is built like a tank and has some pretty good weight to it. So far, I think it’s every bit as good and maybe a bit better than the Pelican cases we have (bold statement for sure).
Thanks Ryan! Great to hear you like the Savior bags too. I'll have to check out Case Club in the future.
Eric, enjoyed the article. I use one of several Pelican case I own when I travel by commercial airlines. I wouldn’t use any other case. They keep you firearms safe and of course secure when padlocked. There is much misinformation on gun case advertisements concerning TSA rules and Federal law. Many of these adds try to convince the buyer to also buy a TSA approved lock. They insinuate TSA locks are necessary. You should write an article explaining that Fedreal Law requires the gun owner to be the only person that is able to unlock the gun case. No one but the person checking the firearm is allowed to access it. If TSA wants to look at the firearm/s by law they must have the owner present and open the case, inspect it then the case is relocked and the key remains in control of the gun owner. It is actually against Federal Law for a gun owner to give another person a key to the case or allow someone else access to their firearm. When you think about it, this makes perfect sense. That is why when checking firearms I always wait around and may even check with TSA to see if they need to look at my gun before I go ahead through security. I have never had an issue traveling by air with a firearm. Just put the locked Pelican case inside your luggage. Check the large bag and declare the firearm that is in the locked Pelican case. The airline agent will give you a ticket to sign, stating you have adhered to the law., they will ask to see the locked case inside your larger bag. They will then put a red sticker on it saying there is a firearm inside. Make sure mags are empty and removed from the gun/s. It is ok to have boxed ammo up to 11 pounds for most airlines inside the locked gun case. The ammo does not have to be in a separate location. The last time I traveled the gate agent said to me “boy everyone is traveling with their six shooter today”! Hope this is useful info. I started carrying when traveling alone for business I had a flat in my rental car at midnight on a black rainy night on I 10 out in the middle of nowhere in S Texas. No one was aware of my schedule or where I was staying that night. That started me thinking...
I apologize for the grammatical errors!
Jack D
Thanks Jack! We have an article on How to Fly with a Gun that covers everything like what you mentioned with the lock. I'll also advise people to check with their airline regarding specific ammo and mag rules.
I just use a box of roses like Terminator.
Lol, fancy AND quick access.
For range trips I use a....reusable grocery bag. Of course the handgun is safely stored in its plastic case, I don't throw it directly in the grocery bag.
Sorry to crash the party folks.
I like the Pelican but they ain't cheap, maybe a Plano would do the trick.
As long as it works!
Midway USA offers very nice soft rifle cases (with their name embroidered on them) that are made with medium & heavy style canvas material plus excellent padding for very reasonable pricing. Especially when they have them on sale and offer free S/H for sales over $49 or $99. Brownell's also offers several nice tactical rifle soft cases. MTM makes some very nice plastic pistol cases too for trips to the range.
Cool, thanks for your recs Jeff. I'll have to check out the Brownells and Midway ones.
I also really like the Midway rifle cases. I have two, but they are ballistic nylon instead of canvas. I have a shorter one for my AR pistol which cost $22 and the longer one for my AR rifle with 18" barrel which cost $29 (free shipping on both). Heavily padded and with velcro straps to hold the weapon inside, they also have pockets for magazines and other items. So far they are holding up well, and do a good job of protecting my rifles.
Eric, you didn't mention the Plano Airglide. It facilitates rifles up to 50" with large objective scopes mounted AND bipods. All this protection for about $45.
Oh, I'll have to try that out!
Hi, new at multi-firearm ownership & NRA. Not a fan of advertising either as I live in a small apartment in an old building with other elderly senior citizens.
Did buy from Amazon.com both locked hard storage and locked soft transportation to target range.
Did take my lead from Eric H. at what to look for during my on-line ''hunt for stuff''.
Thanks to all for your comments at Pew Pew Tactical.
I use a Samsonite briefcase for going to the range. It holds my G19 in it's hard case, ammo and safety equipment
I bought the 42" Plano case on Amazon for $45. Five latches, 2 with locks or use your own and pretty decent construction. It's a little longer and heavier than what I needed, but you can't beat it at that price.
For my long guns I have two economy-level Plano cases, and a Contico hard case I got on sale super cheap from Cabela's years ago. For handguns, mine always get transported in compartments in my range bag designed for storing guns, or in a separate soft case in the main compartment. That works pretty well for me, though I'm thinking of getting a soft rifle case or two, just for the convenience of being able to sling them over my shoulder when I go to the range.
Personally, unless I were going to transport my guns by air (or otherwise have them in a situation where they could get seriously knocked around, or spend time exposed to the elements), I don't have much use for anything more expensive than an economy-level plastic case. Those Pelican cases sure are pretty, but beyond their being cool, I'd have a hard time coming up with a justification for buying one. Plus hard cases are just so dang heavy. Carrying a couple of rifle cases, a range bag, a stack of targets, and a portable shooting rest into the range is already awkward enough.
I bought the Pelican 1170 for my M&P full size . It fits the pistol and 2 extra mags just fine. I'm a minimalist and like how well it fit in my luggage without adding unnecessary additional weight..
All good but you forgot the GPS backpack. So awesome