Bulldog Cases has been around for a couple of decades and they have a huge product line. Amazingly, I’ve used very few of their products up until this point. So when I got the chance to check out their Elite Tactical Rifle Case, I jumped at it.
First Impressions
When the gun case was on its way to me, I thought, great, I can use a rifle case! However, upon its arrival, I realized that I’d slightly underestimated this piece of gear.
It turns out that it’s quite a bit more than just a “case.” As I began exploring the Bulldog Cases Elite Tactical Rifle Case, I was finding pocket after pocket. Quickly, I realized that this case has a lot of pockets and compartments, with a ton of storage space.
Tech Specs
The case measures 13 inches high x 43 inches long x 3 inches deep. To put it into plain words, it’s a fairly large case. Color options range from OD Green (reviewed), Black, Tan, and Seal Gray. It has padded backpack straps for wearing on the back.
The main compartment is lockable, secured by heavy-duty zippers with adjustable velcro tie-downs and quilted lining. The case also has additional lockable accessory and magazine compartments. The outside of the case and pouches are constructed of heavy nylon, which will last for a very long time
Main Compartment
The first compartment I checked was the main one. As far as I know, the longest rifle I own is my Ruger American Predator, in 6.5 Creedmoor, so that’s the one I was most interested in for this case.
I thought there would be a little room to spare on this rifle in the case, but it turns out that it’s a very tight fit; the rifle just barely fit, length-wise. There are pockets for the muzzle and the butt, which hold the rifle in the compartment securely. Additional security is provided by two straps that secure with hook and loop around the foreend of the rifle and around the grip area. Between the two, they really anchor the rifle into the case so it doesn’t bounce around inside.
As far as height and width were concerned, there was plenty of room, even with the scope and bipod affixed.
The case is padded to protect the contents and a soft quilted lining protects the finish of the firearm it holds. Every other one of my rifles easily fit into this case, which made me very happy. Based on the inside compartment alone, this case proved to be worth the money.
My M1A Scout Squad rifle fit well and the nylon/Velcro straps held it securely. There was a lot of room in the compartments for spare M1A magazines.
Pouches, Pouches, Pouches!
If you enjoy pouches for gear and other doodads, then this rifle case is for you! There are four outside pouches on the case. One of these is a large, outside pouch that’s secured by a zipper. Inside this very large pouch are four separate compartments.
Inside this compartment is a large, flat compartment with heavy transparent plastic for storing targets, maps, or other goodies, secured by hook and loop. Opposite is another flat compartment, secured by a zipper.
The flat compartment opposite of those two would be great for storing a large pistol, secured by hook and loop. Next to that is a removable shingle (secured by hook and loop) where three rifle magazines can be stored (complete with bungee cord fasteners). On the front of those magazine pouches are pouches to store three pistol magazines. It’s very compact and secure. The user could also attach other pouches or holsters via hook and loop if desired.
Three more external pouches are situated on the outside flap of that huge pouch; one large, and two slightly smaller. Each sports fluorescent lime-green high-visibility material on the inside). This is a super idea, as it really makes finding little items in these pouches an easier task.
The center pouch is secured by hook and loop strips as well as two buckles. The pouches on either side, which are slightly smaller, are also secured by hook and loop fasteners, as well as one buckle each. These would be great for adding additional magazines, ammo, cleaning gear, or anything else your imagination can come up with. There’s also a Velcro square for affixing morale patches (for added coolness). These external pouches can also be tightened down with the cinch straps that are attached to each pouch, keeping the items inside nice and secure.
Next to those external pouches, at either end of the case, are two zippered compartments that are large enough to fit a couple of rifle magazines or similarly sized items.
More Features
PALS webbing is on the outside of the zippered end compartments. So if the case doesn’t have enough pouches already, you can always add a few more via the PALS. Maybe it’s a pre-packaged item such as a medical kit. The little bit of added versatility is a neat touch.
The case has standard carry handles, and they can be attached together with a nylon sleeve that secures with hook and loop material. In this way, the case can be toted around like a suitcase.
A second option of carry is like a backpack via the pack straps. This truly allows the case to function as a piece of field gear. The straps are padded and well done. There’s even a strap that goes across the chest to relieve the pressure on the shoulder straps.
At key points all around the pack, extra stitching reinforces the nylon straps. Also, a couple of metal D-rings make it possible to lash the case to a vehicle or possibly attach camouflage netting or a ghillie.
Is it a good rifle case?
The Bulldog Tactical Rifle Case is truly a versatile piece of gear that can serve as more than just a way to cart your rifle to the range. It protects the weapons system very well with its internal padding. If you wear it into the field, there’s plenty of space in the pouches for adding rifle and pistol magazines, binoculars, extra ammo, and all sorts of other field gear.
The construction of this case is excellent. It’s nice to have a piece of gear that will tote most of the necessary items, whether the mission is to establish a sniper position or hit the range for some training.
At the time of this writing, this case sells for only $89.99. For the money, it’s an excellent value, given its sturdy construction and versatility.
