Rifle cases are not the most sought-after piece of gun gear, but that doesn’t change its importance. When you do travel with your rifle, a good case makes a lot of difference. Some travel more than others, and how much you use a case probably dictates how much you are willing to spend on one. The first case I ever purchased was the cheapest one I could find.
It had one compartment with a zipper and some handles. The material was thin and ended up tearing in less than a year. And I didn’t use it that much, either, so I got what I paid for. After that, I purchased one of the best cases I could find. It was a full-length hard case with rollers on one end, and it even came with a lock and key. A foam lining allowed me to customize the insert for my rifle, and I was pretty proud of my new case.
Fast-forward a few months, and I had the opportunity to use it for the first time. Heading to a work training class, I was almost as excited to use my new case as I was to shoot guns. It only took carrying it out to the car for me to realize it was far too bulky and heavy for quick transportation. If I was going to fly or travel a long distance, it would be great for protecting the gun, but not for getting it to the range.
My next investment was in a shorter, soft rifle case, which has become my favorite type of case to carry. When I look for rifle cases, I want padding, extra pockets, and backpack straps are a plus. That said, I’ve put together a quick list of five of the best gun cases money can buy. Take a look!
1. Savior Equipment Urban Carbine Case – 30″
The first soft rifle case on my list is the Savior Equipment Urban Carbine bag. I prefer slim cases (most of the time) because I tend to haul a lot of stuff in my car when going to training. Bulky bags fill up space quickly and make it hard to carry everything I need, especially when there are several people going with me.
While this bag is a “soft” rifle case, it’s also the most rigid, which I like. A zipper compartment holds one rifle and has a heavy-duty endcap for the barrel to slide into. Three zipper compartments on the inside of the lid provide a great place for storing gloves, slings, and extra smaller items. The smaller of the two compartments (top of the bag) is where I keep my eye and hearing protection. I can fit all my mags, sling, and other items in the larger bottom compartment.
2. GPS Tactical Double Rifle Case – 28″
The only reason this one is second on my list is because they can’t both be listed first. It’s a little bulkier, but that’s also just personal preference. There are times when extra pockets and storage are needed. Even with the extra room, this is a fairly compact bag. Unlike the Savior Equipment case, there is a divider in this bag, and a rifle will fit on both sides. Even when I break a full-length rifle into, as I mentioned above, I can fit both rifles in the bag.
There is a second zipper compartment that runs the length of the bag for the handgun and mag pouches. The backpack-style straps on the back of the bag allow you to carry it hands-free when needed. The GPS Double Rifle Case is available at GunMag Warehouse for $67.
3. Advanced Warrior Solutions Frame 28″ Rifle Case
This bag is a little wider than the other two, but it’s soft and easy to carry. It holds two AR-15 rifles and has lockable zippers. Made from 600D Poly PVS material, it is great for daily wear and tear and repels water fairly well. Because of its ability to lock, it is TSA travel-approved (under TSA firearm transportation rules).
4. Savior Equipment Urban Warfare – 46″
Most of my rifle cases are on the shorter side because I would rather pull the upper off than carry a big bag around. But I had to put one bag on the list that holds a full-size rifle, and this is a great one to list. Just like the Urban Carbine, this bag is rigid, so it holds items in place fairly well. It’s not as comfortable carrying on your back, however, because it doesn’t bend as much as the softer cases.
5. Condor 27″ Dispatch Takedown Case
Number five on our list is the Dispatch Takedown Case, a rifle sling bag. This isn’t the best bag for storing gear with your rifle, but it’s soft, compact, and comfortable to wear. I use this bag when I don’t need any other gear and just need to head to the range briefly. It uses a buckle system to hold the rifle in place instead of Velcro straps. Even though it’s on the thinner side, it will hold two rifles.
Which one do you like most?
Everyone has different needs in a rifle case, but for me, this is a great set for those who like compact cases. I still use my hard case when I’m traveling longer distances, but for heading to the range or training, these have served me well. These rifle cases all retail for $100 or less, making them extremely affordable. I’ve hiked into the woods with them, traveled to training classes, and used them at work for years. Your favorites may be different than mine, but hopefully, this list will give you some ideas when you head out to find your next rifle case.
