Let’s be honest. Most of you probably own a rifle and scope combo that is worth a few thousand dollars, however it is neglected and stored in a $50 plastic case with cheap foam.
Does this sound like you?
The best rifle case will not only protect your gun and scope from damage but it will save you precious moments by not having to zero in your scope time after time.
I’m not saying that you necessarily have to spend $500 on a top of the line Pelican hard rifle case with all the bells and whistles.
I am only suggesting that you do some research into finding out what quality rifle cases are out there before buying the cheap one from Cabela’s.
Before you go out and buy a rifle case, I wanted to provide you with a bit of a guide to help determine what the best rifle case is for you.
There are a ton of different gun cases out there; hard plastic, soft, lockable, travel, metal, big, small, you name it!
A high quality rifle case is part of proper gun safety but I guarantee you that it will extend the useful life of your firearm and protect it from getting scratched and dented during transportation and between uses.
Types of Rifle Cases
Rifle cases come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. The 2 basic types of gun cases are hard sided and soft sided. I will provide you with some of the main differences in terms of style and function as well as the advantages and disadvantages to each type of gun case.
Hard Gun Cases
Hard-sided rifle cases are extremely durable and offer the highest level of protection for your firearm. Inside a hard rifle case will be some sort of foam that your rifle will actually be pressed against. A low end hard sided case may have a thin layer of foam that may not actually provide the level of protection that you require. If you put your rifle inside the case, then go to pick it up after closing it, and you can feel or hear the rifle shift, you probably haven’t spent enough on the rifle case. A high quality hard case will come with a thick layer of dense foam and will offer the best protection for your firearm. Some cases even come with custom, or customizable foam that will provide a perfect fit for your rifle. One of the main downsides with a hard case is that they will be bulkier and heavier than a soft case. If you are just looking for some protection for your air rifle or plinker, perhaps consider a $50 Plano rifle case.
Hard gun cases come in different materials which will mean that they will all protect and perform differently. A cheap Plano gun case may be made out of plastic and will meet the very basic requirements of gun protection and storage for your .22 plinker. There are other composite materials such as a fiber reinforced compound found on military or tactical gun cases. Aluminum rifle cases are also very popular because they are strong and durable but also very lightweight.
Soft Gun Cases
Soft-sided rifle cases have their place and purpose. They are very versatile and likely cheaper than a hard gun case however they won’t offer the same type of protection that their counterpart would. Soft gun cases can be made out of a bunch of different types of materials; everything from leather, nylon, and neoprene. The biggest advantages of soft rifle cases is their relatively low cost and their lightweight construction making them perfect for those of you who plan on doing a lot of long distance hunting trips. Some soft gun cases are also waterproof which makes it a great addition to those waterfowl hunters out there. Remember that a waterproof gun case not only keep waters out, but it also traps water in! Don’t learn the hard way – make sure to dry out your case after each use before storing your gun.
Choosing between a hard case and a soft case for your firearm is difficult. Most hunters and shooters will own multiple of each type of case not only because they have a few different firearms, but because each case comes in handy for different situations. If I am going to the range with a few buddies, I will pack my .308 in a hard case because I know I am likely to throw it in the back of a pickup and it will bounce around on the back roads. If I’m packing my 17 HMR for my son when hunting varmint, I can just as easily get away with using a soft case because they have the benefit of being lightweight and the rifle won’t need to withstand constant abuse.
Tactical Rifle Case
Tactical gun cases, typically for your AR or other tactical weapon, come in either hard or soft sided styles an in different levels of quality and of course, in varying price ranges. Most tactical rifle cases used by military or law enforcement, are soft cases made out of a lightweight but strong polyester with reinforced webbing and high tensile thread. They are built with a heavily padded interior for protection during transport and storage and come in a variety of colors including black, brown, green, and full camo. Some models of tactical rifle cases even unfold and double as a fully padded shooting mat. Although this feature definitely benefits military personnel in combat situations, it is also quite useful for the shooting range.
TSA Approved Gun Case
Transporting your firearm on an airline can be a difficult and frustrating process. Make sure you do your research before bringing a weapon anywhere near an airport. The Air Transport Association (ATA) and the Transport Security Administration (TSA) have specific rules and guidelines for transporting firearms and ammunition. I am not even going to pretend like I am an expert on traveling gun cases for airlines and I will not give specific advise around it. Rules and regulations can change and differ from time to time so be sure to check back before transporting your rifle on any airline.
Now, after all the warnings, there are gun cases out there specifically made for air travel and that are TSA approved. TSA approved gun cases will cost you a premium, however it is a necessary premium if you plan on transporting firearms on an airplane. They will be hard sided and lockable and make sure to buy one that feels solid with large enough holes for a heavy duty padlock.
Custom Gun Cases
Custom gun cases are designed to fit perfectly with the rifle that you purchase it for. I am not meaning custom in terms of your local gunsmith building you a custom hard case with their own hands. I mean you can purchase a hard gun case that was built specifically for most guns out there. Let’s pretend that you own a Remington 30-06 Whitetail Pro Model 770. You can go out and purchase a hard case that has custom foam designed to fit perfectly with your rifle which means that the foam is cut out in the exact shape, offering better protection in the tighter fit.
You can also buy gun cases that allow you to customize the interior by yourself. You can pull out foam squares so that you can create an interior that fits pretty well with your rifle and scope combo. Remember that the golden rule usually applies – higher priced cases are usually better quality.
Double Gun Case
Buying a double gun case is a great way to save money. Double rifle cases come in both hard and soft sided versions so it is a matter of personal preference when deciding between the two. There are a bunch of different styles of double gun cases and you can even get a tactical double gun case that straps to your back for ease of transportation while hiking or hunting in the bush.
Double gun cases can also be TSA approved however make sure that you check with the manufacturer to guarantee that it is a TSA approved gun case before you purchase it.
Floating Gun Case (Waterfowl Gun Case)
Floating gun cases or waterproof gun cases are often used for duck or goose hunting. Waterfowl hunters sometimes prefer a floating gun case when out on a pond or walking through marsh lands to make sure they don’t loose their Benelli shotgun. Just because your gun case is waterproof doesn’t mean it floats – make sure you know before testing it. Waterfowl gun cases sometimes have zipperless neoprene construction so your shotgun will slide in from the top.
Cheap Gun Case
You can definitely find good cheap gun cases however they are few and far between. Plano is a brand that comes to mind and who builds decent cheap gun cases. You can find them in either hard or soft models however I would offer one piece of advice. Don’t buy a cheap hard case if this is your first case. Spend the money and buy quality. You will be much happier with the product and it will offer much better protection for your gun. You can find cheap soft sided gun cases that are of decent quality.
Best Rifle Case Review
Pelican Protect Rifle Case Hard Review
Alright if you’ve done any research on finding the best rifle case, I can guarantee you that you’ve come across the braLet’s be honest. Most of you probably own a rifle and scope combo that is worth a few thousand dollars, however it is neglected and stored in a $50 plastic case with cheap foam.
Does this sound like you?
The best rifle case will not only protect your gun and scope from damage but it will save you precious moments by not having to zero in your scope time after time.
I’m not saying that you necessarily have to spend $500 on a top of the line Pelican hard rifle case with all the bells and whistles.
I am only suggesting that you do some research into finding out what quality rifle cases are out there before buying the cheap one from Cabela’s.
Before you go out and buy a rifle case, I wanted to provide you with a bit of a guide to help determine what the best rifle case is for you.
There are a ton of different gun cases out there; hard plastic, soft, lockable, travel, metal, big, small, you name it.
A high quality rifle case is part of proper gun safety but I guarantee you that it will extend the useful life of your firearm and protect it from getting scratched and dented during transportation and between uses.
Rifle cases come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. The 2 basic types of gun cases are hard sided and soft sided. I will provide you with some of the main differences in terms of style and function as well as the advantages and disadvantages to each type of gun case.
Hard-sided rifle cases are extremely durable and offer the highest level of protection for your firearm. Inside a hard rifle case will be some sort of foam that your rifle will actually be pressed against. A low end hard sided case may have a thin layer of foam that may not actually provide the level of protection that you require. If you put your rifle inside the case, then go to pick it up after closing it, and you can feel or hear the rifle shift, you probably haven’t spent enough on the rifle case. A high quality hard case will come with a thick layer of dense foam and will offer the best protection for your firearm. Some cases even come with custom, or customizable foam that will provide a perfect fit for your rifle. One of the main downsides with a hard case is that they will be bulkier and heavier than a soft case. If you are just looking for some protection for your air rifle or plinker, perhaps consider a $50 Plano rifle case.
Hard gun cases come in different materials which will mean that they will all protect and perform differently. A cheap Plano gun case may be made out of plastic and will meet the very basic requirements of gun protection and storage for your .22 plinker. There are other composite materials such as a fiber reinforced compound found on military or tactical gun cases. Aluminum rifle cases are also very popular because they are strong and durable but also very lightweight.
Soft-sided rifle cases have their place and purpose. They are very versatile and likely cheaper than a hard gun case however they won’t offer the same type of protection that their counterpart would. Soft gun cases can be made out of a bunch of different types of materials; everything from leather, nylon, and neoprene. The biggest advantages of soft rifle cases is their relatively low cost and their lightweight construction making them perfect for those of you who plan on doing a lot of long distance hunting trips. Some soft gun cases are also waterproof which makes it a great addition to those waterfowl hunters out there. Remember that a waterproof gun case not only keep waters out, but it also traps water in! Don’t learn the hard way – make sure to dry out your case after each use before storing your gun.
Choosing between a hard case and a soft case for your firearm is difficult. Most hunters and shooters will own multiple of each type of case not only because they have a few different firearms, but because each case comes in handy for different situations. If I am going to the range with a few buddies, I will pack my .308 in a hard case because I know I am likely to throw it in the back of a pickup and it will bounce around on the back roads. If I’m packing my 17 HMR for my son when hunting varmint, I can just as easily get away with using a soft case because they have the benefit of being lightweight and the rifle won’t need to withstand constant abuse.
Tactical gun cases, typically for your AR or other tactical weapon, come in either hard or soft sided styles an in different levels of quality and of course, in varying price ranges. Most tactical rifle cases used by military or law enforcement, are soft cases made out of a lightweight but strong polyester with reinforced webbing and high tensile thread. They are built with a heavily padded interior for protection during transport and storage and come in a variety of colors including black, brown, green, and full camo. Some models of tactical rifle cases even unfold and double as a fully padded shooting mat. Although this feature definitely benefits military personnel in combat situations, it is also quite useful for the shooting range.
Transporting your firearm on an airline can be a difficult and frustrating process. Make sure you do your research before bringing a weapon anywhere near an airport. The Air Transport Association (ATA) and the Transport Security Administration (TSA) have specific rules and guidelines for transporting firearms and ammunition. I am not even going to pretend like I am an expert on traveling gun cases for airlines and I will not give specific advise around it. Rules and regulations can change and differ from time to time so be sure to check back before transporting your rifle on any airline.
Now, after all the warnings, there are gun cases out there specifically made for air travel and that are TSA approved. TSA approved gun cases will cost you a premium, however it is a necessary premium if you plan on transporting firearms on an airplane. They will be hard sided and lockable and make sure to buy one that feels solid with large enough holes for a heavy duty padlock.
Custom gun cases are designed to fit perfectly with the rifle that you purchase it for. I am not meaning custom in terms of your local gunsmith building you a custom hard case with their own hands. I mean you can purchase a hard gun case that was built specifically for most guns out there. Let’s pretend that you own a Remington 30-06 Whitetail Pro Model 770. You can go out and purchase a hard case that has custom foam designed to fit perfectly with your rifle which means that the foam is cut out in the exact shape, offering better protection in the tighter fit.
You can also buy gun cases that allow you to customize the interior by yourself. You can pull out foam squares so that you can create an interior that fits pretty well with your rifle and scope combo. Remember that the golden rule usually applies – higher priced cases are usually better quality.
Buying a double gun case is a great way to save money. Double rifle cases come in both hard and soft sided versions so it is a matter of personal preference when deciding between the two. There are a bunch of different styles of double gun cases and you can even get a tactical double gun case that straps to your back for ease of transportation while hiking or hunting in the bush.
Double gun cases can also be TSA approved however make sure that you check with the manufacturer to guarantee that it is a TSA approved gun case before you purchase it.
Floating gun cases or waterproof gun cases are often used for duck or goose hunting. Waterfowl hunters sometimes prefer a floating gun case when out on a pond or walking through marsh lands to make sure they don’t loose their Benelli shotgun. Just because your gun case is waterproof doesn’t mean it floats – make sure you know before testing it. Waterfowl gun cases sometimes have zipper less neoprene construction so your shotgun will slide in from the top.
You can definitely find good cheap gun cases however they are few and far between. Plano is a brand that comes to mind and who builds decent cheap gun cases. You can find them in either hard or soft models however I would offer one piece of advice. Don’t buy a cheap hard case if this is your first case. Spend the money and buy quality. You will be much happier with the product and it will offer much better protection for your gun. You can find cheap soft sided gun cases that are of decent quality.
Alright if you’ve done any research on finding the best rifle case, I can guarantee you that you’ve come across the brand Pelican. Pelican makes some of the highest quality rifle cases on the market and they come in all sizes with different features depending on the model that you choose. All Pelican cases are extremely tough and durable, offering the best protection for your gun. The feature water-proof, crush-proof, and dust-proof construction so you can be confident that your rifle is in good hands.
They are smooth and easy to open, and have tough latches for added durability. Pelican cases are watertight through the use of a tongue and groove fit and polymer o-ring and they come with a Automatic Pressure Equalization Valve which releases built up pressure without letting water in.
If you care about your rifle, and you have the money to spend, do yourself a favor and buy a hard sided Pelican case. These cases outperform the competition and are guaranteed to offer better protection for your rifle, which keeps them looking new and improves the shooting performance. You cannot get a better hard case for the money. Trust in Pelican. You get what you pay for.nd Pelican. Pelican makes some of the highest quality rifle cases on the market and they come in all sizes with different features depending on the model that you choose. All Pelican cases are extremely tough and durable, offering the best protection for your gun. The feature water-proof, crush-proof, and dust-proof construction so you can be confident that your rifle is in good hands.
They are smooth and easy to open, and have tough latches for added durability. Pelican cases are watertight through the use of a tongue and groove fit and polymer o-ring and they come with a Automatic Pressure Equalization Valve which releases built up pressure without letting water in.
If you care about your rifle, and you have the money to spend, do yourself a favor and buy a hard sided Pelican case. These cases outperform the competition and are guaranteed to offer better protection for your rifle, which keeps them looking new and improves the shooting performance. You cannot get a better hard case for the money. Trust in Pelican. You get what you pay for.