Sometimes, you just need to move your rifle from point A to point B. While that may seem easy enough, if you’re walking around town with a rifle in your hand in 2024, chances are you’re going to cause a scene. That’s one of the reasons a rifle case is so useful.
Another reason is protection. Rifles aren’t cheap toys. They’re expensive tools that are difficult to replace and potentially dangerous if damaged. If you drop your rifle without any protection at all, the chances of breaking it are much higher. Even a soft rifle bag is better than nothing.
The third is convenience. When you carry a rifle, you’re usually carrying more than just the gun. You’re also carrying mags, attachments, and ammo. But you can’t just bundle all that in your arms. You’ll probably drop some stuff (also dangerous), and you’ll look pretty dumb fumbling around with it.
But not all rifle cases are made equal. While there are plenty of quality cases out there that can protect your gun and equipment while it’s incognito, there’s no shortage of cheap knock-offs. Pick the right case, and you’ve got a durable home that will protect your rifle for many years. Choose the wrong one, and you’re just throwing your money away.
That’s why we’re taking a look at some of the best rifle cases for 2024, so you can find the right one for you. We judged our favorite cases based on a variety of metrics, including protection, material, price, and more — all while sticking to our mission of helping you find the best value gear possible.
Rather than shopping for the most expensive, diamond-encrusted cases or only the best known-brands on the market, let’s look at rifle cases that give you the most bang for your buck.
How to Choose the Right Rifle Case
Choosing a rifle case is just like picking out any other piece of gun gear. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution. Instead, you can pick a case based on your own needs. Here are some factors to consider:
The Difference Between Hard and Soft Rifle Cases
Cases generally fall into one of two categories: hard or soft. Both are useful for achieving different goals.
- Hard Cases: These are extra durable and can provide plenty of protection for whatever firearm you store inside. The trade-off is that these cases are often large, heavy, and bulky. You don’t want to be carrying one around for a long period of time. They also tend to be more expensive than soft cases. However, they can serve you well when transporting your firearm in a car or airplane.
- Soft Cases: These are lightweight and portable, making them perfect for transporting a firearm on a regular basis. If you’re frequently taking your rifle back and forth from the range, a soft case will be easier on your body. They’re also easier to conceal in a car or under your bed. However, a soft case definitely doesn’t offer as much protection as a hard case.
Size
The size of your rifle determines a great deal about the case you should buy. You want a snug fit without your case being too tight. Otherwise, it will be tough to close. Likewise, you don’t want your gun knocking around in a case that’s too big.
You may also want to leave extra space for accessories like a scope. A larger, heavier case will be able to fit and protect more gear inside, but it’ll also cut down on portability and storage options.
Material
Most rifle cases are made of hard plastic. However, some soft cases feature nylon or other fabric in their construction. If you choose a hard case, get one made with hard plastic or polymer. For a soft case, make sure you pick a durable material to stand up to day-to-day abuse. It’s not essential to get a hard case, so don’t pass up a soft case because of its less-rigid construction.
Weather Resistance
Are you planning on taking your case out into the world? Whether you’re hunting or just visiting an outdoor range, consider a weather-resistant case to protect your firearm. At Pro Armory, we carry a variety of weather-resistant cases rugged enough for any outdoor activity.
Your geography can determine your need for a weather-resistant case. If you live in the rainy Pacific Northwest, you’re going to need a weather-resistant case more than you would in the deserts of Nevada or Arizona. Especially in moist climates, consider getting a waterproof case. This will help keep moisture away from your guns, and prevent rust.
Rifle Retention
You don’t want your rifle banging around inside your case. Some cases include retention features like straps that physically hold a gun in place. Others use foam inserts with various shapes to keep the rifle from moving around. High-end cases often come with full foam blocks that allow you to cut out your rifle’s specific footprint and keep your weapon tucked safely away. Fortunately, the vast majority of cases use retention features in their construction.
Consider a Lock
Most hard cases seal with some kind of clip or strap. Soft cases, on the other hand, often utilize zippers. Regardless, most cases (not all) have some lockable features, which is particularly important if you live in an area with safe storage laws, or if you’re planning on transporting your firearm on a plane. The TSA will require your gun to be locked in a case during a flight. A lock is also absolutely essential if you live with children or roommates.
Best Hard Gun Case (and Best Locking Case): Pelican Vault Case
When it comes to protecting your firearms, Pelican’s reputation speaks for itself. Used by military, police, preppers, and even divers, Pelican cases are good for more than just firearms. They’re built to withstand some of the toughest conditions, which is why people use them for electronics, important documents, camera equipment, and more.
But Pelican cases are like Gucci bags — most of us can’t justify dropping enough money to have one. But not so with the Pelican Vault case! These are more affordable than your typical high-grade Pelican case, while still offering the same level of protection — often for less than $200.
The Pelican Vault Case is dustproof, crushproof, weather-resistant, and essentially waterproof. It features four layers of protective foam to cradle your precious guns and keep them secure during transport. Plus, the heavy-duty handles and push-button latches make it easy to carry and operate. So, your firearms should stay safe no matter what you put this case through.
With this case, you’re getting an excellent product with basically guaranteed protection. They like to show off videos of these cases tumbling down mountains and falling off trucks (if that tells you anything). If you’re looking for something you can really beat the hell out of and still keep your firearms safe, the Vault case is a solid pick.
Specs
- Interior Dimensions: 50.00” L x 10.00” W x 6.00” D
- Exterior Dimensions: 51.47” L x 13.15” W x 6.65” D
- Int Volume: 1.74 ft³
- Weight With Foam: 16.08 lbs
- Weight Empty: 13.60 lbs
- Body Material: high-impact polyethylene
- Latch Material: ABS
- Pins Material: Stainless Steel
- Waterproof Rating: IP67
- Minimum Temperature: 0° F (-18 ° C)
- Maximum Temperature: 140° F (60 ° C)
Reviews
Reviews unanimously praise this case for the durability and high-quality design. You’d be hard pressed to find a low-star rating on this case anywhere.
“It’s great for a single rifle with a 24” barrel with a 5 port muzzle brake on the end.” (Kristopher)
“I have several rifle cases costing more than twice the cost of this case, and the V770 is an extremely good value and as rugged as the others. I especially like the latches that are very secure and easy to open. Only downside may be the holes for adding a lock. They are so thick that many of my locks don’t fit. But I think this is a great rifle case.” (Bob L)
“If you're looking for a great case then look no further. It is built like a much more expensive case. The foam was easy to trace and cut for my savage 270 which fits like a glove.” (Tyler)
Bulldog Deluxe Tactical Rifle Case 36" - Tan
$81.95
Bulldog Deluxe Tactical
Prices accurate at time of writing
Best Value Soft Gun Case: BullDog Tactical Deluxe Rifle Case
Hard cases have a ton of advantages — but so do soft cases. They’re lightweight, portable, and easier to store in small spaces. These workhorse cases are great for your most dependable firearms, both when visiting the range and exploring the backcountry.
One of our favorite soft rifle cases is Bulldog Tactical’s Deluxe Rifle Case. It has enough room to store your go-to rifle, along with extra space for optics or magazines. Its super-durable nylon construction is also water-resistant, something you don’t often find among soft cases from other companies. It’s also got adjustable velcro straps to secure your rifle and backpack straps for convenient carrying. With features like these, this case will soon become your regular range companion.
Best of all, it’s reasonably priced. You can find this case for less than $100 most places.
Specs
- Dimensions: 36”L x 13" W x 3" D
- Weight: 5.5 lbs
- MOLLE Compatible: Yes
- Outer Shell Material: Durable Nylon
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Rifle Compartment with Adjustable Velcro Ties (Zipper)
- Accessory & Extra Magazine Compartment (Zipper)
- Padded Backpack Straps
- 3 Velcro Accessory Pockets W/ Buckles
Reviews
Reviews for this bulldog case are a bit mixed, but positive overall. That’s to be expected with a budget soft case — some people just won’t accept something that is mostly utilitarian (i.e. they want the Pelican case every time). To be clear, the bulldog isn’t a “beat the hell out of it” kind of case, but it is more protective than many other kinds of bags. It’s a soft case mostly meant for transporting your rifle. Most praise its abundance of compartments and convenience.
Here are some reviews:
“Picked up two for my AR and M4. Protective with plenty of compartments for additional equipment. Great buy.” (GAU)
“Bought this 40 inch case to fit my AR15 full length of gun is 36 inches with bloodstock extended. [This case is] made very well…The inside material is very nice and won’t damage your guns. The pouches and straps and zippers work very nice. I would definitely recommend bulldog cases to anybody.” (Jake Strommen)
Bulldog Ultra Compact Ar15 Case - Navy
$46.95
Bulldog
Prices accurate at time of writing
Best Compact Single Rifle Case: Bulldog Ultra Compact AR-15 Case
Often, you just need an unassuming case that can transport a single rifle between points A and B. You want to be ready to act while remaining low-profile, and you don’t want to draw too much attention with a case that screams “I’m carrying an AR-15 in here.”
Bulldog has a solution to your dilemma with their Ultra Compact AR-15 Case. This super-practical case features enough room for a single AR-15-sized gun. Its padded interior embraces your firearm with a soft protective layer. That protective layer is also heat resistant so it won’t stick to the warm barrel after a day at the range. It even features two internal pouches for extra mags.
While you’re saving space, you’re also saving money with this case. This compact case is easy to find for less than $70 with vendors like Pro Armory.
Specs
- Dimensions: 29” L x 11.5” W x 4” D
- Total Soft Padding Thickness: 2 1⁄2
- Extra Magazine Pouches: 2
- Wrap-Around Carry Handles
- Padded Divider Included
- Heat Resistant Inner Lining
- Full Length Heavy-Duty Zipper & Zipper Pull
Reviews
Reviews for the compact case universally praise the discreet design and quality of this case along with the versatility of what all you can carry in it. Some even say you can fit two AR pistols inside (instead of a broken down rifle). Some say it’s better than a hard case for transporting to the range.
“Good padding on both sides and in the middle. I need to buy 2 more, it works perfect for AR15 even with big scope and all accessories, even a 20 inch barreled upper. Very well made.” (Rick).
“Well made. Heavy duty. Perfect for the purpose. I have the hard plastic rifle cases and this seems to be a lot more practical. Great price too. The two compartment storage is an added bonus. I don’t have to carry two cases to the range.” (J)
Bulldog Tactical Double Rifle Case
$124.95
Bulldog
Prices accurate at time of writing
Best Affordable Double Rifle Case: Bulldog Tactical Double Rifle Case
Sometimes when you’re heading out to the range or your favorite hunting spot, you face a conundrum: Which rifle should you bring with you? Maybe you have one bolt gun and one semi-auto, or you just can’t decide between the AR and the AK.
But why choose? With Bulldog Tactical’s Double Rifle Case, you no longer need to agonize over that decision. The design of this soft case boasts plenty of room in a compact footprint. A padded internal divider offers space for two rifles while its heavy-duty, metal, lockable zippers protect your rifles. It even offers three front pouches for accessories like optics.
You can find this rifle for around $150 with little effort.
Specs
- Dimensions: 37” L x 15” W x 9” H
- Weight: 5.5 lbs
- Material: Plastic
- Velcro Accessory Pockets with Buckles: 3
- MOLLE Compatible: Yes
- Lockable Zippered Rifle Compartment
- Heavy-Duty Metal Zippers
- Padded Divider Included
- Backpack straps
Reviews
Most agree that this is a great bag if you want to carry a couple of rifles to the range. It doesn’t cost too much, and it protects your guns adequately from your trunk to the bench rest. However, since it’s a soft bag carrying two full-sized rifles inside, it should probably be just a range bag. You don’t want to go knocking this thing around on a treacherous hike. However, the average road trip or a walk in the woods to a blind would be the perfect use case here.
Here are some reviews:
“So far this is a great bag, I use it for the range. Well made. I would recommend to anyone that asks me.” (c4Budd)
“Great quality bag for the price compared to what’s out there at higher costs. Love the high visibility pocket interiors… Lots of room even with scopes on both rifles. I’d buy it again.” (Robert P)
Best Economical Case: Savior Equipment American Classic Double Rifle Bag, 46-inch
Savior Equipment might be a bit of a mystery, but they sure know how to make an affordable (and decent quality) rifle case. The American Classic Double Rifle Bag is a prime example of this, offering independently sourced components to ensure quality. Sure, these are made overseas, but plenty of folks who have bought them will tell you that the quality is surprisingly good for the price.
It’s a fantastic range bag with lockable zippers, backpack straps, and a ton of convenient pockets. The best part is you can often find it at Costco for less than $100. We’ve chosen the 46-inch model since that’s a common size but there are plenty of other sizes available, including 36”, 42”, 51”, and 55” — all in various colors.
Specs
- External Dimensions: 46” L x 12.75” W x 9” D
- Internal Dimensions: 45” L x 12” W
- Secondary Compartment: 25.5” L x 11” W
- [Secondary] Pistol Sleeves: 10” L x 10.5” W
- Outer Middle Pocket: 7” L x 8.5” W
- Outer Side Pockets: 5.5” L x 8.5” W
- Interior Material: 600 Denier Premium PVC
- Lockable Main Zippers
- Durable Side Release Buckles
- Hook & Loop Fasteners
- Woven Cinch Straps
Reviews
You might not find these on other “Best Rifle Case” lists from big names, but we did a bit of digging to find this one. A surprising amount of people are purchasing this rifle bag (from Costco and other generic outlets) with no issues — and excellent reviews. It might be a cheap soft case, but the general consensus is that it’s better quality and construction from similarly-priced cases.
“I have a few other rifle bags that I paid similar prices for and these Savior bags construction is far superior. Very sturdy and great features. I love the option to wear it as a backpack. I bought two of these bags and will buy more. I highly recommend them!” (Toolshed11).
“This is almost a too-good-to-be-true bargain. There might be sales or other bags out there that are better but this is dang good. I have recommended this product personally to my friends that have interest in outdoor sports and won’t think twice about standing up the product.” (NYJetsGirl22).
Best Low-Profile/Disguised Case: Savior Ultimate Guitar Case, 45"
While carrying a rifle in a locked case (in legally-allowed areas) isn’t a crime, sometimes you just don’t want to broadcast the fact that you’re packing heat. Here’s a case that will throw everyone off the scent: The Savior Ultimate Guitar Case.
This discreet case includes three interchangeable foam inserts, allowing you to cut your own shapes and swap them out for different firearms. It's also pretty durable, featuring egg crate foam on the top half to absorb shocks. Plus, it's TSA-accepted, with built-in wheels making it easy to drag behind you at the airport.
Priced around $200, it’s a bit more than you might expect to pay for a value case, but the quality and iconic disguise make it worth the extra cash. Plus, there’s something undeniably cool about showing up at the range or a hunting trip with a guitar case, only to reveal your polished rifle inside.
BONUS: There's also a violin/fiddle version available, but it’s a bit shorter, so you might need to disassemble your rifle to use that one. The 45" guitar case is better suited for longer, full-size rifles.
Specs
- External Dimensions: 46” L x 18” H x 6” D
- Internal Dimensions: 45” L x 17” H x 5” D
- Shell Material: High-Impact Polymer
- Inner Foam Material: Polyurethane Ester Foam
- Number of Latches: 6
- Top Drag & Side Carry Handles
- Durable Enclosed Wheels
Reviews
Praise for this case is pretty much unanimous across reviews, however there are some questions about the quality. People seem to think that it’s more of an aesthetic choice than a pure protection case (and rightly so). But as long as you treat it like you would a real guitar, your rifle should be fine. Here are a few customer reviews:
“So far the case seems to be very well made. I love the amount of closures that it has to keep items safely out of reach. The case also looks just like a guitar case so it is a great concealment as well. Two lock locations are great. Very happy with the purchase and would definitely recommend.” (George)
“Everybody I show this to loves it. The last thing you think when seeing it is that there are beautiful guns inside. Great way to hide stuff.” (Ryan)
“Very sturdy materials for the most part. The wheels roll well…I love the flexibility of it, and I love walking through the airport with it and nobody suspects anything other than I'm just some hippie with a guitar. Functionality is good. Overall quality is better than I expected. Would recommend it to anyone who is on the fence.” (Justin Blair)
How to Store Your Rifle Long Term
It seems like a no-brainer — when you store a rifle long term, you keep it in a case, right? Not necessarily. Keeping a rifle in a hard case isn’t always a good idea. A hard case can trap moisture inside (more than a soft case — due to the non-permeable outside material), which can cause your gun to rust.
Fortunately, some cases have built-in solutions. For example, some are built with moisture-wicking foam while others have water-resistant seals to keep your gun from getting wet. For extra protection, you can also put a desiccant packet in your rifle case.
If you’re planning on storing a gun long term, consider doing so in a gun safe rather than a case. Some safes come with a lifetime warranty, and many are even fire-resistant. Another great tip if you’re planning on storing your rifle for a long time: oil it. Oil displaces water, so oiling a rifle before long-term storage will help prevent rust. Remember to put some oil down the bore as well.
Real Avid Gun Max Gun Oil 4Oz
$9.99
Real Avid
Prices accurate at time of writing
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you still have unanswered questions about what to look for when shopping for a rifle case, that’s okay. It’s a big topic to cover. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we hear regarding rifle cases:
What Is the Best Hard Case for Hunting?
If you’re shopping for a case for your hunting rifle, you’ll want to pull out all the stops. The case will need to stand up to everything the elements can throw at it: moisture, extreme temperatures, and more. It should be durable enough to survive getting dropped or bumped against obstacles like rocks and trees.
One great choice that checks off all those boxes is the Pelican Vault Case. Pelican has been an industry leader in hard cases for a variety of applications, including everything from instruments to firearms. It’s watertight, crushproof, and dustproof, and even includes polyurethane wheels with stainless steel bearings for easier transport.
Alternatively, if you’re on a budget, you’ll probably still be fine using the Plano Promax, just don’t go dropping your case off a cliff.
How Big Should My Rifle Case Be?
To state the obvious, get a case that’s large enough to comfortably fit your gun. This is particularly important for hunting rifles, since they tend to have longer barrels than ARs or shotguns.
One thing to keep in mind when determining the size of your rifle case is the space needed for your accessories. If you have an optic or bipod attached to your gun, you're going to need a bigger case. If you’re planning on adding these kinds of accessories down the road, buy a larger case preemptively.
Are Soft Gun Cases Good?
When shopping for gun cases, many firearms enthusiasts will completely write off soft cases. They’ll shop exclusively for hard cases because they offer superior protection and durability. But hard cases also come with a huge price tag, and they can be a bit too bulky for some scenarios.
While you’re not going to find a soft case that can stand up to the same abuse as a hard one, soft cases have several useful benefits. They’re much lighter, more portable, and easier to store than hard cases, making them ideal for certain scenarios. For instance, consider a long backpacking trip where you are traveling on foot to your hunting location over several days. You don’t want to be carrying a Pelican Vault Case the whole time — it’s too bulky and heavy for hiking like that. It would be better to sling a soft case with straps (like the Bulldog Tactical Deluxe Rifle Case) onto your back or disassemble your rifle into a compact bag to carry that way.
What’s the Best Rifle Case for Flying?
When flying with a rifle, you’ll need a hard case all the way. In that, choosing the right case is important for both legal compliance and protection of the firearm itself. The TSA requires that firearms be stored unloaded in a hard-sided, lockable case. The case should be locked with TSA-approved locks, and the key or combination should be kept with the owner at all times. The firearm must also be declared at check-in, but the airline may have specific regulations which you’ll need to abide by, so you’ll want to check with them beforehand.
With that in mind, the Savior Ultimate Guitar Case is an excellent option for flying. It’s a hard case that’s both durable and TSA-compliant, with wheels that make it easy to roll along those moving walkways. It’s also good for maintaining a low profile, since people might get spooked if they see you carrying a rifle case into a busy airport.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the best gun case for you depends on your specific needs. While a hard case may be more durable and offer more protection, it’s going to be tough to carry around. Conversely, soft cases are much more portable, but lack the durability that a hard case provides.
Whatever you decide, remember that a gun case is more than just an accessory: it’s an investment. This is a tool that you’ll be using for years to come — so don’t skimp on quality.
But there’s no reason to spend so much money on a case that you can’t afford ammo for a long time. You’ll just be buying a coffin for your rifle.
If you’re looking for high-quality cases that don’t cost a month’s salary, you’ve come to the right place. At Pro Armory, we’re committed to providing great ammo and accessories you can afford. Not sure what to get? Our team of firearm enthusiasts and experienced veterans are available to help you make the best decision for your shooting goals. Give us a shout and check out our selection of gun cases today!
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