The Best Rifle Cases for Hunters to Protect Their Weapons With

Any hunter will tell you that their rifle is a truly valued possession that they do not want to damage. Bumping your gun into anything on the way out into the field can be the hit that does your gun in, so to avoid having a casualty before you even take a shot, it is best to protect your rifle with a case. Having a durable case also gives you a place to store your rifle during the off season, which means that it will be in good condition when hunting season rolls around. If you are looking for a new case to protect your rifle, then it is best to find one that suits your needs before your first big hunt this year, but researching all of the options available to you can be a time consuming process, so we have put together this guide to point you in the right direction. Let’s begin by identifying the different types of rifle cases you can purchase.

Types of Rifle Cases

• Hard Case

As you can most likely guess, hard rifle cases are the best way to protect your case, but that is not the only feature you want to consider. The inside of a hard case will be covered in a foam material that is designed to hold your gun in place. This layer of protection should be able to keep the gun from shifting at all while you are carrying it. They do offer a great layer of protection for your rifle against impact and incidents that may cause damage, but they are not the easiest thing to carry around.

• Soft Case

Soft cases are a cheaper alternative when you don’t want to purchase a solid case, but they also offer less protection for your rifle. The material of these softer cases is much lighter as well, so they are easier to carry for long distances. In addition, some soft cases are actually waterproof, so they may be preferred by those who hunt waterfowl.

• Tactical Case

Tactical cases can have a soft or a hard exterior, but the main feature offered by this type of case is the fact that it has an extremely heavily padded interior that provides additional protection to your gun.

• TSA Approved Case

If you have ever traveled by plane for a hunting trip, you know that taking your gun with you can be a difficult process. TSA has specific guidelines relating to guns, and to be able to take your gun with you on the plane, all of them must be followed. A TSA approved rifle case may cost a bit more to purchase, but you know that it will be acceptable to use for transport. These cases are typically hard cases that have locking mechanisms so that the gun is secure while the plane is in the air.

• Double Gun Case

If you use more than one rifle, a good way to save some money is to purchase a rifle case that can accommodate two guns. These types of cases can be both hard and soft case varieties, so make sure to consider a double gun case if it fits your needs.

Valuable Case Features You Need to Know

• Material

Hard cases can be comprised out of any material from a durable hard plastic to a strong, lightweight aluminum. Some tactical cases are made from a reinforced fiber compound that offers additional protection to the weapon. Soft cases are often made out of a durable material, such as leather, tweed, or nylon; in fact, some cases are made out of neoprene. Decide which type of material will provide you with the durability you need before making a purchase.

• Size and Padding

When you consider size, you are going to need to make sure that the case is long enough for the gun to fit inside. Leave an inch or two on all sides of the gun, and make sure to include space for your scopes or other accessories that you typically use. In addition, the padding needs to be sufficient enough to provide a secure place for your rifle.

• Waterproof

Having a waterproof case protects your rifle when you are hunting waterfowl, but it also gives you protection in the event that you are caught in a downpour during your hunting trip.

• Security Features

It is a great idea to have a locking mechanism on your rifle case, as this ensures that it is secure during travel as well as safely out of your children’s hands when the gun is being stored in the home. No matter how long you have been hunting, gun safety should always be a concern, especially if you live around children.

Top Recommended Cases

PELICAN 1750-000-110 Long Rifle Gun Case

The Pelican 1750 is a hard rifle case that is 50.5 inches long, 13.5 inches wide, and 5.25 inches deep. It features a strong, yet lightweight design that is waterproof, dustproof, and crushproof. It also features a triple layer of protective foam, so you can feel assured that this case will protect your rifle from any unforeseen calamity. In fact, this case is even designed to increase the interior air pressure to keep any water from entering the case. The latches are designed to be extra durable, but also easy to open, so you do not have to struggle with the double latch feature while out in the field. In addition, the padlock protectors are made from reinforced stainless steel.

Uncle Mike’s Law Enforcement 43-Inch Tactical Rifle Case

Our next pick is a soft rifle case that fits a gun that is up to 43 inches long. Uncle Mike’s Law Enforcement Tactical Rifle Case is crafted from 600 denier woven fabric that has been padded and coated to add another layer of protection. All of the stitching on the case is double stitched to ensure that the seams have the strength that they require to keep your gun safe. To ensure that your gun does not get scratched during transit, there is an interior flap that is designed to put a barrier between the gun and the zipper. There are five ammo pockets on the side of the case as well as an additional pocket to store any additional accessories that you may need while you are out hunting. In addition, this case is fitted with a shoulder strap as well as wraparound carry handles.

Plano All Weather Tactical Gun Case

The Plano tactical gun case is another hard case that is designed to protect your rifle from heavy hits and impacts that may occur. The 42 inch case is made from heavy duty materials that are not only durable; they are water proof as well. When the case is locked with it’s drawn down latches, the seal that is created is also air tight, which is a viable method for keeping any water out of the case. The foam inserts inside this case are completely customizable, so you can adjust them to fit your rifle. In addition, this case is TSA approved, so it may be a great option for you to consider if you travel a lot.

Voodoo Tactical Men’s Padded Weapons Case

Our next rifle case is another soft case style, but this time it is capable of holding and storing two rifles, which makes it one of the most economically friendly options on this list. It is a tactical case, so that means that it has additional padding and durability that some soft cases do not have. There are several pockets on this case; in fact, they can carry about 6 rifle mags at once, and each of the pockets can be locked in place to keep the bullets secure. The unit can be carried by way of the shoulder strap or the backpack straps that are designed to give you a few options to make carrying two rifles a bit easier.

Condor Double Rifle Case

The Condor double rifle case is also designed to accommodate more than one rifle. It is another soft style case that is made from durable material designed to protect your guns. The interior area can easily hold two 36 inch long rifles, and the outer pockets are designed to carry small pistols, ammo, or other accessories that you may need while you are hunting. The middle divider is removable in the event that you need more space, and since this case is designed to carry multiple guns, was designed with backpack straps to make it easier to carry.

Since many hunters spend a good bit of money on their rifles, it is only logical that you would want to protect them. The recommendations listed above are all great ways to make sure that your firearm is safe, secure, and out of harm’s way when it is not in use, but if these cases are not to your liking, then hopefully this guide has helped lead you towards one that you will wish to purchase. If you hunt with more than one rifle, then a versatile case that can accommodate more than one gun may be to your advantage. No matter what rifle case you decide to go with, make sure that it is a durable option that will last you for many hunting seasons. Safe hunting!