The Best Shotgun Cases on the Market

Hunters around the world can certainly agree that one of the most important factors to consider when you’re out on the prowl, or setting up for a good weekend of hunt, is your equipment. Hardware of all sorts is important to consider and pay attention to when you are thinking about your needs, and how to cater to the specific requirements that may arise from the length of your hunt, the environmental conditions, your prey, and the other equipment you decide to bring. The most important aspect of this, of course, is your firearm – and how you protect and maintain it. However, in making that decision, there is a MULTITUDE of options that can seem more than a bit daunting, so here’s the best guide we can on cases for transporting, and caring for, your best friend – the hunting shotgun.

#1: Needs

Obviously, if you’re going to buy a case, you’re going to need to buy one that meets your needs. If it doesn’t fit what you want or need it for, then what’s the point of buying it? There is none!

So, what do we consider when buying a case?

• Is the firearm rare, expensive, or of high sentimental value?
• Will it be transported via airplane at any point (Say, going on a hunting trip by plane)
• Will it be put into say, back of a pickup, the trunk of a car, or at any point driven around off-road?
• Will it be potentially stored in suboptimal conditions (Somewhere that isn’t fit for firearm storage, somewhere excessively cramped, or somewhere where it may have things fall on top of, or stacked onto, it?)
• Will it be kept somewhere that people who may not be fully aware of the delicate nature of firearms, which would cause your case to require a sturdier enclosure and lock? (Say, in a house or the garage of a house that has non-firearm enthusiasts in it, that may accidentally mistreat your gun?)

If you said yes to any of the prior, you may be better off buying a hard-sided gun case for your shotgun. These cases are typically heavier and bulkier, but are also top-of-the-line in protection, as well as firearm security. If, however, you either said no to all of the prior, or it is just more to your taste, then you can always find great soft-sided cases for your hunting shotgun! Owners of soft-sided cases often note the vast advantages they have in weight, bulk (or rather, lack thereof), and stowability. They can even be used as a rest for bench-shooting

Further, when buying a case, you should consider just how many guns you plan on transporting. Are you only transporting a single shotgun? Or maybe you’re also planning on bringing a rifle, as well – or a couple of handguns? Depending on your needs, you may opt for a multi-compartment double-case.

#2: Cost

Now, this is very much a case-by-case basis. What do YOU want to spend on your gun case? Honestly speaking, there are acceptable soft cases as cheap as under thirty dollars, and acceptable hardcases under eighty. However, there’s also either that can be upwards of hundreds of dollars.

Every good hunter should know that the most elusive prey is, truly, a good deal.

But this doesn’t extend to cases – rather, a good case can, and honestly should, be at most about two hundred and fifty dollars maximum in this writer’s experience. Anything more than that and you’re probably paying more for something like a brand or some nonsense luxury rather than paying for more attention for your shotgun. That isn’t to say there aren’t great cases above that pay-grade that are worth their salt – there are, plenty even! But they reach a point where it’s not particularly necessary anymore. You could do just as well without spending the cost of your gun in a case!

#3: Storage

This is sort of a sub-consideration of point #1, but if you don’t have proper gun storage, it is HIGHLY recommended you DO NOT get a soft case. Soft cases are NOT made for long-term storage in any way, and do not provide the controlled and protective environment best for your guns. While a safe is optimal, it is not always available, and with the fact that locking a gun away is the most safe and responsible (as well as, depending on local legislature, potentially legally requisite) way to store your firearm, you’ll want something hard and securable.

So. What are some good choices to buy?

Well. Consider all of the previous, and take a look at the following entries. All of the listed cases will be available on Amazon.com, and listed in no particular order.

#1 Pelican 1750 Large Rolling Long Gun Case with Foam, Black

Features:

• Waterproof, crush-proof and dust-proof
• Easy open double throw latches
• Open cell core with solid wall design – strong, lightweight
• O-Ring seal
• Automatic pressure equalization valve
• Pelican cases are kept watertight through the use of a tongue and groove fit and a polymer o-ring.
• Pelican cases come standard with an Automatic Pressure Equalization Valve which releases built up air pressure while keeping water out.
• Stainless steel reinforced padlock protectors
• Interior Dimensions (inches): 50.50 x 13.50 x 5.25

This case comes with foam that can be custom-cut to fit your firearms, is large enough to carry potentially two different firearms (including varying rifles or shotguns!) and is rugged as it gets. With four different clasps that can all be locked, this case can help you ensure your right to fly your guns wherever you wish to hunt, as well as keep them right and safe as you go! With the addition of wheels on the side, you can grab one-handle and roll it to cut your carryweight in half, and all in all the case is a good pick for those looking for a hard-sided solution to their transportation needs. Click here to learn more about this bombproof case!

#2: DDT Death Dealer Tactical Double Case

Features:

• Holds 2 long guns as well as 2 hand guns
• Removable shooting mat
• Lockable closed faced zippers. Hideaway backpack straps
• 3 large pockets in front for mags, cleaning kit ect.
• Made of 600D Polyester with PVC water resistant lining

This soft-side case is a hell of a gun bag, with any features a hunter may need from a soft-side! With space for two long guns AND handguns, pockets for whatever you may need to bring, and a shooting mat that holds up pretty well, this is a good all-in-one transport bag if you’re looking to get a good amount of gear to your spot of choice all-in-one – especially if it’s a more local spot that would make a soft case optimal. The bag fits up to 40″ shotguns durably and comfortably! Find out more about it by going here.

#3: Allen Company Ruger Web Standard Grade Case

Features:

• Classic black with Ruger print on the carry handles
• Large zippered accessory pocket
• Dense foam padding to protect your firearm
• Rugged Endura fabric construction, made in the USA
• Fits guns up to 46″ (46″ model) or 40″ (40″ model)

For the thriftier hunter, this incredibly inexpensive case covers the basic necessities of soft-sided transportation a lot of the extra price. While a bit short on the bells and whistles a more expensive case would typically offer, if you just want to load up your shotgun and get it where it needs to go, and do it without busting the bank (or your husband or wife’s patience regarding finances!) this will do the job EXCEEDINGLY well. You can buy it at this link.

Preference.

Now, there’s no accounting for taste. From hunter to hunter to hunter, one to the next, you’ll always find someone who doesn’t agree with something another said. What the first can think is the de facto way to store and transport a shotgun, the second may think is a bit incorrect, and the third may think is blatantly wrong. There’s just no telling. But equipped with the right knowledge that you need to figure out what makes sense for YOU, be it a hard case, a soft case, one with a lot of pockets and features and custom foam cutouts, or one that is little more than a strong, sturdy bag. These suggestions and listed ideas are just the beginning, and it may take some research, but the right case for you, and your shotgun, is out there waiting for you – So get out there and find it, already!