Not sure the best gun case to properly store and transfer your guns?
We’ve tried almost all of them out there…
Here are some that we still keep and use to bring our pistols, rifles, and shotguns to the range.
From soft to hard cases…and even some covert ones…we’ll cover them all.
Summary of Our Top Picks
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Editor’s Pick: Soft Rifle BagSavior Equipment Urban Warfare Gun Case
Our go-to rifle bag that is discreet and comes in multiple colors/sizes.
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Best Bag & Mat ComboVISM Rifle Case & Shooting Mat
Affordable case and mat combo for your precision rifle.
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Multiple compartments for multiple discreet gun carry.
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Editor’s Pick: Affordable Hard CaseAffordable hard case perfect for a range trip.
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Editor’s Pick: Hard Rifle CaseOur go-to for the best hard case that’s fit for the range and airline travel.
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Editor’s Pick: Soft Pistol CaseSavior Equipment Specialist Pistol Case
Roomier and segmented pistol case.
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Also Great Pistol CaseHelp us out with a Pew Pew Tactical branded handgun case that fits a mounted light.
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Best Pistol BackpackSavior Equipment SEMA Backpack
Got a couple of pistols? Check out Savior’s backpack version.
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Runner Up Hard Pistol CaseAnother great option for a thinner hard pistol case. I use it for suppressors.
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Best Gun Cases
1. Savior Equipment Rifle Bags
Let’s start with some rifle bags.
Relatively new before, but after I kept seeing Savior Equipment at the range…I had to try them out for myself.
Well, it’s been over 3 years now and they are still my favorite go-to rifle bags.
There’s two primary flavors — the American Classic with three pouches in the front and the Urban Warfare with one large pouch and two smaller pouches.
Personal preference, but I like the more streamlined look of the Urban Warfare.
Be sure to use code “PEWPEW15” to get 15% off your order on their site.
I usually put my ammo and accessories in range bags and try to keep my rifle bags light.
They are built much better than random gun show bags, so they are a little heavier. And the stitching and zippers seem like they will last a long time.
The backpack straps are also well-padded for the arduous trek of bringing my rifles to the shooting bench, lol.
But I’d still be ok with bringing this on a longer precision shooting course where I’ll actually be trekking in the mountains.
Besides the two variants…they also come in different colors and lengths.
I like 36 inches which should fit all 16-inch AR-15s and AKs with adjustable buttstocks.
There are two padded sections so you can hold two scoped rifles. I like that there’s a fairly large section (not including the pouches) in the front to keep loose scopes or mags.
Make sure to measure for your bolt guns since you’ll probably need 42-inch or 46-inch versions.
Otherwise, the tiniest 36-inch is enough for AR and PCC pistol variants.
And in 2020, they had a substantial overhaul of all their bags which made them even beefier.
Again…we’ve secured a 15% off coupon for our readers with code “PEWPEW15” if you order on their site.
Here’s the American Classic version:
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[31091] = { ‘id’: “31091”, ‘title’: “Savior Equipment American Classic Gun Case”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Savior-Equipment-Pouch-e1538692512396-768×554.jpg”, ‘tag’: “”, ‘url’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/go/savior/american-classic-case/”, };
And the sleeker molle Urban Warfare version (my favorite):
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[31093] = { ‘id’: “31093”, ‘title’: “Savior Equipment Urban Warfare Gun Case”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Savior-Equipment-Molle-e1538692646182-1024×660.jpg”, ‘tag’: “EDITOR’S PICK: SOFT RIFLE BAG”, ‘url’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/go/savior/urban-warfare-rifle-case/”, };
Another of my favorites which I’ve been testing over three years has been their Coffin which semi-discreetly carries a fully-collapsed AR or pistol variant with ease.
Go with the 34-inch variant for a 16-inch AR-15.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[80242] = { ‘id’: “80242”, ‘title’: “Savior Equipment Coffin”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/rb-covert30-ss-bk-0_1200x-1024×1024.jpg”, ‘tag’: “Best Backpack Gun Case”, ‘url’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/go/savior/savior-coffin/”, };
2. NcStar VISM Rifle Bag & Shooting Mat
Ok…stay with me here.
Usually, I run away from NcStar (especially optics) but their VISM Rifle Bag ($56) is pretty good!
I’ve used it regularly for seven years and although it’s a bit thin to be truly protecting of a nice rifle, it doubles as a great shooting mat.
Well thought out pouches, clear sections for your dope, and ammo holders.
The straps aren’t the best, so I wouldn’t bring it on a long hunting trip…but it’s perfect for the range or short courses.
If you want to get into long-range and consolidate your rifle bag and shooting mat, this is the way to go.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[31095] = { ‘id’: “31095”, ‘title’: “VISM Rifle Case & Shooting Mat”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Vism-Mat-e1538692994916-1024×664.jpg”, ‘tag’: “Best Bag & Mat Combo”, ‘url’: “https://amzn.to/2O8OvIs”, };
3. Guitar Gig Bag
Now we’re going discreet.
I started off with an acoustic guitar case when I only had one or two rifles. It had decent protection and the shoulder straps helped to lug my guns to the range.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[31109] = { ‘id’: “31109”, ‘title’: “ChromaCast Guitar Gig Bag”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Chromacast-Bag-1024×1024.jpg”, ‘tag’: “EDITOR’S PICK: DISCREET BAG”, ‘url’: “https://amzn.to/2pAWiAh”, };
I eventually broke the straps and also had to bring more than two rifles.
4. Tennis Bags
Oh yes, tennis bags.
Especially multi-compartment tennis bags.
I had a lot of uppers and lowers, which broke down perfectly into my triple compartment Wilson Tennis Bag.
I had to use some t-shirts and rags as protection, but it was so easy to be discreet and carry multiple ARs.
Also has shoulder straps but since you’re carrying a lot more weight than rackets. It’s not going to be fun if you really have to ruck it.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[31107] = { ‘id’: “31107”, ‘title’: “Wilson Tennis Bags”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Wilson-Bag-1024×655.jpg”, ‘tag’: “”, ‘url’: “https://amzn.to/3xBbrnu”, };
5. Plano Rifle Cases
Let’s go hard…
The Plano Rifle Case is a good start to a hard case and most likely better than what came with your rifle.
Lockable with decent foam, but I’d probably opt for something hardier if you’re bringing it on a flight.
Also be sure to check if it will fit your scope and rifle combination.
Otherwise, great for storage and the range.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[31097] = { ‘id’: “31097”, ‘title’: “Plano Hard Rifle Case”, ‘img’: “https://gunbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/17-best-gun-cases-hands-on-soft-hard-covert-7.jpg”, ‘tag’: “”, ‘url’: “https://amzn.to/2Rpm07o”, };
6. Plano All Weather Hard Case
If you’re looking for something tougher in their catalog, Plano’s All-Weather case is perfect. It’s more affordable than the current gold standard.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[31099] = { ‘id’: “31099”, ‘title’: “Plano All Weather Tactical Hard Case”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Plano-All-Weather-1024×762.jpg”, ‘tag’: “Best Value Hard Case”, ‘url’: “https://amzn.to/3y7mruh”, };
7. Pelican Rifle Case
And that gold standard is…Pelican Rifle Cases ($199+).
There’s a couple different models but if you’re bringing an AR or something else that can be broken down…I like the Pelican 1700.
It’s rock-solid (waterproof, crush-proof, and dust-proof) and rolls, plus it has a pressure equalization valve.
The inside foam can be cut to fit anything. Inside dimensions are 35.75 x 13.50 x 5.25.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[31101] = { ‘id’: “31101”, ‘title’: “Pelican 1700”, ‘img’: “https://gunbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/17-best-gun-cases-hands-on-soft-hard-covert.png”, ‘tag’: “EDITOR’S PICK: HARD RIFLE CASE”, ‘url’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/go/pelican/pelican-1700-2/”, };
And for multiple guns or longer rifles, check out the Pelican 1720 at 42 x 13.5 x 5.25 and the Pelican 1750 at 50.5 x 13.5 x 5.25.
What’s your take on Pelican cases? Rate them below!
8. Uncle Mike’s Pistol Rug
Let’s move into pistols.
Soft pistol cases give your guns adequate protection just going to and from the range.
They are also fairly nondescript if you get something without huge logos. And the logo is one big reason I don’t like using the factory boxes that most handguns come with…no need to advertise that you have a firearm.
Our go-to is Uncle Mike’s.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[31102] = { ‘id’: “31102”, ‘title’: “Uncle Mike’s Pistol Rug”, ‘img’: “https://gunbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/17-best-gun-cases-hands-on-soft-hard-covert-1.png”, ‘tag’: “Best Affordable Pistol Case”, ‘url’: “https://amzn.to/2pCAUdT”, };
The medium size will fit 3- to 4-inch revolvers and most semi-auto guns with 4- to 5-inch barrels.
If you have something larger, they also have the Large Version for up to 7.5-inch barrel revolvers.
9. Savior Equipment Specialist Pistol Case
If you’re looking for a sturdy pistol bag with loads of room for accessories, Savior Equipment’s Specialist has you covered.
The Specialist brings an internal size of 12.5 x 8.5 x 2.5-inches in its main compartment.
Main compartment also features magazine organization and two additional pockets for other odds and ends.
On the outside, you have another pocket perfect for admin items like ear and eye pro, multi-tool, gloves, and a mag loader.
Be sure to use code PEWPEW15 to save 15% off at Savior Equipment.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[82568] = { ‘id’: “82568”, ‘title’: “Savior Equipment Specialist Pistol Case”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Savior-Equipment-Specialist-1024×1024.png”, ‘tag’: “”, ‘url’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/go/savior/savior-equipment-specialist-pistol-case/”, };
10. 5.11 Tactical Pistol Case
Nondescript and with helpful magazine pockets, the 5.11 Tactical Case is another great option for a soft pistol case.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[31103] = { ‘id’: “31103”, ‘title’: “5.11 Tactical Pistol Case”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/5.11-Pistol-Case-1024×1024.jpg”, ‘tag’: “EDITOR’S PICK: SOFT PISTOL CASE”, ‘url’: “https://amzn.to/2O6VTEf”, };
11. Pew Pew Tactical Handgun Case
However one thing that always bothered me is the inability to be small, discreet, dead sexy, AND fit a light.
That’s why we designed our own Pew Pew Tactical Handgun Case that will fit almost all full-sized handguns with a torch.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[102016] = { ‘id’: “102016”, ‘title’: “Pew Pew Tactical Handgun Case”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Pew-Pew-Tactical-Handgun-Case-1024×763.jpg”, ‘tag’: “Also Great Pistol Case”, ‘url’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/go/tristartrading/ppt-case/”, };
If you don’t have a pistol light yet…check out our hands-on review of the Best Pistol Lights.
12. Savior Equipment SEMA
Looking for a combo range bag and pistol case?
The SEMA (Savior Equipment Mobile Arsenal) gives you plenty of space for all your accessories and ammo. Plus it comes with some nice pistol pouches that live in the bottom compartment.
And of course has lots of useful pockets inside too.
Be sure to use code PEWPEW15 to save 15% off at Savior Equipment.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[80250] = { ‘id’: “80250”, ‘title’: “Savior Equipment SEMA Backpack”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/2021-05-24-17_14_20-S.E.M.A-Mobile-Arsenal-Backpack-–-Savior-Equipment-1024×710.jpg”, ‘tag’: “Best Pistol Backpack”, ‘url’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/go/savior/savior-sema/”, };
13. Pelican Pistol Case
The Pelican 1200 is the smallest I would go since it can still fit a pistol and a mag or two.
The internal dimensions are 9.25 x 7.12 x 4.12 inches and the case contains Pick N’Pluck foam for you to form your own shapes without the need to cut foam.
We suggest always going a size larger than you think so you can accommodate more magazines, ammo, or even a second pistol.
The Pelican 1500 can hold 4 to 5 pistols, especially when they are loaded in vertically.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[31114] = { ‘id’: “31114”, ‘title’: “Pelican 1500”, ‘img’: “https://gunbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/17-best-gun-cases-hands-on-soft-hard-covert-3.png”, ‘tag’: “”, ‘url’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/go/pelican/pelican-1500/”, };
Plus, there’s custom foam.
14. Nanuk 910
I love my Pelicans, but when I wanted something a little flatter for my suppressor and accessories. I couldn’t find the right model.
The ones that hit the spot for size also had built-in number locks that I didn’t care for.
So I went with one of their big competitors…Nanuk that’s made in Canada.
The Nanuk 910 model was perfectly sized for my suppressors, accessories, and a handgun if needed.
Exterior Size: L14.3″ x W11.1″ x H4.7″
Interior Size: L13.2″ x W9.2″ x H4.1″
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[80247] = { ‘id’: “80247”, ‘title’: “Nanuk 910”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/91h4tva5xTL._AC_SL1500_-1024×1024.jpg”, ‘tag’: “Runner Up Hard Pistol Case”, ‘url’: “https://amzn.to/3fKOS6T”, };
15. Vaultek Lifepod
My current travel handgun case if I’m driving and staying at hotels or Airbnbs is the Vaultek Lifepod.
Discreet with the sling bag, enough protection, quick access, and still able to be tethered down.
See it in action:
Buttons are still good even when wet since they are capacitive. I personally like to leave the latches unlocked when I’m going to sleep and only have the button code.
Space is decent for travel too. I only bring a compact gun with light and a mag.
My go-to choice for when you need a locked box for travel.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[61269] = { ‘id’: “61269”, ‘title’: “Vaultek LifePod”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Lifepod-Gray-300×208.jpg”, ‘tag’: “”, ‘url’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/go/vaultek/lifepod/”, };
Now there’s the upgraded (and larger) LifePod 2.0 that I use at home for my holstered CCW or two securely store two handguns.
Or with the tray, some other stuff.
With the larger size also comes some cooler colors — my favorite being Black Multicam.
But whatever it is, you can’t go wrong for a secure box that looks great.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[79279] = { ‘id’: “79279”, ‘title’: “Vaultek LifePod 2.0”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Lifepod-2-768×666.jpeg”, ‘tag’: “”, ‘url’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/go/vaultek/lifepod-2/”, };
16. Savior Equipment Guitar Gun Case
A new addition to the list!
The Savior Equipment Guitar Gun Case is a nice covert hard case when you don’t want your neighbors to know you’re off to the range.
It has rolling wheels…
And also nice durable handles and six clasps all around.
It also features a top handle and two lockable areas.
Overall, it’s pretty sturdy and can double as an airline firearm case because of the lockable areas. There’s no pressure release valve, however.
It comes with three layers of dense foam. You can cut the middle layer for your firearm and leave the top one for basically no movement.
Space is decent for an AR with optics plus a pistol or a bunch of mags.
You’ll have to cut the foam which I easily did in under 10 minutes with chalk and a steak knife. It’s no hot wire cutting, but it’ll do!
Overall, the Savior Equipment really is a nice covert hard case that’s enough for travel.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[45954] = { ‘id’: “45954”, ‘title’: “Savior Equipment Guitar Gun Case”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Savior-Guitar-Case-1024×976.jpg”, ‘tag’: “”, ‘url’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/go/savior/guitar-gun-case-2/”, };
17. Cedar Mill Guitar Gun Case
Another covert guitar gun case — except this one takes the nicer aesthetic approach.
The Cedar Mill Guitar Gun Case can hide in plain sight in your living room…and even spruce it up!
It’s covered in a nice faux leather that can take some abuse but I still wouldn’t throw it around or toss it in the back of the truck.
It’s main security is looking like a guitar case, but there’s also a lock in the middle clasp. Note it feels flimsy, and someone can probably easily Hulk it open by hand.
The interior has pluckable foam so you don’t need to break out the steak knife.
Check out the size of the pluckable foam.
Size is decent, too, and you can fit a handgun or mags in that top right space. It’s a tiny bit smaller than the Savior, which will work better with a longer barrel.
The guitar body area seems very similar.
If you’re looking for a very nicely built covert guitar case and you aren’t looking to fly with it…the Cedar Mill is a great bet.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
var PPT_APS = PPT_APS || {}; PPT_APS[45956] = { ‘id’: “45956”, ‘title’: “Cedar Mill Guitar Gun Case”, ‘img’: “https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Cedar-Mill-Gun-Case-Site-1024×715.jpg”, ‘tag’: “Premium Guitar Gun Case”, ‘url’: “http://www.pewpewtactical.com/go/cedar/guitar-gun-case/”, };
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, our recommendations for the best gun cases.
Really, your factory case will do fine, but for me, I just don’t like having the big logos that advertise you have a gun.
Also if you are traveling or have expensive scopes, you’re going to want better protection from a hard case, with Pelican being the gold standard.
What’s your preference…hard, soft, or discreet? Also, be sure to check out our Best Gun Range Bags for the best ammo and tool toting bags out there to combo with your new gun case.
The post 17 Best Gun Cases [Hands-On]: Soft, Hard, & Covert appeared first on Pew Pew Tactical.