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The best gun cases of 2023 cover a lot of territory. There are heavy-duty cases for traveling with rifles, cases that protect your firearms from rust, cases that transport your firearms discreetly, and cases with modular elements to attach various accessories. Your specific needs — both in terms of the type of firearms you’re looking to protect and where and how you will be using them — will dictate the best type of case to purchase.
We analyzed the quality, value, design, and function of each of the gun cases in this roundup. We tested the zippers and latches for durability, the overall ease of use of each case, the amount of environmental protection they offer, and their value for the money. At the end of the test, these ended up being the best gun cases.
- Best Hard Case: Pelican Vault
- Best Single Rifle Case: Boyt 48SG Single Long Gun Case
- Best with Lock: Plano Rustrictor
- Best Soft Case For Pistol: Browning Pistol Rug
- Best Shotgun Case: Boyt Harness Signature Series Shotgun Case with Pocket
- Best Soft Case: Vertx VTAC Rifle Case
How We Chose the Best Gun Cases
All the gun cases listed here have been tested in the field under varying environmental conditions — and most of them are ones I’ve used for years. In the case of the hard cases, we assessed the degree of protection against the elements by hosing them down with water and driving along dirt roads to see if any dust or moisture was able to penetrate the interiors.
We paid close attention to the quality of the stitching and fasteners to look for any weak points in the design. During the test, we opened and closed all the fasteners numerous times to make sure they worked smoothly. Extra points were awarded to those that operated one-handed without difficulty. Extra features, such as the ability to configure the interior of a case to the profile of a specific firearm, were weighed as well. When assessing a case, here are the key things to look at:
- Environmental protection (Does it protect against dust and moisture?)
- Impact protection (How will it protect the firearm against knocks and falls?)
- Durability (How well will the case last with regular use?)
- Ergonomics (How easily can the enclosures be accessed?)
- Extras (Any unique value-added features?)
- Value (What kind of bang for the buck does it represent?)
Best Gun Cases: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Hard Case: Pelican Vault
Key Features
- Holds two full-sized rifles
- Injection molded polymer and resin shell
- Excellent protection against damage from impacts and environmental conditions
Pros
- Padlock holes reinforced with metal
- Gasket seals the inside against moisture and dust
- Roomy interior with ample foam to cushion against impacts
- Latches operate smoothly and are recessed for protection
Cons
- Double-gun configuration is bulky
- Rear hinge pins not secured
In the world of the best hard gun cases, Pelican has earned a reputation for utter reliability. The one knock is that you pay for that performance. With the introduction of the Vault series, Pelican addressed that concern without compromising on protection.
As with their flagship cases, the Pelican Vault double-rifle case seals the interior against moisture, dust and impacts. It comes with a pressure-release valve to cope with changes in altitude, and the smooth-operating latches are among the best out there.
Whether traveling with guns via airline or just protecting guns on the way to the range, the double-rifle Vault gets the job done at a price that won’t break the bank.
Though this gun case is bulky, I appreciate that it weighs less than the standard Pelican offerings. I’ve used Pelican cases to protect my most valuable firearms for many years, and while I was reluctant to try this offering that’s a step below their top tier I must say I’ve been impressed with how good a job it had done.
Read Next: Best Range Bags
Best Single Rifle Case: Boyt 48SG Single Long Gun Case
Key Features
- Internal dimensions: 48 inches x 9 inches x 4 inches
- External dimensions: 50 inches x 12.5 inches x 5 inches
- Weight: 11 pounds
- Four field-replaceable, steel latches
- Made in the USA
- Steel hinge pins
- Two padlock holes
Pros
- Secure and durable latches
- Good o-ring seal
- Comfortable carry handle
Cons
- Foam not customizable
- No wheels
I used the Boyt Single Long Gun Case while traveling to British Columbia, Canada, for an elk hunt. It kept my rifle secure through 7,000 miles of air travel and while riding in the back of trucks to base camp. When I arrived in B.C., my rifle was still dead-on, and when I made it back from the trip, it was still zeroed. The case was also in excellent condition with no broken latches or hinges.
My Tikka T3X Lite, with a 24-inch barrel and 44.5-inch overall length, just fits in the case. If you have a longer rifle, you should go with the Boyt 52SG. I found the egg-crate foam took up too much space for the case to close easily, so I cut out a section of the foam around the receiver to make it easier to close, yet keeping a tight fit.
One of my favorite features of the case is the latches, which is often the weak point of gun cases. Turning the latches 180 degrees pulls the case closed, and then they fold down flat. There’s very little chance for them to catch on anything or come undone while being thrown in the cargo hold of a 737. The hinge pins are also steel, and the hinges double as a flat surface that helps the case stand upright when you set it down.
I can confirm that the dust-proof o-ring works because while the exterior of my case was dusty, my rifle stayed clean. The case has two lock locations for your padlocks or TSA locks. I used the Masterlock TSA Padlock, which fit the case perfectly.
The cons of the case are that it doesn’t have wheels, and the foam isn’t easily customizable. Check out the H51 Double Long Gun Case if those features are important to you. -Scott Einsmann, gear editor
Best with Lock: Plano Rustrictor
Key Features
- Durable resin shell with integral rust inhibitor
- Customizable foam interior
- Two latches with integral locks
Pros
- Blocks corrosion on metalwork
- Lockable latches for extra security
- Pluck-and-fit foam for a custom fit
- Wheels are oversized for smooth rolling
Cons
- Somewhat bulky
- Padlock hasps not reinforced with metal
This particular gun case is the largest in Plano’s line of rifle cases. For that reason, it is equipped with wheels, which makes transporting the case and its contents much easier, especially when traversing smooth ground like at the airport. Two of the four latches on the case have integral locks, so there’s no need to add padlocks to discourage unauthorized access.
The foam that’s attached to the top and bottom of the case is ventilated so that the rust inhibitor can permeate the interior and protect the metalwork on the firearms.
The rust inhibitor that’s incorporated into this case really separates it from the rest of the field. When I lived in the Northeast I had to give each of my guns a thorough cleaning and wipe down after each use in order to prevent blooms of rust from appearing. Even on rifles that were touted as “weatherproof” rust will form on scope cap screws, action screws, the trigger face, and other metal that is covered by the stock. Having something like this Plano offers peace of mind, especially for those living in humid regions.
Best Soft Case For Pistol: Browning Pistol Rug
Key Features
- Stitched canvas and leather exterior
- Single zipper enclosure
- Red flannel padded interior
Pros
- Soft interior won’t scratch or mar metalwork
- Lays flat when unzipped to serve as a rug
- D-ring allows user to lock the case to prevent unauthorized access
Cons
- Guns and case must be dry to prevent rust
Sometimes simple is better and that certainly applies when looking at the best soft case for a pistol. The teardrop design of this Browning case has withstood the test of time, and offers a great balance between protection and portability.
The gun case itself is lightweight and isn’t bulky, yet offers ample padding to protect against dings and scratches from normal handling. The way the case opens and lays flat is a great feature that lets it do double-duty as a rug so that even when at the range or workbench you have a protective surface on which to place a pistol or revolver.
I’ve always been a proponent of “buy once, cry once” when it comes to spending money on quality products. But some items don’t need to be over-thought, over-engineered, or over-priced, and this pistol rug falls squarely in that category. The outer shell will wear well over the years, the stitching is solid, and the interior lining is soft and snag-free.
As long as you keep whatever handgun you store in it protected against rust, this bag will do everything it is designed to.
Best Shotgun Case: Boyt Harness Signature Series Shotgun Case with Pocket
Key Features
- Tough 20-ounce canvas exterior and padded 40-ounce canvas interior
- Leather trim made from harness leather
- Padded exterior pocket
- Brass hardware
Pros
- Bombproof zipper is easy to open with even gloved hands and will work in all environments
- Built with a level of attention and quality that will last for years
- Main carrying strap maintains balance and is not bulky
Cons
- Leather hanging loop at muzzle end can tend to come untied
The main compartment will comfortably hold an over-and-under or semi-auto shotgun up to 44 inches in overall length. Dual zippers let you control how you case and uncase the shotgun. The gun case is reinforced with brass hardware at vulnerable points to improve durability. The exterior pocket offers enough room to store choke tubes and a choke-tube wrench and other small items you might need during a day of shooting.
When you think about classic soft shotgun cases, the canvas and leather offerings from Boyt are what come to mind. Using time-tested design and materials, Boyt’s cases set the standard for the category. They can protect even the most delicate shotguns from damage and are at home at the gun range and in the field. When not in use they store flat and can be hung from hooks to keep them out of the way.
Best Soft Case: Vertx VTAC Rifle Case
Key Features
- Internal Velcro retention system
- 420D Nylon Ripstop with wipe-clean coating
- Water resistant
- Available in 18-inch, 36-inch, and 42-inch sizes
Pros
- Three exterior pockets with loop lining
- Sling-style adjustable carry strap
- Reinforced bottom for extra durability
Cons
- Limited interior padding
Vertx manages to keep things light while providing plenty of protection for your long gun with the VTAC soft-sided case. I’ve used this case for quick trips to the gun range or deer lease. The 42-inch size provides a perfect fit for old lever action cowboy guns and modern AR-style carbines. The exterior is made of durable Nylon ripstop treated with a coating that resists water and stains and conveniently wipes clean. Sturdy interior Velcro straps keep your rifle from sliding around inside. The case also features a lockable main compartment and three external pockets with sturdy 270-degree YKK zippers that offer plenty of room for targets, rangefinders, ear pro, and extra ammo.
Like most soft cases, the VTAC doesn’t provide anything close to Fort Knoxx-level gun protection. However, it is fine when your rifle needs to ride a short distance behind your truck seat. This definitely isn’t one you want to toss in the bed where it’s sure to get banged around, especially since the case has very little interior cushioning.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Gun Case
The purpose of a gun case is to protect the investment you’ve made in your firearms. The type of damage you’re trying to mitigate with a case mostly revolves around transportation of the firearm from the house to either a range or to the place you’ll be hunting. An unsecured firearm is subject to scratches, dings, and exposure to the environment that can cause cosmetic damage, or worse: a malfunction or more severe damage. This is especially so with rifles with optics mounted on them.
In some instances, gun cases can also be used for long term storage in the home.
The manner in which your firearm is to be transported will dictate the type of gun case to purchase. When traveling via airline, a hard sided and lockable gun case is required. These cases are built to the toughest standards, are heavy and bulky, and tend to be the most expensive as well.
Hard cases are also the right call when transporting firearms in the back of a vehicle where they might be exposed to the elements and impacts from traveling down uneven roads. For firearms that are transported in the interior of a vehicle, gun cases don’t need to offer the same level of protection. Padded soft cases are often the best bet. There’s another type of protection that cases can offer, however, and that is protection against detection. These cases are designed to look like everyday bags and not give away their contents.
FAQs
What else you need to know to pick a gun case that’s best for you.
Yes. You are allowed to check multiple firearms in a gun case when traveling by air.
To meet TSA requirements, gun cases must be hard-sided and lockable.
Pelican cases offer best-in-class protection against elements, such as moisture and dust, and against damage from impacts and rough handling.
Quality basic soft-sided cases can be had for about $50 while higher-end hard-sided cases can cost from $200 to $400, depending on features and level of protection.
Final Thoughts on the Best Gun Cases
When it comes to picking among the best gun cases, you need to select the right tool for the right job. The field of cases we tested here covers a lot of the requirements that gun owners might encounter. Our goal was to assemble a variety of quality cases to choose from.
