Not sure the best gun case to properly store and transfer your guns?

From soft to hard cases…and even some covert ones…we’ll cover them all.

Why listen to us?
Between the entire Pew Pew Tactical team we’ve used almost every case out there to bring our personal guns and testing guns to the range, airport, and other excursions.
Here are some that we still keep and use to bring our pistols, rifles, and shotguns to the range.
Summary of Our Top Picks
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Editor's Pick: Soft Rifle Bag
Savior 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 Combo
VISM Rifle Case & Shooting Mat
Affordable case and mat combo for your precision rifle.
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Multiple compartments for multiple discreet gun carry.
Best Soft 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
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And the sleeker molle Urban Warfare version (my favorite):
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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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
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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.
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Best Discreet Gun Cases
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.
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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.
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Best Hard Gun Cases
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.
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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.
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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
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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!
Best Pistol Gun Cases
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.
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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 Cases
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
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There’s also the larger Mini Range Bag which gives you even more space and is enough for a full range day even with multiple pistols and long guns.

There’s three compartments and plenty of space to put your ammo, pistols, and mags.
The middle compartment holds pistol mags and two zip pouches that I use for everything from ammo to ear pro and other electronics.

Plus there’s Velcro that lets you move and add additional storage options.

The other compartment gives you open space for pistols (or at least it’s what I use it for).

And the front compartment is more geared towards rifle mags. I’ve also been carrying some suppressors and other goodies in there too.

Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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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.
Enough for five mags and a handgun!
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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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
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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
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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.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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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″
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Best Travel Gun Cases
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.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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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.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Best Guitar Gun Cases
16. Savior Equipment Guitar Gun Case
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
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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
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18. Savior Equipment Fiddle Master
How about a hard case for something smaller?
Enter…Savior’s 30″ Fiddle Master that’s perfect for a pistol or SBR.

It comes with two TSA locks and also two holes for your own padlocks if you’re flying.

Plus a final clamp and two inner straps to make sure nothing moves around or accidently opens.

Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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19. 5.11 Tactical 28″ Rifle Case
The 5.11 Tactical case hits that middle ground you don’t always see with rifle bags — it’s great for those guns that are longer than pistols but would swim around in a full-length case.
At 28 inches long, this case is perfect for subguns, AR pistols, and other guns that fall into that “in-between” category.

Just like other 5.11 Tactical cases, this one is made from 600D Polyester, so it’s lightweight but still durable enough to haul your guns.
The exterior has a hook and look section on one side and a MOLLE on the other side.
There are two padded carrying handles at the top in the middle, as well as an adjustable shoulder strap. Large, lockable YKK zippers open the bag up lengthwise to reveal a padded interior.

On the inside, there are corner pockets for retention of your muzzle and bott stock. Finally, there are also adjustable hook and look straps to hold your firearm securely in place.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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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.
59 Leave a Reply
No Ulfednar range bags? I adore my small bag, it is the perfect tank for a visit to the pistol range. Its also got plenty of spots for patches and pins!
What country is Savior Equipment made in and who owns them?
Not cheap by any means, but I rely on Nanuk cases for both my AR and my aerial camera gear.
Decided on The Patriot 35" - Single Rifle Case for my Aero EPC-9
Thanks for the additional 15% off!!!!!
I use a modified laptop case: Pelican 1095. Mine has three handguns with mags and its flat, easy to carry, and discrete.
I really like what I'm seeing with the 30 inch Savior Coffin case for my SBR. Being able to strap that on my back and hop on my V2K and head to the range has great appeal for me. IDK if you could call it discreet. But in a crowd it probably can blend in alright, as long as the one carrying it isn't dressed like HRT on a mission. It's certainly small enough to eliminate any onlookers from immediately thinking a rifle is in there. But it seems to have room for everything you'd want to have with your gun. I intend to find out as soon as my finances recover from building my dream SBR...
I use a 35mm camera bag for range use. VERY discrete. It has room for a pair of ear protectors, shooting glasses and a small first aid kit in the main compartment. A couple of mags fit in one end pouch and a box of ammo in the other. A side pouch is perfect for my pistol. Every compartment is padded, so everything is protected.
Great review. I know I am in the minority, but I would like to see a review of the top bullpup rifle gun cases.
Im not sure there would really be any differences other than the overall case being one of the shorter models.
Pelican all the way.... I’m always surprised when gun people, second amendment people don’t buy American but will save a few dollars and buy stuff made In China. Support American workers, especially when it’s a better product
Not everybody wants or needs a hard locking water resistant case. No easy way to carry something like that on my motorcycle. One of the back pack styled cases designed for SBR's suits me best. If Pelican made one as good or better at the same price point, I'd check it out. But they don't. I googled it. Savior cases and bags are made Myanmar. I don't care. As long as it works. That's gotta be the bottom line.
Always enjoy your articles. I have learned much from your insights. Thank you.
Say what you want, but the Harbor Freight gun cases are pretty good for the price point, pick-pull foam insert, lockable, pressure relief valves and damn sturdy. Way cheaper than a Pelican case and the quality is comparable (and I do own both, as well as some of the other cases mentioned in the review).
Really like your PPT Handgun Case. Looks like a tight fit for Glock 34 G5. Would be great if it was large enough for a red dot. Does it only come in the one size?
Tried the Amazon link for the first Savior, molle version at 36". This review isn't that old, and it says $55 (accurate a the time of writing), but today 11/5/19 I'm getting an Amazon price of $63.27. That's quite a bump up. It would be nice if PewPew could get some sort of special deal at the reviewed price point for PewPew readers. The links have referrer information, so Amazon can know that the shopper came from PewPew. Sometimes the Amazon prices are tweaked from shopper to shopper. Sort of sucks.
Sorry, I meant 11/6/19. :)
I like the idea of the Guitar Gig Bag, but where can I source the foam?
I'm very impressed with the two Savior cases I own (one in each style). I don't think you can find a better soft case for the price.
I love your reviews and they have aided me greatly in my research for different things. However, in this list I feel you missed 2 that should have been included:
1) VOODOO TACTICAL - have 2 of their 42" 2 rifle cases. They ABSOLUTELY ROCK!
2) PELICAN? If you like Pelican - go to Harbor Freight and get the APACHE SERIES for $20-40 bucks. Eggshell and pick apart foam, lockable.....same thing......LOL
For Long Guns....
Pelican vs Apache (Harbor Freight) not the same! Not even close. Warranty: Apache 90 days; Pelican Limited Lifetime.
Industry Standard: Pelican
Best packaging (interior foam): Pelican uses closed-cell, not pick & pull (nobody likes this stuff, regardless of who makes the case).
Cost: Apache, Eylar (Amazon)
Not sure the guitar case is the way to go.... guitars are likely stolen more often than guns, and what are you gonna play when some girl asks for a song? "Happiness is a Warm Gun?"
Wait, girls do that nowadays?
Eric, I bought the Plano case from Amazon for $39 and got what I paid for. A total POS. The two interior locks will NOT lock. They just pop off of the case when you try to latch them. I didn't need serious protection, like for airlines or something, just trying to keep scratches off of my pretty weapon going to and from the range. so kept it Not worth returning at that price. but, I sure would not recommend it.
Bill
You might also check out some of the hard cases at Harbor Freight. Their Apache cases seem well made, with pluckable foam and pressure relief valve. They have several sizes. I bought the 3800 for my camera equipment. Kept stuff dry during rain in the bed of my pickup. They have a rifle size case with wheels. Reasonably priced.
Apache series rocks!
Disappointing to not see SKB on the list for hard cases. It’s a significant step up from the Plano and pretty close quality wise to Pelican. SKB has a bit more flex than the Pelican but, that’s not a bad thing. I travel the world for work with one of one prototypes with both Pelican and SKB and haven’t had failures or issues with the SKB.
If you’re just lugging gear for three gun or a bunch of gear for a range session, the DEWALT ToughSystem can’t be beat. It’s made of structural foam, full perimeter gasket, vent valve, lockable and it clips together for stacking or you can put it on one of the mobility carts. They also have a rack to install in the basement or garage to rack and stack your gear.
I second the GPS Handgunner backpack. It is awesome. A place for everything including up to 4 handguns as long as they aren't cannons.
I forget the name of the rifle case we just bought, but it has a generously padded interior that features a long molle strip and two long Velcro straps that secure our AR in place. Plenty of pouches on the outside for gear and mags. Wouldn't want to haul it a long way but it does the trick and protects the rifle, which is job one, right?
I have a Tavor 21 with a red dot on it and most of my cases arnt wide enough for the red dot and the protrusion that extends down from trigger before the mag well. Anyone found a good bag for a TAR 21.
I like Allen for soft cases, especially the U.S. made ones. I have several different hard cases and I do really like my Pelicans, but if you're on a budget look at Flambeau or the Harbor Freight cases. Flambeau is less than half that of a Pelican or even a Plano and really nice cases. Buy Kaizen Foam from FastCap.com and you can customize your own cases. The HF cases are good for taking to the range, dust and water protection, but I wouldn't drive over them with your truck. HF likes to compare them to Pelican but they aren't in the same league. That being said they are not bad for the price. I keep my Garmin GPS in one and it's great.
Is the PewPew Tactical handgun case lockable?
Thank you for the article. I found the Plano hard cases to be great for my needs.
The Apache rifle case is excellent from Harbor Freight. On sale for $99 or sometimes $109 it is an amazing deal on a Pelican-like case for less. Great seal, great wheels and plenty long for a rifle or two and even extra mags and goodies.
I’ll also add for ammo storage ammo cans are great, but so are their other Apache cases (smaller sizes) when on sale.
I agree 100%! I bought one during the sale, and it is every bit as good as the pelican for a fraction of the cost.
Please explain to me why all of the hard side pre-cut out foam cases have the scope bearing all the weight of the rifle when you pick it up by the handle. In many of them, the foam inserts do not reverse. I personally want my scope under the handle when carrying and especially if the airlines are going to be throwing it around in baggage on the hinge side. I've got more money in my scopes than I do in the rifles.
Order your own foam insert from mycasebuilder.com. I saw them at the NRA Annual Meeting and was impressed. You can get a customized for insert for relatively cheap.