Whether you are looking to get your first AR15 rifle or pistol or looking for a way to take your rifle with you, a rifle case for AR 15 guns is essential. The hard part is figuring out which case is best for your needs.
After all, you need a case that fits your needs and can be trusted to do the job. Something like generic Walmart rifle cases is not going to cut it, so let’s dive into what will.
The Importance of Buying A Good Rifle Case for Your AR 15
As I mentioned before, AR 15 rifle cases are a necessity for any AR15 gun owner or enthusiast. They provide protection for your rifle and make it easier to transport.
When I first started shooting, one of my problems was that I was bringing too many bags to the range all the time. Each trip was at least three bags worth of range gear.
I realized that not everyone was having the same problem, and many were only bringing one rifle bag. Right after that epiphany I immediately started looking into picking up a good range bag.
I needed a rifle case that will protect my AR15 from damage whenever I travel with it. One that will keep my rifles safe, but also help me carry everything I need for the range.
I found out that the best AR15 rifle cases will have the perfect storage for your attachments and accessories. A good case will be the only bag you need to bring to the range.
What are the Types of AR-15 Cases?
There are many different kinds of cases for AR-15 rifles. You can find them in different sizes, shapes, and materials such as plastic, metal, fabric, or wood.
Some will be flashy and stylish, while others will be tactical and rugged. No matter what your preference I am sure you will find something out there that suits your fancy.
But just because something looks cool doesn’t mean it’s a good case. Take for example this stylish Walmart rifle case. I wouldn’t trust it to protect my rifles for a second.
Instead, I recommend looking at the best hard, soft, and airline-approved cases, depending on what you need. You can be sure your gun will be safe in them.
Soft Rifle Case
A soft rifle case will typically be made from tactical fabrics like polymer or nylon. Sometimes these cases can also be made from leather as well but typically that’s reserved for more designer-like cases.
These are the kinds of cases you should get for your range trips. These are going to be lighter and offer more storage than a hard case making them easier to carry.
The first thing to consider with a soft rifle case for your AR15 is how strong the fabric is. These bags are going to see much rougher environments than your typical backpack, and need to be strong
Here’s a quick tip for tactical fabrics and bags from my article, the bigger D the tougher it is. If you can, find a nylon case with a higher Denier rating, because these will offer greater durability and protection.
The next thing you really want to look for in a soft rifle case or bag is lots of padding around the gun. Since these bags are more subjectable to impacts you need the extra padding to keep your AR 15 safe.
Here are my picks for soft rifle cases for your AR 15.
Hard Rifle Case
Like soft cases, hard rifle cases come in various materials such as polymer, wood, metal, and even hardened leather. They also come in a variety of sizes and styles.
Hard rifle cases are going to be the best option for long-distance travel. Good hard cases offer a much greater standard of protection, hence why they are used by the military.
What you want in a hard shell case, is one with internal padding foam that can be tailored to your AR15 profile. The cheap Walmart rifle cases will typically only offer a little padding on the sides.
For ease of use, I recommend getting a hard rifle case with wheels for your AR15 and accessories. Trust me when I say it will make your life easier.
See, high-quality, hard rifle cases tend to be much heavier and bulkier than soft cases. Getting one with wheels means you can lug it around like luggage instead of trying to carry it.
My personal recommendation for a hard rifle case is the Pelican Protector 1750 Rifle Case. It’s by far the best case on the market, and offers the best in class protection out of any other case I have seen.
If that case isn’t to your liking, then check out these hard rifle cases for your AR 15s and shoguns:
Hard Guitar Rifle Case for Travel
If you want a case with some unique style or discreetness, I recommend getting a guitar rifle case. The Savior Equipment Ultimate Guitar Case is my personal recommendation here.
This guitar rifle case comes with everything you could ask for in a hard rifle case. It comes with foam padding that can be shaped your rifle, wheels and a handle to roll it around, and two lock spots for security.
Best TSA-Approved AR 15 Rifle Case for Air Travel
If you are planning on checking your gun on the plane you need a rifle case that is TSA-approved. Additionally, the rifle case needs to be approved by each specific airline provider.
The minimum standard for a case to be TSA-approved is a hard case that is locked and unable to be easily opened. The gun must be unloaded and ammo must be inaccessible.
TSA treats accessible and useable ammo the same as a loaded gun so it’s best to be cautious. I recommend keeping your ammo in the box or an ammo case and leaving the mags empty.
Continuing on, just because a hard case is lockable, doesn’t mean it’s good enough to check on a plane with your rifle. Remember that airports are notorious for being rough with baggage.
You want to make sure your TSA-approved rifle case is as durable and protective as possible. That means tons of padding and high-quality protection standards.
My recommendation is Pelican brand cases. Pelican cases are what I used when traveling with military equipment and damn are they tough.
What About a Rifle Case that Doubles as a Shooting Mat?
One of the cool new trends I have seen pop up is getting a rifle case that doubles as a shooting mat. These things are cool as heck and great for those that want to take their AR15 long-distance shooting.
My problem with a shooting mat rifle case is that they don’t typically offer enough padding for both the gun and the ground. They are better than nothing for sure, but I’d prefer a gun mat every time.
There is some good rifle case with shooting mat combos out there, but my personal favorite is the Galati Deluxe Shooters Mat and Case. This case is awesome and comes with tons of cool features.
The case has ties for any camouflage you want to add on and is made from 1000D nylon which is by far the best in class. Lastly, on top of quality and durability, it has more padding than most cases.
Parting Thoughts
Before I let you go, here are some last-minute tips to help you find the best rifle case:
If you plan on flying with your guns, it is very important to protect your rifles and AR 15s. Pelican offers a lifetime warranty on quite a few of their cases and will secure your guns better than the rest.
Don’t skimp on the case your case, no matter the case. My first case has lasted a few years now, while cases my friends picked up have been ripped to shreds.
Just like a decent gun safe, a good rifle case is an investment. They can even fulfill the safety requirements of a safe, and protect you from legal issues related to unsafe storage.
Lastly, know the dimensions of your rifle. It can be very annoying to find out that you need to return your case because you have a 48-inch rifle and bought a 36-inch case.
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