Logically, you choose a gun case that’ll suit your gun. For a rifle we’ve got hard rifle cases and soft rifle bags and for pistols and revolvers, we’ve got hard pistol cases and soft pistol bags. Hard gun cases and soft gun bags both have their own advantages, which we’ll get into in a minute. The first and foremost thing to take into account are the dimensions. In our webshop, we not only mention the outer dimensions, but definitely take great care to mention the inner dimensions too.
To determine the size needed for a gun case, you funnily enough will notice that your wishes for inside and outside dimensions will start contradicting each other. On one hand you want the gun case to be as compact as possible, making it easy to handle and to take up the least amount of space. Especially when you’re flying, the outside dimensions can be quite an important factor. But on the other hand, you want the inside dimensions to be as spacious as possible, making it easy to fit everything inside without any trouble. It’s important to think ahead and decide if you want, for example, to keep a rifle scope fitted. And you might want to take into account if your gun can easily be dismantled. Perhaps you want to take two guns with you in one case, we’ve got those available too.
And in addition to the gun itself, you might want to take some accessories such as a bipod or moderator. Maybe some extra magazines or ammunition? Some hard gun cases feature a layout with separate compartments (for shotguns), but more often the entire inside consists of foam on both sides. This lets you arrange everything exactly how you like (and requires a bit of spatial awareness). Soft gun bags sometimes feature internal and external compartments to store some accessories and supplies.
The choice between a hard gun case and a soft gun bag greatly depends on your needs and expectations. To get a clear insight, you can ask yourself the following questions:
The differences between a hard gun case and a soft gun case are already highlighted above, so it’s clear a hard gun case will take more impact with its hard exterior. But the outside isn’t the only thing protecting your gun, there’s the inside too and that’s at least as important. We might go as far as saying the inside of a gun case/bag is the most important factor. There are three ways the inside can be built-up.
A soft gun bag can be padded with soft material. Some tactical models even have Velcro or elastic loops to keep the gun in place.
Another option is egg-crate foam. A few gun bags feature this material, but most often it’s used in hard gun cases. The big advantage of egg-crate foam is that it allows for very universal use of the gun case. You just place the gun on the foam, close the lid and the egg-crate foam will hold your gun nicely in place. It offers you the freedom to use your gun case for many different guns and position them as you like.
There’s also a firmer foam into which the contours of the weapon are cut out. This foam can handle a bit more impact and it’s impossible for the gun to move. Often, this kind of foam is used in model specific gun cases.
Most of the time, soft gun bags are closed with a zipper. Some even feature double zippers, enabling you to lock them together with a small padlock to keep unwanted hands out.
Hard gun cases sometimes feature sliding locks, but most often have case clasps. Especially when a gun case has a waterproof rubber seal, these clasps are a must. As they work with a leverage system, the lid of the gun case is clamped together firmly. Many gun cases provide the opportunity to be locked. Some have their own integrated number locks or key locks, others have holes for a padlock.
The most important things to consider, when buying a gun case are:
Of course, our experts can always advice you if you find yourself in doubt. Just explain your situation and your wishes and they’ll come up with solid advice.