A gun case is a necessary accessory that allows you to safely and securely transport a rifle, handgun, or shotgun to and from the range or field. It’s also an essential item if you intend to fly with your gun to either hunt or participate in a competitive event. There are two basic types: soft side and hard side. Both are available in a range of sizes to accommodate the three types of firearms under discussion here.

Soft-Side Cases

These are zippered cases made of a soft material (most commonly nylon, leather, or neoprene). They are lightweight and easy to carry to the car, range, or field, but they offer only minimal protection for your gun if the case is dropped or slammed against a hard object. There are also waterproof versions that appeal to goose and duck hunters who travel by boat to a blind. These cases often have a shoulder strap which is a big help if a hunter is lugging a bag of decoys as well.

There are also expensive green canvas cases with leather accents designed for shotguns and rifles. They look great and work fine if all you are doing is going from the car to the range and back.

Since these cases can’t be locked, to keep the gun out of unauthorized hands, I recommend installing a trigger lock, which surrounds the trigger guard, before slipping the gun inside the case. That way, if the case is opened, the person pulling out the gun can’t fire it.

Hard-Side Cases

As the name suggests, these are stout cases designed to provide maximum protection and security. They are certainly heavier and bulkier than soft-side cases. Aluminum was the material of choice for many years, and though such cases are still being made, these days, cases made of hard plastic or proprietary resins, which feature performance additives designed to increase the overall performance of the exterior shells are the way to go. In such cases, the impact-resistant exterior shells are practically crushproof. These cases are also waterproof and dustproof, and come with comfortable carry handles and lockable latching systems. The interior is closed-cell foam, which can be custom-cut to fit your gun. Many also feature in-line wheels, a great feature if you have to slog through an airport. These top-of-the-line cases are expensive, but worth every penny if you have to trust your firearm to airline baggage handlers.

Handgun cases are sized to handle a single gun or as many as half a dozen models, plus semi-auto magazines. Takedown shotgun cases are a convenient option. You can also find two-gun models, if your hunting or competition requires more than one rifle.

I’ve avoided discussing dirt-cheap plastic cases for a reason: They’re a waste of money. They offer little in the way of protection, and the thin foam found on the inside won’t keep the firearm from sliding around when the case is in motion.

Conclusion

Soft-side cases are relatively inexpensive (with certain exceptions). They offer convenience, but sacrifice protection. They are a good choice if you only travel with your gun to a local range. Lockable hard-side cases are far more costly, but they offer a much higher degree of security and protection. They are a must if you are going to travel by air to a destination with your gun.

FAQs

Q: My gun range is only a few minutes away. Do I really need to put my gun in a case while I drive?

A: Common sense dictates that the gun be stored in a case while transported in a vehicle. That could be a simple gun sock or sleeve. Some states, however, require the owner to ensure that the gun is secured in a locked case while in transit. If you are driving to a competition or a hunt that requires you to leave your state, check the laws of the states through which you will travel. If in doubt, lock the gun in a hard case—and put your ammo in a separate, lockable hard case as well.

Q: What kind of locks should I use on a hard case?

A: You have two choices: a combination lock or a keyed lock. I’ve used both over the years. And I learned the hard way to pack extra locks (and keys, if necessary) in my carry-on. More than once, baggage handlers and/or TSA agents have lost my locks. If your long-gun case has four holes for locks, use four locks even if you feel this is overkill. TSA can get awfully picky about this. Finally, airlines and airports are notorious for changing their gun policies at will. Check before you leave home.

Q: Do I really need to cut out the interior foam to fit my gun?*

A: Cutting the foam will give you a custom fit for maximum protection. But if you don’t want to do that, remove one layer of foam (if possible), put the gun in a soft-side case, and place that inside the hard-side case. Close the lid and check for fit before you pack for your trip. The added advantage is that in camp, you’ll have a soft-side case to take to the field, so you won’t have to lug a heavy case every day.