Get the right gun case to protect your firearm in all conditions
By Corey Graff, Online Editor
This Ithaca 1911 pistol came with a super fancy leather bound handgun case that protects it and looks good, too. The pistol case also features a key lock for added security.
Unless you’re a Montana rancher and keep your dust-covered rifle stowed (and displayed!) in the back window of your pickup truck, you’ll want a gun case to protect your firearms when not in use.
When choosing the best gun case let both the type of gun and your future plans with it dictate your decision.
Types of Gun Cases
Rifle cases and pistol cases come in all shapes and sizes. Hard gun cases are available in wood/leather, plastic and metal (usually aluminum)—with high density gun case foam that fits your gun’s outline—while soft gun cases are often made of nylon. El cheapo types run less than $50 and are typically molded with a very thin plastic. These “value” gun cases are perfectly fine if your only concern is keeping your guns clean and free of dents and dings on the way to the range or duck blind.
However, if airline travel to distant hunts is in your future, you’ll want a heavy-duty TSA approved gun case—either the tough aluminum or heavy-duty plastic Pelican gun cases—to save your gun from the baggage handlers. Also, don’t rely on aircraft security to keep your gun from being stolen. Get a case with heavy-duty lock holes and always lock your case to your luggage. Even better: Lock your gun to the case on the inside.
Tactical gun cases add another dimension: Function. A good tactical case should sport additional pockets and compartments to hold extra mags, optics and accessories like disassembly tools, slings and cleaning kits. It keeps you organized.
Rifle and Shotgun Cases
Buy a rifle case or shotgun case that fits your long guns—not only in dimensional terms but also style. If you have an expensive hunting rifle, don’t stick it in a cheap plastic case where it can bang around and get scratched. Instead get a good, custom-made case that will secure the gun. Will you sell the gun sometime in the future? A custom rifle display case can maintain its perceived value, setting it off with a nice presentation.
Handgun Cases
A handgun case should have multiple holes through which you can attach it via a lock to prevent theft. This goes for airline travel or when stowed in your vehicle or home. While there are presentation-grade custom cases for engraved and custom handguns, most pistols and revolvers are well served with a plastic case of high quality or a soft case, which can be used inside of a hard, lockable outside case, for specialty applications.
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