Soft or hard case for rifles

[NIKSD]

I use a Voodoo tactical double rifle soft case. Holds mags and a few things for range use.

I have a hard case for a bolt action with optic.

^ +1
Holds 2 rifles, 2 hand guns, 6 30 round rifle magazines, 8 handgun magazines, and some other gear in several lockable compartments. I love it!

http://www.voodootactical.net/p-2950-deluxe-lockable-voodoo-tactical-42-inch-molle-soft-rifle-case.aspx

[Mac_XD]

the power of search!

I was contemplating about this decision all day. i was really leaning towards a hard case because they look great but a hard rifle case is pretty obvious. so i will more than likely go for a soft case, the more descreet the better.

Marquand makes a good point...

Hell, they will probably take anything in a case, period.

all else fails ill take apart my AR and put it in my backpack

[musick]

For those looking into rifle cases, here's a suggestion that has worked well for me in the past - get rifle cases that don't look like rifle cases. A single soft rifle case screams "gun" from 100 feet away and while I'm in no way ashamed of my pro-gun lifestyle, it simply doesn't pay to advertise.

Long, square shaped double rifle cases bear a strong resemblance to guitar cases. Shorter ones look suspiciously like camera bags. I've taken advantage of these perceptions for years. I've had neighbors inquire as to what instrument I play or what band I am in as they see me loading my rifles into my car. I just smile, feed them some line, and move on. No point spooking the hoplophobes.

Another option is to actually get guitar or tennis racquet bags and use those. There are a few companies now making dedicated gun cases in the shape of guitar or tennis bags. I have no experience with them but they could certainly help conceal your cargo from left-leaning alarmist eyes.

As far as criminals ignoring an old, beat up case in favor of another more expensive-looking bag, I'm not sure that really works. If someone breaks into your car or home and sees anything that looks like a gun case, they will take it regardless of it's condition. Hell, they will probably take anything in a case, period.

I just wanted to remind everyone that,

"BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2013 Long guns must be transported in a completely enclosing case when not in a vehicle; if the case is designed as a gun case, no lock required. If the case is NOT designed as a gun case, must also be locked."
http://wiki.calgunsfoundation.org/Transporting

Unless its a RAW. Then a lock is always required.

If you choose to use instrument/sporting bags lock the zippers together with a luggage style lock or something similar. Its a long shot you would run into law enforcement on your walk to/from the vehicle, but I wouldnt chance it.

[coy80176]

well...

My safes are my hard cases.

...and for shooting outings I use soft cases.

I have a double rifle case that I use most often. With my rifles in gun socks I can get 3, maybe 4 in there reasonably (fit and weight). Hand guns magazines and spotting scope also fit in the misc. side pockets, otherwise normally have a gun toolbox and ammo can in tow.

[jeffafa]

+2 on Voodoo Tactical. I carry a bolt action and my AR in mine for transport to and from the range. Holds all mags, some tools, etc. and is made really well. I have never used the backpack straps but I'm glad they are there if I ever have to.

[galaxius]

I just wanted to remind everyone that,

"BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2013 Long guns must be transported in a completely enclosing case when not in a vehicle; if the case is designed as a gun case, no lock required. If the case is NOT designed as a gun case, must also be locked."
http://wiki.calgunsfoundation.org/Transporting

Unless its a RAW. Then a lock is always required.

If you choose to use instrument/sporting bags lock the zippers together with a luggage style lock or something similar. Its a long shot you would run into law enforcement on your walk to/from the vehicle, but I wouldnt chance it.

What if youre transporting a purchased rifle within the factory cardboard box from ffl to home, does that transporting rule still apply?

[musick]

What if youre transporting a purchased rifle within the factory cardboard box from ffl to home, does that transporting rule still apply?

Its been a minute since I purchased one in a factory cardboard box. When I picked up a PPT lower last year (likely the same laws applies to a boxed firearm) I recall,

"Before leaving the store, you MUST have a California approved lock box, cable lock, or trigger lock on your firearm".

Quote is based on my memory so keep that in mind. I recollect a possible exemption if you had a safe that was on the approved list but Im not certain.

[tanks]

I mainly just use single rifle cases for transport in cars or trucks as they are easier to handle. I reserve the hard cases generally for airline travel.

This.

[galaxius]

Its been a minute since I purchased one in a factory cardboard box. When I picked up a PPT lower last year (likely the same laws applies to a boxed firearm) I recall,

"Before leaving the store, you MUST have a California approved lock box, cable lock, or trigger lock on your firearm".

Quote is based on my memory so keep that in mind. I recollect a possible exemption if you had a safe that was on the approved list but Im not certain.

I seem to recall an exemption existing if you are transporting to/from FFL but that may have changed.

[musick]

I seem to recall an exemption existing if you are transporting to/from FFL but that may have changed.

You may very well be correct. I am not an expert on laws that don't apply to my immediate interests.

[galaxius]

Here's what the DOJ has to say about transporting Longguns

SHOTGUNS AND RIFLES

Nonconcealable firearms (shotguns and rifles) are not generally covered within the provisions of California Penal Code section 25400 and therefore are not required to be transported in a locked container. However, as with any firearm, nonconcealable firearms must be unloaded while they are being transported.

https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/travel

[L84CABO]

How do you lock the soft cases now?

The zippers usually lock.

[cudakidd]

Both. Different times and transport needs dictate what type to use...

[duckman1]

Too use both depending on method of travel and protection required. I have several multi gun soft cases and they get pretty heavy with a couple of guns mags and ammo....

[asymmetricalwarfar3]

I just wanted to remind everyone that,

"BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2013 Long guns must be transported in a completely enclosing case when not in a vehicle; if the case is designed as a gun case, no lock required. If the case is NOT designed as a gun case, must also be locked."
http://wiki.calgunsfoundation.org/Transporting

Unless its a RAW. Then a lock is always required.

If you choose to use instrument/sporting bags lock the zippers together with a luggage style lock or something similar. Its a long shot you would run into law enforcement on your walk to/from the vehicle, but I wouldnt chance it.

What about rifles that are broken down (upper/lower separated)?