Soft or hard case for rifles

[johnthomas]

Years ago I bought single rifle soft cases. This got to cumbersome so I bought hard cases that could hold several rifles. The were to hard to pack in the trunk and took up to much space. Now I am trying soft case, 46" that holds 2 or three rifles. I like the backpack straps and the way they lay on the back seat of the truck or in the trunk of the car. Any thoughts?

[clbshooter]

I just ordered an AR pistol and have thought about this for a while. While I have bought both hard and soft cases before when this pistol gets here I am going to go to Sports Authority and other stores to see if I can find something I can convert over, may even try second hand stores. I have reconstructed the inside of cases before to protect guns from damage.

If some turd breaks in to your car and sees a high end case they will take it. My hope is that when they see an old tattered racket case in the trunk they will the take other more expensive looking items and leave the POS looking case alone.

[L84CABO]

Vodoo is the value play. 5.11 makes a better soft case for more $$. If you're just driving back and forth to the range, I'd go with Vodoo. If you really intend to use the backpack feature over distance, I'd go with 5.11. There are probably other options out there too.

[Calif Hunter]

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.

[SDDAVE56]

For me,
Rifle with optics-hard case.
Rifle with out optics-soft case.

[zman]

Soft cases for me. The 5.11 products are top notch!

I only use my hard cases when flying since it's a req't.

[ocabj]

It all depends on method of transportation. If it's in my car trunk or the cabin of the truck, then soft case is sufficient. If it's in the bed of the truck, then I want it in a hard case.

[Marquand]

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.

[sully007]

How do you lock the soft cases now?

[Tere_Hanges]

Soft cases or multigun soft cases. Hard cases take up a ton of room. I just use a sock for shotguns. For handgun get "sleeves" and put in a range bag or use a multigun pelican case.

[Merc1138]

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.

Anything in a case might be worth money, so yeah I don't see how it's going to deter thieves(although why you'd be leaving guns in their cases in your home instead of putting them away in the safe is a separate discussion).

How do you lock the soft cases now?

The same way you did before(there hasn't been any change). Put a lock through the zippers so you can't open it, problem solved.

[T1R]

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.

[NYT]

i put soft shells in my hard cases.

[Divernhunter]

I have both and use both. Mostly I use the hard cases but I usually take my pick up to the range so space is not the problem.
The hard cases protect the rifles/scopes better for me

[RandyD]

I use both hard and soft cases. The hard cases protect better, but they take up more room, and make packing more difficult. Both types of cases are easily recognizable. I throw an old miltary blanket over a gun case, that is in the back seat or trunk, so that it is not in plain sight.