Hard case vs soft case for rifle

[kjeff91]

I am finishing my setup for my new bolt gun and pretty much only need a case(43"-53" or so) of some sort now. It'll mostly be used in competitions around Colorado, and hunting whenever I draw tags (haven't gotten ANY in 2 years). It seems like there are several decent options on Amazon for $120-$150 for a hard case where I can cut the foam myself which looks sexy as hell and offers lots of protection. On the flipside, I could just get a cheaper soft case for about 50% of the cost of a hard case.

Would you guys recommend a hard case or soft case at these price points?

 

[021411]

If you're looking for a good deal right now on a 43" hard case check out my post below. The price is hard to beat for a quality case made right here in the USA. https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/good-deal-on-hard-rifle-case.6920248/

PS- I don't work for them. Just passing on info..

 

[Alpine 338]

I use both, hard case and soft case. If traveling by myself, or one other, I just use a soft case. If there's a group of us, I hate people throwing their crap on top of my rifle. Lately, what I been doing is carrying rifle inside the soft case, and then inside the hard case. Best of both worlds. Now if traveling through the airlines, and having the Gorilla's abusing the luggage, I'd do the rifle in the cut foam inside the hard case.

I use the TacOps soft case, which fits perfectly inside my Pelican Storm case. It allows all my Rifles with 26" barrel and under to fit.

 

[Rootshot]

I use a hard case only when flying or shipping a rifle. Dragging a huge Pelican case with custom-cut foam to the range makes you look like an operator but frankly just adds unnecessary bulk and weight. A soft case that unfolds as a shooting mat is my go-to.

For flying, the Nalpak case below is amazing. I can throw all my hunting / shooting gear and the firearm (in a soft case) in this hard case and check it at the airport. It looks like a case for golf clubs and draws no unwanted attention. Super rugged.

https://nalpak.com/Tuffpak-1050-Gun-Case-BLACK-w-Cushioned-Handle

For shipping rifles, I use cheapo Plano cases in their original cardboard boxes.

 

[kRcu]

Agree with the above comments. I have a pelican, but it’s heavy and akward to have at the range. I just received my SERT soft case today. Very nice case, only $145 direct from them.

If you want a pelican, I’d sell you mine for $150 as I see you’re in CO. Hit me up if interested. Model 1750 in black.

 

[RickyRodney]

hard cases for serious traveling, or shipping when the rifle will be out of personal possession otherwise el cheapo soft cases all the way.

 

[LastShot300]

hard cases for serious traveling, or shipping when the rifle will be out of personal possession otherwise el cheapo soft cases all the way.

 

[Srikaleak]

Dragging a huge Pelican case with custom-cut foam to the range makes you look like an operator but frankly just adds unnecessary bulk and weight.

I am slowly coming to this realization. I've got pelican cases for long-term storage/hard transport but when going to the range I'd much rather have something a lot less bulky. The Pelican Protector series is really heavy too, compared to a soft case. I'm trying to find a solid two rifle soft case right now but I'll probably end up with two cheapo soft cases. I do like the idea of having the soft case inside the hard case.

 

[Scott_RAP]

A soft case that unfolds as a shooting mat is my go-to.

+1 on the soft case / shooting mat, especially for range day

 

[carbonbased]

Plano Air-Glide. Hard case that’s super light and cheap too. Usually $50, but my local Fleet Farm is blowing them out at $29. Case opens on the top and the rifle only touches two foam blocks. Scope is untouched. Pretty sweet, and nothing like Plano’s super cheesy flat hard cases.

I do use soft cases if I’m not afraid of people bumping the scope (or if it’s in the back seat vs the pickup bed!).

 

[Srikaleak]

This thread got me tinkering:
This is a dumb idea right?

 

[Srikaleak]

Yes, yes it is.

 

[Srikaleak]

What is best practice for minimum thickness of foam around edge of hard case?

 

[Chris W.]

Looks like a first-rate tumbler to me. Just fill it with corn cob or walnut media and yours guns will come out spotless!

 

[Temper]

This thread got me tinkering:
This is a dumb idea right?
View attachment 7006384

I do this, I just keep a piece of foam or towel in there to jam between the guns. They get sandwiched pretty good when closed and don’t shift around. I wouldn’t fly with it but it’s been on many road/range trips this way with no issue.

 

[Srikaleak]

@Temper I think if I had a Pelican 1750 I could pull this off. But with the 1720 there's not enough space. The rail of the AR10 sits right ontop of the scope below it and there is some pressure there.
I've just ordered replacement foam for the 1720, a new Pelican 1700 and a Savior Equipment urban 2 rifle soft case. That way I've got a hard case for each rifle and a soft case for shorter range trips. I'll update when everything comes in.

 

[carbonbased]

Just saw this: https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2...view-air-armor-tech-inflatable-long-gun-case/

Inflatable gun case. I don't need it, but cool.

 

[Sogan]

Soft case. My pelican 1750 weights like 20 pounds empty which for simple range trips is overkill

 

[Sig Marine]

Like the members above, hard case for travel, shipping or extended trips, soft case for going to the local range. I've been using the Bald Eagle bag from Grizzly for a few years and found it to be a very good bag at an affordable price with plenty of padding to protect the rifle/scope. They also come in various sizes depending on your needs

Link: Grizzly Bald Eagle

 

[Mute]

I only use hard case to deal with the apes that handle airline luggage. The rest of the time, my rifles go in a soft case. When traveling, I'll throw the soft case directly into the hard case sans foam of any kind. It's just about a perfect fit and the padding in the soft case provides the additional protection for my gear.

 

[Diver160651]

I've got pelican cases for long-term storage

Just a note -- you really don't want to store a gun in a hard gun case. The foam holds onto moisture and the case traps it inside. You might get away with it in very dry locations, but it can play havoc if you run your cases to the range with temperature changes then store the gun at home in the same hard case.

 

[Mute]

I personally don't recommend the combination case/mats. I tend to throw my mat down on all kind of dirty crud. I don't want my gun and gear to mix around in a case that has all the gunk it picks up when it's being used as a mat. If you're trying to minimize your gear, better to go with a lightweight mat that's easy to roll up and stow away. YMMV. If you only plan to lay on concrete or a relatively clean surface, Midway USA makes a rifle case mat that's pretty heavy duty.