Transporting your guns to the range - soft or hard case?

unclerod

unclerod

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Just looking for some advice from those of you that frequent ranges. I have basic padded zip-arounds for my hunting rifles but with the addition of an AR to the collection (and all the accessories that go along with it) I am going to need a new bag/case to get it there and back. What do you folks use to keep it safe and everything organized. I like the soft style - light, less bulk (and cheaper?) but the hard cases would offer more protection, piece of mind and I could carve out a spot in the foam for a pistol if I decide to bring it along.

Any opinions, advice or styles to check out would be appreciated.....
 
Soft cases are designed for things that you intend to bend!! Any $ 40.00 hard plastic case provides more protection than any soft case!!!!

Scott
 
Soft case for me. They are cheaper and take less space. Plus, when I bang them, they don't damage the paint, drywall, furniture etc.
 
5.11

I use this...

http://www.511tactical.com/browse/H...-M4/D/30100/P/1:100:50000:50800:50810/I/58621

There are dealers listed here on CGN that have this product. This is the mfg official website.

it will hold 2 rifles. I carry 2 pistols in in as well. The zippers can have a small lock placed through them.

the bag is padded and durable enough to be "a container that is difficult to break into" or whatever the exact RCMP safe handling phrase is... you would need a tool to get it open... very nice bag.
 
The hard cases at Canadian Tire generally sell for 15.00 for single rifle, and 30.00 for double, you can't really go wrong. Plano makes similar cases for around 25.00 each which are a little bit smaller but work just as well.
 
For my main rifle I use a Pelican case for transporting were it needs to be locked or might get banged around and soft cases for going hunting and for my other guns. (Stupid game cordors) but to go to the range I might case the guns but I usually don't.
 
I use this voodoo soft case. I put little loops on the zippers for padlocks. I made the loops with wire and crimping doodads like this.

519ZTAKFGKL.jpg


on this bag... I only did it in the pistol part because I don't have restricted rifles.

18d0c1e4.jpg
 
softcase, same as civicbam's. It carries my ar lower, my 2x pistols, in the locked portion, and in the unlocked section, the 700p, and my ar uppers. Plus bolts, bolt conversion kits. The mags and all that is usually in differnt bag.
 
For nonrestricted:

if it has a scope: hard case.

If not, whatever is available. Soft case, backpack with barrel sticking out, trash bags, etc.
 
falconmst said:
anything scoped or restricted I use a locked hard case.
Click to expand...

same same HERE. I trigger lock everything even in a locked hard case for long guns. That way if some bird brain that does not know the law looks . It is way above what is needed.

Less hassle. The storage and transport regs seemed to get muddled with some Yogis.
 
The 5.11 Tactical 42" double... The back pack carry option is a bonus.

Fine for scoped AR's and longer rifles like an SKS.

The hard cases are for when you might be roughing it but just to the range....
Soft bag all the way.

No self respecting rifle is going to get bent from a range trip in a soft bag.
And any scope that gets out of zero in the same condition is in a crappy mount I would think.
 
m39a2 said:
Ya, but what about the rifle when you bang them?
Scott
Click to expand...

What are you banging it into? A properly mounted good quality scope is very resiliant and if you damage an AR in a decent soft case you are doing something wrong. I like the drag bags and folding shooting mat style soft cases.

Try packing a heavy tactical rifle on your back in a hard case.

My step dad threw his Sako in the back of his Jeep all the time without a bag and the gun still shoots right on the money. A folded horse blanket would have been a big step forward. The stock took some nicks and dings which is a shame. To him it was a tool. Good rifle good mounting system.
 
V29189*** said:
I use this...

http://www.511tactical.com/browse/H...-M4/D/30100/P/1:100:50000:50800:50810/I/58621

There are dealers listed here on CGN that have this product. This is the mfg official website.

it will hold 2 rifles. I carry 2 pistols in in as well. The zippers can have a small lock placed through them.

the bag is padded and durable enough to be "a container that is difficult to break into" or whatever the exact RCMP safe handling phrase is... you would need a tool to get it open... very nice bag.
Click to expand...

x2 for the 5.11 for to and from the range. Its just easier; easier to haul, easier on the drywall, easier on the jeep(the plastic lends itself to sliding around on hard surfaces like seats and truckbeds). Here's a decent video...

http://www.511tactical.com/videoplayer.html?movie=511luggage_SingleRifleCase&pn=the%20Single%20Rifle%20Case&pl=

But for travel where its out of site, security is an issue(airports, etc) or buried under luggage(or the potential is there) I go with a Pelican (the SMC-1904-M4-S is good for a carbine or shorter). A Canuck-tire hardcase is ok for running around but no good if one requires the option to bury a rifle in the swamp for a few of years. Those that don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it:D...

A good hardcase like a Pelican or Starlight (also very good and usually a better price point than Pelican) will set you back about $200-250. The 5.11 you're looking at about $100.

There's cheaper out there, but its cheaper...
 
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No cases. You can't shoot a cased gun.

Soft case if traveling long distance to give some padding. Hard case is for shipping, air travel, and situations when I'll be over night and want a portable safe.
 
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