When selecting a rifle case for your AR-15, it's important to consider factors like durability, storage capacity, portability, and price. This list consists of soft and hard cases.
To help you make an informed decision, here’s a comprehensive guide featuring 12 best AR-15 rifle cases, each with its pros and cons.
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Soft Cases
Condor Single Rifle Soft Case
The Condor Single Rifle Soft Case is a practical and reliable choice for safely transporting your AR-15. Constructed from a durable nylon-like fabric, it's built to last. The main compartment is spacious, with ample padding to protect your rifle, and includes Velcro straps to keep it securely in place.
What's more, it offers generous storage options with three modular pouches and an extra compartment, perfect for magazines and accessories. It also features smooth-running zippers and a detachable shoulder strap for convenient carrying. Overall, it's a solid option that provides good value without breaking the bank
- Pros: Durable, multiple storage options, secure Velcro straps, good value
- Cons: Bulky, not ideal for daily use.
Voodoo Tactical Deluxe Padded Weapons Case
The Voodoo Tactical Deluxe Padded Weapons Case is an upscale choice for those needing a robust soft case for their AR-15s. Available in two sizes, it comfortably fits two rifles, with additional space for handguns. Its construction features ballistic grade material, offering durability akin to a hard case.
The case has lockable zippers, ensuring security, and a removable shoulder strap for easy transport. It stands out for its stylish design, especially in black, making it not just a functional, but also an attractive accessory for your firearms. Ideal for those looking for a mix of security, capacity, and style in a soft case
- Pros: Holds two rifles and handguns, ample storage, lockable zippers, sturdy build.
- Cons: Expensive.
Bulldog Cases Ultra Compact AR-15 Discreet Carry Case
The Bulldog Cases Ultra Compact AR-15 Discreet Carry Case is a standout for those seeking a low-profile way to transport their AR-15. Designed for discretion, it doesn't give away its contents, making it an excellent choice for concealed carry.
The case requires the rifle to be broken down into two parts, resulting in a smaller, more manageable size. It includes a well-padded divider and pockets for extra magazines. While it lacks restraining straps and lockable zippers, its compactness and affordability make it an appealing option for those prioritizing discreet transport
- Pros: Compact, discreet, affordable.
- Cons: Requires disassembling AR-15, no restraining straps, non-lockable zippers.
Savior Equipment Urban Warfare Tactical AR-15 Soft Case
The Savior Equipment Urban Warfare Tactical AR-15 Soft Case is a popular choice for its exceptional build and features at a competitive price. Made with heavy-duty 600d industrial nylon and thick padding, it provides solid protection for a soft case.
This versatile case accommodates two scoped AR-15s and a couple of handguns, with Velcro straps ensuring everything is securely fastened. It offers ample storage for additional gear and is designed for comfort, with well-padded shoulder and backpack straps. This case is a great pick for those who need a durable, spacious, and comfortable option for carrying multiple firearms.
- Pros: Durable, affordable, two-rifle capacity, comfortable to carry, ample storage.
- Cons: Large for a single rifle.
Savior Equipment Patriot Single Rifle AR-15 Soft Case
The Savior Equipment Patriot Single Rifle AR-15 Soft Case is a practical and stylish solution for carrying a single rifle. It's available in three sizes to accommodate various AR-15 configurations, including optics and magazine customizations.
The case is constructed with robust 600d double-stitched nylon and sturdy foam padding, ensuring your rifle's protection. It features adjustable Velcro straps for securing the rifle and offers a reasonable amount of storage with magazine holders and compartments.
- Pros: Durable, adequate storage, attractive design, great value.
- Cons: Limited extra storage for larger items like protective hearing muffs.
Hard Cases
Plano All-Weather Case
The Plano All-Weather I case is an ideal choice for those seeking robust protection for their AR-15. It's a hardshell case that offers premium features at a reasonable price. Completely weatherproof, it ensures your gun is safeguarded from water and dust. The case is constructed with thick, sturdy plastic and has a strong locking system with five latches, including two integrated keyed locks. It's also TSA-approved for air travel, with a customizable pluck foam interior for a snug fit for your firearm and accessories.
- Pros: Weatherproof, sturdy build, TSA-approved, customizable foam.
- Cons: Hinges and locks may be vulnerable, additional padlocks needed for air travel.
Magpul Daka Case
The Magpul DAKA Hard Case R44 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a competitive option against higher-priced cases like Pelican, without any compromise on features or build quality. The standout feature is its secure latch system with integrated locking pass-through, ensuring your firearms are safe and secure.
Inside, the Grid Organizer system allows for customizable storage, perfect for keeping everything from rifles to small accessories in place. Despite its slightly larger size, which fits snugly in the back of an SUV, it’s a practical choice for both local trips and air travel.
- Pros: The Grid Organizer system allows for tailored storage, accommodating rifles and accessories effectively
- Cons: Weighing 18.4 lbs empty and 21.4 lbs with the organizer, it can be heavy
SKB iSeries
The SKB iSeries case is a top-tier option for those who need a highly durable case for their AR-15 without stretching to the highest price brackets. Built like a tank, it offers Pelican-like features and toughness at about half the cost.
The case has a rigid structure, reinforced with stainless steel latches, and features customizable foam for a precise fit of your rifle. Suitable for air transport and military-grade use, it comes with a lifetime guarantee. Although a bit large for just an AR-15, its robust build and value for money make it a standout choice
- Pros: Extremely sturdy, customizable foam, military-grade design, lifetime guarantee.
- Cons: Larger and heavier, potential quality control issues.
Pelican 1750 Tactical Gun Case
The Pelican 1750 Tactical Gun Case is built to military specifications, it's waterproof, dust-proof, and virtually indestructible, offering unparalleled protection for your AR-15. This case features an automatic pressure equalization valve and stainless-steel latches, ensuring secure and reliable storage. It's also TSA-approved for air travel.
Although it's on the heavier and pricier side, its 50-inch length accommodates not just your rifle but also extra gear. The customizable foam interior allows for a tailored fit. With a lifetime warranty, the Pelican 1750 is a long-term investment in the safety of your firearm
- Pros: Waterproof, dust-proof, crash-proof, military specifications, lifetime warranty.
- Cons: Heavy and expensive.
Flambeau Outdoors 6500AR Tactical AR Case
The Flambeau Outdoors 6500AR Tactical AR Case is a budget-friendly solution for those needing basic protection for their AR-15. The case isn't weatherproof, but it does include velcro straps for securing the gun, surrounded by softening foam.
The construction is basic, with thinner plastic and less sturdy latches compared to more expensive models. It's a practical choice if you're looking for a simple, no-frills case for routine trips to the range or nearby locations
- Pros: Affordable, decent quality for short-distance transport.
- Cons: Not weatherproof, thin plastic, flimsy latches.
Plano Pro-Max Contoured Rifle Case
The Plano Pro-Max Contoured Rifle Case is a budget-friendly option, similar in pricing and features to the Flambeau case, but with a longer 51-inch size. Its contoured design provides a unique profile, although this means slightly less space inside compared to traditional cases.
This case is a decent choice for those looking for an economical solution without expecting high-end features
- Pros: Budget-friendly, protects from dust.
- Cons: Not waterproof, thin plastic, vulnerable lock holes.
Plano Double Scoped Rifle Case w/Wheels
The Plano Double Scoped Rifle Case with Wheels is a robust option for those needing to transport two rifles. This 55-inch long case is designed to fit two scoped rifles or shotguns, offering waterproof, airtight, and dust-proof protection. It's TSA-approved for airline travel and includes an internal pressure-adjustment valve.
The addition of wheels is a significant benefit, given the case's considerable size and weight when loaded. While it fits two scoped ARs, it may be a tight squeeze, especially with larger scopes.
- Pros: Waterproof, airtight, dust-proof, TSA-approved, wheeled for easy transport.
- Cons: Tight fit for two scoped ARs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right case depends on your specific needs. If you prioritize mobility and ease of access, a soft case like the Savior Equipment Urban Warfare Tactical or the Condor Single Rifle Soft Case may be ideal.
For maximum protection, especially for air travel or long-term storage, hard cases like the Pelican 1750 or the SKB iSeries are recommended. Budget-conscious buyers might consider the Flambeau Outdoors 6500AR or the Plano Pro-Max Contoured Rifle Case for basic protection and transport.