Best Gun & AR 15 Hard Cases: Tested & Reviewed By A Gun Shop Owner In 2025

Finding the perfect hard rifle case isn't easy. I’ve tested dozens, and rounded up the best options for the money. Read my hands-on reviews.

FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing.

1. Pelican Vault V800 - Wide Hard Case With Foam

HIGHLIGHT:

Ideal hard case for scoped rifles.

REAL LIFE EXPERIENCE:

I got hooked on these back when I used them on tours in Baghdad and when I worked in Special Ops across Central America. They were solid as a rock, even under the toughest conditions with Special Ops. So, naturally, when I saw these babies up for grabs to the general public, I jumped at the chance. Fast forward to now, and I'm on my third one, yeah, hunting with my kids means packing more firepower. Here's the skinny on it. Even the most ham-fisted baggage handlers can’t mess with your weapons once they're snug in this case. The durability is just insane.

CUSTOMIZATION:

Customization is seriously a breeze but it needs a bit of a heads-up. You gotta lay out your gear in reverse on the foam, then flip it for the perfect fit, like a tactical Tetris. Make sure you spread out the load so it’s not a pain to lug around. The foam’s a dream to cut and keeps its shape like nobody’s business, even if you’re slicing close to the edges. Let me explain this in detail. Pelican uses open-cell foam, but it is all one piece, so it needs to be cut out. This will take a little more planning, but how hard is it to place your guns around in the case and draw outlines with a marker. The foam is easy to cut with a box cutter; just use a lot of blade. I mash down the foam so it's like cutting cardboard boxes, or I could use an electric carving knife. The electric carving knife is everyone's favorite tool for cutting this foam, and I may have to go that route myself someday. They only cost twelve bucks on Amazon; throw it in the cart as well.

CUTTING TIP:

Trace your stuff with a sharpie, then cut about a quarter-inch inside your line to keep everything snug as a bug.

FEATURES:

The features are top-notch, like all the way high up there. The foam’s just the start, though. Those four lockable snaps seal the deal, literally. The wheels? They roll smooth and are tucked away to avoid damage. It’s surprisingly light, too. Grab some extra foam, and you can swap out setups for different rifles without a hitch.

DURABILITY:

The handle and latches are made so they will not get broken by hitting things. The old-school latches took all the energy from banging into things. The new way Pelican makes them is by using a bumper to fit all the way around the breakable parts, and they are now even tougher than before.

CAPACITY:

Size-wise, it’s pretty dang roomy. Basically, this case can fit two hunting rifles or an AR15 and a hunting rifle. But if you’ve got something like an African safari rifle, that’s a solo ride due to the extra hardware. Obviously, this case can also hold two AR15 or two AR10 rifles, the kits, and all the cool stuff attached. Its wide and long measurements make it a dream case for three gunners. I have seen some three-gun folks cut out the rifle, shotgun, pistol, and backup pistol into one case. The three gunners usually have a separate case for all the magazines and another for the ammo. This case, made to haul a bunch of nice and cozy guns, will be heavy, so Pelican has included a wheel to roll it around. When I move these cases, it feels like a hand truck without the handle in the back, which would be very nice (hint) for hauling down the walkway to the ranges that always seem to be half a mile away.

STABILITY NOTES:

I have a shotgun case that is billed as a double gun case. If I have old-school hunting guns in there that don't mind bumping into each other, that is fine. My old case depends on the tension of the top and bottom foam to keep the guns in place and fails. This hard-side case has cutout foam that will keep any long gun or other gun in its respective place, no matter the environment.

REAL USE EXAMPLE:

Get this... I’ve got a war story for you. We once dropped one of these from about 80ft. off a chopper. Pilot error, flared way too high. We thought the sniper rifle inside was toast. But believe it or not, when we picked it up, it was still sighted in, scope and all. Just... wow. But hey, don’t go trying that stunt at home, alright? Excellent, indeed.

WARRANTY:

I really appreciate Pelican's lifetime warranty, which is another reason why I'll keep buying their cases. And their great customer service is a given.

Get it from Amazon now: $229.95 & FREE Returns

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2. Plano All Weather II - With Pluck-To-Fit Foam

HIGHLIGHT:

Effortless customization ensures your firearms stay safe and protected.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS:

Before pulling the trigger on this purchase, I scanned countless, and I mean countless reviews. Some said the case felt a bit flimsy, but I figured it would suffice for regular trips to the range without costing a fortune. To my surprise, the case was quite the opposite of flimsy. It's sturdy, well-made, and comes with a dependable lock. It's also heavy, so thank goodness for the wheels. They really save the day. Initially, I thought about getting the 42" gun case and folding the stock, but I'm glad I opted for the larger size. A few months later I did get the 42" one, but I'll talk about it later in this review.

WATERPROOFING:

While I'm not totally sure if it's waterproof, it's kept my rifle dry in downpours. Now, let's be real, if I ever felt I ever needed to chuck my rifle into the ocean, I'd maybe go for something pricier to make sure it's staying safe, but unlikely that will happen, so for now, this case does everything I need.

CUSTOM FIT:

This case can be customized to fit the AR15 of your dreams, with all the add-ons and wild things anyone could mount on a rifle. The pluck-to-fit foam is easy to use, and it takes just a little planning to have a custom-fitted case.

RIFLE CAPACITY NOTES:

Now, let’s get real for a sec. My range buddy says this case fits his Ruger with its barrel and scope just right. Another range buddy said he managed to fit his AR15, Glock19, and three mags each, and extra space was left for a future scope addition. If you’ve got something like a precision chassis rifle or a fancy bench rest shooter with a big ol' scope and bipod, this case will hold just one. My scope's a 56mm beast, so yeah, it's a tight squeeze. But if you’re rocking smaller scopes or iron sights, you can snugly fit two rifles in there. The bipod is a tiny CVLIFE, it's no Atlas or Harris, but it gets the job done.

CUSTOMER SUPPORT:

My brother said the shipping was a breeze - quick and without a hitch, which is always nice when you're excited about buying something. Just a heads up though, the first one my brother ordered missed the boat he said... literally, it came without handles. (Good thing he looked inside the box before giving it to me hah!) But according to my bro their customer service was top-notch. They sent a replacement faster than you can say "shootin'!"

FOAM LIMITATIONS:

I have used many cases with the pluck to fit foam for custom rifles and shotguns. One issue with pluck-to-fit foam is that once it is plucked, the remaining foam will give away like a bank of a river washing away. That said, the medium-density foam will protect the weapons inside perfectly. I use cases made with this foam to protect my camera gear, and it has never let me down. Let me go into detail now. The pluck foam is just about two inches thick, which could have been a tight squeeze with a folded stock. A little tip for setting up: outline your rifles upside down in the foam so when you flip it, everything fits like a glove. I'm really pleased with this purchase. One thing I will say about the plucked foam that falls into the open spaces - it can be put back in place and keep the stuff safe. I save the plucked pieces and fill them into voids around my gear like a package filled with peanuts, and it will have no problems.

MOISTURE CONTROL:

If anyone is going to use a foam-lined case, especially a hard side case, keep rust prevention in mind. We don't have much trouble with this here in the high desert, but the folks with humidity issues will be a problem to cure. All I do is get some desiccant packets from Amazon for about fifteen bucks for a hundred, if I remember, and toss one in by the trigger and one right in front of the handguard.

TWO GUN FIT:

If I wanted to put two shotguns in this case, say two Mossberg 590s without any optics mounted on top of the receivers, this would fit both just fine. The case will need a deadlift technique to lift it into the truck, but the guns will barely even notice when it slams into the truck's bed from my less-than-perfect technique.

GEAR LAYOUT:

What I usually do with this style of hard case is to fit the rifle and make it nice and comfy, then pull out some foam and place a stack of two or three magazines in three voids, making a full load out for the gun. I tried to do this once and included some ammo boxes, and the weight and small package pulled the foam apart on just the ride to the range.

MATERIAL & CONSTRUCTION:

The case is made from high-impact plastic. I don't know exactly what kind of plastic, so please forgive me. This case will tumble down a hill, get stepped on, bang around in the truck or trailer bed, and never damage the guns inside. The hard-sided case will lock with two paddle locks, one on each end, to keep fingers off your items. The outside is secured tightly by a full-length hinge on the back and tight snapping hasps around the outer edges.

MAINTENANCE TIP:

The only snag I've hit is with the foam, it tends to disintegrate after a while. I've started applying flex seal to the foam once it's plucked, which definitely extends its life, but it's not a permanent fix. Despite this minor issue, you're unlikely to find another case that matches this quality at such a competitive price point.

42 INCH MODEL FIT:

I've got another one of these, the 42 inch model, for my 20 inch barrel 762 with a 5-25x56 scope (vortex strike eagle model) mounted on it, and it fits perfectly with ample room for magazines and other gear.

36 INCH MODEL FIT:

One of my clients uses the 36" model for his 16" 556, side arm, with magazines, holsters, and even an extra mag. Everything fits like a charm.

OVERALL:

I think this case is a solid choice with a handy pick-and-pluck foam system that lets you customize the interior just the way you need it. I'm truly impressed with its performance, not just at the range but also for air travel.

Get it from Amazon now: $129.99 & FREE Returns

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3. Eylar - With Pull-And-Pluck Cubed Foam

HIGHLIGHT:

Waterproof up to three feet with rubber lining, too!

FIRST IMPRESSIONS:

I was a bit on the fence after reading mixed reviews, but to my surprise, my 42" case came pristine and fully functional. You can definitely fit two 16" rifles by getting creative with the foam, removing and mirroring the outlines to ensure a really solid and rattle-free fit. It took a little bit of moving puzzle pieces around, but I didn't mind that much, it was worth it. Definitely make sure you take off the tripods/foregrips to make it work.

FOAM QUALITY:

The foam insert is the pull-and-pluck style to secure and stabilize the guns. Like all the other pull-and-pluck foam, the challenges of the pieces not falling apart are always there. I have tried spraying some plastic dip coating on the foam to keep it together, and it worked for a while. The plastic dip spray looks very cool - very James Bond super rifle kit - and will keep the cubes together longer.

FOAM REPLACEMENT:

Solid foam pieces can be bought to fit this and all cases with the pull-and-pluck foam from Amazon. You can just cut it with a razor or an electric carving knife. This foam replacement will cost between 20 and 65 bucks, depending on the piece needed.

AR10 SETUP:

So, decided to set up this thing for a scoped AR10. The foam is super easy to pluck and shape. You really need to think ahead though, sketch out your game plan on how you want everything laid out before you start pulling foam. The squares are pre-cut which helps, and then it's just about arranging them. It only took a little for me to get it just right, pretty much as snug and secure as possible for my customized AR10. So this case comfortably holds an AR10, and you can easily carve out spots for 3-4 magazines and an SF Tac.45, for instance.

FOAM FLIPPING TIP:

Let me tell you a little more about the process. I have some experience because I did the same for a client of mine. He's a righty, like me, so I planned for the barrel to face left when the case is closed, meaning I had to outline it facing right, then pluck and flip the foam. This way, no trace lines show, and it's all set to grab and go with the scope facing up, just how I like it. Just a heads up, if you arrange it with the scope towards the hinges, you're essentially carrying your scope upside-down, which isn't ideal for me. Personally, I prefer less weight on the scope when I’m lugging it around by the handle.

RUBBER SEAL:

The owner's manual says this case is waterproof. It has a rubber seal around the lid and fits very snugly when the latches are clamped down. The problem is that the side with the hinges does not clamp down, so I don't think this is dunkable and pulled out with dry guns inside. The one thing I can say about this sealed hard case is that it will never get dusty inside with the guns. I have toolboxes like this on the back of my RZRs, and they never get dusty inside. They also never get wet inside from rain, snow, or the hose washing off mud and spider webs.

ARRIVAL CONDITION:

It arrived in tip-top shape, no scratches or anything, and everything works like a charm.

PERFORMANCE:

It's not the toughest case I own, and maybe not as watertight as a high-end Pelican, but for the dough, it's a solid buy.

NO WHEELS ISSUE:

This hard case does not have built-in wheels, so get ready to break a sweat if it has to go very far.

CARRY DIFFICULTY:

This carrier gets heavy quickly with full-size rifles, ammo-filled magazines, and hard-sided heavy plastic.

SCOPED RIFLE LIMIT:

It can’t handle two scoped rifles at once, which kind of blows, (no pun intended) but you get what you pay for and it's still really good quality. iven the quality for the price, I’m definitely picking up a couple more for my other scoped/red dot rifles.

AIR TRAVEL:

If you’re flying, keep your arms and ammo separate to stay on the right side of the law. The case has four latches, and two of them are lockable which is pretty sweet. Don’t forget to pick up some solid padlocks for those, not only to keep everything TSA friendly, but just to add an extra layer of safety.

USER EXAMPLE:

My brother snagged this one for his scoped air rifle, and he is so happy he settled on this choice. It’s the perfect size for a decent-length barrel with a silencer, bipod, scope, a few pellet tins, and magazines. He switched out the built-in key lock for a combination padlock. He ran into a little hiccup, though. One of the hinge pins on a latch started to creep out, messing with the latch action. He managed to fix it with a dab of super glue on the pin. Other than that, he says it's been flawless.

STORAGE OPTIONS:

After selling a couple of these to my clients, and getting some more experience customizing it, I've started to find this case super versatile. I managed to fit a 10-22 Ruger with a scope and a non-scoped Henry lever-action, in one go. Plus, there's space left for a couple of 10-22 rotary clips, and even a few ammo boxes, if you were considering it.

OVERALL VALUE:

All in all, it's not up to the super quality of cases like Pelican, but it costs about half for a slightly lower build quality. Unless I need to dive with a gun in my hard side case, I don't see the need to buy one case when I can buy two for the same price and get one of these.

Get it from Amazon now: $204.99 & FREE Returns

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4. Plano H-Series - Single Scoped Or Double Non-Scoped

HIGHLIGHT:

Foam is high density ensuring rifle is secure and scuff-free.

GENERAL IMPRESSION:

I'm legit baffled by any of the bad reviews I read on this. For the price, the quality punches way above its weight. Sure, the clasps aren’t metal, and there’s no lock, but it’s perfect for range days, not for tossing into the cargo hold of a plane. It fits a scoped rifle and extras like a bipod and scope shade without crowding, and once it’s shut, nothing budges too much thanks to the foam inside.

REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS:

The case itself is made from hefty, ridged plastic, and those clasps grip well. That's literally all you need. So many of these people act like they're about go sign up for the marines, but you're a stay at home dad who is lucky to be able to store this in the mini van when you're wife has the kits. So stop acting like your leaping from a chopper with it.

BASIC DESIGN:

This case is a basic model for a long gun case. I always use this type of case when hauling rifles around in the truck. One thing I like most is that I can stack guns on each other. This case will only haul around one AR15 without the rifles banging into each other. Two shotguns can ride together, but they will bang around inside the case again. The case has no cutouts to hold the AR in place; it depends on the top and bottom squeeze or tension to keep it secure.

GEAR STORAGE IDEAS:

I use one of these to haul around a slider mount for my camera gear, and this piece of equipment will never get hurt. I have also seen some contractors keep their four - and three-foot levels to ensure that gear is not bent or chipped. This simple case does not have to be a gun-only protector, but man, do they work like champs protecting stuff. I have seen one guy haul in a case like this filled with boxes of ammo to the indoor range. That must have worked his shoulder joints halfway to arthritis, but the case held up to that level of weight without bending or warping.

DESIGN UPDATE:

Plano now recesses the latches to prevent them from getting damaged and not staying latched and closed. This case can be paddle-locked for security like all the other quality hard cases.

BUILD STRENGTH:

The plastic is sturdy - like, really solid. It’s not one of those high-falutin’ cases with metal latches or perfectly fitted foam, but hey, it won’t make your wallet weep either.

RIFLE FIT:

I’ve got this long-barreled rifle with a skyscraper of a scope, and it just floats in this case. I mean, with a bit of jigsaw puzzle skills, I could probably fit another rifle in there alongside some extra gear.

FOAM QUALITY:

The foam inside? Well, it’s not winning any awards, but with a touch of DIY, think some extra flat scrap foam, you can beef it up to protect even your more cherished rifles from sliding about.

MULTI GUN FIT:

My range buddy packs his Ruger 10/22 , plus his Remington 870 in it. He even tosses in his clips and a Glock too. He says it’s not the Fort Knox of cases because it feels a bit flimsy when snapping it shut, but it’s stable enough for a ride to the range in the bed of a pickup. Aka it's safely getting your weapon where you need it to go, and isn't that what matters? I think so.

USER EXPERIENCE:

I snagged one of these for my brother’s birthday. He’s got a whole arsenal in there - a 12 ga. shotgun, a rifle with a scope, an extra barrel, and a pistol, all cozy with room to spare. The foam isn’t exactly clingy, especially with that much gear, but a bit of glue could fix that. He’s been using it weekly for shoots and is pretty chuffed with it.

INTENDED USE:

It's ideal for someone who just wants a simple solution for carrying multiple firearms, and considering that person is me - and I've tried much worse options - this thing is worth it, and pretty much why I'm writing this review.

OVERALL VALUE:

If you’re after something affordable that’ll keep your guns safe without breaking the bank, this is your guy. And yeah, the price was the cherry on top, I did my homework and Amazon had the best deal. But what else is new? Jeff Bezos is rich for a reason, and like usual, this quality - and the following customer service who answered some of my questions knocked it out of the park. what can I add? I think it does the job well for the price, but I did read a lot of reviews that said quite the opposite.

Get it from Amazon now: $54.99 & FREE Returns

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5. HQ ISSUE - Tactical Rifle Case With Foam

HIGHLIGHT:

Effortless transport due to durable wheels.

PURCHASE REASON:

After sifting through a sea of expensive and some not-so-great cheap cases (I mean, some of them didn't even let you pick a color), I stumbled upon this one. It hit the sweet spot for me: great price and just what I needed since I’m not exactly dragging it through the mud.

FEATURE OVERVIEW:

The locks and wheels on this case? I really don't think they can get any better. I went ahead and cut the foam with a blade for a neater look, highly recommend doing that if you want things tidy, but I'm OCD, so go figure. Plus, the double-layer pick-n-pluck foam is a sweet touch. Came with ample foam, including a divider, which was a nice touch. It’s not waterproof, but for the price, I wasn’t expecting an amphibian.

WHEELS:

What sets it apart for me is the wheels, like most of the other positive reviewers mentioned, I know it might sound silly, but man, loading this into my GMC Yukon is a breeze with those bad boys (my back ain't what it used to be, so the less I have to carry the better haha). It’s a small thing, but it saves a bit of frustration compared to my wheel-less cases.

MATERIAL:

This case is made very well from thinner plastics than the premium brands. So it will not take getting kicked from the truck to unload or dropped from a helicopter if that happens, but it will carry guns to the range and do it very well. This case is made like others, with a rubber gasket ring to keep out dirt and water to a point.

FOAM INTERIOR:

The inner foam is the same pull-and-pluck style. The top and bottom of the case are covered with egg-crate-style foam, and the guns I have placed in it are very stable. I have this case filled with four sub-machine gun-style weapons. By using thinner plastics, I can afford the weight of more guns tucked nicely and happily in the foam liner. I also included two magazines next to each weapon, which all fit like a champ.

LIMITATIONS:

The weight is a factor for what can be placed in the hard case and how well the case will deal with abuse. The case will suffer damage sooner than the others by using lightweight plastics. If I need to fit and protect camera gear in a long case, I will use this case over the others. I can afford more of these to store and transport gear. For construction tools, maybe this is not the right option due to the damage that can happen on a construction site.

VALUE:

The price tag is barely over one hundred bucks! For that price, I could get one or more of these to hold and secure a shotgun or two under the bed for things that go bump in the night and not worry about the price killing my plan. The case is thin enough to slide under the bed frame and be out of little finger access.

OVERALL:

It arrived fast, and the color was spot-on. Honestly, for anyone not looking to drop a small fortune but still wanting something solid, this case is a no-brainer. These things can climb up in the dollar bills, and this is not only an affordable option but a really good quality one. It ticked all my boxes, especially my number one box, affordability. It really matters in this economy. This was just the best balance of quality and price, and I wasn't sure I'd be able to get both.

Get it from Amazon now: $109.99 & FREE Returns