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Best Quality Gun Cases of 2024 Approved by the TSA

Posted by Moses Mandu on Feb 2nd 2024

If you are a gun owner who travels frequently, you know how important it is to have a quality gun case that can protect your firearm and comply with the TSA regulations. However, finding the best gun case for your needs can be challenging. You have many factors to consider, such as size, weight, material, durability, security, and price.

Hard Rifle case

Herein lies the dilemma. What best quality gun cases of 2024 are approved by the TSA? We are here to help you make an informed decision. These gun cases are designed to meet the highest standards of safety and performance, and they come in various styles and features to suit your preferences.

Whether you need a hard case or a soft case, a single gun or a multiple gun case, a budget-friendly or a premium option, we have got you covered.

Why Own a Gun Case?

After buying a firearm, you need to have it safe and secure for transportation.

A gun case is not only a convenient way to transport your firearm, but also a protective measure to prevent damage, theft, or unauthorized access. Whether you are traveling by air, car, or foot, a gun case can offer you peace of mind and confidence that your gun is well taken care of. If you are planning to fly with a firearm, do not forget that TSA requires you to have a lockable hard case.

Some of the benefits of owning a gun case are:

  • Protection: A gun case can protect your firearm from scratches, dents, rust, dust, moisture, and other environmental factors that can affect its performance and appearance. A gun case can also cushion your gun from shocks and impacts that can occur during transportation or storage.
  • Security: A gun case can prevent your firearm from falling into the wrong hands, such as children, burglars, or criminals. A gun case can also help you comply with the laws and regulations regarding the safe storage and transportation of firearms in different states and countries. Some gun cases have locks or combination codes that can only be opened by the owner or authorized persons.
  • Organization: A gun case can help you organize your firearm and accessories, such as magazines, ammunition, optics, cleaning kits, tools, and more. A gun case can also help you identify your gun easily among other similar models or brands. Some gun cases have compartments, dividers, or foam inserts that can help you customize the fit and arrangement of your items.
  • Style: A gun case can reflect your personality and preferences, as well as enhance the appearance of your firearm. A gun case can come in different colors, designs, materials, and sizes that can suit your taste and needs. Some gun cases have logos, stickers, patches, or labels that showcase your relationship or support for a cause or organization.

What to Look for in a Gun Case

Rifle cases - CMFF

There are several factors that you need to consider when choosing a gun case, they include

Size

The size of your gun case should match the size of your firearm and accessories. You want a gun case that can snugly and securely fit your items. You also want a gun case that is easy to carry and store, without being too bulky or heavy.

Material

The material of your gun case should be durable, sturdy, and resistant to wear and tear. You want a gun case that can withstand harsh conditions and protect your firearm from damage. It should also be easy to clean and maintain, without fading or cracking.

Some common materials for gun cases are plastic, metal, wood, leather, nylon, canvas, and foam.

Type

The type of your gun case should suit the purpose and mode of transportation of your firearm. You want a gun case that can meet the requirements and standards of the airline, vehicle, or location where you are traveling or storing your firearm.

Moreover, your gun case should be able to provide the level of protection and security that you need. Some commonly searched-for gun case types include soft cases, hard cases, tactical cases, waterproof cases, custom cases, and TSA-approved cases.

Types of Gun Cases

There are two main types of gun cases: soft cases and hard cases. Each type has its own merits and demerits depending on the situation and preference of the user. The third type is a hybrid of soft and hard cases.

Soft Gun Cases

Soft gun case - CMFF

Soft gun cases are made of flexible materials such as nylon, canvas, leather, or foam. They are lightweight, portable, and easy to store. Also, they are cheaper than hard cases and come in various colors and designs.

Pros

These cases:

  • Are comfortable to carry and handle.
  • Can conform to the shape of your firearm.
  • Can absorb shocks and impacts.
  • Can protect your firearm from scratches and dust.

Cons

  • They don’t last longer and are not as sturdy.
  • They are not lockable hence insecure.
  • Some materials are not water or fire-resistant.
  • They are not suitable for air travel.
Hard Gun Cases

lockable hard gun case - CMFF

Hard gun cases are made of rigid materials such as plastic, metal, wood, or composite. They are heavy, durable, and sturdy. They are, however, more expensive and come in limited colors and designs.

Pros:

  • Durable and sturdy
  • Secure and lockable
  • Resistant to water, fire, and dust
  • Suitable for air travel

Cons:

  • Do not offer comfort for carrying and handling.
  • Typically pricier
  • They can take up a lot of space and weight.
Hybrid Shell Cases

Hybrid gun case

Image by MikeGunner

Hybrid cases are a combination of soft and hard cases. They have a hard shell with a soft interior or a soft exterior with a hard interior. They offer a balance between protection and convenience. They are also more versatile than soft or hard cases and come in different styles and features.

Pros

  • They offer both protection and convenience.
  • They are more versatile than soft or hard cases.
  • They fit different types of firearms and accessories.
  • They provide extra features such as backpack straps, molle webbing, or TSA locks.

Cons

  • Not as durable or sturdy as hard cases.
  • Less comfortable or flexible as soft cases.
  • More expensive than soft or hard cases.
  • They may not meet the requirements or standards for some modes of transportation.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Gun Case

When choosing a gun case, you need to consider the following factors:

The Type of Firearm

Firearms come in different sizes, shapes, weights, and features that require different types of gun cases. For example, a pistol case will not fit a shotgun, and a soft case may not protect a scope. You need to choose a gun case that is compatible with your firearm and its accessories.

The Purpose of Transportation

You will have different requirements and standards for gun cases for various purposes of transportation. For instance, if you are traveling by air, you need a TSA-approved gun case that is hard-sided, lockable, and labeled. If you are traveling by car, you need a gun case that is secure, accessible, and legal. You need to choose a gun case that meets the regulations and expectations of your destination.

The Level of Protection

Different levels of protection depend on the value, condition, and usage of your firearm. For example, if your firearm is expensive, rare, or sentimental, you need a high-quality gun case that can prevent any damage or loss. You may not need a protective gun case if your firearm is cheap, common, or disposable. You need to choose a gun case that matches the importance of your firearm.

Rifle case

Image by vonMuehle

Overview of the Best Gun Cases

Here is an overview of the best gun cases that you can find in the market in 2024

Name Type Material Size
Cedar Mill Fine Firearms Hard Pistol Case Hard Plastic 12" x 8" x 3"
Pelican 1745 Air Long Case Hard Plastic 44" x 16" x 6"
Plano AW2 Pistol Case Soft Plastic 9" x 7" x 3"
Seahorse SE 630 4 Pistol Case Hard Plastic 14" x 10" x 5"
MTM 811-40 Hard Polypropylene 12.2” x 15.5” x 5.6”
SnapSafe Treklite Gun Safe Lock Box Hard Polycarbonate 10" x 7" x 2"
SKB iSeries 6018-8 Case Hard Polypropylene copolymer 62.75”x 20.5” x 10.75”

NANUK 985 AR15 Case

Hard Polypropylene 39.7” x 17.3” x 6.6”
Negrini Rifle Luggage Case with TSA Locks Hybrid Plastic 53.5” x 14.5” x 6”

Quality Gun Cases Reviews

Here’s a review of some of the best gun cases of 2024 based on their features, quality, and customer feedback.

Cedar Mill Fine Firearms Hard Pistol Case

Cedar Mill Firearms pistol case

MSRP: $24.99

The Cedar Mill Fine Firearms Hard Pistol Case is one of the best custom gun cases designed to provide protection and security for your handgun and accessories. It is made of durable plastic that can resist impact and pressure.

The case has a customizable foam interior that can fit any handgun up to 12 inches long. It has two lockable latches that can secure your items from theft or tampering. And it comes with an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to carry.

PROS CONS
Made of durable plastic that can resist impact and pressure Not water- or dust-proof
Has a customizable foam interior Lacks a pressure release valve
Has two lockable latches Larger handguns or accessories may not fit
Water resistant

Pelican 1745 Air Long Case

Pelican 1745 air long case

MSRP: $453.95

The Pelican 1745 Air Long Case is one of the best long rifle cases that you can find on the market. It is designed to provide maximum protection and security for your firearms and accessories.

This case is made of lightweight and durable plastic that can withstand extreme temperatures, pressure, and impact. It is watertight, crushproof, and dustproof. Furthermore, it has a customizable foam interior that can fit up to four long guns up to 44 inches long. And comes with six press-and-pull latches that are easy to open and close, and two wheels for easy mobility.

PROS CONS
Durable and sturdy Bulky
Secure Expensive
Temperature, pressure, and impact resistant Takes up plenty of room surface area
Suitable for air travel

The Pelican 1745 Air Long Case is ideal for those who need a high-quality gun case that can protect their firearms from any damage or loss. It meets the TSA requirements and standards for gun cases. However, it may not be the best choice for those who have a limited budget, space, or weight allowance. The Pelican gun case flagship has other exciting options such as:

The Pelican Vault Series

Pelican Vault Series case

MSRP: $229.95

The Pelican Vault Series is a high-quality rifle gun case designed to provide protection and security for your rifles and accessories. It is made of high-impact polymer that can withstand extreme temperatures, pressure, and impacts.

The case has a pluck foam interior that can fit one or two rifles up to 50 inches long. It has four push-button latches that are easy to open and close, and four stainless steel lock hasps that can secure your items from theft or tampering.

PROS CONS
Durable and sturdy Bulky
Secure Expensive
Temperature, pressure, and impact resistant
Suitable for air travel

The Pelican Vault Series is ideal for those who need a high-quality gun case for air travel, as it is TSA-approved.

Plano AW2 Pistol Case

plano AW2 pistol case

MSRP: $22.99

This plastic gun case is one of the best single pistol cases that you can find in the market. It is designed to provide protection and security for your handgun and accessories. It has thick foam padding that cushions your handgun from shocks and impacts.

It is TSA–approved, comes with a water-resistant seal, has a pressure release valve that can equalize the air pressure inside and outside the case, and two lockable latches for security

PROS CONS
Durable and sturdy Inflexible
Secure and lockable Not adaptable
Temperature, pressure, and impact resistant Not fire or dust proof
Water resistant Limited for pistols

The Plano AW2 Pistol Case is ideal for those who need a simple gun case that can protect their handgun from damage or loss. It is especially suitable for those who travel by air occasionally, as it meets the TSA requirements and standards for gun cases.

There are other gun case options from Plano. For instance, the Plano All Weather Two-Pistol Handgun Case

This is a hard pistol case that can hold two handguns and some accessories. It is made of durable plastic that can resist impact and pressure, and has a waterproof and airtight seal that can protect your items from moisture and dust.

The case has a customizable foam interior that can fit your handguns snugly and securely. It also has two lockable latches and a pressure release valve that can make it suitable for air travel. It meets the TSA requirements and standards for gun cases.

PROS CONS
Durable and sturdy Limited space and no organization
Secure and lockable Inflexible and less adaptable
Resistant to water and dust Not resistant to fire or temperature
Affordable Unsuitable for larger handguns or accessories

Seahorse SE 630 4 Pistol Case

seahorse 630 4 pistol case

MSRP: $173.25

The Seahorse SE 630 4 Pistol Case is one of the best multi-pistol cases that you can find in the market. It is ideal for those who need a spacious gun case that can protect their handguns and accessories from damage or loss.

The case is made of tough plastic that can resist shock and impact. It has a pre-cut foam interior that can fit up to four handguns and 12 magazines. It also comes with two padlock holes that can secure your items from theft or tampering. It has a folding handle that can make it easy to carry and store.

PROS CONS
Durable and sturdy Bulky
Lockable Expensive
Water, fire, and dust resistant Inflexible
Spacious Limited space for larger handguns

The Seahorse SE 630 4 Pistol Case meets the TSA requirements and standards for gun cases, therefore, ideal for those traveling by air.

SnapSafe Treklite Gun Safe Lock Box

snapsafe trekline gun lock amazon

MSRP: $29.99

This is a hard pistol case made of lightweight and sturdy polycarbonate. The case has a foam interior that not only protects your handgun from scratches and dents but can also hold a handgun and a magazine.

SnapSafe Treklite Gun Safe Lock Box comes with a combination lock and a steel cable that can attach the case to a fixed object for extra security. It is water-resistant, fire, and impact-resistant. Also, the case is TSA-approved.

PROS CONS
Lightweight and portable Limited space
Lockable Inflexible
Water, fire, and dust resistant Hard to set combination lock
Stylish

The SKB iSeries 6018-8 Case

SKB iSeries amazon

MSRP: $74.99

The SKB iSeries 6018-8 Case is a durable and waterproof case that can protect your equipment from water, dust, corrosion, impact, and UV damage.

This rifle case is made of ultra-high-strength polypropylene copolymer resin and has a gasket-sealed, submersible design that meets the MIL-STD 810G standards. It also has a molded-in hinge, padlock loops, trigger release latches, a cushion grip handle, and an automatic pressure equalization valve.

The case is available in empty, cubed foam, or padded divider configurations to suit your needs.

PROS CONS
Resistant to harsh environmental conditions Heavy and bulky
customizable and versatile May not fit larger and irregular items
travel sendry approved locks Expensive
TSA compliant

The NANUK 985 AR15 Case

NANUK 985 AR15 case

MSRP: $309.74

The Nanuk 985 AR15 is a hard case designed to protect and transport your rifle and accessories in tough conditions. It is made of lightweight and durable NK-7 resin and has four PowerClaw latches that keep the case securely closed.

The case features two TSA-accepted key locks, a lid stay feature, reinforced stainless-steel eyelets, polyurethane wheels, an automatic pressure release valve, and a soft grip handle. The case comes with a pre-cut foam insert that can fit a standard 36" AR15 rifle, up to eight magazines, and other accessories. The foam also has two slots for desiccant canisters to prevent moisture damage.

PROS CONS
Waterproof, dustproof, and MIL-SPEC certified Expensive compared to other cases
Lifetime warranty and 30-day satisfaction warranty Heavy when fully loaded
Easy to carry and maneuver May not fit some AR15 models or accessories
Customizable foam inserts

Negrini Rifle Luggage Case with TSA Locks

Negrini rifle case

MSRP: $459.99

This is a hybrid rifle case that can hold two scoped rifles or other long guns up to 26 inches long in separate compartments in the bottom half of the case. The top half has large luggage compartments with cargo netting to hold clothing and gear in place.

The Negrini gun case has a thermoformed double-wall case that provides strength and protection. The case has four TSA-accepted composite and steel combination locks to secure your items from theft or tampering. The case has two skate wheels and an ergonomic handle for ease of movement.

PROS CONS
Versatile and adaptable Expensive
Lockable Heavy
Suitable for air travel Long firearms can’t fit
Stylish and luxurious Hard to set/reset combination locks

The MTM 811-40

MTM pistol case

MSRP: $21.33

The MTM 811-40 is a durable and spacious case that can hold up to four pistols or revolvers up to 8.5 inches in length. The case has a snap latch, a padlock tab, and a piano-style hinge for security and easy access. The interior is lined with soft foam to protect the firearms from scratches and shocks. The case also has a large handle for comfortable carrying.

PROS CONS
Can carry guns of different types and sizes Can be bulky for some users
Lightweight but sturdy Lacks special compartments for ammo, magazines, etc.
Secure locking system May not fit oversized or custom guns.
The Cedar Mill Fine Firearms Hard Rifle Case

Cedar Mill Fine Firearms Tactical Gun case

  • The Cedar Mill Firearms gun case is durable and waterproof hence able to protect your rifle from damage and theft.
  • It is made of corrosion-proof stainless steel with a DS3TeK shell, which is a tough and shock-resistant material. The case also has easy glide wheels and full swivel handles for easy transportation.
  • The case has four large locking holes and tough latches that can secure your rifle with a padlock or a TSA lock.
  • The case also has a single tight O-ring seal that keeps water and dust out. The case is designed to float on water, so you don’t have to worry about losing your rifle in case of an accident.
  • The cedar mill rifle case has a customizable foam interior that can fit any rifle shape and size. You can easily cut and pluck the foam to create a snug fit for your rifle and accessories. Also, the foam is resistant to mold, bacteria, and rotting.
  • The case comes with a lifetime warranty and support from Cedar Mill Fine Firearms, a company that specializes in firearm accessories and cases.
  • The rifle case is available in different sizes and colors, depending on your preference and needs. You can choose from black, tan, or olive drab green colors, and from single or double rifle cases.

The prices range from  $69.99 to $249.99.

Conclusion

A quality gun case is essential for any gun owner who travels by air. It can protect your firearm from damage and theft, and ensure that you follow the TSA rules and regulations. However, not all gun cases are created equal, and you need to choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.

Essentially, gun cases are supposed to be made from durable and sturdy materials, have secure locking mechanisms, and offer ample space and padding for your firearm. These are some of the TSA compliance criteria.

I hope this article has helped you find the perfect gun case for your next trip. Give us your feedback on the form below 

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