Just a few hours ago, I received a production sample of i-Shot’s Tactical Carbine Case. Upon opening the box, I was immediately struck by the construction and materials of the case. This is one stout case! The thought that went into this is incredible. I’ll get into some of the details later.
The sample case sent to me was a 36†length. When released, the case will be available in 42†and 46†lengths, as well. The 36†is perfect for any AR with a 16†barrel. For my initial testing, I used several different AR carbines. None of my carbines currently have fixed stocks, but the Magpul MSS M93 stock I use extends farther than a standard A2 stock. A standard A2 stock is 13.5 inches, the M93 extends out to 13.98 inches. The case will accommodate an AR with a 16†barrel with an M93 fully extended. The 42†case should be perfect for most any 20†barreled AR.
The case has 2 compartments. The main body is a single compartment with a zipper around 3 sides. Due to the way the case is sewn, it won’t unzip far enough to lay completely flat, but I’m not sure that matters.
The configuration of the main compartment is quite flexible. It can accommodate an AR with optics and a 30rd magazine, or 2 ARs without mags. It won’t fit 2 ARs with vertical foregrips. I’m ok with that, as I really like the size of the case as it is.
One interior side of the main compartment is covered in PALS. The PALS system, along with some straps to secure the rifle(s), allow you to configure the case to your needs. The case is provided with 4 straps that you can thread into the PALS and then Velcro around your rifle to secure it. One of the little details that struck me was that the PALS webbing has Velcro on the back of it. When you thread the securing strap into the PALS, the Velcro on the back of the PALS attaches to Velcro on the strap, holding it in place. It seems like a great deal of thought went into this system. You can, of course, install standard PALS compatible pouches on the interior of the case, if you so desire.
The secondary compartment is slightly smaller than the main body, but still quite large. As in the main compartment, one of the interior sides is covered in PALS. i-Shot includes a 3 magazine pouch on the inside of the case. There is plenty of room for more pouches, as well. The secondary compartment is large enough to fit some chest harnesses. To test it, I used a SOTech Hellcat MKII configured with a horizontal utility pouch, Recce Gear triple pistol mag pouch, and a MM dump pouch (collapsed). I didn’t load up the Hellcat with mags and gear, but it fit very easily empty, and I’m confident that it would fit loaded up with 6 AR mags, 3 pistol mags, and some miscellaneous gear.
The sides of the case have foam and thin plastic sheets to protect your rifles, and to cut down on “printing.†As a nice touch, the sides are actually zippered, so you can put flat objects in there, as well.
The exterior of the case is constructed of 1000d Cordura. We’re talking some seriously heavy stuff here. The case hardware is equally impressive. The zippers and d-rings have to be felt to be appreciated.
There are dual wrap-around straps to carry the case by hand. Also included with the case is a wide shoulder strap. The strap can be connected to the case in 2 places. It can be connected to the edge of the case, where the handles are sewn on, for over-shoulder carry. It can also be connected to 2 heavy-duty d-rings on the wide side of the case, for quiver-carry.
Helmie Ashiblie, the proprietor of i-Shot, attributes the design of the case to the many members of THR that gave him input on what they wanted in their AR15 cases. In addition to the many suggestions that he received, it’s evident he put a lot of thought into the design of the case.
As with everything, you get what you pay for. The TCC was designed in the “cost be damned†mindset. The best of everything was used, and no expense was spared. Yes, it’s a little hefty at $165 MSRP, but in my opinion, this is simply the best case on the market for your AR15.
For those who can’t stomach $165 for something that won’t drive them back and forth to work, i-Shot is also releasing their CCC (Civvie Carbine Case). This case should retail for about $90 and has similar construction, with the exception of the PALS.
For those of you going to Gunstock, I will be down there on Sunday with the case. I really want someone else to take a look at the case, because you really have to see and feel the case to understand why I think it will be a hit, even at $165.
I snapped a few quick pictures, but I’m by no means a good photographer. Also, I'm not associated with i-SHOT in any way. I'm just a picky SOB when it comes to buying gun stuff.
The sample case sent to me was a 36†length. When released, the case will be available in 42†and 46†lengths, as well. The 36†is perfect for any AR with a 16†barrel. For my initial testing, I used several different AR carbines. None of my carbines currently have fixed stocks, but the Magpul MSS M93 stock I use extends farther than a standard A2 stock. A standard A2 stock is 13.5 inches, the M93 extends out to 13.98 inches. The case will accommodate an AR with a 16†barrel with an M93 fully extended. The 42†case should be perfect for most any 20†barreled AR.
The case has 2 compartments. The main body is a single compartment with a zipper around 3 sides. Due to the way the case is sewn, it won’t unzip far enough to lay completely flat, but I’m not sure that matters.
The configuration of the main compartment is quite flexible. It can accommodate an AR with optics and a 30rd magazine, or 2 ARs without mags. It won’t fit 2 ARs with vertical foregrips. I’m ok with that, as I really like the size of the case as it is.
One interior side of the main compartment is covered in PALS. The PALS system, along with some straps to secure the rifle(s), allow you to configure the case to your needs. The case is provided with 4 straps that you can thread into the PALS and then Velcro around your rifle to secure it. One of the little details that struck me was that the PALS webbing has Velcro on the back of it. When you thread the securing strap into the PALS, the Velcro on the back of the PALS attaches to Velcro on the strap, holding it in place. It seems like a great deal of thought went into this system. You can, of course, install standard PALS compatible pouches on the interior of the case, if you so desire.
The secondary compartment is slightly smaller than the main body, but still quite large. As in the main compartment, one of the interior sides is covered in PALS. i-Shot includes a 3 magazine pouch on the inside of the case. There is plenty of room for more pouches, as well. The secondary compartment is large enough to fit some chest harnesses. To test it, I used a SOTech Hellcat MKII configured with a horizontal utility pouch, Recce Gear triple pistol mag pouch, and a MM dump pouch (collapsed). I didn’t load up the Hellcat with mags and gear, but it fit very easily empty, and I’m confident that it would fit loaded up with 6 AR mags, 3 pistol mags, and some miscellaneous gear.
The sides of the case have foam and thin plastic sheets to protect your rifles, and to cut down on “printing.†As a nice touch, the sides are actually zippered, so you can put flat objects in there, as well.
The exterior of the case is constructed of 1000d Cordura. We’re talking some seriously heavy stuff here. The case hardware is equally impressive. The zippers and d-rings have to be felt to be appreciated.
There are dual wrap-around straps to carry the case by hand. Also included with the case is a wide shoulder strap. The strap can be connected to the case in 2 places. It can be connected to the edge of the case, where the handles are sewn on, for over-shoulder carry. It can also be connected to 2 heavy-duty d-rings on the wide side of the case, for quiver-carry.
Helmie Ashiblie, the proprietor of i-Shot, attributes the design of the case to the many members of THR that gave him input on what they wanted in their AR15 cases. In addition to the many suggestions that he received, it’s evident he put a lot of thought into the design of the case.
As with everything, you get what you pay for. The TCC was designed in the “cost be damned†mindset. The best of everything was used, and no expense was spared. Yes, it’s a little hefty at $165 MSRP, but in my opinion, this is simply the best case on the market for your AR15.
For those who can’t stomach $165 for something that won’t drive them back and forth to work, i-Shot is also releasing their CCC (Civvie Carbine Case). This case should retail for about $90 and has similar construction, with the exception of the PALS.
For those of you going to Gunstock, I will be down there on Sunday with the case. I really want someone else to take a look at the case, because you really have to see and feel the case to understand why I think it will be a hit, even at $165.
I snapped a few quick pictures, but I’m by no means a good photographer. Also, I'm not associated with i-SHOT in any way. I'm just a picky SOB when it comes to buying gun stuff.
