Soft Shell Gun Cases

Do you use Soft Shell Gun Cases?

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My criteria in a soft shell case are price, durability, and size. Price has to be in budget, and if I can get a hardshell case for only a little more, I will. Durability runs the gamut from quality of the zippers, padding, interior and exterior material, whether is is waterproof to any extent, presence or lack of additional pockets. Size, usually I'm buying a specific case for a specific gun, so I'm not picking up a shotgun case for a carbine. But I do tend to looks for cases that would fit multiple guns, albeit not at the same time.
 
Pretty much price makes the decision....From what I've seen most are pretty good. I've never really seen one that I would say is "the best" and worth "x" number of dollars than all the rest.

I have bought a pile of soft gun cases for co-worker to carry out AR's in over the past few years. One vendor comes to a place I visit twice a year. Everytime I go someone else wants a case. They seem to be well made and hold up to use carrying them everyday. The 39 buck price is what makes them appealing.
 
The particular case I was talking about is a Galati Gear DC Rifle Case. I just looked 'em up on-line. They are listed at $49.95. The vendor I get them from has been selling them to me for 39 bucks.
 
I've been apt to buy 'em on the cheap from yard sales or Wal-mart at $10 - $15 each. I don't put a price on soft cases other than to say I won't spend more on a soft case than I would for a hard case. Anything else is just a bonus.
 
I like soft shell cases for range carry/hunting/sport shooting of any kind.

If I want 100% protection or think the firearm is in danger of getting damaged then hard case always.

What I look for in a soft shell case:

Price/affordability. 40-50 bucks is reasonable for a nice case

Pockets/storage for items usefull in the field. IE tools/shells/mags.

Straps for carry purposes.
 
I have hard cases for my expensive guns. Soft cases for my less expensive guns. Although the more I think about it, the price you pay for a soft shell you can easily get a hard shell. So I've thought about moving my collecting into hard shells only for the extra protection.

Although I don't necessarily mind soft shells at all. They offer decent protection, they are light and easy to tote around
 
I have soft shell cases that are waterproof and float (duck hunting) and others that are standard < $25 varieties. The soft shells are handy for transporting rifles in vehicles or boats. My hard shell waterproof case is reserved for air travel, and if I need to pack long arms in the open bed of a truck on hunting trips.
 
I never pay more than 10 or 15 bucks for one. I've never had a cheap one fail, and I've drug my guns all over creation behind the seat of my truck. I guess if I needed waterproofing I would spend a little more but I'd probably go with a hard case at that point because I don't trust a zipper to keep water out.
 
Price, and making sure that my gun will actually fit in it.
I'll confess, my saiga has been lifing in a soft guitar case all week.

Chris "the Kayak-Man" Johnson
 
Hard Shell for extended travel

Soft Shell for going to the range. I like to be able to fold them up and stash them in my range bag while I shoot...keeps things nice and tidy...
 
I know I'm mostly going to be a alone on this one, but I just never really saw the point in a soft case. Sure it's smaller and lighter, but it really defeats the purpose which is protecting what's inside it. I see it as more of a zippered bag than a case, and the thought of throwing a gun in a bag is somewhat humorous to me.
 
I know I'm mostly going to be a alone on this one
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Good call.

Soft cases are perfect for range trips, hunting, etc....

But on the bright side it is good that you can get a chuckle out of what the average sportsman and recreational shooter considers to be completely normal and run-of-the-mill...
 
But on the bright side it is good that you can get a chuckle out of what the average sportsman and recreational shooter considers to be completely normal and run-of-the-mill...
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Thanks, I try to enjoy the little things in life. :neener:

And in case (no pun intended) anyone is getting the wrong impression, I'm not in any way saying that you're not all completely justified in what you choose to use. I believe very much in the phrase "to each his own" and can totally understand why you choose what you do. I was just responding to the poll and explaining why. I just don't mind the extra weight, and I hate the sound of my guns banging around in my trunk while I'm driving.
 
i have both, soft and hard. normally, i use the soft cases. they are just easier for me to manuver, and i treat my guns with care. what do i look for? obviously fit is very important. make certain it is close to the size of gun you will be transporting in it. i also look for metal zippers. one of the best (so i thought) gun case i have bought, has a plastic "self repairing"zipper. well, it may self seal next time you zip it open and shut, but it does not repair itself. i have had it open up several times while still being zipped. also, padding is very important. it is what will protect your gun if it get banged around a little. if you transport across water, a floating case would be a MUST! i can not imagine boating out to an island, loosing your gun overboard, and watching it sink to the bottom of who knows how many feet of very cold water! also pockets are very nice, even if it is not a detachable magazine gun. it will allow you to keep ammo, or a small cleaning kit, or other usefull things along with your gun. several pockets are even better. lastly, some type of material that does not absorb water is a good thing. if it absorbs water, it will hold the moisture inside, and guess what will happen to your pretty new gun sitting in the sun?!
 
I hate hard cases. They're heavy, hard to carry, and often have less padding and protection than a good soft case, particularly at the spine where guns can sometimes slide down and encounter hard plastic. They also lack the pouches that are great for carrying magazines and other accessories. Only thing I'd ever WANT to use one for is airline travel.
 
Any soft case I would be interested in would have to beat the MidwayUSA branded cases in price point with the same features, or have more pockets, sturdier construction, better looks, and be at a similar price point as MidwayUSA. I like cases that have pockets for magazines and other small items. I like cases that can be worn as a backpack, but only if the case design keeps the weight of the gun and magazines in the pockets centered on my back. Exterior attachment points and/or molle are also nice.

My major pet peeve with most soft cases is that they are not very weather resistant, the interiors are not oil resistant, and the interiors are especially prone to tearing on sharp bits of the gun.
 
Soft cases for rifle/shotgun, but when I get around to buying a scope for my rifle I'll get a hard case. For pistols, cheap plastic hard cases.
 
I fail to understand the logic of going for lowest price to case your prized firearms. Would seem to make more sense to give them the best protection regardless of price. The best I've found are the Boyt leather cases with fleece lining.

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I hope no one is storing their guns in any case for more than one day. Although I have heard that a 100% wool sleeve is the only sleeve/case you can store a gun for a long period of time.

I got some great feedback to such a simple question. I started carrying USA Made Soft Shell Gun Cases and was needing some feedback on what everyone else looks for in such gun cases. I look for durability, comfort and ease; which most everyone else does as well. But I must admit I do like knowing when I am buying USA Made, but no one really mentioned that.

It is good to know what the price point most care for. I may rethink my price point, but I do feel I am pretty competitive for such products.

Good Shooting,

Jason Lumetta
ExtremeGunCare
 
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