14 Best AR 15 Cases – [Hard & Soft Reviewed]

There are so many options for carrying cases, and storage equipment for the AR15 rifle, carbine variants or other versions of the popular AR 15 platform. We want to help you find the best AR 15 cases so that you can improve your ability to maintain or deploy your trusted firearm when you need it and how you need it.

The choice of AR 15 cases will truly depend on what you want to accomplish with your transport or storage and in which stage of transport or storage your AR 15 is in.

Some carrying cases are strictly for travel; some are more secure for long-term storage and others yet, are made for rapid deployment of the firearm. You can find different cases from soft to ultra-rigid, those with form-fitted foam inside to keep your firearm secure during movement, and those that are TSA (Transit Safety Authority) approved for flight.

We help you navigate the ins and outs of finding the best possible case for your AR-15 regardless of size or how many accessories you need to carry with it. Only one thing is certain: you have a lot of options. Let us help you figure out which ones make the most sense.

The 14 Best AR 15 Cases of 2020

1. Plano All Weather

The Plano All Weather is a good-looking fiber reinforced plastic case with a stout build. While not as sturdy and bombproof as, say, a Pelican, is plenty good for basic travel and will hold up to a significant amount of abuse.

The features list reads like a much more expensive case and the performance, therefore is on par with cases that cost twice as much.

Pros

• Waterproof within reason
• Pretty heavy duty

Cons

• Hinges aren’t as bombproof as higher-end brands

Why It’s Recommended

Even though it’s smack in the middle of the offerings for a AR 15 case, this case offers great features that make it an incredible value.

Including the easy to customize foam and big boy case attributes like watertight seals and a pressure relief valve.

For the money it’s very hard to beat, especially considering that Plano is one of the oldest accessory case makers in the industry.

2. BLACKHAWK! Sport Tact

BLACKHAWK Sport Tact is built well and offers a good price point but isn’t the best protection against damage.

It’s also not the fastest case to get into. What it is, is a solid, versatile design that can fit a lot of accessories and will hold up to general use well.

Pros

• Generous cut
• Room for mags and accessories

Cons

• The zipper is a bit weird
• Almost too generic-looking

Why It’s Recommended

It’s a nice soft case for your carbine AR 15 that has a roomy interior and some pouches for accessories outside the bag, giving you a lot of storage for the money in a convenient footprint.

The weight savings over hard cases is immense, especially when compared to the pelican and other top cases.

For those who are going to the range and don’t have massive optics to protect can benefit from the utilitarian nature of the BLACKHAWK Sport Tact.

3. Case Club Pre-Made

Precut foam that actually looks decent and lighter weight are both the benefits of the Case Club and the drawbacks.

It limits customization, but it takes care of the costly and time-consuming custom foam cutting. The weight can become an issue for anyone who needs heavy-duty protection.

While it’s nice to carry a lightweight case at the range, it may not be robust enough for long term storage or hard travel.

Pros

• Pre-Cut Foam that is actually nice
• Good weight

Cons

• Slightly Expensive for the class of durability
• Won’t fit a full stock
• A bit too casual for many shooters

Why It’s Recommended

For an enthusiast that doesn’t do a ton of hardcore travel or need as much versatility as can be offered by a blank slate case. The Case Club Pre-Made is a very good choice, especially considering the amount of customization that can be done with the foam cutouts.

While it’s not the “Fort Knox” type cases you can find elsewhere on this list, it is durable for what it is.

4. Savior Equipment

Savior Equipment certainly fits the mold of a tactical case and offers good customizability and expansion while looking pretty good.

It is not discrete however and screams that you have a $1500+ weapon inside of a bag that can easily be picked up and taken.

For that reason, the lightweight and soft construction can be both a benefit and a detriment.

A good, balanced case for those who already know they want a soft-sided case with a tactical approach.

Pros

• Uses MOLLE
• Good Looking and versatile

Cons

• Not the finest protection against theft or hard use

Why It’s Recommended

Lightweight and infinitely expandable, this is a great bag to increase your storage and bring everything to the range in one container.

The MOLLE is very useful and can be accessorized to the hilt.

The length options of the Savior Equipment fits most rifles regardless of size and despite having relatively weak theft protection (the zipper sliders can be locked), it is still a very good travel companion.

5. Lancer Tactical

Lancer Tactical is built well for a soft-sided case and with a lot of attention to design detail.

With the added features, it does feel a bit like they made some things as an afterthought, but the basic bag is a good value for the price relative to the quality and feature set.

Pros

• Backpack option
• Quality build for the money
• MOLLE

Cons

• Can get heavy quickly
• Not the finest protection against theft or hard use

Why It’s Recommended

The versatility of this bag is excellent, especially for those who use their case to simply go from the gun safe to the range and back.

As long as you aren’t trying to travel with it over difficult terrain, the Lancer Tactical is a great case for range visits with the rapid expansion, easy customization and plethora of ways to carry it.

6. Plano All Weather 36

While it’s still heavy, the Plano All Weather 36 is much more durable than soft-sided and non-rigid cases that can fit the same firearms.

The case isn’t built for extreme durability, as the joke-like locks and the “just OK” hinge can attest to.

However,  it is still plenty durable for the price point and the intended use case: light travel and range use. Well balanced and a solid buy for the money you spend.

Pros

• Solid construction
• Customizable foam

Cons

• The built-in locks are kind of ridiculous – skip them and get some padlocks
• Hinge isn’t amazingly durable

Why It’s Recommended

For the price, it is hard to beat, with the customizable foam that is pre-cut in a small grid pattern.

The heavy-duty construction is good for occasional hard travel but still pales in comparison with the Pelicans and other top tier hard cases.

That said, it offers a host of great features that makes it feel like you paid 2-3 times as much for the case – in a good way. The Plano All Weather is a massive performer for the money.

7. ATG Tactical Padded

The ATG Tactical Padded is simple, discreet transport for your AR carbine or rifle, in its broken-down format.

This is a great case for interstate travel on the road, or for use when you must be in a hotel and have your firearm brought in.

The simple design makes it ubiquitous and the decent design makes it easy to use.

Pros

• Plain/Discreet
• Decent price point for the use case

Cons

• The firearm must be broken down to transport
• Kind of frumpy
• Not the highest level of protection

Why It’s Recommended

If you need something that doesn’t scream that you are transporting a high-powered rifle, this might be just the thing, especially if you opt-out of the military colors and just go for plain black.

The simple, easy to conceal appearance could be brought into a hotel without causing other patrons to gasp uncontrollably.

The ample storage is great, and despite being loose, the Tactical Padded does feature Velcro and elastic “tie-downs” to help with load shifting.

8. UTG ABC

UTG Alpha Battle Carrier is a simple bag with a good feature set. It is neither over the top, nor overtly tactical, and yet, it offers rapid weapon access and a smart design that caters to shooters.

It looks like you’re a musician when you’re carrying it, which in some Southern states may be worse than looking like you’re carrying heavy firepower.

Either way, it is a utilitarian design that will serve you well at a decent price point.

Pros

• Quick Weapon Access

Cons

• Very expensive

Why It’s Recommended

It’s more discrete than most cases, with the almost guitar-like outline. This makes it much easier to transport in public without death stares and drama.

The price point, while high, does represent good build quality and a solid brand reputation.

The internal load distribution of the UTG Alpha Battle Carrier is good and while it can make the case look a bit saggy if not utilized properly, it still will carry well.

9. Pelican 1700

Big Dog of the mainstream offerings, the Pelican Cases – 1700 is the most robust case you will find outside of military transport, and many of these will be part of that same transport.

This is the carbine version of the best selling case that offers the most durability and utility of any travel case where durability and theft prevention is needed.

Pros

• Built like a brick house
• Short and compact

Cons

• Very expensive
• Very Heavy

The Pelican Cases – 1700 cannot be matched by any other consumer-grade case. Period. No more needs to be said really because it’s in a league of its own. But because it’s such a good case the virtues can be extolled further.

Strong hinge, latches and crushproof case architecture. Watertight, drop-proof and built for the most extreme cases, this is a value approach at the high end because it lasts a lifetime, despite the heavy cost of acquisition.

10. Allen Ruger Defiance

It’s marked with the brand name of Ruger, and as far as AR15’s go, there is only a relatively small percentage of AR’s that are also Rugers.

That doesn’t mean the Allen Ruger Defiance cannot pull double duty. Use it for more than just your non-Ruger-branded AR, because it’s a very good bag made to a good specification.

Pros

• Gun centric design
• Decent price

Cons

• Marked “Ruger”, which is a dead giveaway to what’s inside, and maybe too brand-specific

Why It’s Recommended

Made by Allen to Ruger’s specifications, this is a bag that definitely knows what it’s doing.

Two industry powerhouses have combined to make a shooting centric bag at an affordable price point. There’s not much to dislike with the Allen Ruger Defiance.

11. 3V Gear Ranger

3V Gear Ranger offers a backpack style that is a bit more inconspicuous than its counterparts, but really you’re not going to fool many people.

This is a gun case and it hypes up its tactical look a bit. If you’re judicious, you can get 2-3 guns in there easily and there is more than enough room for other accessories.

Pros

• Great expandability
• Good durability for a soft-sided case

Cons

• Starting to get expensive for a soft-sided case

Why It’s Recommended

While it is a bit pricey for a dedicated soft sider, this is actually quite well built and doesn’t sag much when in the hand or on the back.

Therefore, because of this integrity,  the 3V Gear Ranger offers a good value for the money for those who need a soft-sided case with expansive storage and backpack straps.

12. Pelican 1720

When you’re ready to protect against anything, the Pelican 1720 is the case you get.

Cost is no obstacle with a case like this, because the cost is outweighed by the static protection it gives to your guns.

It’s theft deterring, heavier than most trucks and offers legitimate protection to rifles and optics that may be worth tens of thousands of dollars in some cases.

If you want the best of the best that’s easily available on the civilian market, get a Pelican 1720 for your AR 15 case.

Pros

• Built like a brick house
• The standard by which all other consumer and prosumer models are judged
• Heavy-duty protection

Cons

• Very expensive
• Ridiculously heavy (*19 lbs.)

Why It’s Recommended

Short of just saying the brand name, which carries a bit of weight, this is the heaviest duty rifle/carbine/tactical case on the market.

It’s got creature comforts and hardcore durability that other cases only dream of. It is straightforward, and in the airport, they can’t tell if you’re transporting high-end camera equipment, telescopes or guns.

It’s subdued, tough, and thieves don’t want to carry it, let alone try to break into it, so it has some additional theft deterring properties. Pelican 1720 is the industry standard.

13. Ultimate Arms

For when you need to access your firearm NOW, but you need it to be protected from the dust and debris.

For example, while riding on a horse, in a car or on an ATV/Motorcycle, the Ultimate Arms is the mobility winner.

PLEASE NOTE: your local regulations may make this a poor choice depending on your use case – check your local and state laws.

Pros

• Quick weapon access
• MOLLE

Cons

• Not a true “case”
• It’s obvious what you’re carrying

Why It’s Recommended

A tactical scabbard that gives good protection against basic environmental conditions but still allows you to access your weapon near instantly.

This is for those who need to have their gun accessible quickly but also want some baseline protection and enhanced safety against accidental discharge.

The Ultimate Arms is easily customizable, lightweight and well designed.

14. Cedar Mill Hard Shell

Touting itself as a traveler’s dream gun case, the Cedar Mill Hard Shell is TSA approved in every aspect but may not be as rugged as the company would like it to be.

The main benefit is that it is well entrenched in the semi-affordable segment of the market and it has an unconditional lifetime warranty.

Pros

• Well built in the mid-range
• Semi Customized foam
• Good locking hasps/lever locks

Cons

• A bit pricey, not as bombproof as others listed

Why It’s Recommended

It’s over-engineered for the type of shell it employs and it is built for travel at a pretty affordable price of entry.

The locking hasps are top quality and while the hinge and plastic shell leave a little bit to be desired.

The Cedar Mill Hard Shell is still a quality case that has a fantastic warranty and a bunch of great features for travel with long guns.

Key Considerations

Material – Hard vs Soft Cases

Many different types of materials for gun cases can be found both online or in person. Every different material has its benefits and its drawbacks for the most part. Essentially it comes down to the simple hard vs. soft cases.

Soft Case

A soft case is made of some sort of fabric, with Nylon Cordura or Ballistic Nylon being a top choice.

Additionally, there are legacy or throwback type cases that are made of natural fibers or materials including cotton canvas; leather, vinyl or other popular materials.

Hard Case

Hard cases are generally made of injection-molded plastic that is hard enough to maintain a rigid outline and the telltale shape of a gun transport case.

The premium versions will have more exotic or high-level versions of these materials – like stamped leather, or hard plastic that is made for weatherproofing.

Really high-end versions can be found in materials like pressure-formed aluminum or very thick, durable plastics that can take a beating and still look great, but the price will go up exponentially. Note: the truly premium material, opulent cases are beyond the scope of this article for the most part.

Bottom line: Soft cases are for quick deployment, lighter weight and add on accessorizing, while hard cases are for travel and protection.

Protection

Every case will add basic protection from contact and scratches. Even the thinnest “sock-type” or scabbard gun cases will offer protection from fingerprints, scuff marks, and scratches.

Soft cases will offer some protection from dropping the firearm, but not much. For those who expect rough handling or frequent drop potential should look at hard cases, that will cradle the firearm in foam material inside the case and offer a hard, generally, impact-resistant outer shell.

The best protection will allow waterproofing (within reason) and extreme protection against rough handling/drops. These cases have thicker shells of more durable material that has a more extreme range for temperature protection. Most hard cases will offer basic moisture protection for the short term from rainfall or splashes.

Safety

Children or others who you don’t want to touch your guns from a safety perspective, will not be able to get into a case easily, including soft cases, with a proper lock. But for long term storage, gun cases aren’t the safest choice, as any item can be stolen, and any item can be broken into, given the right conditions or tools.

From a gun safety perspective, it comes down to having the appropriate accessories like locks and having a good awareness of where your gun is at. It’s not the best practice to store a firearm for a very long time in contact with the foam.

The X-Factor

Finding that perfect tactical rifle case is going to require that gut feeling about it. For some, it’s a cool feature or the way it looks. For others, an exotic material or the history of the producing company.

It really is a measure of the personalization and personal connection you have to your rifle that will help you to determine what fits best. Here are some X-Factors that may influence your decision:

Exotic Materials

Some items are only made by certain companies. Certain plastics or certain interior foams/padding can only be purchased by a single (or a select few) producer(s).

Fiber-reinforced plastics would be a good example here. Aluminum that is pressure formed into a solid, rigid container is also an example.

These, of course, add a significant cost but might be the thing that catches your eye or convinces you of the benefit of the price increase. Leather and canvas are increasingly popular, especially for over/under shotguns or break down weapons, including high-end AR-15’s even. Sometimes it’s not just about tactical looking equipment.

Proven History

Pelican is a perfect example of what is meant by proven history as an X-factor. Pelican has a spectacular history of providing top quality products with excellent service and an incredibly long-life expectancy.

This alone could be a determining factor for what you spend on, or which you pick when it comes to an AR 15 case. Pelican cases are proven to perform; the brand name is important here.

It’s heavy, and much more case than you might want for many scenarios, but oftentimes, people pick these cases anyways, because the peace of mind and the ability to trust the product and the company that backs it.

Hardigg, SKB, and Browning are some other names that stick out as having an obvious proven history in the gun case sector.

Proprietary Features

You can find most of the market separation in this area, with the MOLLE type cases, that are generally soft-sided cases with some structure to them, and generally, work well as a tactical rifle case.

These types of systems (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) offer mostly Velcro attached to the inside and or outside of the case in different formations or configurations to carry extra add on accessories pieces, like pouches, straps, or other ways to add on functionality.

Other items that might qualify as a variable in this area are custom cut foam inserts; a specific layout type or a custom size or hard to find size. These types of proprietary features can be a good deciding factor in picking the perfect gun case.

Bottom Line

Once you’ve narrowed down the types of needs you are fulfilling, it will come down to a basic discussion on the aesthetics of the case you want and the ease of access.

Finding a perfect AR 15 case requires a decision on multiple fronts but ultimately the use case will determine the specific materials, added features and basic cost outline.

There are many choices on the market, and it will be a combination of what is practical and what just feels right. Sometimes there is no practical or economical measure to the decisions we make, sometimes it’s just about what we like. Most can’t help it but choose the one that simply looks a certain way or feels right when all is said and done.

It’s why some might choose a Mercedes over a Porsche, or a Rolex over a Breitling – the end result justifies the means. No matter what you choose, if you narrow down the choices with a measured, sensible fact-based approach, you’re going to arrive at a collection of cases that make sense, after that, you can be sure you’ll know what to do.

Check out all the other AR-15 articles put together by our expert team here at https://thegunsafes.net/;

• Uppers
• Grips
• Bipods
• Slings
• Handguards
• Triggers
• Compensators
• Scopes
• Lasers
• Build Kits