It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling by plane, train or automobile, if you’re packing a compound bow, crossbow or rifle, priority No. 1 should be ensuring it reaches hunting camp in one piece and is still sighted-in properly — and that means protecting it with a high-quality case. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve arrived at my hunting destination to find that my gun or bow’s zero had shifted — usually just a little, but sometimes a whole lot. And don’t even get me started about those airport gorillas who seem to take great pleasure in inflicting baggage abuse. The bottom line is this: Laying down a little extra cash to protect the considerable investment of a new bow or gun is money well spent.
If I’m driving to a hunting location, I just throw everything I might possibly need in the FJ Cruiser and off I go. Since my gun or bow will be tucked away safely inside the vehicle, I typically use a well-padded soft case because it will take up less room than a hard case. But if I’m flying the not-so-friendly skies — or if I know my equipment will likely take a beating during the hunt — a hard case will get the nod.
Both soft and hard cases have their merits — and their applications. Soft cases are typically less expensive and more portable than hard cases and are handier to use on location if local regulations require that guns or bows must be cased while in the vehicle. Hard cases are more protective and secure and typically have extra room for hauling accessories. Hunters can pack optics, cameras, knives, lights and even extra clothing in their hard case. When hunting in a wet environment, such as in the pursuit of waterfowl, it’s important that the case is waterproof. Some even have rust-inhibiting treatment on the interior to keep guns from corroding between thorough cleanings.
Each time a customer buys a new gun or bow, it’s up to you and your staff to convince him/her to protect that investment by adding a high-quality case to the purchase — one that will keep it safe and working flawlessly for years and hunts to come. Here are a handful of top-shelf examples that will do just that.
BlackHeart Gear Vital and Cardiac Gun Cases
BlackHeart Gear, a leading manufacturer of premium gun cases that blends handmade craftmanship with modern materials, has added two models to its extensive lineup — the Vital and Cardiac. These high-quality cases allow hunters and recreational shooting enthusiasts to safely and easily protect, transport and store their favorite firearms.
Vital cases are lined with Inhib-x, a silicon lining that helps repel moisture and, coupled with no-scratch zipper guards, helps to ensure that firearms are thoroughly protected from the elements. Models include a 14-inch double pistol rug, 48-inch scoped rifle case, 54-inch shotgun case and a case combo that includes the 48-inch scoped rifle case and 14-inch double pistol rug. The Vital’s exterior sleeve and pockets allow for convenient storage of the pistol rug, magazines, ammo boxes and any additional shooting accessories.
The Cardiac line of gun cases includes a 48-inch scoped rifle case (above) and 54-inch shotgun case with a protective tricot lining for safe storage. A zippered exterior pocket provides easy-access storage for shooting accessories.
MSRP: $24.99-$89.99/Vital; $36.99-$39.99/Cardiac
Duluth Pack Pistol Rug with Sherpa Lining
Known for its craftsman-quality canvas and leather bags and packs, Duluth Pack has been around a long time — since 1882. That’s older than penicillin, the modern automobile, powered air flight and sliced bread. And its Pistol Rug with Sherpa Lining is just another example of its fine workmanship — durability combined with classic looks. Handcrafted to protect hunting pistols from bumps and bruises, each case is built with reinforced leather ends and lined with premium-padded extra thick Sherpa that wicks away damaging moisture.
Made with burly 15-ounce canvas and premium leather, the Pistol Rug will stand up to the rigors of the road. And unlike traditional gun cases with sharp metal zippers, Duluth Pack uses high-quality outdoor-specific zippers that are much less likely to scratch the finish on valuable firearms. With four sizes to choose from, these cases easily accommodate a wide range of hunting handguns — from 9.5 to 14.5 inches in length.
MSRP: $100
Flambeau Outdoors 52-inch Floating Shotgun Case
Soggy wet conditions or a rough ride in the back of a truck or UTV can stop a shotgun dead cold in its tracks. And that’s why waterfowl hunters must do everything they can to keep their guns high and dry while protecting them from nasty bumps in the road. Flambeau Outdoors, a company that has been supplying hunters with a vast assortment of waterfowling products for decades, has come up with a solution. Its 52-inch floating shotgun case with an integrated Zerust anti-corrosion liner protects shotguns from rust, while the padded exterior guards against damage during transit. And hunters will have the peace of mind that comes from knowing they won’t need scuba gear to find their shotgun should things go awry.
The Flambeau Floating Shotgun Case fits one shotgun and is made from durable water-resistant 600D polyester-coated material. It features an exterior accessory pocket, reinforced carry handles and adjustable shoulder strap and comes in Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades camo.
MSRP: $47.69
MTM CASE-GARD Tactical Rifle Case
Since 1968, MTM has designed and produced products for shooting enthusiasts. From ammo boxes to gun rests to clay target throwers, the company offers a huge variety of essential hunting and shooting sports gear. New for 2020, its made-in-America Tactical gun case is constructed to protect rifles during transport and storage for those who prefer to hunt with AR-platform rifles.
The MTM Tactical case features plastic molded construction and accommodates most rifles up to 42 inches in length. The case closes tightly with MTM’s proven snap latch design, and the firearm is held securely in place with internal tiedown straps between two layers of high-quality foam padding. It has padlock points for increased security, and tiedown points conveniently positioned on the outside of the case allow for easy and secure attachment to ATV/UTV cargo boxes for on-the-go hunters. Made in the USA, MTM Tactical rifle cases are stackable for convenient storage.
MSRP: $72.95
Pelican AIR 1745 Bow Case
Expertly designed to be crush-proof, dust-proof and watertight, the rugged and durable AIR 1745 bow case by Pelican Products securely transports bows, arrows and other equipment in a lightweight case in a wide variety of bowhunting configurations. Founded in 1976, the name Pelican is synonymous with the high-performance protective cases hunters rely on to protect their gear.
The AIR 1745’s super-light proprietary HPX polymer construction makes this case up to 40 percent lighter than other Pelican Products lines, and security has never been tighter, with six press-and-pull latches and two TSA-approved locking latches. The case includes two foam arrow holders, two small foam bumpers, two large foam bumpers, two arrow tube straps, two small accessory pouches, six bungee cords, one padded divider and integrated stainless-steel bearing wheels for easy transit. The AIR 1745’s interior components provide modular storage, allowing for a wide range of unique configurations for a wide range of bows and accessories.
MSRP: $399.95
Plano AW2 Rifle Case with Rustrictor
The AW2 is the first rifle case in the Plano line to feature its proprietary weather-beater Rustrictor technology, and it’s one more reason why so many outdoorsmen and women consider its products the go-to solution for storing, transporting and protecting their valuable hunting gear.
Hunters want the peace of mind that comes from knowing their equipment is well-protected, no matter if they’re traveling to their local deer camp or on an adventure halfway around the globe.
The AW2 is impenetrable from the outside, with dual-stage lockable latches and a Dri-Loc seal that creates a watertight, dustproof shield. Inside, not only does a release valve equalize pressure through temperature or altitude changes, but there’s also the added benefit of Rustrictor to prevent rust and corrosion. Available in 36-inch, 42-inch and 52-inch wheeled models, the AW2 features rust-preventive Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) infused into its resin and foam, pre-perforated pluck foam for easy customization, rugged, industrial-strength construction and a comfortable over-molded carry handle.
MSRP: $119.99/36-inch; $149.99/42-inch; $199.99/52-inch
Rugid Waterproof Compound Bow Case
As all bowhunters know, expensive compound bows and water are not compatible, but there’s a solution when transporting them by watercraft or when hunting in inclement weather. The floating, waterproof compound bow case from Rugid accommodates most modern parallel-limbed bows in a durable, waterproof, rugged design made from 500D PVC, with a water-resistant zippered enclosure that protects against rain, snow and indirect water.
The Rugid waterproof compound bow case offers full submersion protection and floats when fully loaded so it can be easily retrieved if it happens to go overboard. Features include an elastic call/clip holder, rear tie-down straps, zippered arrow pocket and a heavy-duty nylon carrying strap with neoprene handle. Removeable foam padding provides protection and flotation. A company that hails from northern Wisconsin, Rugid has a full line of high-test gear for backcountry outdoorsman/hunters that includes a wide assortment of gun and bow cases, coolers, duffle bags and more. The case measures 39x18.5x6 inches, with a 33-inch long arrow pocket.
MSRP: $239.99
SKB iSeries Crossbow Cases
The SKB Cases Sports Division — a globally recognized industry leader in the design and manufacture of molded polymer gun and bow cases — has added three cases to its iSeries lineup to accommodate TenPoint/Nitro X, XRT and RDX; Ravin/R26 and R29; and Mission/Sub-1, Sub-1 XR and Sub-1 Lite crossbows.
Each military-grade case is watertight and dustproof and comes standard with SKB’s unconditional lifetime warranty and $1,500 content coverage. They feature built-in wheels and a tow handle for convenient transport and weigh in at under 50 pounds when loaded with a crossbow and accessories. All SKB iSeries cases are molded from ultra-high-strength polypropylene copolymer resin and feature a water- and dust-tight submersible design that is resistant to corrosion and impact damage. Other standard features include a molded-in hinge, patented “trigger release,” TSA-retrofittable latches, comfortable snap-down rubber over-molded cushion grip handles, automatic ambient pressure equalization valve and are resistant to UV, solvents, corrosion and fungus.
MSRP: $354.99
