Enjoyable-Sized Gun Luggage: Brief-Barreled Rifle Bag Purchaser’s Information

It’s typically mentioned that good issues are available in small packages, and on the subject of weapons, we’re inclined to agree. Ever since firearms first appeared on the battlefield, there was a gradual development towards shorter and lighter combating weapons. The American lengthy rifles of the Revolutionary Warfare period typically had barrels that exceeded 40 inches; standing upright, they have been almost as tall as the boys who carried them. The well-known Sharps rifles, used extensively by “sharpshooter” marksmen within the American Civil Warfare, have been sometimes outfitted with 30-inch barrels. By the flip of the twentieth century, the M1903 Springfield had a 24-inch barrel, a size that might carry over to the M1 Garand. Though the standard-issue M16 nonetheless has a 20-inch barrel immediately, carbines with 16-inch, 14.5-inch, and shorter barrels have turn into more and more widespread for maneuverability in confined city areas. Because of dramatic enhancements in barrel and ammunition manufacturing, it’s potential to realize wonderful accuracy and efficient vary from these compact weapons, whether or not they’re configured as short-barreled rifles (SBRs) or braced AR pistols. Learn on as we look at 4 compact rifle bag choices which might be designed for SBRs, AR pistols, and different compact lengthy weapons.

Discovering the Good Match for Your Rifle Bag

Above: With the precise components and high quality ammo, trendy short-barreled rifles can yield spectacular efficiency. OFFGRID Editor Tom Marshall constructed this 12.5-inch suppressed SBR, and has achieved constant hits with it past 800 yards.

Though the weapons we use have shrunk, it typically feels just like the circumstances we feature them in have remained the identical dimension. In case you stroll into a mean sporting items retailer, you’re more likely to see a wide selection of circumstances designed for handguns and circumstances designed for rifles with 16-inch barrels, however not a lot in between. Positive, you may carry your 14.5-, 12.5-, or 10-inch AR in a normal rifle case, however you’ll be left with extra area for the gun to slip round, and extra material that folds and flops awkwardly. Why spend the money and time shaving inches off your gun when you’re going to hold it in every single place in an outsized case? Positive, you can take aside your higher and decrease to suit your gun right into a smaller pack, however that creates a gap for grime and overseas objects to get into the inside workings, and it slows down your potential to make use of the weapon.

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With this dilemma in thoughts, we sought out 4 rifle luggage that have been purpose-built for carrying brief weapons. One is a comparatively fundamental clamshell case design, whereas one other is a full-fledged backpack with weapon-retention options. The remaining two break up the distinction, incorporating each case-style carry handles and backpack-style shoulder straps. Learn on to see if one in all these packs is likely to be good to your compact gun of alternative.

5.11 Tactical LV M4 Shorty

Exterior Dimensions: 29 by 12 by 2.5 inches

Most Capability: 18.3 liters

Weight: 3.4 kilos

Colours: Black, Night time Watch, Tarmac (pictured)

MSRP: $120

URL: 511tactical.com

Notes
As essentially the most diminutive of the 4 packs we examined, the LV M4 Shorty is ideal for slender weapons with sub-10-inch barrels. It match our Aero Precision EPC-9 AR pistol with 8.3-inch barrel like a glove, even with the SB Tactical brace totally prolonged (a 27-inch OAL). Something for much longer or thicker will likely be a good squeeze. Our 11.5-inch SBR nearly match with the buttstock collapsed (29-inch OAL), however the chunky Cloud Defensive REIN flashlight bezel close to the muzzle prevented the zippers from closing the previous few inches. Some side-folding weapons match, but it surely’s not optimum — a PSA GF-3 AK-47 side-folder with 16-inch barrel (28-inch OAL, 5 inches broad) did match, however induced the case to seem considerably spherical and overstuffed.

The primary compartment is lined with slick 840D nylon, so it’s straightforward to shake out and preserve clear. We additionally admire its mild grey coloration, which makes it easy to seek out small objects like sight adjustment instruments and free {hardware}. A 5×12-inch subject of webbing gives attachment factors for a hook-and-loop cuff to safe your weapon contained in the bag. Nevertheless, the compartment is sufficiently small that we didn’t really want it.

Above: Laser-cut hook material contained in the entrance pocket permits for the attachment of MOLLE or Velcro-backed pouches and equipment.

On the entrance of the case, there are two zippered compartments. The smaller one incorporates a mushy lining that’s preferrred for capturing glasses and different fragile gear. The bigger compartment has laser-cut MOLLE-compatible webbing for attaching instruments, magazine pouches, or a small trauma package; the alternative aspect has a zippered mesh pocket for different free objects. We discovered this half-zip entrance pocket to be the best dimension for storing a minimalist chest rig pre-loaded with three 30-round mags.

Above: A small zippered pocket up high matches something from eye safety to this JK Armament Type 1 suppressor.

On the again of the case, you’ll discover two low-profile seize handles in addition to a pair of padded shoulder straps with sternum buckle. The padded portion of the shoulder straps could be eliminated through G-hooks and buckles, however this leaves a pair of foot-long dangling nylon straps. They’re sewn on to the rifle bag and may’t be tucked anyplace, so it’s finest to depart the shoulder straps on the case.

Above: The mix of a 1.93-inch red-dot mount and 33-round Glock magazine on our Aero Precision EPC-9 pistol created a large profile. It match contained in the rifle bag, however simply barely.

PROS

• Easy and efficient, not loaded-down with extra pockets or options we don’t want
• Discreet look with none exterior MOLLE webbing or patch fields. Even the 5.11 logos are stitched onto tags that may be tucked away for a sterile look.

CONS

• It’s a good squeeze for something longer than 28 inches or wider than 3 inches. Many SBRs gained’t match.
• Shoulder straps aren’t totally detachable or tuckable

Gray Ghost Gear Apparition SBR Bag

Exterior Dimensions: 28 by 13 by 4 inches (expands to 34 inches lengthy)

Most Capability: 19.6 liters

Weight: 4.0 kilos

Colours: Black & Cyan, Black & Pink, Brown & Black, Gray & Black, Tan & OD Inexperienced (pictured)

MSRP: $180

URL: greyghostgear.com

Notes
On the product description web page, Gray Ghost Gear says, “This pack can simply exist amongst all the opposite journey backpacks which might be full of flannel, yoga pants, beef jerky, and granola.” From the surface, it actually does appear like a run-of-the-mill mild mountaineering pack, though this disguise could be extra convincing in a high-vis pastel colorway. Regardless, in contrast to conventional rifle circumstances, you most likely gained’t increase eyebrows when you carry this in public.

Above: Though the rifle bag expands to suit longer barrels, doing so eliminates any sense of concealment and makes it apparent you’re carrying a rifle.

The Apparition is marketed for SBRs with 10.5-inch or shorter barrels. With its brace prolonged, our 8.3-inch 9mm AR pistol (27-inch OAL) match with about an inch to spare; our 11.5-inch SBR (29-inch OAL) wasn’t even near becoming except we unzipped the enlargement pocket on the base of the pack. With that pocket prolonged, the Apparition can match weapons as much as 33 inches lengthy. Nevertheless, we weren’t wild about how tight the enlargement pocket is — it accepts a unadorned barrel or the tip of a suppressor effective, however good luck attempting to cram a full-length handguard with flashlight into it. Our folded 16-inch AK match with the enlargement pocket open however wasn’t simply detachable, because the entrance sight submit acquired snagged contained in the pocket.

Above: The Apparition is extra backpack than rifle bag, and that could be factor relying in your wants. The adjustable yoke, load lifters, and ample padding make it snug for long-distance carry.

As a full-fledged backpack, the Apparition has many extra options. The coffin-shaped essential compartment is lined with black loop material and has three retention loops to carry your gun in place. The within of the flap options a number of pockets, together with a zippered pouch and two journal pockets with adjustable bungees. Shifting towards the entrance of the pack, there’s one other giant zippered compartment lined with loop material — GGG says you may put a spare higher in right here — plus a couple of extra admin pockets and a zippered mesh pocket. A pass-through slit on the high of this compartment permits for a hydration tube or communications wires to be routed outdoors. Another zippered pocket on the entrance face of the pack provides storage for quick-access objects.

The bottom of the pack options two elastic water bottle carriers, two vertical-zip compartments that appear preferrred for gloves, and two backside zippers. Considered one of these reveals a rain fly that may be positioned over the pack; the opposite conceals the aforementioned barrel enlargement pocket. On the again aspect of the Apparition, there are mesh lumbar pads, a detachable mesh waist belt, and a mesh shoulder strap yoke that gives top adjustability and cargo lifter straps. All these touches make it clear that the Apparition was purpose-built as a backpack that may carry a gun, not a gun case that occurs to come back with backpack straps.

Above: Our AK was too broad to slot in the rifle bag with {a magazine} within the gun, however that’s not an issue. Two pouches inside the primary compartment supply fast entry to magazines.

PROS

• It has the options we’d count on in a mountaineering pack, like load lifters, a snug waist belt, and torso size adjustment. Even when you’re not carrying a gun, it’s backpack.
• Major compartment has loads of width for side-folders
• Tons of organized storage for instruments and sustainment gear

CONS

• Don’t depend on the enlargement pocket. It’s a good match for something larger than a barrel or suppressor, and it makes it pretty apparent what you’re carrying.
• Coffin-shaped compartments really feel inefficient — the underside is all the time crowded and the highest is all the time free.

Haley Strategic INCOG Carbine Bag

Exterior Dimensions: 30 by 12 by 4 inches

Most Capability: Not marketed

Weight: 3.0 kilos

Shade: Disruptive Gray (pictured)

MSRP: $195

URL: haleystrategic.com

Notes
Regardless of its incognito identify, the Haley Strategic INCOG bears the closest resemblance to a conventional rifle case on this lineup. It incorporates a rectangular footprint with three-sided zipper and clamshell opening. There’s no backpack harness, solely a rubberized carry deal with and an over-the-shoulder carry strap; the latter merchandise could be hid behind a hook-and-loop flap on the again of the case when it’s not wanted. This rifle bag is just out there in a single colorway — Disruptive Gray with black accents. In case you look intently on the diagonal hook material strip throughout the entrance pocket, you’ll see Haley’s signature dragonfly brand stitched in black thread. Though no one goes to see this and assume it’s not a rifle case, the subdued branding retains it wanting comparatively generic.

If it’s worthwhile to entry its contents rapidly, the INCOG has a cool trick up its sleeve. Pulling the small nylon loop on one finish of the bag tears two zippers open, creating a gap to retrieve the weapon inside. This flap is held in place by a strip of hook-and-loop material.

Above: The INCOG match our 11.5-inch SBR like a glove, and its full-clamshell opening made it straightforward to pack and stow the rifle on the vary.

This rifle bag doesn’t look a lot larger than the competitors, but it surely proved to be the proper match for our bigger weapons. The 29-inch OAL SBR match prefer it was constructed for this case, and so did the folded AK. The added width of a folding inventory was no drawback, because the INCOG’s boxy essential compartment provides loads of depth — you would possibly even be capable of match two slim weapons side-by-side, however there’s no divider to maintain them from knocking in opposition to one another.

The inside of the primary compartment is lined on each side with webbing constructed from loop material, and 4 retention straps are included. These may very well be used to safe something from a full-length disassembled higher and decrease to a pair of very brief AR pistols. There’s just one different zippered compartment to talk of, a 14×9-inch mesh pocket that’s solely accessible from the within of the case. The exterior zipper round this part doesn’t open it; as a substitute, it permits it to increase out accordion-style to supply elevated capability. A small, mushy pistol case or chest rig can match into this area as soon as it’s expanded.

Above: For quick entry, yank this deal with to rapidly unzip one finish of the rifle bag. The rifle could be eliminated with out opening the bag totally, so long as you didn’t use the interior retention straps.

PROS

• Simply matches quite a lot of weapons as much as 30 inches lengthy, even these with cumbersome equipment
• 4 retention straps present a solution to securely carry a full-length higher and decrease, or an SBR with two uppers

CONS

• Conventional rifle case form isn’t as INCOG because the identify implies
• Single accent pocket doesn’t present group for small instruments and equipment
• Just one colorway

Savior Tools Specialist Covert 30

Exterior Dimensions: 30 by 13.5 by 5 inches

Most Capability: Not marketed

Weight: 7.4 kilos

Colours: Darkish FDE (pictured), Obsidian Black, OD Inexperienced

MSRP: $80

URL: saviorequipment.com

Notes
We’ve discovered to be skeptical about shopping for something gun-related on Amazon, since that on-line market is inundated with low-cost off-brand merchandise and counterfeit objects. However each occasionally, we discover one thing that gives spectacular high quality at a surprisingly inexpensive worth — such was the case with Savior Tools gun circumstances. We purchased one in all these circumstances a couple of years in the past on a whim, and have been shocked by how sturdy and well-built it was. We’ve acquired a couple of extra since then, and although they’re not excellent, they’re worlds higher than we anticipated at this worth level. The stitching is neat, the zippers are easy, and the 600D ripstop polyester material is hard and totally padded.

Above: Our 11.5-inch SBR was simply barely brief sufficient to slot in this bag with the barrel “bucket” eliminated. And though it’s marketed as a single rifle case, we discovered that the Specialist 30 can simply match a second weapon.

The Specialist Covert 30 is marketed as a single rifle bag, but it surely’s clearly able to hauling two sub-30-inch SBRs because of the middle divider. This detachable, padded panel is secured by two buckles on one aspect, and by a strip of hook-and-loop material on the opposite. The bag’s main half incorporates two adjustable retention straps and a tough foam “bucket” to carry a weapon’s muzzle in place. Behind the divider, the opposite half incorporates a full subject of laser-cut loop materials with two extra retention straps. Though you may simply stash a second rifle in right here, it could even be match for an additional higher plus MOLLE pouches filled with medical gear, instruments, and spare components. We have been capable of pack both the folding AK or 11.5 SBR into the case alongside our Aero EPC-9 AR pistol, however couldn’t squeeze each the AK and SBR in on the similar time on account of their mixed width. Savior Tools provides a 34-inch model of this rifle bag if it’s worthwhile to carry longer weapons.

Above: A big entrance pocket provides attachment factors for MOLLE pouches, plus two zippered pockets for small instruments and equipment.

This rifle bag options three exterior pockets. The smaller zippered pocket incorporates elastic loops that are perfect for retaining suppressors or multi-tools; the bigger full-zip pocket options webbing for MOLLE pouches on one aspect and two giant mesh pockets on the opposite. The ultimate pocket is hidden — pull the loop behind the highest of the massive pocket to tear open its hook-and-loop seal. It’s lined with extra hook-and-loop material, offering an attachment level for a Velcro-backed pistol holster or sandwiched Velcro magazine pouches. Three sturdy seize handles and a pair of tuckable, padded shoulder straps make it straightforward to hold this bag downrange.

Sadly, there’s one obvious draw back to this pack: weight. It’s cheap, sturdy, and feature-rich, however weighs almost twice as a lot as the following heaviest bag we examined. In case you’re solely planning to hold it a couple of yards out of your automotive to the vary bench, the additional kilos gained’t matter, but it surely’s undoubtedly price contemplating when you plan to hike substantial distances with it regularly.

Above: The highest pocket is simply the precise dimension for this Gemtech Defend suppressor, and even contains an elastic band to carry it in place. Extra elastic slots match pens, flashlights, or screwdrivers.

PROS

• Surprisingly well-designed and durable given its sub-$100 worth level
• Able to hauling two compact weapons with a divider in between, plus supplementary gear
• Simple to hold thanks to 3 seize handles and totally stowable shoulder straps

CONS

• All the additional options and sturdy supplies add kilos — this bag is noticeably heavier than the competitors.

Written by Patrick McCarthy