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

It’s usually mentioned that good issues are available small packages, and with regards to 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 usually 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 geared up with 30-inch barrels. By the flip of the twentieth century, the M1903 Springfield had a 24-inch barrel, a size that will carry over to the M1 Garand. Though the standard-issue M16 nonetheless has a 20-inch barrel right this moment, carbines with 16-inch, 14.5-inch, and shorter barrels have grow to be more and more well-liked for maneuverability in confined city areas. Due to dramatic enhancements in barrel and ammunition manufacturing, it’s attainable 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 Excellent Match for Your Rifle Bag

Above: With the fitting elements and high quality ammo, fashionable 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 usually feels just like the instances we supply them in have remained the identical measurement. If you happen to stroll into a median sporting items retailer, you’re more likely to see a wide selection of instances designed for handguns and instances designed for rifles with 16-inch barrels, however not a lot in between. Certain, you may carry your 14.5-, 12.5-, or 10-inch AR in a regular rifle case, however you’ll be left with extra house for the gun to slip round, and extra cloth that folds and flops awkwardly. Why spend the money and time shaving inches off your gun in case you’re going to hold it in every single place in an outsized case? Certain, you may take aside your higher and decrease to suit your gun right into a smaller pack, however that creates a gap for dust and international objects to get into the interior workings, and it slows down your means to make use of the weapon.

Subscribe Right this moment and Save!

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 cut up the distinction, incorporating each case-style carry handles and backpack-style shoulder straps. Learn on to see if considered one of these packs could be excellent in 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, Evening 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 decent squeeze. Our 11.5-inch SBR virtually 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 couple of inches. Some side-folding weapons match, nevertheless it’s not optimum — a PSA GF-3 AK-47 side-folder with 16-inch barrel (28-inch OAL, 5 inches huge) did match, however brought on the case to seem considerably spherical and overstuffed.

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

Above: Laser-cut hook cloth 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 comprises a comfortable lining that’s supreme 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 equipment; the other facet has a zippered mesh pocket for different unfastened objects. We discovered this half-zip entrance pocket to be the best measurement 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 Kind 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 may be eliminated by way of 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 greatest to go away 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 decent 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 & Purple, 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 to be a run-of-the-mill gentle climbing pack, though this disguise can be extra convincing in a high-vis pastel colorway. Regardless, not like conventional rifle instances, you most likely gained’t elevate eyebrows in case 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 until 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. Nonetheless, we weren’t wild about how tight the enlargement pocket is — it accepts a unadorned barrel or the top of a suppressor positive, however good luck making an attempt 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 put up acquired snagged contained in the pocket.

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

As a full-fledged backpack, the Apparition has many extra options. The coffin-shaped primary compartment is lined with black loop cloth 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. Transferring towards the entrance of the pack, there’s one other giant zippered compartment lined with loop cloth — GGG says you may put a spare higher in right here — plus a number 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 exterior. Yet another zippered pocket on the entrance face of the pack presents storage for quick-access objects.

The bottom of the pack options two elastic water bottle carriers, two vertical-zip compartments that appear supreme for gloves, and two backside zippers. Certainly 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 facet 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 return with backpack straps.

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

PROS

• It has the options we’d anticipate in a climbing pack, like load lifters, a snug waist belt, and torso size adjustment. Even in case you’re not carrying a gun, it’s backpack.
• Predominant 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 decent 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 at all times crowded and the highest is at all times unfastened.

Haley Strategic INCOG Carbine Bag

Exterior Dimensions: 30 by 12 by 4 inches

Most Capability: Not marketed

Weight: 3.0 kilos

Colour: Disruptive Gray (pictured)

MSRP: $195

URL: haleystrategic.com

Notes
Regardless of its incognito title, the Haley Strategic INCOG bears the closest resemblance to a standard 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 may be hid behind a hook-and-loop flap on the again of the case when it’s not wanted. This rifle bag is simply accessible in a single colorway — Disruptive Gray with black accents. If you happen to look intently on the diagonal hook cloth strip throughout the entrance pocket, you’ll see Haley’s signature dragonfly emblem stitched in black thread. Though no one goes to see this and suppose it’s not a rifle case, the subdued branding retains it wanting comparatively generic.

If it’s essential 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 cloth.

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

This rifle bag doesn’t look a lot larger than the competitors, nevertheless it proved to be the right 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 downside, because the INCOG’s boxy primary compartment presents loads of depth — you may even be capable to match two slim weapons side-by-side, however there’s no divider to maintain them from knocking towards one another.

The inside of the principle compartment is lined on each side with webbing created from loop cloth, 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 broaden out accordion-style to supply elevated capability. A small, comfortable pistol case or chest rig can match into this house 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 may be eliminated with out opening the bag totally, so long as you didn’t use the inner retention straps.

PROS

• Simply matches a wide range of weapons as much as 30 inches lengthy, even these with cumbersome equipment
• 4 retention straps present a option 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 title 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 realized 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 every now and then, we discover one thing that gives spectacular high quality at a surprisingly reasonably priced worth — such was the case with Savior Tools gun instances. We purchased considered one of these instances a number of years in the past on a whim, and have been stunned by how sturdy and well-built it was. We’ve acquired a number of extra since then, and despite the fact that they’re not excellent, they’re worlds higher than we anticipated at this worth level. The stitching is neat, the zippers are clean, and the 600D ripstop polyester cloth is hard and completely 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, nevertheless it’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 facet, and by a strip of hook-and-loop cloth on the opposite. The bag’s major half comprises 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 elements. 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 because of their mixed width. Savior Tools presents a 34-inch model of this rifle bag if it’s essential to carry longer weapons.

Above: A big entrance pocket presents 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 comprises elastic loops that are perfect for retaining suppressors or multi-tools; the bigger full-zip pocket options webbing for MOLLE pouches on one facet 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 cloth, 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 simple to hold this bag downrange.

Sadly, there’s one obtrusive draw back to this pack: weight. It’s cheap, sturdy, and feature-rich, however weighs almost twice as a lot as the subsequent heaviest bag we examined. If you happen to’re solely planning to hold it a number of yards out of your automobile to the vary bench, the additional kilos gained’t matter, nevertheless it’s positively price contemplating in case you plan to hike substantial distances with it regularly.

Above: The highest pocket is simply the fitting measurement for this Gemtech Protect suppressor, and even consists of 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
• Straightforward to hold thanks to a few 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