Industry Knowledge

Gun Bag Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Length, Padding, and Pocket Layout

Choosing a gun bag (or rifle case) is mostly about three things:

1. Getting the correct length (so it fits safely and doesn’t shift around)
2. Choosing the right padding/structure (so it protects during real transport)
3. Picking a pocket layout that matches how you actually travel, store, and organize accessories

This gun bag buyer's guide breaks those three points down into practical steps. It’s written for buyers who want a case that fits, carries comfortably, and keeps accessories organized—without marketing hype.

Note: Transport and storage rules vary by location. If you travel, always check your local laws and airline rules. For U.S. air travel, TSA requires firearms in checked baggage to be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided case. See TSA’s official guidance.

Quick checklist (if you only have 2 minutes)

Length: measure the firearm’s overall length; add 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) clearance.
Padding: prefer padded side panels + reinforced end caps; add internal tie-downs if you want less movement.
Pocket layout: make sure exterior pockets don’t block the main zipper and aren’t so thick they create a “bulge” that stresses stitching.
Carry comfort: look for a shoulder strap that’s wide and padded, plus strong handles.
Locking option: if your use case requires it, choose a case that supports lockable zippers or a lock point.

1) How to measure the right gun bag length (most important step)

A rifle case that’s too short is an obvious problem. But a case that’s too long can also be annoying—your firearm may shift, and the case becomes bulky in vehicles, closets, and luggage.

Measure overall length (simple method)

Measure from the rearmost point to the muzzle end.
For a formal definition, NIST’s “Guidelines for Barrel and Overall Length Measurements for Firearms” describes overall length measurement as taken “along a line parallel to the axis of the bore … to the muzzle.” (NIST PDF)

Practical tip: Use a flat surface and a measuring tape. Keep the firearm stable and straight while measuring.

Add clearance for real-world use

Once you have the overall length, add a bit of space:

Soft gun bags: typically add 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) so the zipper closes easily, and the ends aren’t under tension.
If your case has thick end padding, add closer to 2 in (5 cm).

Folding collapsible stocks: measure the “carry configuration.”

If the stock folds or collapses, measure it in the configuration you will actually transport it in. (If rules in your area require a particular configuration, follow those rules.)

Common sizing examples (general)

36" case: compact carbines and shorter setups
42" case: many standard rifles and carbines
46"–52" case: longer rifles, some hunting rifles, and setups with longer accessories

These are only starting points—your measurement is what matters.

Tactical Double Rifle Case Gun Bag Pistol Transportation Case w/Backpack

32-48 Inch Dual-Rifle Tactical Soft Gun Case

2) Soft gun bag vs hard case (and when to choose each)

This is a rifle case buyer guide decision that depends on how you travel.

Choose a soft gun bag when you want:

Lighter weight for frequent carrying
Faster access (range days, vehicle-to-site, storage around home)
More flexible pocket layout and accessory storage

Choose a hard case when you need:

Higher crush resistance during heavy handling
Stronger locking options (depending on your needs)
Airline travel compliance (often required)

For U.S. air travel rules, TSA states you may transport unloaded firearms “in a locked hard-sided container as checked baggage only.” (TSA)

Many travelers use a locked hard case and place it inside a larger bag for easier handling—always follow airline policies.

3) Padding: what actually protects your gear

Padding isn’t just “thicker is better.” Good protection comes from where the padding is and how the bag manages impacts and pressure.

What to look for in a padded gun bag

1) Side panel padding (both sides)
Look for consistent padding across the main body, not only on one face.
2) Reinforced end caps
The ends take hits in vehicles, doorways, and crowded storage spaces. Reinforced ends reduce damage from repeated impacts.
3) Structure (stiffeners, internal panels)
A little structure helps the case keep its shape and protects accessories in external pockets.
4) Lining that won’t snag
A smoother lining makes loading/unloading easier and reduces wear.

How much padding do you need?

Use your transport style as the guide:

Home storage + occasional transport: moderate padding may be enough.
Frequent vehicle transport in busy environments: choose thicker padding and greater structural support.
Travel checked baggage: hard case is often the safer choice; verify rules first.

Movement control: tie-down straps

If your case includes internal straps (or you add them), they help stop the firearm from sliding inside the bag. Less movement usually means less wear on both the bag and the contents.

4) Pocket layout: the difference between “organized” and “annoying.”

Pockets sell gun bags, but poor layouts become frustrating quickly.

Pocket types that work well

1) Flat admin pockets (thin)
Best for small documents, tags, cable locks, or slim tools.
2) Expandable accessory pockets (moderate depth)
Useful for compact accessories, but avoid overpacking.
3) Internal mesh pockets
Good for keeping small items visible so they don’t disappear.
4) Full-length secondary compartment (select models)
Useful when you want to keep items separate from the main compartment.

Pocket placement rules (simple but important)

Don’t block the main zipper: pockets should not overlap the main opening in a way that makes access awkward.
Avoid heavy items on the outside: they swing and stress stitching over time.
Keep the case balanced: if one side pocket is heavy, the bag will tilt and carry poorly.

If you want “clean” organization

Consider a case plus a few modular pouches (for example, hook-and-loop pouches or small organizers). That keeps the case layout simple while letting you customize your storage.

38/42 Inch Tactical Soft Rifle Case

5) Lockable zippers, transport-friendly features

If you need a locking option, look for:

Lockable zipper pulls (double zipper that can accept a small lock)
Reinforced eyelets lock points
Quality zipper track pulls (smooth operation under tension)

For general safety secure storage best practices, ATF recommends keeping firearms secured and notes that a lockable gun case or lock box can be used for vehicle storage (ATF publication “Safety and Security for Firearm Owners”)

6) Carry comfort: handles, straps, and real stitching details

Even a perfectly sized case can be uncomfortable if it carries badly.

Features that improve carry comfort

Wide, padded shoulder strap (narrow straps dig in)
Strap attachment points with reinforcement (bar-tacks and strong stitching)
Balanced handle placement so the case doesn’t nose-dive

Stitching reinforcement zones to check

When comparing cases, inspect these stress areas:

Handle bases (top carry handles)
Strap anchor points
End caps (especially near the corners)
Zipper ends (where pull force concentrates)

7) Discreet vs tactical look: choose based on your environment

Some customers prefer a lower-profile look for travel and everyday storage. Others want a tactical exterior with more attachment options.

Here’s a practical way to decide:

Choose discreet when you want a simpler exterior, fewer attachment points, and a less “gear” appearance.
Choose tactical when you want more external organization, durability cues, and handling features.

Either way, the core buying factors (length, padding, pocket layout) matter more than the styling.

8) Common mistakes when buying a gun bag

Buying by guesswork instead of measuring
Overloading exterior pockets until the zipper is hard to close
Choosing thin padding for heavy transport use
Ignoring carry comfort (strap quality and handle position)
Not checking travel rules before airline trips (always use official guidance)

FAQ (quick answers)

1. What size rifle case do I need?

Measure overall length, then add 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) for soft cases. Choose the closest case size above that number.

2. Is a soft gun bag enough protection?

It can be for day-to-day transport and storage, especially with good padding and reinforcement. For heavy handling and many airline travel situations, a hard case is often the better choice.

3. Can I fly with a firearm in a soft gun bag?

In the U.S., TSA requires firearms in checked baggage to be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container. Use TSA’s official page as your starting point and then check your airline’s rules.