What is the best AR15 hard-sided case?

When it comes to rifle protection in particular for the AR15 platform, there are a lot of hard cases to choose from. Most modern cases are made of plastic, more specifically polypropylene. Case durability is heavily dependent on the plastic thickness. As you might expect thinner plastic cases, will be lighter, but offer less impact resistance. Where-as thicker plastic cases are going to be heavier and more cumbersome to transport, but more durable. Finding a happy medium between weight and durability is critical when choosing the appropriate AR-15 case.


The following list is our top 10 picks for the best AR15 cases. Each case serves a different purpose with various pros & cons, but this list outlines the strengths and weakness of each helping you make a more informed decision when choosing the right AR case.

AR15 Rifle Case

  • Pros:
    • Waterproof
    • Durable / Shippable
    • Wheeled
    • Metal Reinforced Padlock Holes
    • Compact
  • Cons:
    • Heavy
    • Limited Capacity
    • Pre-Cut Foam Limits you to AR15 Platform

AR15 Pro Rifle Case

  • Pros:
    • Waterproof
    • Durable / Shippable
    • Wheeled
    • Metal Reinforced Padlock Holes
    • Extra Pistol & Storage Capacity
  • Cons:
    • Heavy
    • Pre-Cut Foam Limits you to AR15 Platform
    • Larger Size than Case Above

AR15 Rifle Carry Case

  • Pros:
    • Light Weight
    • Low Cost
    • Compact
    • Lockable
  • Cons:
    • Non-Shippable
    • Not Waterproof
    • Pre-Cut Foam Limits you to AR15 Platform
    • No Metal Reinforced Padlock Holes

2 AR Rifle Case

  • Pros:
    • Waterproof
    • Durable / Shippable
    • Wheeled
    • Metal Reinforced Padlock Holes
    • Increased Rifle Capacity
  • Cons:
    • Heavy
    • Pre-Cut Foam Limits you to AR15 Platforms
    • Case Length Can Pose Difficulty for Compact Cars
    • More Expensive than Single Gun Case

3 Gun Competition Case

  • Pros:
    • Waterproof
    • Durable / Shippable
    • Wheeled
    • Metal Reinforced Padlock Holes
    • Purpose Built for Competition
  • Cons:
    • Heavy
    • Pre-Cut Foam Limits you to AR Rifle, Pistol & Tactical Shotgun
    • Case Length Can Pose Difficulty for Compact Cars
    • More Expensive than Single Gun Case

AR Pistol (or SBR) & AR15 Rifle Case

  • Pros:
    • Waterproof
    • Durable / Shippable
    • Wheeled
    • Metal Reinforced Padlock Holes
    • Compact
  • Cons:
    • Heavy
    • Pre-Cut Foam Limits you to AR Rifle & AR Pistol
    • Lid Doesn’t Open 180 degrees Making it Difficult to Pack
    • More Expensive than Single Gun Case

Precision and AR Rifle Case

  • Pros:
    • Waterproof
    • Durable / Shippable
    • Wheeled
    • Metal Reinforced Padlock Holes
  • Cons:
    • Heavy
    • Pre-Cut Foam Limits you to AR Rifle & Precision Rifle
    • Does not accommodate 26″ Barrel Ruger Precision Rifles, such as the RPR Lapua Magnum
    • Case Length Can Pose Difficulty for Compact Cars
    • More Expensive than Single Gun Case

Breakdown AR-SBR & AR Pistol Case

  • Pros:
    • Waterproof
    • Durable / Shippable
    • Lockable
    • Compact
    • Discreet
  • Cons:
    • No Added Metal Reinforced Padlock Holes
    • Pre-Cut Foam Limits you to AR Pistol or SBR
    • Does not accommodate Full Sized AR15 Rifles
    • Gun Must be Disassembled Every Time

AR15 Pistol | SBR Carry Case

  • Pros:
    • Light Weight
    • Low Cost
    • Compact
    • Lockable
  • Cons:
    • Non-Shippable
    • Not Waterproof
    • Pre-Cut Foam Limits you to AR Pistol or SBR
    • No Metal Reinforced Padlock Holes

Midsize Universal AR Rifle Carry Case

  • Pros:
    • Light Weight
    • Low Cost
    • Compact
    • Lockable
    • Generic Foam Gives Greater Flexibility for Different Gear
  • Cons:
    • Non-Shippable
    • Not Waterproof
    • Aesthetically & Functionally Inferior to Pre-Cut Foam
    • No Metal Reinforced Padlock Holes

As you can see each case has an advantage and weakness. Some will hold more gear, but get very heavy making them difficult to lift or fit in a car. Other cases are light weight and low cost, but are not durable enough to be shipped. When it comes to our AR15 cases, we don’t shy away or hide their weakness. All cases have tradeoffs and as gun owners ourselves we strive to increase your knowledge of the pros/cons of each case so you can make an informed buying decision.

Case Club has many years of experience manufacturing AR cases for hobbyists and professionals. We appreciate your consideration when considering our rifle cases. Feel free to browse are whole selection of AR15 Cases, Rifle Cases & Gun cases.