Rifle Bags
Rifle bags and cases are protective firearm enclosures engineered to shield scoped and unscoped long guns from impact, dust, and moisture during transport and storage. Available in soft fabric slips and rigid waterproof shells, they feature dedicated vertical depth to accommodate mounted optics, extended magazines, and tall turrets.
Types of Rifle Bags and Cases
- Soft rifle bags — ideal for general field transport and lightweight vehicle carry where flexible, padded storage is required.
- Hard plastic rifle cases — best for transit requiring maximum impact resistance, crush-proof protection, and waterproof sealing.
- Double rifle cases — suited for shooters carrying two firearms simultaneously within dedicated, compartmentalised layers.
- Tactical rifle bags — designed for hands-free transport and gear modularity using integrated backpack straps and external Molle webbing.
How to choose
- Total length matching — measure your firearm from the tip of the muzzle (or suppressor) to the recoil pad and add at least 2 inches (50 mm) of clearance; compact rimfires suit 32 to 40-inch cases, while full-length centrefire and tactical setups require 48 to 52-inch lengths.
- Scope and turret depth — select a scoped-profile case offering at least 25 to 30 cm of internal height clearance if using optics with 50 mm or 56 mm objective lenses, tall elevation turrets, or thermal attachments.
- Construction rigidity — choose rigid waterproof plastic cases for rough transit in utes or trailers, or high-density 600D Cordura padded slips for everyday range sessions and field hunting.
- Carrying capacity — select single-rifle sleeves for compact handling, or double-compartment cases when transporting a primary hunting rifle and a backup rimfire in a single trip.
How this differs from related categories
Rifle cases differ from shotgun slips by offering taller vertical profiles and curved spines engineered specifically for mounted rifle scopes and high turrets, whereas shotgun bags feature slim, straight tapers. Unlike pistol cases built for short handguns, rifle storage accommodates long guns spanning 32 to 52 inches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure my rifle to ensure it fits the bag?
Measure your rifle in a straight line from the end of the muzzle (including any muzzle brake or attached suppressor) to the edge of the buttpad. Add a minimum of 2 inches (5 cm) to this overall length to ensure the zippers close smoothly without placing stress on the firearm's ends.
Will a standard rifle bag fit a rifle with a 50mm or 56mm scope mounted?
Standard straight-tapered slips often fail to close over large optics. Choose a purpose-built scoped rifle case that provides 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) of internal vertical depth to comfortably clear tall turrets, high-mount rings, and large 50mm or 56mm objective bells.
Are these rifle bags compliant for firearm transport under Australian state laws?
Most Australian state regulations require firearms to be fully enclosed in a secure cover out of sight during vehicular transit. Selecting a case with lockable dual zippers allows the use of a padlock to meet state-specific transport and security compliance standards.
Should I choose a hard plastic case or a padded soft bag?
Soft padded bags made from durable fabrics like 600D Cordura are lightweight and ideal for everyday trips to the range or stalking in the bush. Heavy-duty hard cases are recommended when transporting firearms on rough corrugated tracks, in open ute trays, or where crush-proof and waterproof protection is mandatory.
