Fun-Sized Gun Bags: Short-Barreled Rifle Bag Buyer’s Guide

It’s typically stated 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 pattern towards shorter and lighter combating weapons. The American lengthy rifles of the Revolutionary Struggle period typically had barrels that exceeded 40 inches; standing upright, they had been practically as tall as the lads who carried them. The well-known Sharps rifles, used extensively by “sharpshooter” marksmen within the American Civil Struggle, had been usually 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 immediately, carbines with 16-inch, 14.5-inch, and shorter barrels have turn into more and more standard for maneuverability in confined city areas. Due to dramatic enhancements in barrel and ammunition manufacturing, it’s potential to realize glorious 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 suitable elements 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 instances we feature them in have remained the identical dimension. In the event you stroll into a median sporting items retailer, you’re prone 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. Positive, you may carry your 14.5-, 12.5-, or 10-inch AR in a typical rifle case, however you’ll be left with extra house 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 in the event you’re going to hold it in all places in an outsized case? Positive, you possibly can 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 inside workings, and it slows down your capability to make use of the weapon.

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With this dilemma in thoughts, we sought out 4 rifle baggage that had been purpose-built for carrying brief weapons. One is a comparatively primary 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 one in all these packs is likely to 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, 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 can 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, however it’s not optimum — a PSA GF-3 AK-47 side-folder with 16-inch barrel (28-inch OAL, 5 inches vast) did match, however brought on the case to look considerably spherical and overstuffed.

The principle compartment is lined with slick 840D nylon, so it’s straightforward to shake out and hold clear. We additionally recognize its mild grey coloration, which makes it easy to seek out small gadgets like sight adjustment instruments and unfastened {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 comprises a comfortable lining that’s splendid 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 facet has a zippered mesh pocket for different unfastened gadgets. 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 might 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 might’t be tucked wherever, so it’s greatest to depart the shoulder straps on the case.

Above: The mixture 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 & Crimson, 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 stuffed with flannel, yoga pants, beef jerky, and granola.” From the surface, it actually does seem like a run-of-the-mill mild mountain climbing pack, though this disguise can be extra convincing in a high-vis pastel colorway. Regardless, not like conventional rifle instances, you in all probability gained’t elevate eyebrows in the event 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 growth 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 growth pocket is — it accepts a unadorned barrel or the tip of a suppressor fantastic, however good luck attempting to cram a full-length handguard with flashlight into it. Our folded 16-inch AK match with the growth pocket open however wasn’t simply detachable, because the entrance sight publish bought snagged contained in the pocket.

Above: The Apparition is extra backpack than rifle bag, and which may be a very good 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 foremost 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 just a few 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 affords storage for quick-access gadgets.

The bottom of the pack options two elastic water bottle carriers, two vertical-zip compartments that appear splendid 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 growth 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 come back with backpack straps.

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

PROS

• It has the options we’d anticipate in a mountain climbing pack, like load lifters, a comfortable waist belt, and torso size adjustment. Even in the event you’re not carrying a gun, it’s a very good backpack.
• Primary compartment has loads of width for side-folders
• Tons of organized storage for instruments and sustainment gear

CONS

• Don’t depend on the growth 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 all the time crowded and the highest is all the time 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 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 might be hid behind a hook-and-loop flap on the again of the case when it’s not wanted. This rifle bag is simply obtainable in a single colorway — Disruptive Gray with black accents. In the event 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 suppose it’s not a rifle case, the subdued branding retains it trying comparatively generic.

If it’s essential entry its contents shortly, 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, however it 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 downside, because the INCOG’s boxy foremost compartment affords 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 principle compartment is lined on either 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 an alternative, 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 shortly unzip one finish of the rifle bag. The rifle might 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 technique 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 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 gadgets. However each from time to time, we discover one thing that gives spectacular high quality at a surprisingly reasonably priced value — such was the case with Savior Tools gun instances. We purchased one in all these instances just a few years in the past on a whim, and had been stunned by how sturdy and well-built it was. We’ve acquired just a few extra since then, and although they’re not good, they’re worlds higher than we anticipated at this value level. The stitching is neat, the zippers are clean, 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, however 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 material 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 a very good match for an additional higher plus MOLLE pouches filled with medical gear, instruments, and spare elements. We had 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 attributable to their mixed width. Savior Tools affords a 34-inch model of this rifle bag if it’s essential carry longer weapons.

Above: A big entrance pocket affords 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 big 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 practically twice as a lot as the following heaviest bag we examined. In the event you’re solely planning to hold it just a few yards out of your automobile to the vary bench, the additional kilos gained’t matter, however it’s undoubtedly value contemplating in the event you plan to hike substantial distances with it frequently.

Above: The highest pocket is simply the suitable dimension for this Gemtech Protect 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 value 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