If you’re at all like me, you’ve got a lot of gear. There’s nothing wrong with that, so long as you’re loading yourself up with quality gear. Gear that’s helpful, purposeful, and not causing more grief than it’s worth. Quality over quantity.
Looking at it the other way around can be a bit troublesome. Especially if you’re already lugging around multiple cases and bags, and it’s still not enough to carry everything.
You know what I’m talking about.
What starts as a “quick trip” to the range with a rifle or two, a pistol, and maybe a box of ammo quickly devolves into a logistical nightmare. You start loading up with big, fancy range bags with more pockets than you can count, six rifle cases (cause you know one gun ain’t enough), extra targets, a med kit, extra mags, weather meters, chronos, and roll upon roll of targets tucked under your arm.
By the time you’re done packing, your roomy 4-door sedan is looking more like an underwhelming Geo Metro, duct-taped windows and all. Or, in my case, the truck bed is full, and your fuel economy is totally shot. We’ve all been there. And while there’s no shame in being a bit of a gear junkie, the right combination of gear makes all the difference.
It’s worth investing a few sheckles in quality gear, consolidated and stowed away in a few high-quality, high-capacity cases and bags that are purpose-built for the volume shooter and gear junkie.
That said, I’m no stranger to being a bit of a guinea pig, having hauled guns and gear all over the Midwest, putting tens of thousands of rounds down range, and really putting my cases and bags to the test. As such, I’ve put together a short list of some of the best multi-gun cases and high-cap range bags built for folks like us. Let’s get to it.
An Admirable Quality
Personally, I think being a bit of a gear junkie is an admirable quality, so long as you’re doing it for the right reasons. To make yourself a better, more well-rounded shooter. If you’re just doing it to show off, well… that’s a different discussion.
Regardless, all those guns, mags, ammo, holsters, and battle belt accessories add up fast. The more gear you carry, the more you feel like a pack mule on a cardio bender. It’s gruelling and you’ll be worn out before you ever make it to the firing line.
That said, quality gun cases and range bags aren’t just a luxury. They’re a necessity; a gear junkie’s delight. Imagine rolling up to the range with all the guns and gear you could ever want, but without the added frustration and misery of lugging around 50 different cases and bags.
And trust me, once you make the upgrade with a purpose-built range bag and multi-gun case, you’ll wonder why you ever lived without them.
Multi-Gun Cases
When it comes to hauling long guns, one case is rarely enough. Whether you’re hitting a carbine class, a match, or just a long Saturday at the range with your buddies, having the right case makes life infinitely easier. But not all multi-gun cases are created equal, and there are a select few I trust to protect my guns.
Safariland Dual Rifle Bag
For the more casual trips to local ranges, I typically look to my Safariland Dual Rifle Bag to get the job done. The thing’s a workhorse, plain and simple.
On a recent day trip to an indoor range with fellow writers Jason Mosher and Stephanie Kimmell, I knew vehicle space was limited. But I wanted to take multiple rifles and handguns with me.
So, naturally, I grabbed my Dual Rifle Bag and loaded ‘er up with my carbine-length American Defense UIC Mod2 AR, and my Springfield M1A Scout Squad in the main compartment, separated by the padded divider. And in the secondary compartment, I brought along my Beretta CX4 Storm, fully assembled.
Still having plenty of space in the outer pockets, I stowed away two handguns, my ammo for the day, and even had room for my eyes and ears.
That’s five guns, 400 rounds of ammunition, mags, and PPE, in one soft-sided gun case. Surprised? Don’t be.
It lives up to the demand, no sweat.
A few Helpful Features
The main compartments are heavily padded and lined, with heavy-duty zippers and straps to keep everything secure. There’s something deeply satisfying about zipping up your gear knowing it’s protected, organized, and not clanging around like a ragdoll in the backseat.
And while the case has traditional carry handles, it can easily be converted for backpack-style carry or over-the-shoulder carry. That’s a huge win, especially if you’re carrying a separate range bag or, in my case, the bag gets a little heavy.
Nothing unmanageable, but there’s a bit of heft to it. The shoulder straps are actually pretty comfortable, too, and it balances well when fully loaded, which is good because this bag sees heavy use in my rotation.
The exterior pockets are no afterthought, either. I’m a sucker for good storage options, and Safariland delivers here. They provide a ton of additional space for mags, ammo, and accessories, and even a couple of handguns as well.
The MOLLE webbing on the exterior is also a nice touch. It’s easy to attach your IFAK, admin pouch, or mag caddy.
What more is there to say? For day trips where less is more, you can’t go wrong with the Safariland Dual Rifle Case.
It’s an easy favorite.
SKB Cases Multi-Rifle Hard Case
When the job calls for something with a little more grit than a soft case (think long-haul road trips, flights, and multi-day, backcountry training events), the SKB i-Series Field-Ready Multi-Rifle Hard Case is my go-to. This beast can handle up to four full-length rifles, optics included, without breaking a sweat.
The interior pre-formed foam inserts keep everything snug and safe. No shifting. No banging against each other. Everything is snug as a bug, without fiddling with Velcro retention straps.
Plus, there’s built-in ammo, mag, and gear storage space underneath the rifles. So, if you’re really pressed for space or want to limit your gear to a single case, it’s pretty easy to carry everything you need for your range trip or rifle class if you’re a savvy packer.
A Damn Tank
The case itself is built like a tank. It features ultra-tough polypropylene copolymer resin that’s resistant to UV rays, solvents, corrosion, and even fungus and mildew. It also has a military-grade watertight and airtight rubber gasket seal and an automatic pressure equalization valve, which is kind of a must for air travel.
The heavy-duty, patented trigger-release latches are some of the most stubborn things I’ve ever seen. They lock up nice and tight, and even if the case takes a tumble, which mine has on more than one occasion, the latches stay safely locked. Add to that the lockable stainless-steel grommets, and you’ve got yourself some of the best security I think I’ve seen in a gun case.
The double-wheeled design is another draw for guys like me. When you’re lugging multiple guns, hundreds of rounds of ammo, mags, and whatever other gear you might want to tote along, being able to roll this beast instead of deadlifting it is a real game-changer.
Real-world Reliability
I’ve personally hauled this case across Missouri more times than I can count for different training sessions and long-range days. From the dusty backroads of the Ozarks to the rocky hills of Kansas City and everything in between, it handles my rough-and-tumble lifestyle with nothing but grace. It’s been rained on, dragged through the mud, and even survived more than one clumsy drop out of the back of my truck without a single issue.
And honestly, I won’t go on a road trip without it.
SKB Cases 8-Pistol Handgun Case
Let’s not forget about the handguns. I’ve found traveling with multiple pistols to be one of the bigger headaches. Those small, single pistol cases are great if that’s all you’ve got. But try carrying eight of ’em in one go. It’s not easy, nor is it comfortable.
And even if you have big enough hands (or enough dedication) to make it work, there’s still the issue of keeping the guns safe and secure once you’ve made it to the firing line. That’s where the SKB 8-Pistol Handgun Case saves the day.
This case has become my little road warrior for handgun courses and matches. It holds up to eight pistols in individual, pre-formed foam slots, with extra cutouts for mags and small accessories. Everything stays locked down tight, and like its multi-rifle case cousin, this sucker is darn-near bombproof.
It’s a little hefty when fully loaded, but that’s a small price to pay for peace of mind. I’ve thrown this thing in truck beds, stacked it on range carts, and left it baking in the sun, and it’s never failed me.
If you regularly travel with multiple pistols, it’s hard to beat the SKB i-Series line. They’re purpose-built and backed by a lifetime warranty. Plus, the folks over at SKB Cases are just fantastic human beings overall.
You can’t ask for anything better than that.
Quality Range Bags
Even with good rifle cases, you’re going to need a solid range bag. Or two.
I firmly believe every serious shooter should own at least two range bags: one compact option for quick trips, and a bigger one for extended range days or training classes.
Safariland Convertible Range Bag
For one-day or casual range sessions, my go-to is the Safariland Convertible Range Bag. This thing is brilliantly designed. It’s big enough to carry the essentials, but not so bulky that it becomes a problem.
The main compartment is spacious and well-organized, with removable dividers that let you customize it for whatever gear you’re bringing to the range. It easily stows a couple hundred rounds of ammo, a few handguns, mags, a staple gun, and ear pro without issue. There are plenty of zippered pockets for tools, cleaning kits, and other small essentials.
Built around a reinforced “bottom box” designed to haul heavy loads, it pairs a rugged, heavy-duty nylon shell with serious durability. It’s purpose built for the gear junkie, and the dual QD straps quickly convert between backpack-style carry, over-the-shoulder sling, or classic carry handles, depending on your personal preferences.
But let’s be honest, it’s the storage space and versatile design that seals the deal for me. The fully padded center compartment features hook-and-loop side panels and multiple handgun sleeves, so you can ditch those clunky plastic cases and neatly stow several pistols in one spot.
On the outside, you’ll find multiple, generously-sized zippered compartments that provide ample storage space for whatever chronos, weather meters, and other odds and ends you tend to take on your range trips.
Honestly, I’ve yet to run out of room in this thing, and that’s saying something.
Safariland Shooter’s Range Backpack
For those longer, more involved range days or multi-day training classes, I really like my Safariland Shooter’s Range Backpack. This thing is a beast.
The backpack design makes it easy to carry, even when your hands are full of long gun cases, ammo cans, and whatever else you’re carrying. It’s comfortable too, with padded, adjustable shoulder straps and a ventilated back panel that actually keeps you a bit cooler during those summer months. The chest strap keeps everything stable and more naturally balanced.
Inside, there’s a ridiculous amount of storage space. The main compartment provides plenty of space for boxes of ammo, spare parts, a med kit, and other essentials without turning into a disorganized mess. It comes with a removable padded pistol case that keeps your sidearm secure and separate from the rest of your loadout.
There’s also a dedicated bottom compartment for smaller essentials (I like to keep snacks, Liquid IVs, and hydration pouches in mine, but to each their own), which is one of those simple, smart features you didn’t know you needed.
The build quality is pretty typical for Safariland, which is to say it’s rock solid. Heavy-duty zippers, reinforced stitching, and tough, abrasion-resistant nylon fabric mean this bag can take a beating. And that’s saying something coming from me, considering I’m not exactly kind to my gear.
Conclusion: It’s Time to Upgrade Your Haul Game
If you’ve made it this far, it probably means you’re either a fellow gear junkie or dangerously close to becoming one. Either way, it’s time to take a hard look at your current range setup.
And even if you’re not a gear-obsessed range bro, it’s still time for an upgrade.
Quality multi-gun cases and range bags aren’t about looking like a pro at the range (though that can be a nice bonus). They’re about protecting your investment, staying organized, and making your life easier when you’re out doing what you love.
So do yourself a favor. Audit your loadout. Invest in some gear that’s up to the task. You can thank me later, preferably over a post-range-day beer while you marvel at how much smoother life gets when your gear actually works with you instead of against you.
