When it comes to gun ownership, it is easy to get wrapped up in the guns and ammunition. Whether the job is punching holes in targets, putting meat on the table, or protecting the homestead, the shooting iron commands attention, and rightfully so. But often that comes at the expense of other factors, like security solutions and range gear.
I am particularly derelict in the latter department and made an effort to fix it. The standout in my new kit is the Safariland Dual Rifle Bag, a 46-inch double rifle bag that carries two long guns and the gear that goes with them.
Out With the Socks, In With the Bag
I run many different types of long guns ranging from AR pistols to smoothbore flintlocks. Many soft cases are too short for conventional hunting shotguns or don’t have enough clearance for a scope, and hard cases get bulky quickly. As such, I stuck with gun socks, but they offer light protection and no storage capacity. The Safariland Dual Rifle Bag cleared all that up and more.
What the 46-Inch Double Rifle Bag Offers
The Safariland Dual Rifle Bag is available in a 36-inch length in either an FDE or black color scheme. This setup is best for tactical rifle users, and our own Jason Mosher thoroughly tested that version. It is also available in an all-black 46-inch model.
The latter is my choice, as it can accommodate modern rifles but is long enough to work with traditional long guns.
Safariland Dual Rifle Bag at a glance:
| Spec | 36-Inch | 46-Inch |
|---|---|---|
| Interior | 36″ L x 11″ H x 3″ W | 46″ L x 12″ H x 3″ W |
| Exterior | 38″ L x 12″ H x 6″ W | 48″ L x 13″ H x 6″ W |
| Colors | Black or Flat Dark Earth | Black |
| Padding | Closed-cell foam with a 2″ padded perimeter lip | Closed-cell foam with a 2″ padded perimeter lip |
| Carry | Detachable, padded, adjustable shoulder harness | Detachable, padded, adjustable shoulder harness |
Construction and Carry
The bag is constructed of rugged ballistic pack cloth. The front of the bag is backed by five strips of nylon webbing for making bag additions.
The back of the bag has a detachable shoulder harness that allows it to be carried like a backpack when transporting on foot in the field. The harness straps are padded and adjustable with nylon buckles, but the main stress points that attach the straps to the bag are secured with steel loops.
Otherwise, the traditional hook-and-loop carry handle will suffice from vehicle to firing line.
Main Compartment
Opening the main compartment reveals two halves, padded throughout with closed-cell foam and separated by a partition. Each half has two hook-and-loop-backed nylon straps to retain and protect a long gun.
The inner dimensions are a generous 46 x 12 x 3 inches.
Outer Compartment and Handgun Pouches
The outer compartment is 25 inches long and 10 inches wide, with about 2 inches of wiggle room for tools and accessories like a screwdriver, batteries, and ammunition.
Both the inside flap and inner wall have compartments to protect even more goodies. The inner wall’s two compartments are padded and make a tempting location to stow a pair of handguns.
Dump Pouch and Name Tag
The final compartment consists of a dump pouch with a flap secured by buckles and hook-and-loop and embossed with the Safariland logo. This compartment measures 8 inches x 8 inches x 5 inches when fully expanded.
Other features include heavy-duty zippers for the inner and outer compartments, as well as a spot for hook-on and plaque card name tags—a handy feature for those in the competition circuit.
Field Impressions
The Safariland Dual Rifle Bag has gone a long way toward simplifying my loadout among rifles, tripods, and electronic gear. The shooting irons stay protected in transit, and the compartments are long enough to cradle tactical rifles and traditional longer-barreled hunting guns alike.
The outer compartment is usually home to ammo, batteries, and extra PMags. It took some exploring to find the hook-and-loop padded inner compartments, which now store test handguns.
On the whole, I have been able to squirrel away all the essentials, so I am not wasting time looking around in other bags for dispersed gear. The inner compartments provide plenty of protection for long guns and their optics.
Incidentally, I found the Dual Rifle Bag to be an excellent support for prone shooting when (mostly) empty. It provides plenty of cushion for the upper body when shooting off concrete and gravel and wipes clean with the brush of a hand.
Is the 46-Inch Dual Rifle Bag Worth It?
Although I have yet to find a use for the outer dump pouch, the Safariland Dual Rifle Bag is a piece of gear for which I have already gotten my mileage.
