Choosing the right rifle case is crucial for firearm owners, especially when discretion and functionality are paramount. For years, I relied on a Voodoo Tactical 42″ rifle soft case to transport my AR-15s. While functional, I found it somewhat cumbersome, particularly for shorter barrel configurations. The length felt excessive for my 16″ mid-length AR, and with an 18″ SPR, the added weight of magazines and accessories in the side pouches made the soft case feel unwieldy. This led me on a quest for a more streamlined and efficient solution, bringing me to consider options like the Haley Strategic Partners Incog Discreet Rifle Case Bag.
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My search for a better rifle case involved exploring several reputable brands and models. The Haley Strategic Partners INCOG Rifle Bag quickly stood out, alongside the LBX MAP System Rifle Bag and the Larue Discreet Case. Each offered unique features and catered to different needs within the tactical and firearm community.
The INCOG Rifle Bag, known for its discreet profile and association with Haley Strategic Partners’ reputable brand, initially caught my attention. However, upon closer inspection, I realized its length might be too restrictive for my 16″ mid-length AR. The LBX MAP System Rifle Bag, while offering modularity and expandability, seemed to lean towards the higher end of the price spectrum for a soft case, which made me hesitate. The Larue Discreet Case, with its slim design and compatibility with Pelican Storm IM3100 hard cases, presented a compelling option, especially given my evolving needs for secure transport.
Living in California, the legal landscape for “Registered Assault Weapons” (RAW), which includes my AR-15s, necessitates strict adherence to transportation regulations. California law mandates that RAWs must be transported in a locked container, particularly when moving between locations like home and the shooting range. While a locked soft case within the cabin of my truck technically satisfies this requirement, I began to consider the benefits of a more robust hard case, especially for transporting my rifle in the truck bed. The desire to protect my firearm from the bumps and impacts of other gear, such as steel targets and stands, within the truck bed became a significant factor in my decision-making process.
Hard cases, while offering superior protection, often come with their own set of drawbacks. Their weight can be prohibitive for routine trips to the range, where a lightweight soft case typically suffices. Furthermore, the custom-cut foam inserts common in Pelican cases and similar hard cases, while providing a snug and visually appealing fit, become less versatile if firearm configurations change or if different firearms need to be transported. Modifying the foam becomes necessary, adding to the cost and effort.
However, with the shift to using my truck for transport, the trade-off between weight and enhanced protection offered by a hard case became more acceptable. The peace of mind of knowing my rifle was securely protected in the truck bed outweighed the inconvenience of carrying a slightly heavier case. My personal preference for hard cases evolved towards removing the foam inserts altogether and utilizing a soft case inside the hard case. This approach combines the protective shell of a hard case with the flexibility and adaptability of a soft case.
While leaning towards the Larue Discreet case, I stumbled upon the BLACKHAWK! Homeland Security Discreet Case. Its attractive price point, around $100, coupled with promising internal and external dimensions, made it a strong contender. The dimensions appeared well-suited to accommodate my 16″ mid-length AR while also fitting inside a Pelican 1700 hard case – a key requirement for my evolving transport strategy.
This led me to order the 35″ version of the BLACKHAWK! Homeland Security Discreet Case.
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Upon receiving the BLACKHAWK! case, I confirmed that my 16″ mid-length AR, measuring 33″ with a fully collapsed MagPul UBR stock, fit perfectly. Satisfied with the fit, I proceeded to order the Pelican 1700 hard case to complement it.
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The BLACKHAWK! case nestled comfortably within the Pelican 1700, exhibiting a near-perfect match in length and height.
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While the thickness offered some leeway, I had hoped for slightly more room in this dimension. The accessory compartment of the BLACKHAWK! case is lined with loop material, facilitating the attachment of hook-backed pouches and accessories. The case includes a hook-lined triple magazine pouch, and with magazines in the accessory compartment, the fit within the Pelican 1700 remains comfortable.
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My initial intention was to utilize my Haley Strategic D3 Chest Rig panel (with its hook-lined back) within the accessory compartment. However, with magazines already in place, adding the D3CR panel made the BLACKHAWK! bag slightly too thick to comfortably fit inside the Pelican case. While I could force the Pelican case closed, it felt like the D3CR was being compressed against the rifle and magazines, which was not ideal.
Furthermore, the addition of a medical kit to one of the D3CR’s general-purpose pouches further increased the thickness, exceeding the Pelican case’s capacity when combined with the soft case and rifle.
Currently, this BLACKHAWK! soft case inside a Pelican hard case configuration serves as my primary transport solution for my AR-15. While the Haley Strategic Partners INCOG Discreet Rifle Case Bag and other options presented compelling features, the BLACKHAWK! case ultimately met my specific needs for size, functionality, and compatibility with a hard case, at a reasonable price point.
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Looking ahead, my ideal soft rifle case would include features such as:
- Accommodation for at least a 16″ barreled AR rifle with a telescopic scope without disassembly (approximately 34″ overall length).
- Zippers compatible with padlocks for enhanced security.
- Sufficient space for six 30-round AR magazines.
- Manufactured in the USA.
- Priced under $150.
This wishlist reflects the ongoing evolution of my needs and preferences in rifle cases, highlighting the constant search for the perfect balance of discretion, functionality, and value in the tactical gear market. While the Haley Strategic Partners INCOG Discreet Rifle Case Bag may not have been the final choice in this particular scenario, it remains a respected option in the realm of high-quality, discreet rifle transport solutions.
