Chris Raper — Retired North Carolina law enforcement (40+ years) · U.S. Air Force Security Police · NRA-certified Pistol, Rifle & Shotgun Instructor · NC DOJ-certified Concealed Carry Instructor · Founder, Concealed Handgun Carry, Inc. (Elm City, NC, 2006)This guide draws on my own research and what my students bring into the Concealed Handgun Carry class every week. The method line at the end of the article says exactly how this guide was built.
For most people the best handgun case is the Pelican V200 Vault: a crushproof, dustproof hard case with two padlock holes, four layers of foam and room for a large handgun or several pistols with spare magazines. If you fly with a pistol, the Nanuk 910 adds an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, Nanuk’s PowerClaw latches and two reinforced eyelets for padlocks.
A handgun case does three different jobs, and students mix them up. One is getting a gun to the range or a class in one piece. Another is meeting airline and TSA rules for checked baggage. The third is keeping a pistol locked away from children and thieves in a car or a hotel room. No single case is best at all three, so the nine picks below are sorted by the job.
FYI, airline and state rules change. Check the TSA page, your airline and the laws of every state you travel through before each trip.
Handgun case comparison table
| Case | Best for | Lock | Protection | Inside size (maker) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pelican V200 Vault | Range, storage, flying | Two padlock holes (0.46") | Crushproof, dustproof, weather-resistant | 14 x 10 x 5.5 in |
| Nanuk 910 | Flying, wet weather | Two reinforced padlock eyelets (0.3") | IP67 waterproof and dustproof | 13.2 x 9.2 x 4.1 in |
| SKB iSeries 1209-4 | Rough travel, storage | Padlock holes with steel protector clips | Waterproof, dust-tight, pressure valve | 12 x 9 x 4.5 in |
| Vaultek LifePod 20 | Vehicle, quick access | Backlit keypad, 2 keys | Gasket-sealed polymer | Handgun up to 9.25 in long |
| StopBox USA | Fast access without batteries | Mechanical, 81 user-set combinations | Glass-reinforced polycarbonate-ABS | 9.25 x 7.15 x 1.75 in |
| Plano All Weather 2 Single Pistol Case | A low-cost locking case | Lockable dual-stage latches | Dri-Loc seal, pressure valve | 10 x 8 x 4.25 in (outside) |
| Hornady Lockbox | Car or hotel storage | Barrel key, dual crossbar latch | 16-gauge steel, security band | Fits 1911-size pistols (X Large) |
| GunVault MicroVault MV500 | Briefcase, drawer, under a seat | Keypad plus key | 20-gauge steel | 10.75 x 6.5 x 2 in |
| Savior Equipment Specialist Double Pistol Case | Driving to the range | Lockable zippers | 600D polyester, padded | 13 x 9 x 5.5 in (outside) |
How we chose
We did not lab-test these cases. We chose them from maker specifications, published inside dimensions, lock points and sealing claims, checked against TSA’s rules for flying with a firearm and against what I tell students about storing a gun in a car or hotel room.
We weighed three things: whether the case locks in a way that actually prevents access, whether it protects the gun from weather and impact, and whether the inside fits a real carry pistol with its optic and spare magazines.
1. Pelican V200 Vault – Best Overall Hard Case
HIGHLIGHT:
Room for a large handgun or several pistols with magazines.
BUILD:
Pelican lists the V200 Vault at 14 by 10 by 5.5 inches inside and about 5 pounds with foam, with two push-button latches, stainless steel pins and two padlock holes of 0.46 inch. Pelican describes it as crushproof, dustproof and weather-resistant, with a purge vent and four layers of foam you can cut to your guns. It is made in the USA.
FLYING:
TSA requires an unloaded firearm in a locked hard-sided container in checked baggage, declared to the airline, and the container has to actually prevent access. A rigid case with two padlocks on a sturdy body is what that rule is asking for. Read the TSA firearms page before every trip.
PROS & CONS:
- Pros: large interior; two padlock points; four foam layers; made in USA
- Cons: padlocks not included; bigger than you need for one compact pistol
See the V200 at Pelican · Check options on Amazon
2. Nanuk 910 – Best for Air Travel
HIGHLIGHT:
An IP67 rating and latches that clamp the lid down hard.
BUILD:
Nanuk lists the 910 at 13.2 by 9.2 by 4.1 inches inside and 3 pounds empty, made from its NK-7 resin with an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating. The patented PowerClaw latches use triple-action compressive clamping with integrated slide locks, and two reinforced eyelets accept padlocks up to 0.3 inch. Nanuk offers a limited lifetime warranty.
FIT:
The optic-ready version is built for one pistol with a mounted optic and three single-stack magazines, and Nanuk says it can hold a pistol with a trigger lock installed. Other foam sets hold two pistols.
PROS & CONS:
- Pros: IP67 rated; strong latches; light; lifetime warranty
- Cons: padlock holes take small shackles only; foam sets are model-specific
See the 910 at Nanuk · Check options on Amazon
3. SKB iSeries 1209-4 – Best Mil-Spec Waterproof Case
HIGHLIGHT:
Steel protector clips around the padlock holes.
BUILD:
SKB lists the iSeries 1209-4 at 12 by 9 by 4.5 inches inside and describes it as waterproof and dust-tight, with a pressure equalization valve, a trigger-release latch system and padlock holes with stainless steel protector clips. SKB says the latches can be retrofitted with TSA-accepted locking latches. It is made in the USA with a lifetime warranty against defects.
FOAM:
SKB sells the 1209-4 empty or with layered or cubed foam, so check which version you are buying.
PROS & CONS:
- Pros: steel padlock protectors; pressure valve; made in USA; lifetime warranty
- Cons: foam depends on the version; padlocks not included
See iSeries cases at SKB · Check options on Amazon
4. Vaultek LifePod 20 – Best Locking Case for the Car
HIGHLIGHT:
A keypad case you can cable to the seat frame.
BUILD:
Vaultek lists the LifePod 20 at 12.25 by 8.5 by 2.88 inches outside, made from non-metal polymer with a gasket seal, and sized for a handgun up to 9.25 inches long. It opens with a backlit keypad or one of two keys, runs on a 9V battery with an emergency micro-USB port, and ships with a steel security cable. My full Vaultek LifePod 20 review covers the details.
WHY FOR THE CAR:
A loose gun in a console is an invitation to a thief. Cable the case to the seat frame and keep it out of sight. If you carry in North Carolina, read my guide on carrying in your car first.
PROS & CONS:
- Pros: keypad plus keys; security cable; weather sealing
- Cons: polymer gives less pry resistance than steel; no pry or fire rating listed
$169.99 & FREE Returns on Amazon (as of Oct 31, 2026, 12:05 AM EDT – details) · Read the full LifePod 20 review
5. StopBox USA – Best Battery-Free Locking Case
HIGHLIGHT:
A mechanical lock you open by feel, with no batteries to die.
BUILD:
StopBox lists the full-size model at 11.5 by 8.5 by 2.25 inches outside and 9.25 by 7.15 by 1.75 inches inside, at 1.8 pounds, with a glass-reinforced polycarbonate-ABS shell and a mechanical combination lock with 81 user-set combinations. It works with padlocks or security cables (sold separately) and is listed as TSA compliant. See my StopBox USA review.
WHO IT’S FOR:
People who move one pistol between the house, the car and a bag and do not want to think about batteries. The inside height is only 1.75 inches, so check your gun with any optic first.
PROS & CONS:
- Pros: no batteries; light; padlock and cable compatible
- Cons: low inside height; no backup key described; polymer shell
$199.00 & FREE Returns on Amazon (as of Oct 31, 2026, 12:05 AM EDT – details) · Read the full StopBox review
6. Plano All Weather 2 Single Pistol Case – Best Budget Hard Case
HIGHLIGHT:
A sealed, lockable hard case at a budget price.
BUILD:
Plano lists the All Weather 2 single pistol case at 10 by 8 by 4.25 inches outside, with a continuous Dri-Loc seal it calls watertight and dust-proof, a pressure release valve, pluck foam and heavy-duty dual-stage lockable latches. Plano says it is padlock compatible and made in the USA. Two-pistol and four-pistol versions exist.
WHO IT’S FOR:
A first case for range trips and occasional flights. It is lighter-duty than the Pelican, Nanuk or SKB, so I would use good padlocks and check the latches each trip.
PROS & CONS:
- Pros: low cost; sealed; pressure valve; made in USA
- Cons: lighter construction; pluck foam wears over time
See the All Weather 2 at Plano · Check options on Amazon
7. Hornady Lockbox – Best Key-Lock Steel Box
HIGHLIGHT:
Thin 16-gauge steel with a lock-down cable.
BUILD:
Hornady lists the X Large Lockbox at 10.25 by 8 by 2.75 inches outside, with a 16-gauge steel housing, a pry-resistant security band, a barrel key lock with a dual crossbar latch and a steel lock-down cable. It fits 1911-size pistols and 3-inch revolvers and has no electronics. See my Hornady Lockbox review.
WHO IT’S FOR:
Someone who wants steel and simplicity for a vehicle or a hotel room and does not need fast access.
PROS & CONS:
- Pros: steel; no batteries; cable included; slim
- Cons: a key is slow in the dark; inside size not listed
$49.74 & FREE Returns on Amazon (as of Oct 31, 2026, 12:05 AM EDT – details) · Read the full Lockbox review
8. GunVault MicroVault MV500 – Best Slim Keypad Case
HIGHLIGHT:
A finger-slot keypad you can work by feel.
BUILD:
GunVault lists the MV500 at 11 by 8.5 by 2.25 inches outside and 10.75 by 6.5 by 2 inches inside, at 4 pounds, with a 20-gauge steel body, foam lining and a programmable keypad with key backup. It runs on a 9V battery that is not included. Read my GunVault MicroVault MV500 review.
WHO IT’S FOR:
People who want keypad access in something slim enough for a bag or drawer. GunVault does not list mounting holes or a cable, so add your own anchoring where you can.
PROS & CONS:
- Pros: keypad you can use by feel; key backup; slim
- Cons: no cable or mounting listed; 2-inch inside height
$139.99 on Amazon (as of Oct 31, 2026, 12:05 AM EDT – details) · Read the full MV500 review
9. Savior Equipment Specialist Double Pistol Case – Best Soft Range Bag
HIGHLIGHT:
Padded pistol compartments and elastic magazine slots.
BUILD:
Savior lists the Specialist double pistol case in 600D polyester at 13 by 9 by 5.5 inches, with cushioned pistol compartments, knitted elastic magazine slots and lockable zippers.
LIMITS:
A soft case is for getting to the range, not for flying. TSA requires a locked hard-sided container for checked firearms, so use one of the hard cases above when you fly.
PROS & CONS:
- Pros: light; organized magazine storage; lockable zippers
- Cons: not acceptable for air travel; offers little crush or theft protection
See the Specialist case · Check options on Amazon
How to choose the best handgun case
Decide what the case is for
Flying calls for a locked hard-sided case. The car calls for something you can cable or bolt down and keep out of sight; my best car gun safe picks go deeper. The range just needs padding and organization.
Locks and lock points
Two padlock points beat one. Use quality padlocks, keep the keys or combinations yourself, and test that the lid cannot be pried open far enough to reach the gun. For a lock you can open fast, look at keypad or mechanical cases in my best portable gun safe guide.
Fit
Measure your pistol with its optic or light installed and compare it with the inside dimensions, not the outside. Low-profile cases with about 2 inches of inside height fit one handgun lying flat.
Weather and impact
Gasket seals, pressure valves and published IP ratings matter if the case rides in a truck bed or checked luggage. Pluck foam is cheap but tears over time; layered foam lasts longer.
Law
Rules for transporting a handgun differ by state. If you travel, read my North Carolina reciprocity guide and check each state on your route.
Best Handgun Case FAQ
What kind of case do I need to fly with a handgun?
TSA requires the firearm to be unloaded, in a locked hard-sided container, in checked baggage, and declared to the airline at check-in. You keep the key or combination. Hard cases like the Pelican V200 or Nanuk 910 with padlocks fit that rule; a soft bag does not. See the TSA firearms page.
Can ammunition go in the same case as the pistol?
TSA allows ammunition in checked baggage in a box made for ammunition, and it may share the locked hard case with the firearm if it is packed that way. Magazines must be boxed or kept in the locked case. Check your airline for quantity limits.
What is the best handgun case for a car?
A locking case you can cable to the seat frame, such as the Vaultek LifePod 20, or a steel key box like the Hornady Lockbox. Keep it out of sight and never leave a loose gun in a console or glovebox.
Are TSA locks required?
No. TSA says any brand or type of lock is allowed, including TSA-recognized locks. What matters is that the case is locked and cannot be easily opened.
Chris Raper
Chris Raper is the founder and lead reviewer of Conceal & Carry Network. A retired North Carolina law-enforcement officer with more than 40 years of service and a U.S. Air Force Security Police veteran, he founded Concealed Handgun Carry, Inc. in Elm City, NC in 2006 and has taught the state-approved NC Concealed Handgun Carry class there ever since. He is an NC Department of Justice certified Firearms Safety Instructor, an NRA Pistol, Rifle and Shotgun Instructor, an NRA Range Safety Officer and a graduate of Massad Ayoob's Lethal Force Institute. He reviews the carry guns, holsters, safes and sight tools his students ask about every week.