A guide for buying Pelican cases for Pistols [detailed comparison]
A pelican case is a great way to protect your pistol. They are durable, watertight, and can be locked for extra security. Here is a comprehensive guide about pelican cases for pistols to help you choose the right one for your needs.
My husband is in the United States police department and he is a huge collector of pistols and guns. Initially, I was annoyed a lot because his hobby of pistols was really frightening for me. After spending 15 years with him I came to know that the guns and ammunition are in his genes and I cannot change him at any cost.
Currently, we have a complete closet dedicated to his pistols. He has a total of 80 pistols and guns and he places the rare and unique ones in specialized cases. He has a total of 4 single-shot pistols, 3 double-action revolvers, and a lot of semi-automatic pistols. Once a month I went with him to the Jackson Hole firing range for a shooting experience, which I enjoy a lot.
Last year my husband purchased quite an expensive pistol, that was believed to be associated with American President, Roosevelt. I thought to give him a nice case for this gun as his Birthday gift.
At a Glance:
Which pelican case do I need?
Pelican cases come in a variety of sizes. You will need to choose a size that is large enough to fit your pistol, but not so large that it is cumbersome to carry. Pelican cases are made from a variety of materials, including plastic, aluminum, and carbon fiber. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, so you will need to decide which is best for you.
Benefits
Water Proofing
One of the main benefits of a pelican case is its waterproofing. Most cases will have an O-ring seal that helps to keep water out. You should make sure that the case you choose has this feature if you plan on using it in wet conditions.
Shock Resistance
Another benefit of a pelican case is its shock resistance. These cases are designed to protect your pistol from bumps and drops. You should make sure that the case you choose has this feature if you plan on using it in rugged conditions.
Locking
Most pelican cases come with a locking mechanism. This is a great way to keep your pistol secure, especially if you are traveling with it. You should make sure that the case you choose has this feature if you plan on using it in security-sensitive situations.
Price
Pelican cases vary widely in price. You can find cases that are very affordable, or you can find ones that are quite expensive. You will need to decide how much you are willing to spend on a case before you start shopping.
Features
When you are choosing a pelican case, there are a few features that you should look for. These include waterproofing, shock resistance, and locking. You should make sure that the case you choose has these features if you plan on using it in demanding conditions.
Style
Pelican cases come in a variety of styles. You can find cases that are designed to be discreet, or you can find ones that are very flashy. You will need to decide what style you prefer before you start shopping.
Why gun needs a pelican case
Have you ever thought about why your gun needs to be placed in a pelican case, let alone a specific size case? The answer is, that cases protect guns. They do this in a variety of ways but the main two are shock absorption and waterproofing.
Types of Pelican cases
Compact – These cases are designed to hold smaller guns such as derringers, pocket pistols, and some revolvers. They typically have an interior length between 6 and 9 inches with a width of 4 to 6 inches.
Full-Size – As the name suggests, these cases are designed to hold larger guns such as full-size pistols and some revolvers. They typically have an interior length of 9 to 13 inches with a width of 6 to 8 inches.
Oversize – These cases are designed to hold very large guns such as magnum pistols and some revolvers. They typically have an interior length of 13 inches or more with a width of 8 inches or more.
Now that you know the different sizes of cases, you need to decide which size is right for your gun. To do this, you need to measure the length and width of your gun. Once you have these measurements, you can compare them to the interior dimensions of the cases that you are considering. It is important to choose a case that is slightly larger than your gun to ensure that it will fit.
Comparison Table
| Vault by Pelican V770 | Pelican Air 1535 | Pelican 1560 | Pelican 1200 Case | Pelican 1170 | Pelican Air 1535 | Pelican P1075 | Pelican Vault V730 | |
| rating | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.5 | 4.8 |
| Size | DIMENSIONS (LWH | inches): Exterior 51.47 x 13.15 x 6.65 | Interior 50.00 x 10.00 x 6.00 | (LxWxH Inches): Exterior 21.96 x 13.97 x 8.98 | Interior 20.39 x 11.20 x 7.21 – Weight 9.98 lbs | 2.06 x 10.43 x 17.93 inches Interior dimensions is 19.92 long x 14.98 wide x 9.00 deep in inches. Lid Depth- 2 inch. Bottom Depth-7 inch. Total Depth-9 inch | 10.62 x 4.87 x 9.68 inches Interior Dimensions (inches): 9.25 x 7.12 x 4.12 | INTERIOR Dimensions: (L X W X D) 10.54 x 6.04 x 3.16-Inch, EXTERIOR Dimensions: 11.64 x 8.34 x 3.78-Inch | (LxWxH Inches): Exterior 21.96 x 13.97 x 8.98 | Interior 20.39 x 11.20 x 7.21 | 11.11″ x 7.92″ x 1.63″ | DIMENSIONS (LWH | inches): Exterior 47.12 x 19.18 x 6.90 | Interior 44.00 x 16.00 x 6.25 |
| Ratings | 504 | 504 | 912 | 2991 | 2825 | 504 | 123 | 383 |
| Weight with foam | WEIGHT WITH FOAM: 16.08 Lbs (7.3 kg) | 11.51 pounds | 20 lbs | 2.86 pound | 1.96 pounds | 9.98 pound | 2 pound | 22.7 lbs |
| Guns that can fit | Full-size handguns, Compact pistols, and Rifles like AK-47 | Full-size handguns, Compact, Pistols, and Rifles like AK-47 | Full-size handguns, Compact Pistol | Full-size handgun, Compact Pistol | Full-size handgun, Compact Pistol | Full-size handgun, Compact Pistol | Full-size handgun, Compact Pistol | Full-size handguns, Compact Pistol, and Rifles like AK-47 |
| Foam | Yes | Yes | yes | yes | Yes | yes | yes | Yes can be cut for custom fit |
| Price | 170 | 400 | 250 | 70 | 58 | 360 | 70 | 202 |
| Wheels | no | yes | yes | no | no | no | No | yes |
| Padded dividers | No | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Shoulder strap | Np | No | Can be attached | No | No | No | Yes | No |
Size comparison
The largest Pelican case on our list is Vault by Pelican V770 with a total length of 51.47 inches. This length is large enough for larger rifles like Nr.1 Barrett M82 (48 inches) and Nr.3 Accuracy International Arctic Warfare (46.5 inches) and the popular gun !K-47 can easily fit in this case.
The smallest pelican case on our list is Pelican 1170 with a total length of 10.54 inches which is good enough for a full-size handgun and compact pistol. However, you cannot put large size rifles in it.
Padded Dividers
Padded divers are especially useful if you want to place bullets and magazines of the gun in the casing. Only two of the Pelican cases in our list come with padded dividers. Padded dividers can provide an extra layer of protection for your tools and equipment, preventing them from becoming scratched or damaged. Plus, they can help keep your case organized, making it easier to find what you need when you need it. So if you’re looking for a way to protect your investment, a tool case with padded dividers may be the right solution for you.
The two Pelican cases with padded dividers are Pelican 1560 and Pelican Air 1535 but you may be required to pay some extra bucks for the dividers.
Weight comparison
Sometimes weight is a deciding factor when buying a pelican case. Older persons and frequent travelers like lightweight cases. The heaviest Pelican case on our list is Pelican 1560 and the reason is its foam, wheels and high-quality plastic used in its construction.
The most lightweight Pelican case on our list is Pelican 1170 with a weight of just 1.96 pounds. This is suitable for older people and people who have to hand carry their guns most of the time.
Our collection of best Pelican cases for pistols
Now that you know more about pelican cases for pistols, you can start shopping for the perfect one for your needs. Make sure to consider all of the factors that we have discussed, and you should have no trouble finding a case that is perfect for you. Thanks for reading!
If you are looking for a case for your pistol, then you should definitely consider a pelican case. These cases are durable, watertight, and can be locked for extra security. Here is a comprehensive guide about pelican cases for pistols to help you choose the right one for your needs.
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Pelican Vault – V770 Single Rifle Case with Foam
Staff PickNow onto the best pelican cases for pistols. I know it seems a bit unusual from my particular brand to focus on rifle and pistol cases but if you’re gonna keep a firearm in the house, proper storage is absolutely necessary. The first one I went with was the pelican V770 single rifle case. It has a slim and sleek design that makes it quite attractive. Inside it has thick and sturdy foam inserts that lend themselves well to keeping your gun in the correct position and minimizing any damage you could do by virtue of dropping it.
The case itself is made of crush-proof high-impact polymer which ensures that it will last you for a very long time and stay in commission longer than the gun stored inside of it. This one is a single rifle case so it doesn’t have much storage. It’s great for when you want to go hunting. One particularly nice thing I noticed about it was the latches. I’m not sure why, but it just had those great latches that I find incredibly satisfying to constantly close and open. I shouldn’t do that, but sometimes it’s good to let go and live life a little.
Considering the price and the functionality of this as a single rifle case, I’d rate this a solid 7 out of ten. It isn’t as affordable as some of the other options on this list but it is on the lower end of the spectrum which makes it one of my picks for best pelican cases for tools and pistols.
Pelican Air 1535 Case
Trusted by the military and in use by divers as well as first responders, the air 1535 case is definitely one of the best pelican cases for guns and pistols. It has in-built padded dividers that give it great compartmentalization and create different and nice homogeneous areas to put down all your pistols. It is quite large and roomy so you can fit multiple pistols, or a really big rifle including all the add-ons, into it.
This model comes with the option to change the case configuration in regards to the foam. Whether you want pick-n-pluck foam which I’ve talked about before, padded dividers which are like pick-n-pluck foam but a bit less customizable, TrekPak Dividers, or no foam at all, the option is up to you. As always, this particular case also comes with a lifetime guarantee of excellence and from personal experience, I am pretty sure I won’t be needing to change from this case any time soon.
In general, this case is my top pick. It has great variation and is highly customizable. It has more than enough room to store all the pistols I could need. And all that at a reasonable price that doesn’t leave my wallet completely empty and barren. I’d rate it an 8 out of 10.
Pelican 1560 Case With Foam
The next pistol case I want to bring up is the pelican 1560 case with foam. It has a customizable interior that really brings it up a notch for me. The overall design is a bit tacky and the similar dimensions of width and height leave something to be desired with regards to style. It does have a tongue and groove fit as well as a polymer O-ring that gives it a watertight seal to prevent any water damage to your weapons.
The total depth on this case is around nine-inch so it’s great for big bulky firearms that won’t fit properly in other cases. It also has retractable extension handles alongside two stainless steel reinforced padlock openings. The steel-bearing wheels are a nice touch since it is definitely too heavy to carry around when in use. The copolymer-propylene shell is a pelican classic giving it that signature durability and strength.
All in all, this wouldn’t really be my first pick unless I wanted to store some very large and very bulky guns. Seven out of ten but it is definitely one of the best pelican cases for tools and pistols.
Pelican 1200 Case With Foam
The 1200 case is undoubtedly one of the best pelican cases for tools and pistols on this list. Personally, it is my favorite because of how lean and modern it feels. It’s easy to carry, is small and lightweight, can fit inside any car, and has a singly fold-able front handle. It’s just perfect for day-to-day use and short trips.
I’ve used this one multiple times when going around time to store some of my pistols and keep them safe. I did notice that it isn’t quite as sturdy as some of the other ones on the list.
It is completely watertight and dustproof, however, which brings it back to being a decent pick. The best feature of it is definitely its ridiculously low price point. If you don’t want to break the bank on something as lavish and seemingly unnecessary as a case, then this is the top pick for you. Overall, this case comes around an 8.5 out of 10 for me.
Pelican 1170 Case With Foam
The pelican 1170 is another great option when thinking about the best pelican cases for revolvers and pistols. It is available at a relatively low price and is just as viable as the other much more expensive cases. it has an ultra-high compact co-polymer 3-piece interior foam set that gives it high shock resistance and absorption capabilities. This case also has oversized folding handles that make it quite comfortable to hold. Double throw latches are just the cherry on top.
One cool thing about this that I noticed was the fact that the lid had a separate kind of foam, convolute foam, then the body itself which had a pick n pluck foam. It does come with a lifetime guarantee so if you ever have any problems with its performance or if it starts to lose its luster sooner than you think it should, you can always come to the pelican store and get a replacement. The price point, the durability, and the reliability of this product are nice for sure but it falls short on some aspects compared to some of the other ones on this list. This drops down its rating to about 7.5 out of 10.
Case for 4 Pistol and 12 Magazines
If you own a semi-automatic pistol or revolvers, this case is one of the best options as it contains a place to save magazines as well. The foam used is oil resistant and you can clean any oil leakage from your weapons just through a damp cloth. If you want to clean the trigger and cylinder of the pistols one by one, this case is useful as you can take out one gun at a time.
When you are planning a visit to the shooting range, there is always an issue of how to hold pistols safely. This case is your problem solver as you can place all the guns and their extensions in one place.
This case is ideal for law enforcement agencies to take along with them during encounters with criminals. As the case is crush-resistant so your weapons will be safe even if someone fires at the box or it is thrown in water. Police teams at many times had to pass through a stream of water so there is a chance of weapons being destroyed due to catching rust. This casing makes sure that your pistols are safe from rust and water corrosion.
Pelican P1075 Pistol Case
Budget PickIf you need a budget pistol case from Pelican for a single pistol P1075 should be your first choice. It has almost 200 five-star reviews on Amazon with great positive feedback. It is highly suitable for mission-critical projects of the Police or Army departments where you may have to pass through rivers or streams of water. As this case is totally waterproof so your pistol will remain the same even if you swim underwater carrying the case on your back.
Due to lock hasps, you can apply any type of security lock with digits or codes as well to the case so the kids won’t be able to open the case in your absence.
The shoulder strap is one of the best features of this Pelican case as you can walk comfortably or even run with the bag hanging at your back. Your hands will totally free as your walk towards your destination.
Along with the pistol, you can also put two spare magazines so you won’t get short of bullets during your practice sessions at the firing range. Under the price tag of 50 dollars, it is the best case that you can gift to any pistol lover.
Pelican Vault V730 for Guns
Best PickIf you are a sniper and own a large gun like a Machine gun, sniper rifle, or assault rifle you should buy the top-selling V730 case with the most positive reviews on Amazon. This case is too big for small pistols but if you want to store 7 to 8 pistols together or a large size gun, then this is an ideal choice.
You can cut the foam according to the custom shape of your weapon as per your need. Ideal for caravan travels to remote areas along with weapons for hunting or other activities.
If you love the sports of archery, this case can easily hold your equipment like bow, arrows, and quivers. You never had to worry that the bow or arrows break or bend during long travels you do for competitions.
The weight of this case is almost 10 kg including foam, so you should be mentally ready to hold some heavyweight when you buy this case.
Conclusion
Our review team tried its best to compare all the best Pelican cases for guns and pistols. We would like if you to write in the comments which product you have chosen.
