How to Measure Your Rifle for a Tactical Case: A Simple Guide

When it comes to buying a tactical gun case, the most important step is knowing the exact size of your rifle. A case that’s too small won’t fit, and one that’s too big won’t offer proper protection. That’s why measuring your rifle correctly is the first thing you should do before hitting the “buy” button.

This quick guide will walk you through the easy steps to measure your rifle and choose the perfect tactical case for it.

Why Proper Measurement Matters

Tactical gun cases are designed to fit snugly around your firearm to keep it safe during travel, storage, or while heading to the shooting range. A good fit helps:

Prevent scratches and damage
Keep your rifle secure during movement
Meet legal or airline transport requirements

What You’ll Need

To get started, you’ll need just a few basic tools:

A tape measure or measuring stick
A flat surface like a table or floor
A pen and paper to note the measurements

Step-by-Step: Measuring Your Rifle

📏 1. Gather What You Need

You don’t need any fancy tools to do this. Just grab:

A measuring tape (a soft tape works best)
A notepad or phone to jot down measurements
Your rifle (unloaded and safe, of course)

📐 2. Measure the Overall Length

This is the most important measurement.

Lay your rifle flat on a table or floor.
Start your measuring tape at the tip of the barrel.
Stretch the tape to the end of the stock (butt of the gun).

👉 This gives you the full length of your rifle.

Example: If your rifle measures 39 inches, you’ll want a case that’s at least 41 to 43 inches long to allow some extra space.

🧱 3. Check the Height and Width

Most tactical cases are a bit padded or shaped to fit rifles snugly. But still, it’s smart to check:

Height (thickness): Measure from the top of the scope (if attached) down to the bottom of the grip or magazine.
Width (side to side): If you have a mounted scope, flashlight, or other accessories, measure the widest point.

✅ This helps you avoid buying a case that’s too tight or doesn’t zip properly.

🎯 4. Think About Your Setup

If you use attachments like:

Scopes
Red dot sights
Extended magazines
Bipods
Suppressors

…it’s better to measure the rifle with all accessories on it, unless you plan to remove them each time.

Also ask yourself:

Will I carry extra gear in the case?
Do I need pockets for ammo or tools?
Do I want foam padding or custom compartments?

These answers will help you choose between a soft or hard tactical case.

🔁 5. Leave a Little Wiggle Room

Never buy a rifle case that is the exact same length as your rifle. Always add 1.5 to 3 inches extra to be safe.

This space helps with:

Zipping the case easily
Avoiding pressure on the rifle or accessories
Adding extra padding or dividers if needed

Choosing the Right Case Size

Once you have your measurements, it’s time to find a case that fits them. As a general rule:

Soft cases: Get one that’s at least 1-2 inches longer than your rifle
Hard cases: Aim for 2-3 inches longer for padding and accessories

Don’t go overboard — a 40-inch rifle doesn’t need a 50-inch case unless you’re carrying extra gear inside.

Extra Tips Before You Buy

Think about accessories: Do you plan to store extra magazines, a cleaning kit, or ammo in the case? If so, look for cases with compartments.
Plan for the future: If you might upgrade your optic or add attachments later, leave a little room.
Airline travel? Make sure your case meets TSA guidelines (especially for hard cases).

Final Thoughts

Measuring your rifle isn’t hard, but it’s something many people skip — and regret later. Taking just 5 minutes to get the size right can save you time, money, and frustration.