Firearms aren’t cheap. Even a budget pistol today represents a significant investment, and once you add an optic, weapon light, spare magazines, and ammunition, you’ve got even more money tied up in your range gear. It only makes sense to protect that investment while it’s riding in the truck or making the trip to and from the range.
There are no shortage of soft pistol cases on the market, from bargain basement imports to premium offerings. I’ve used quite a few over the years, and like most shooters I’ve accumulated a stack of factory cases that mostly sit on a shelf. I’ve had good luck with 5.11 products over the years though. I’ve had one of their rifle cases for a couple years now, so I was interested to see how their Double Pistol Case compared.
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5.11 Double Pistol Case Features
5.11 sent out a Double Pistol Case for me to check out. It’s designed to carry two handguns along with spare magazines and accessories. The case is 8.75 inches high, 11 inches long, and 3.5 inches deep, which makes it big enough for full sized service pistols. It’s still relatively compact though and would fit inside a patrol bag, ruck or larger range bag. The case is made from 1050D nylon and is fully padded to help protect your firearms during transport.
Each pistol has its own zippered compartment, and there are three elastic magazine loops on the outside of each compartment. 5.11 uses lockable YKK zippers that open on three sides so the case lays flat on the shooting bench, making it easy to get to your gear. Reinforced grab handles are provided for carry There’s also a name tape panel on the outside, although its a smooth strip so I don’t really know how that works. Maybe write on it with a paint pen? The double pistol case is available in gray or black and has an MSRP of only $40. It’s on sale for $30 on 5.11’s site at the time I’m writing this.
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Range Use
I’ve used the Double Pistol Case on a few trips to the range now. It will fit full size handguns like a 1911 or Beretta M9 along with their magazines. I’ve used it in that configuration, but also with Glock 19 and Glock 43X clones. I’ve also carried smaller pistols like my Ruger LCP MAX and Beretta M1934. The elastic magazine holders were snug enough to securely retain those smaller magazines as well.
The padding provides good protection for the pistols inside. I tend to toss my gear in the Jeep when I head to the range, and my pistols were no worse for wear after being thrown in the back and rattling around for a few trips.
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The zippers seem rugged and should hold up well if they’re anything like those on 5.11’s packs, which I’ve used extensively over the years. 5.11 also did a nice job with the grab handles. They’re sturdy and leave enough room for gloved hands.
At the range, I like that the case unzips all the way and lays flat on the shooting bench. It makes accessing both pistols and magazines quick and easy.
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Wrap Up
Pistol cases may not be an exciting piece of gear, but they’re a necessary one to keep you equipment safe. 5.11 does a good job with their Double Pistol Case. It’s well constructed of good materials, with a rugged zipper and well thought out design.
It doesn’t try to be too much either. Some bags get so big they’re cumbersome, or have so many pockets you can’t find things easily. 5.11 went with simple efficiency instead. Its a good choice for range use. If you need to bring more than two pistols to the range, they’re priced reasonably enough that you can afford to by a few too. If you have a 5.11 store local, go check them out in person. If not jump on the website and grab one or two while they’re on sale.
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