Best (Hard and Soft) Cases for the Mosin Nagant Rifle – 2022 Review

| Last Updated:
August 13, 2024

The Mosin Nagant, more formally known as the M1891 and its successive variations, is a legendary Russian bolt-action military rifle.

 If you’re lucky enough to own a Mosin Nagant and plan to take it with you on your next hunting trip, you’ll need a good case to keep it safe and secure.

While Mosin Nagants are inexpensive, some well-preserved examples can fetch a good price from collectors.

Comparison of the Best (Hard and Soft) Cases for the Mosin Nagant Rifle

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Interior padding for superior protection
  • Padlock tabs included for extra security
  • Hard case design that fits most long rifles
View Latest Price →
  • Made from water-resistant fabrics
  • Includes a removable shoulder strap
  • Features double stitching for extra durability
View Latest Price →
  • Adjustable sling included
  • Made from rugged fabrics
  • Includes four accessory pockets
View Latest Price →
  • Made from ballistic nylon
  • Includes a full-length zipper
  • Laminated Tricot lining included
View Latest Price →
  • Hardshell design
  • The interlocking foam inside
  • Designed to fit scoped weapons
View Latest Price →

Making it Fit

The Mosin is 48.5 inches long, which is longer than most other commonly used rifles, including the AR-15. So if you’re planning to use a rifle case off the shelf, make sure it will fit the Mosin. Instead of using a rifle case, a shotgun case may be more suitable for this rifle, due to their longer dimensions.

Hard Case vs. Soft Case: Which is Better?

If you’re trying to decide whether to go for a hard case or a soft case, the decision may boil down to your need for strength and rigidity versus lightness and portability.

A hard case provides the best protection, in terms of durability and resistance to knocks, scratches, and bumps. If you’ll be moving through rough terrain such as forests and woods, this is the toughest option. Hard cases also offer latches and are easy to maintain, as they can usually be wiped clean. They may also be required if you’re traveling in any commercial vehicle.

On the other hand, soft cases are good if you want to travel light and do not expect to subject your gun to bumps and drops while traveling. They can be slung over a shoulder and may even be shaped to conceal the silhouette of the gun. They do not offer as much protection as hard cases, but they often have external pockets and zippered compartments that make accessing your items a cinch. Soft cases are a good option for those who don’t want to advertise the fact that they are carrying around a rifle.

What Makes a Great Rifle Case?

There are a handful of characteristics and features that will make a rifle case stand out as an excellent choice for you. But deciding on a case should not just be based on your personal preferences. You need a case to ensure that your Mosin Nagant rifle is protected from the inside out. Here are a few characteristics and features that make a rifle case stand out:

Price

The price is one of those factors that isn’t necessarily a feature or characteristic. But granted, it’s something a budget shopper tends to look at first. What you need to understand is that quality and performance will always trump the importance of price. This means having to invest in the best quality you can afford. Do not settle for cheap, as you may end up with something that will fall apart on you or won’t provide maximum protection from dust or hard falls. 

Plano Aggressor 10527 Single Shotgun Case

Materials

High-quality materials are something you’ll want in a case. The better the quality, the better chance it will last you a long time. Some soft cases will even be very difficult to wear and tear due to the kind of materials its made from. Likewise, hard cases will be long-lasting and hard to break due to the materials used to protect the case. Nylon and polymer are just a couple of examples of the best materials you can find in a case.

Security

The purpose of a rifle case isn’t just to protect it from the outer elements like dust and debris. It’s also designed to protect your rifle from and bumps, bruises, falls, and even unauthorized access. It is important to choose a rifle case that will give you extra layers of security, so it can be inaccessible to children or unauthorized individuals in your house. However, as a precaution, you should store your Mosin Nagant in an area of your home where it will out of reach and only accessible by you. 

When you’re lugging around a rifle the size of the Mosin Nagant, you need a case that holds it easily. But you also want to be sure it will store any accessories securely and safely. A hard case with a durable and tough exterior, as well as good padding can prevent any shifting or scratches on your gun.

Straps or foam cutouts that gently hold the gun in place are also plus-points. If your requirements include air travel, then go for a hard case with inbuilt pressure equalization valves that will prevent damage to scopes or other sensitive accessories.

Review of the Best Mosin Nagant Cases

The following is a list of the five best Mosin Nagant cases currently on the market. As you go through each one, please take a moment to note all the features and characteristics that stand out. This way, if you have a good idea of what your ideal Mosin Nagant case should look like, you’ll be able to find one that is close enough and go from there.

Making the most of your Mosin means taking it on your outdoor trips for hunting or practice. If you don’t want to subject the gun to the wear and tear that results from travel, you’ll need the best case that can fit the rifle. We’ve rounded up the best cases for the Mosin Nagant based on fit, protection, and price. Now, let’s take a look at the first case on our list:

Best Overall:
Plano Aggressor 10527 Single Shotgun Case

Pros

  • Affordable for most budgets
  • Safe for travel, also TSA-friendly
  • Holds most smaller caliber rifles with ease
  • It allows for excellent protection and security from the inside and out
  • Inner case padding is nice and sturdy. Does a good job absorbing shock
  • Plenty of customizable storage inside

Cons

  • Some say the outer shell is quite flimsy
  • Some larger caliber rifles may have difficulty fitting in
  • May not have enough room for accessories like a sling or a scope
  • A bit of a rough finish, but this can be fixed with a knife or file

What Recent Buyers Report

New buyers were pretty happy with the rifle case. They managed to fit their Mosin Nagant rifles inside without any issues and kept them nice and secure. Another thing they were happy with is the TSA approval, thus makeing this case easy to travel with. One user said he traveled with his Mosin Nagant from Florida to Texas without any TSA issues. That cleared the path for a successful hunting trip.

Why it Stands Out to Us 

The Plano brand has been known for building gun cases and tackle boxes for many years (if not decades). So it makes sense to see them make the list for making a pretty sturdy case for rifles like the Mosin Nagant. On the inside and out, it provides excellent protection for most long rifles. The outer shell is made from hardened materials to protect your rifle from dust and a good deal of shock associated with hard-surface falls. 

This shotgun hard case fits the Mosin Nagant well, with its dimensions being 53.5" long x 10" wide x 5" high. It features internal storage compartments and bail-style latches. For added security, you can use the padlock tabs. The internal storage has dividers so you can arrange it however you like. The case has a rugged look due to the engraved landscape scene on the outside.

Who Will Use This Most 

This would ideally make a great case for those who hunt or go to the range on a regular basis. It’s also the best case you can work with if you like to travel from one place to another for the purpose of hunting. So, if you want a great case that is travel-friendly and won’t get you in deep trouble at the airport, this is the case you need for your Mosin Nagant. 

Bottom Line

The Plano 10527 Gun Guard FL Aggressor Single Rifle/Shotgun Case is perhaps one of the best Mosin Nagant cases in the business, and for a few good reasons. This will give you the best in protection and will make traveling with your Mosin Nagant rifle a whole lot easier. You probably won’t find a case quite like this anywhere else, especially if you are traveling cross country to nail some pretty big hunting targets you don’t find in your backyard.

Runner-up:
US PeaceKeeper P14552

[amazon fields="B001QDP3RA" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]

Pros

  • Really simple design
  • The shoulder strap is easily removable
  • Double-duty zippers move nice and smooth
  • Long enough for most rifles, including your Mosin Nagant
  • Padding is quite thick, does a great job protecting your rifle
  • Sturdy construction
  • Perfect fit for the Mosin Nagant

Cons

  • A few were not appreciative of the plastic parts on the shoulder strap
  • Some complained about the case being a bit too long for some rifles
  • May not be TSA-friendly. Please check the rules and regulations before considering air travel with this case
  • Won’t fit guns with a scope

What Recent Buyers Report

Most new buyers were pretty happy with the overall case. They said it was at the perfect size and had no trouble fitting their Mosin Nagant rifle inside it. Furthermore, they were pretty satisfied with the amount of padding the case provided to ensure excellent protection from hard falls. One user said he dropped it by accident while carrying it around once and shockingly enough, didn’t damage the rifle after what appeared to be a six-foot fall. 

Why it Stands Out to Us 

This case is made from water-resistant fabrics. So if you are carrying your Mosin Nagant rifle outdoors and all of a sudden it starts to rain, you won’t have to worry about the case getting ruined. Don’t confuse this with the case being waterproof (because it really isn’t). But if you want to protect your Mosin Nagant rifle from the bad weather, you’ll have a case that will be pretty protective of what nature will use to wreak havoc on your trip. On top of that, it’s a pretty good fit for most rifles and is quite comfortable to carry around. If you’re looking for a case with these kinds of abilities, this might be the perfect case to go with. 

The soft case is designed for shotguns, is made from 600 Denier water-resistant fabric, and has 1.5" thick padding. For security, you have a double zipper and some added space outside the case in the external zippered accessory pocket. It fits the Mosin Nagant perfectly and the brushed Tricot finish will protect the rifle’s surface. It comes with a lifetime warranty and weighs 1.4 pounds. The construction is sturdy and durable.

Who Will Use This Most 

This would be the best carrying case for hunters, especially when they need something to make transportation easy and convenient. On top of all that, this is the case you’ll want on hand to keep weather elements from damaging your gun. If you want a case that is soft, protective, and pretty dang sturdy, this just might be right up your alley.

Bottom Line

The US PeaceKeeper is a soft case built tough and built to last. So if you want a case that will last you quite a while and will be very hard to wear and tear, this could the best choice for you. Plus, the carrying straps will have no problem handling even some of the heavier rifles you may have, as well. 

Best for the Money:
Allen Daytona Gun Case

[amazon fields="B073XV15Q6" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]

Pros

  • Affordable for most budgets
  • Comfortable to carry around
  • Does a great job protecting your rifle
  • The loop and hook are nice and sturdy
  • Nice and thick, also really well-padded
  • Durable material and strong construction

Cons

  • The zipper may be a little stiff at times
  • Scoped rifles may have a hard time fitting in this case
  • Some have complained about the inside lining being a little less durable than expected

What Recent Buyers Report

As expected, a lot of new users were pretty satisfied with the case. Not only were they happy with how ridiculously affordable it was, but they were also happy with the inside padding being nice and thick. They were confident in the case’s ability to provide them with excellent protection against outside environmental elements and hard falls. One user said the case was also easy to transport without completely falling apart.

Why it Stands Out to Us 

This case is made from soft materials that are really difficult to wear and tear. Not to be outdone, the straps included on this bad boy are pretty tough. So, if you have a rifle packed inside this case, you can hang it up or carry it over your shoulder without risking the straps busting apart. Either way, it proves itself to be very sturdy and can handle heavy rifles with ease. So if you want a case that won’t easily fall apart on you, this could be exactly what you need. 

The shotgun soft case from Allen fits shotguns up to 52", so the Mosin Nagant should fit perfectly. It comes with four accessory pockets and thick foam padding and has an easy-to-clean lining.

The construction of the case is durable, as it is made from strong fabric. The zippers are strong and it comes with an adjustable sling for easy carrying.

Who Will Use This Most 

This will likely be used by Mosin Nagant hunters. But it can also be great for those who use their rifles for other applications like target shooting (casual and competitive). This case was designed to handle the simple tasks a Mosin Nagant case is designed to do. So if you want something that will be simple and straightforward to use, this case might be what you’ll need. 

Bottom Line

The Allen Daytona Gun Case is a simple, easy to use Mosin Nagant case that will make a great starter case for those who want something simple, affordable, and easy to carry. You’ll have an excellent user experience with this case if you load up your Mosin Nagant and take it with you. Don’t be surprised that this case looks cheap but will actually go above and beyond the call of duty to give you superior protection.

4. Bulldog Cases Pit Bull Shotgun Case

[amazon fields="B00162NUTE" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]

Pros

  • Really sturdy straps
  • Fits all kinds of long rifles
  • Excellent quality, really durable
  • Super-affordable for most users
  • Fits scoped Mosin Nagants with ease

Cons

  • May not fit other accessories
  • Zipper quality isn’t great, but it’s decent
  • Not much storage space

What Recent Buyers Report

A lot of new users were happy with the carrying case. Most of them have purchased this as a first-time carrying case. One user said it provides some pretty decent protection and allows for easy transporting from point A to point B. The straps were quite sturdy and managed to keep a good hold while users were carrying it around. 

Why it Stands Out to Us 

This case is a pretty solid soft case for Mosin Nagant rifles. Not to mention, it’s made from the best materials that give it a good quality to make it last a long time. Plus, it’s at the right length for so many long rifles. So if you own a Mosin Nagant that you don’t want to leave home without, this might be the case you’ll want to have on hand whether you’re taking a trip to the range or spending the day hunting. 

The Bulldog Pit Bull Shotgun Case is a soft case made from waterproof nylon. It fits the Mosin Nagant perfectly, according to previous buyers. It includes 1 ½” padding and a brushed Tricot lining to protect the surface of the gun from scratches.

Who Will Use This Most 

This would be a great all-purpose Mosin Nagant case, whether you are a hunter or a target shooter. If you want a case that will easily fit a rifle like a Mosin Nagant, you’d be hard-pressed to find a case quite like this anywhere else. Especially when you want something that is solid in construction and will be incredibly difficult to wear and tear. 

Bottom Line

The Bulldog Pitbull Shotgun Case is overall one of the best carrying cases you can have for the Mosin Nagant you use most. It’s reliable and will fit your rifle without any kind of issues. So if you simply want a case for the purpose of transport, this could be your cup of coffee. 

5. Plano Pillarlock Pro Max Single-Scoped Rifle Black Hard Case

[amazon fields="B00AJ3ABAW" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]

Pros

  • Easy to clean
  • Solid and sturdy construction
  • Super durable, both inside and out
  • Fits scoped rifles without any issues
  • Padding is nice and thick, does a good job protecting your rifle from shock
  • Secures your weapon nicely

Cons

  • Some say the foam could be a little firmer
  • A few complained about the latches not rotating easily
  • Some say the outer shell is a little thinner than expected
  • Not sturdy enough for air travel

What Recent Buyers Report

A lot of new buyers were quite happy with the case, in general. They said it allowed for excellent security and provided great protection from shock and outside environmental elements. One user said he prefers hard cases and this one, in particular, fits his needs and preferences to a T. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This case is quite large in size, so it stands out as one of the best in the business when you want to load your rifle without having to remove any scopes or other accessories that make your Mosin Nagant a force to be reckoned with. Not only that, it will keep you from wasting time taking apart the accessories just so the rifle can fit. But nonetheless, it’s a hardshell case that will give you protection and security all in one great package. 

This hard case is fine for light travel. It can accommodate scoped weapons as well, including the Mosin Nagant rifle. The interior dimensions are 52" X 3.75" X 10.25" and it is very secure due to the four fasteners and padlock holes. Your rifle will be cushioned by the interlocking foam, but the case may not be robust enough for air travel. It is recommended for transporting your gun to the range and back.

Who Will Use This Most 

If you are a hunter or a target shooter, this carrying case would be perfect if you’re looking for something that will make transportation easier than ever. Since it’s not heavy in weight, that makes it a whole lot easier for you. If ease of transport is what you look for in a carrying case, this just might be the one you’ll want for the long term.

Bottom Line

The Plano 1511-05 Pillared SGL Case is a simple hard case you can have on hand for the purpose of carrying around your upgraded Mosin Nagant. You don’t have to detach all your accessories just to make your rifle fit with this case. Just pack it in and go to your hunting or target shooting destination without any issues. Don’t be surprised if it ends up lasting you a long time because of the overall quality. 

Conclusion

The choice of case for Mosin Nagants is somewhat limited by the gun’s length, leaving mainly shotgun cases as the primary choice. A historic rifle, such the Mosin, deserves to be kept in pristine condition when not being used, so investing in a durable case is a great idea. That way you get to use the gun, while also preserving its beauty and protecting it from the elements.

At the same time, you won’t be prevented from enjoying your gun outdoors with a good case to keep it safe.  Keep in mind your storage and travel requirements when choosing a case, and weigh the pros and cons of a hard or soft case.

Leave a Comment