Best Shotgun Case for Duck Hunting Reviews of 2021
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Ready to show off that shiny new waterfowl shotgun you have for the new season? We bet that it looks real nice, though you better have some protection for it due to some of the harsh conditions that duck hunting brings. When duck hunting, you may have to spend your entire day wading, standing or sitting around in the water. If you are in the water for extended periods either in one location or, traveling to different spots, then the risk of dropping your shotgun in the water is real.
You may be tempted to buy a floating blind bag, but unfortunately, that's not big enough if you want to hold a shotgun. A specially designed camouflage case is, however, an excellent solution for keeping your waterfowl shotgun dry and safe. These cases are typically waterproof and designed to float if they are dropped in the water, giving you the ultimate peace of mind that your shotgun won’t end up at the bottom!
If you are looking for the perfect choice, then check out our reviews of the best shotgun cases for duck hunting below.
Top 5 Rated Models Comparison Table
Image | Case | Length | Water-resistance | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Editors Choice | 52” | Yes | |
 | 52” | Yes | ||
 | 52” | Yes | ||
 | 52” | Yes | ||
 | 54” | Yes. PVC-lining. |
Reviews of The Best Shotgun Cases for Duck Hunting
This 800 Series case from Plano is made from a 600D shell and high-density, closed-cell foam padding that is water-resistant, and not only good at absorbing impact, but also designed to provide some buoyancy should your rifle somehow fall into a lake or stream.
It has a heavy-duty Velcro strap that keeps it securely closed, and an adjustable shoulder strap for slinging over your shoulder.
Word of warning: The Gun Guard 800 is water-resistant, but not waterproof. It will help your rifle float if dropped into water but will not keep protect it entirely from any water getting. It is also too narrow to fit a scope on top of a rifle.
Overall, it’s a durable and high-quality gun case that adds some protection to your rifle and will keep it from getting wrecked if it falls into water.
Pros
- 600D shell. Durable
- Closed-cell foam padding
- Water-resistant
- Floats
Cons
- Not waterproof
The Punisher Case from Allen is 52” long and fits just about any shotgun or rifle. It’s made from a Realtree MAX-5 Camo fabric and a heavy-duty dual density foam, that protects and pads your gun from knocks and impacts. It’s fully lockable, and there’s an adjustable shoulder strap for carrying it in and out of the field.
The front main pocket has two rows of elastic straps to keep your gun secure, and a stretchy pocket for stashing gear. The three exterior pockets and storage flaps add some extra storage, and the rear pocket is designed for duck calls. The zippers are all oversized, to make grabbing with gloves on easier.
A few complaints; the double strap + Velcro design can make it difficult to access the pockets and is a bit unnecessary. And the case is a bit bulky; there’s tons of padding, but almost too much, and it could maybe be better served to cut down on some of it.
But overall, this is a high-quality shotgun case with tons of storage and plenty of padding to protect your gun.
Pros
- Super padded
- Lockable
- Tons of storage, pockets
- Oversized zippers
Cons
- Velcro + Zipper Configuration is overkill
- Somewhat bulky
Another floating shotgun case, this time from Mossy Oak. 52” long, it will fit most shotguns, and is made from a lightweight Endura 600D shell. Pair that with the 3/8” thick flotation foam, and it will keep your gun afloat should it take a dip in the river.
Like the Plano Gun Guard above, it keeps your shotgun secure, thanks to a full-length zipper paired with Velcro closure, and heavy-duty buckle on the end.
But again, bear in mind that is not a waterproof case so much as a water-resistant case, and you can’t expect your gun to come out completely dry. It also doesn’t fit scopes, like the Plano Gun Guard above it.
If it were entirely waterproof, we’d recommend this as one of our favorite floating shotgun cases. In the meantime, it’s a decent case that is cheap and durable. What else could you ask for?
Pros
- Endura 600D shell
- 3/8” thick flotation foam
- Water-resistant
- Full-length zipper
Cons
- Not entirely waterproof
- Doesn’t fit scopes
This Allen Company Shotgun case is a lot like the one above, but at half the price. It’s made from an Endura fabric, two-ply construction that is water-resistant, and lined with a heavy-duty floating foam to help keep your rifle afloat. The exterior is MAX-5 Realtree Camo, and it closes with a rugged Velcro hook-and-loop closure that keeps your rifle firmly seated, safe and sound.
So what sets this one apart from the others? It’s half the price, making it a very affordable option for a floating gun case. And it’s super easy to use; all you have to do is slip the gun in and Velcro it shut.
As usual, this case is not entirely waterproof - merely water-resistant. And unfortunately, it’s quality is not as good as it could be; some of the seams split with use, and some of the inside fabric tears. This might be expected for a gun case of this quality, but it is somewhat frustrating.
In the end, however, this makes a great choice for an inexpensive, floating gun case that will protect your rifle and keep it safe, no matter what.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Cheap
- Easy to use. Slide rifle in, Velcro shut
Cons
- Not the highest-quality or most rugged
- Not Waterproof
Another budget option. This floating shotgun case from Banded is made from a heavy-duty 900D fabric that is lined with a non-absorbing, closed-cell foam to provide flotation and protection. It fits rifles up to 54” long and has a very easy in-out due to the buckle closure.
Unlike other floating cases, however, this one has an inner liner of 210-denier, PVC-coated polyester, adding an extra layer of waterproofing. This makes it a better choice for keeping water out then other cases and boosts this case’s rating a bit.
With that said, it is a cheaper case, and the quality and craftsmanship aren’t quite up to par. The stitching comes loose easily, and the fabric inside tears easily. Lack of durability always knocks a case down in our eyes a bit and makes it harder to recommend.
Still, this one is on the lower end of things pricewise and has a PVC-coated liner for additional waterproofing. No, it’s not the nicest, nor is it entirely waterproof. But it is a decent pick on a budget if you’d like that extra layer of water-resistance.
Pros
- PVC-lined layer keeps water out
- Heavy-duty 900D fabric
- Floating foam
Cons
- Poor stitching. Inside fabric tears
- Not as Durable
What To Look For in A Waterfowl Hunting Shotgun Case
There are a few questions to ask about your potential shotgun case when shopping around:
Is It Waterproof?
Duck Hunting usually involves a lot of water, and you should be looking for a shotgun case that is at least water-resistant, if not entirely waterproof. You certainly wouldn’t want your gun to get wet or ruined, just incase it takes an accidental spill into the marsh.
Most gun cases are not entirely waterproof but are designed and built to provide enough resistance to keep your gun dry for a few minutes as you fish it out of the stream or marsh. In basic cases, this may simply mean thick, heavy-duty nylon, but sometimes means some kind of PVC or similar lining for waterproofness. These cases are definitely worth checking out.
Does it Float?
Okay, so it’s waterproof – but will the case float should it actually fall into a stream or pond?
Yes, actually – many of them will. A floatable gun case usually has some kind of open or closed-cell foam lining the interior of the case, providing buoyancy, retaining air and helping it stay afloat if dropped in, instead of sinking straight to the bottom. Combine that flotation with some water-resistance, and your rifle should be good hands in case of any accidental spills.
Does It Fit A Scope?
If you’re like most hunters, you will have a scope or optics of some sort attached to your shotgun or hunting rifle for accuracy and easy when shooting. It’s a good idea, thus, to look for a rifle case that can fit your scope without you needing to remove it or disassemble it; when you’re out on a cold day and your hands are numb, you’ll be thankful if this the case.
Is it Easy To Use?
The best shotgun cases are dead simple and easy to use: simply open the flap on the end of the case, slide the shotgun or rifle in, and Velcro or buckle it shut again. That’s all there is to it. Other cases often have full-length zippers, so the entire case can be opened and folded open flat; this makes it easier to fit more gear in but requires another few seconds of effort in the field. And, again, the zipper can be more difficult to use when your hands are numb and cold.
Are The Straps Strong and Sturdy?
Finally, check to make sure the straps on your potential rifle case are strong and reliable. Few things would be worse than a strap giving out and the rifle case falling off your back, potentially smashing your rifle on a rock below. Look for reinforced nylon straps and give them a quick strength test before entrusting your rifle to them.
And, while you’re at it, see if the rifle case has a sliding pad on the strap, which can add some extra comfort when carrying the weight of the rifle over long distances and for hours on end.
Final Thoughts
Our recommended Top Pick for a floating gun case is the Plano Gun Guard 800, which provides the best combination of water-resistance, ease-of-use, quality and padding, and will keep your rifle safe, protected and afloat in almost any situation. Our only real gripe with it is that it is narrow, and won’t fit wider guns or those with scopes, for example.
If you’d like a cheaper option, the Mossy Oak Reelfoot is another great choice; it’s a floatable gun case, comparably durable, and water-resistant - but a little bit cheaper. A great case that lets you slide your gun in and out quite easily.
All these cases are excellent choices and will help you keep your safe, dry and protected. Grab one for yourself and get out on the next hunt with some extra peace of mind.
