Introduction
For most of us, our firearms are a significant investment. Protecting our valuable and prized rifles is something to take seriously and the subject of today. I use a variety of hard and soft cases to transport and protect my guns, but today I am looking a new one sent from Vulcan. Today I am sharing my thoughts on the Vulcan Weatherlock Rifle Case.
The Vulcan Weatherlock Case
The most important feature for a weapons case is to protect what’s inside. This is typically done by either padding the gun against a hard outer case, or simple padding alone. Soft cases and hard cases both have advantages and disadvantages so we typically have some of both depending on the planned activity that day.
Hard cases are great for air travel, or for carrying your gun in the bed of a truck to the range or hunting spot. Soft cases tend to take a little less space, and both weigh and cost less. The Vulcan Weatherlock case seems to be a little bit of a hybrid, it offers the versatility of a soft case while still giving some hard case benefits like protecting your guns from weather.
The Vulcan case has a water resistant shell that makes it great for poor weather, and additionally makes it easy to wash off. It also has a water resistant zipper to keep rain and snow out of your case. There are also available accessory pouches that you can attach to the case exterior.
Inside the case you will find a split-compartment for storing two different rifles under 40-inches long. The padded divider keeps two rifles from contacting each other inside the case. There are tuck-friendly pockets at each end, not for weird transformers but to help keep muzzles and buttstocks tucked neatly. It also has Velcro straps that can be used to secure each firearm in its place.
The exterior of the case has various molle attachment areas to put any accessories you’d like to add to your case. It also has several D-loops that you can attach slings or even shoulder straps to for different carrying needs. As well as some drag handles at each end for better grip. All of these features are incredibly robust, thick nylon webbing with very sturdy stitching makes them feel strong enough to hang from.
Transporting Rifles in the Vulcan Case
My day to day activities often lead me to transport many firearms. So the Vulcan Weatherlock case was easy to try out. I used it to store several rifles like my Desert Tech WLVRN and one of my AR15’s to drive all over the state. Because both rifles have a variety of bulky accessories I was surprised I was able to fit them both in the case, even with suppressors attached.
I also used the case to transport other rifles, some much less bulky that fit in it with ease. As I went through the paces of stowing and uncasing the rifles over the course of weeks I found a few things out about this case.
First off, lets talk about the zipper. The zipper has a heavy-duty T-handle, which is very handy. It’s also a bit necessary, because the heavy duty zipper does take a little extra effort. I assume this is partly due to its robust construction and water resistant seal. The Weatherlock case came with a small tube of lube for the zipper which is helpful and appreciated.
The nylon coated exterior of the case is very protective for the rifles inside. It also has a bit of rigidity built in. This almost makes the case feel like a hard case, that’s why I mentioned it’s kind of a hybrid in between. The rigidity can at times make it a tiny bit more labor intensive to close the case, but it pays off with its sealing and durability qualities.
Pay attention seamen; I can even imagine a scenario where the Vulcan case might save your firearms from becoming another ATF statistic. I expect the Weatherlock case would float should it be involved in these ever more common boating accidents. While I cannot recommend them as a personal flotation device, I bet it would stay buoyant long enough for you to rescue them should they pull a Wilson while at sea. Thats something you can’t expect from other soft cases.
I mentioned all the handles and other exterior features are also very robust. It honestly feels like you could tie a tow strap to either end of this case and use it to pull out a stuck vehicle. The only negative thing I could think of with this case is the possibility of eventually cracking. Though I expect it would take some serious long-term sun exposure or hard use to do so.
Pros and Cons
Lets talk about practicality. I have used countless soft cases over the years, and they all seem to have their benefits. With an MSRP of $279.00 the Vulcan Weatherlock case is not for casuals. A quick perusal of soft cases on Optics Planet shows plenty of options for much less, but they certainly don’t offer the same features.
The Weatherlock case offers superior protection than most, particularly if you spend time shooting in poor weather. Riding around tied to the back of my snowmobile or ATV I am quite confident my rifles will stay safe and dry.
Apart from its higher cost, I might say one down side to the Vulcan Weatherlock case is that it takes a little bit longer to open and close. But what it gives up in speed, it makes up for in strength and durability. The incredibly durable components of the case are built to last.
My Recommendation
If you are like me, constantly beating expensive firearms on the back of four-wheelers and in and out of vehicles, you will definitely find the Vulcan Weatherlock case to be valuable. And even if you aren’t as abusive as I am, you will find your firearms exceptionally safe inside the case.
Is it worth the price? Only you can decide if your rifles are worth keeping pristine, and the Vulcan Weatherlock case will certainly keep them that way. If you’re a guy who thrives on PSA blem daily specials, then maybe you should save your money to get that Civic bumper cover painted 🤣
-CBM