Inland Shooters

[ocabj]

Author: Jonathan Ocab
Date Written: 11/22/2007

Some may be wondering why I would be writing a review on a soft case for an over/under shotgun considering I don't shoot clays, skeet, or trap, or even own an over/under shotgun.


Uncle Mike's OU Shotgun Case pictured along with Creedmoor Sports AR15 soft case.

There is an ulterior motive for this review. That motive being that the Uncle Mike's Over/Under Shotgun (model #5208-2) case is perfect for carrying and storing a complete Service Rifle length (20") AR-15 upper receiver.

I tend to switch between upper receivers for my Service Rifle competition gun. I use one upper for competition and use another upper for practice. This way, I can practice using the same trigger (lower) and keep the round count low on my competition barrel. Sometimes I'll go to the range with more than one upper, but only one lower. So I have been looking for a good inexpensive method of carrying an upper receiver that also provides protection for the upper while it is banging around in the truck with all of my other range gear. I found a solution in the Uncle Mike's #5208-2 case.


AR-15 Service Rifle upper pictured in front of Uncle Mike's case

A typical AR-15 Service Rifle upper measures 28" in length (add about 1.5" if it has an A2 flash suppressor). The Uncle Mike's #5208-2 case measures 33.5" x 10.5" and is ideal for carrying a complete upper (separated from a lower).


Complete upper inside the Uncle Mike's case

The Uncle Mike's #5208-2 case has minimal padding compared to most soft cases, but it does provide ample protection for the AR-15 upper receiver. There are two pockets inside the case itself, which is meant for the separated halves of an over/under shotgun. It is best to put the complete upper inside the larger of these two pockets, since it will also serve to protect the crown of the muzzle.

The exterior of the case is a canvas type of material that is described as weather-proof by the Uncle Mike's product page. The interior lining is a soft, smooth poly-blend.


Upper placed inside one of the interior pockets inside the case compartment.

If you simply lay the rifle inside the larger compartment of the case itself, the crown/muzzle will make contact with the zipper.


No protection for crown/muzzle if upper not put into one of the interior pockets of the case.


Crown/muzzle protected if inside interior pocket of case.

So if you have multiple upper receivers that measure less than 32" in length and need a handy way to carry the upper by itself, to and from the range, while still protected inside a case, definitely get an Uncle Mike's Over/Under Shotgun Case (Model #5208-2). It is perfect for Service Rifle length complete upper assemblies and can be found online for under $35.