Sometimes you come across a good piece of gear and want to tell everyone about it. It doesn’t have to be flashy or expensive. Sometimes, practical and affordable options are the best. That was my thinking when I picked up the MTM Short Barrel Rifle Case at last year’s GunCon. At GunCon, MTM Case-Gard had a booth set up with some pretty good show prices, so I was able to get the SBR case at a fair price. I’ve used it a ton over the past 10 months—but not often for SBRs. Let me explain.
Specs
First, let’s go over its specs and features.
- Model(s): MTM RC34
- Internal Dimensions: 34” x 9.6” x 3.2”
- External Dimensions: 35” x 11.8” x 4”
- Weight: 4.4 lbs.
- MSRP: $49.31
Features
The MT SBR Case is built specifically for compact long guns, providing a durable solution for storing and transporting platforms like SBRs, PCCs, breakdown shotguns, and small AR-style rifles.
Designed to fit firearms up to 34 inches in overall length, the case offers a good balance of portability and protection, making it ideal for range trips or extended travel. The molded shell is made from specially formulated high-impact plastic that resists bumps and damage, while high-quality egg-crate foam inside cushions the firearm and prevents movement during transport.
The case also features exterior stacking ribs that make it easy to stack multiple cases. Additionally, each case includes strap or tie-down grooves for secure transport. This feature is common throughout MTM’s lineup and is especially helpful on their ammo cans.
Four durable snap latches keep the case securely closed, and four integrated padlock tabs allow users to add locks for secure storage or TSA-compliant travel. A large carry handle enhances portability, and the compact design keeps the overall footprint manageable. At a small form factor, the RC34 provides a lightweight, travel-ready rifle case made in the USA.
How I Use It
This is obviously a rifle case designed for short-barreled ARs, rifles, and shotguns, but I tend to use it more for pistols. And no, not AR-pistols. Actual pistols. Generally, for my line of work, I need to take multiple pistols to the range at once. That includes a wide variety of magazines and other accessories. On top of that, most pistols will have an optic and light attached, as well as a holster. That’s a lot of stuff to carry.
Thankfully, the internal dimensions of the SBR case fit most of that stuff. Instead of carrying a single or double pistol bag and needing multiple bags, I can transport all of them in the SBR case. That makes things easier logistically.
Of course, it will also fit my assortment of SBRs and AR pistols without issue. I think it’d be cool if MTM added a case with similar dimensions but more depth. Then, you could layer guns in it with foam. So, instead of carrying just one SBR or shotgun, it could carry two.
Parting Shots
After nearly a year of use, the MTM SBR Case has proven to be a piece of gear I rely on almost every range trip. It’s not flashy, it’s not expensive, nor does it try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it focuses on doing a simple job well—protecting firearms during transport while remaining lightweight and affordable. The plastic shell, foam interior, and features like stacking ribs and padlock tabs make it a reliable choice for anyone carrying compact rifles or PCCs.
Where the case truly surprised me, though, is its versatility. While it’s designed for short rifles, the interior space also works well for organizing multiple pistols, magazines, suppressors and other accessories for range trips. For someone who often carries a lot of gear, that practicality is important.
At well under fifty bucks, it’s tough to complain. If you want a simple, durable case that offers more than its costs, this one is worth considering.