Two weeks ago I wrote an article titled, “SHOT Show Day 3: Faraday Defense Bags to Machine Gun Guitar Cases.” In that article, I highlighted a couple of brands that I found most compelling while in Las Vegas covering the 2022 SHOT Show. One of those brands was Savior Equipment. When I first saw the Savior Equipment booth at SHOT, I was immediately impressed with the quality, function, and design of their weapon cases. Beyond their look and feel, though, I didn’t know much else about the company.
Now that I’ve gotten my hands on a couple of different models of their rifle/shotgun cases, I can honestly say that I’m more impressed now with their cases than I was at that first sight.
According to its website, Savior Equipment is a gun case brand determined to make high-quality cases for prices that remain affordable for the vast majority of gun owners. According to Chris, its founder, “all hard-working Americans deserve a better quality product backed by the best service without sacrificing their valuable time and energy.” With that information in mind, Savior Equipment was created.
One of the things that stood out most to me about the cases was their design. Upon first seeing them, I just assumed that I was looking at $350 bags; and honestly, I almost wrote them off. I didn’t yet know about Savior’s mission or its product and trust me when I say that I am thrilled that I was wrong. Another feature I noticed was the variety of colors and designs they offer. They had camouflage of all colors: white, urban warfare gray, dark FTE, and of course, black. They also had a case they call the “Ultimate Guitar Case.” It was super unique and is a great “hidden in plain sight” case. I think I will add that case to my collection sooner than later.
While the “Ultimate Guitar Case” is a super unique covert case and one I’d like to add to my collection; for this specific review, I’ll be checking out the Specialist 42″ Double Rifle Case and the Specialist Covert 34″ Single Rifle Case.
Shipping and Product Packaging
I’ll start first with the quickness of shipping and how the cases arrived at my doorstep. I received the cases right a week after I ordered them, even though our mail service was disrupted for 3 days courtesy of the huge snowstorm that passed through the midwest this week. Despite that delay, I still had my hands on the cases within 7 days. To me, that is impressive; especially since I saw that they shipped from California and essentially chased that snowstorm across the western United States. Shipping expedience gets an “A.”
Secondly, the packaging was sturdy and arrived in one piece. The heavy-duty polyester cases were housed in thick plastic wrap inside solidly built cardboard boxes. Additionally, the boxes were taped together with a significant amount of packing tape so the order wouldn’t be separated. I thought this was a nice touch with the number of times in my life that I’ve had a two-box shipment sent, only to receive the two packages a week apart after one is lost in transit. Overall, I thought that was cool. I don’t recall ever receiving multiple-box orders taped together. That said, when I say taped together, I mean they were TAPED. As in, bring a knife. To me, that is a major plus, though; not at all a negative.
Unpacking and First Reaction
After cutting the cases free from their incredibly safe cardboard and plastic womb, I was impressed with the thickness and weight of each of them. When I say weight, it isn’t that the cases are what I’d label “heavy,” rather than the cases feel sufficient to protect the precious items I plan to place within. I have several long-gun cases that I’ve used for years as a police officer and they tend to be light, flimsy, and overly flexible. While we know that with all things ounces equal pounds and pounds suck to carry, I think Savior Equipment has found a happy medium between the protection of a hard case and the weight of a soft-shell case. I truly believe that I could drop a fully-loaded Savior Equipment case onto the concrete and not be scared to look at the carnage afterward. The case is stout enough for me to feel comfortable putting pricey items within but light enough to carry without needing an impromptu massage afterward.
One other unique thing I noticed just as I was about to discard the boxes was that on the inside of the cardboard boxes there are several different printed range targets. I thought this was a fun feature and it just shows how they do go the extra step in their attention to detail.
Materials and Features
Both of the cases I tested are made with a 600D Polyester shell, along with synthetic rubber and a Ripstop exterior.
The Specialist 42″ Double Case also boasts the following features:
- Rigid Hook & Loop Lockdown Straps
- MOLLE Strip w/ Adjustable Hook & Loop Straps
- Full-Length Removable Padded Divider
- 4 Padded Pistol Sleeves
- 2 Zippered Mesh Pockets
- Hideable Padded Backpack Straps & Adjustable Shoulder Straps
The Specialist Covert 34″ Case boasts:
- Padded Single Rifle Compartment
- Hook & Loop LCM Panel for Custom Configuration
- Full-Length Removable Padded Divider
- Exterior Accessory Pockets
- Concealed Pocket (with Loop Panel for Holster)
- Hideable Padded Backpack Straps
Usability and Storage Options
One feature I think I’ll appreciate as I use the Specialist Covert 34″ case more is its ability to blend in as something other than a “gun” case when in public. If you live in an apartment complex, for example, and you find yourself having to carry your weapon through a public space, this case is a Godsend. To me, the case looks like a cross between a violin case and an “adventure” type of backpack. I think I’m going to throw some Patagonia, NorthFace, Mountain Hardwear, Salomon, and Kuhl patches on the outside and let people just assume that I love hitting the trails. No one needs to know that it is a rifle on your back!
Some of the features I like best about the Specialist 42″ Double are the removable padded divider that allows the case to safely house two long guns when inserted, and the massive amount of storage options available within the case. One could easily put 4 handguns and two rifles in this case – each in their pouches. Beyond that, there are enough additional pockets to easily house ample ammunition for each of the weapons you could carry. Somehow, everywhere I look at this case I find more storage pockets or MOLLE attachments. It is fantastic.
Another key feature both bags have is backpack straps. The straps can be hidden away when not in use, but after loading the cases up and putting them on my back I don’t know why you’d ever carry it differently than that. If you already have a backpack on or just prefer not to wear it as a backpack, you can also sling the case or carry it on your shoulder. The straps are comfortable and well-padded and there is a chest strap across the front to evenly distribute the weight across more of your upper body. I wore the case around for approximately 20 minutes while just doing random tasks around the house and I forgot for a minute that I was wearing it. It seamlessly hugged my back and in that timeframe, I felt no hot spots or uncomfortable areas. Overall, the backpack straps are a great feature.
Final Thoughts
Whether you appreciate quality, price, function, or design; Savior Equipment cases are for you. They are stout enough to be protective, but light enough to carry on your back without pain. And, Savior Equipment’s mission just seals the deal for me. Too many times in my past I’ve purchased expensive cases because of a brand name or because of one specific feature they espouse. In this case – pun intended – I feel like I no longer have to choose between whether I’m going to buy a good case or whether I’m going to buy an affordable one. Well done Savior Equipment. You have a new customer in me.
