Rifle Case Guide
By The Case Place Team · Updated October 2026 · 5 min read
The Pelican 1700 and 1720 are two of the most trusted long-gun cases out there. They're waterproof, crushproof, have wheels and padlock holes, and are TSA-friendly for flying with firearms when properly locked. The difference is about six inches of length, and that decides which rifles fit.
TL;DR — Quick Answer
The 1700 has a 35.76 in interior, which fits most AR-15s and carbines. The 1720 has a 41.8 in interior for longer rifles: full-length bolt guns, scoped hunting rifles, many shotguns and 20-inch AR builds. Measure your rifle's overall length, add an inch for foam, and pick the case that clears it.
Pelican 1700 vs. 1720 Specs
| Spec | Pelican 1700 | Pelican 1720 |
|---|---|---|
| Interior (L x W x D) | 35.76 x 13.73 x 5.35 in | 41.80 x 13.58 x 5.33 in |
| Exterior (L x W x D) | 38.47 x 16.42 x 6.14 in | 44.48 x 16.07 x 6.25 in |
| Interior volume | 1.52 ft³ | 1.75 ft³ |
| Weight with foam | 16.9 lbs | 23.1 lbs |
| Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Padlock holes | Yes | Yes |
Choose the 1700 if…
- You shoot an AR-15 carbine (16-inch barrel) or a compact rifle
- You want a single rifle plus magazines and accessories in a shorter, lighter case
- You want a case that fits across most SUV cargo areas
In Stock at The Case Place
$189 $304.95 list · Used, Grade B/C · Free shipping (lower 48)
Used, Grade B/C, with foam. Fully functional with more visible cosmetic wear, at our lowest price on a 1700.
Shop the Pelican 1700 Rifle Case →Choose the 1720 if…
- Your rifle is over about 34 inches overall, like a scoped bolt-action, a 20-inch AR or a precision rifle
- You're casing a shotgun or a lever gun with a long barrel
- You want room to grow into a longer build later
In Stock at The Case Place
$199 $319.95 list · Used, Grade A/B · Free shipping (lower 48)
Used, Grade A/B, with foam. A 41.8 in interior for longer rifles.
Shop the Pelican 1720 Rifle Case →💡 Pro Tip: Measure overall length with the stock at the length you'll store it, and include the muzzle device and optic turrets. Then add about an inch for foam at each end. Depth matters too: tall scopes and mounts need to clear the 5.3 in interior depth.
Flying With a Rifle Case
Both cases have padlock-protected hasps, so you can lock them for checked firearms. Airlines and TSA require firearms to be unloaded and in a locked hard-sided case, and you have to declare them at check-in. Check your airline's rules and local laws before you travel.
For more on long-gun cases, see our best hard cases for AR-15s and long guns and are Pelican gun cases worth it?.