Field Tested: Axelson Tactical Axe Advanced Rifle Case

by
posted on August 25, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
axe_007_01-axelson-cover_01.jpg
While some rifles enjoy a rather sedate working life consisting of occasional trips to the range and a cozy nook in a fireproof gun safe, other rifles are regularly dragged through all the tough and unfriendly conditions the great outdoors has to offer. Axelson Tactical recognizes that quality long guns deserve top-notch protection and easy transport. The company has developed the 3-in-1 Axe Advanced Rifle Case (ARC) to meet the needs of those shooting enthusiasts who insist on working and playing in rough-and-tumble environments.



Axelson did away with the relatively weak and leaky hinged clamshell type outer shell in favor of a single-piece hard plastic tube with a molded-in carry handle and strap loops that allow the shell to be secured to ATVs and other recreational vehicles. The removable end cap seals the tube snuggly, allowing the case to float or be buried in an emergency. Lockable end caps that meet air travel requirements are available.

 

Inside the tube is a 38" multi-function, padded soft carry case. The interior is designed to protect an AR type rifle with pockets for rifle magazines, a handgun, handgun magazines and an integrated hydration pouch carrier. Because the case fully opens and spreads out flat, it can serve as a shooting mat in a pinch.

The soft case can also be converted into a comfortable and useful backpack. With the rifle removed, the case is folded in half and secured using the integrated straps. The padded shoulder straps extend from a concealed pocket. Once configured as a backpack, the ARC provides full access to the interior pockets, hydration pouch and Mollie straps for additional accessories. Strategically located support straps allow the pack to carry the rifle without sacrificing any of the interior storage space.

This is one of those products that might sound like a gimmick or too-good-to-be-true at first glance. But that's not the case with the ARC. It's a well-designed system that lived up to my expectations. It's a smart set-up that makes traveling short or long distances with a rifle much easier while providing a hard case, a range bag and a tactical backpack all rolled into one. The ARC is available in Black or Dark Earth. MSRP: $159.95

For more, visit axelsonusa.com.

Latest

EAA XXX 01
EAA XXX 01

EAA's Witness2311 CMX XXX & SC9 XXX: A More Practical 2011 Design?

New for 2026, EAA Corp. is downsizing the Witness 2311 CMX design with the CMX XXX and SC9 XXX, two handguns that are built around an entirely new magazine.

Lessons Learned About Long-Distance Shooting at FTW Ranch

At the SAAM/Impact Precision Advanced Course offered by FTW Ranch, students learned a few important lessons about long-range shooting that others might overlook.

I Carry: Springfield Armory SA-35 Polished in a Falco C631 Gorham Holster

In our latest episode of "I Carry" above, we're taking a closer look at the details of the new Springfield Armory SA-35 Polished, and we're packaging it with a high-quality leather holster from Falco Holsters, along with a new EDC knife from Work Sharp.

ATF Suffers Major Cybersecurity Incident

On Aug. 27, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced that an outside group had breached its systems in what it termed a "major incident."

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 28, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

A Conversation About Gun-Making in America

Recently, a paper titled “The American Tradition of Self-Made Arms" written by Joe Greenlee, director of NRA-ILA's Office of Litigation Counsel,was cited by a court in an important ruling on frame-or-receiver litigation.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.