Rifle Cases DASTA

How to choose the right rifle case?

This is the most frequently asked question and it cannot be answered unequivocally, because there are a large number of cases on the market that differ in the materials used, the length of the case, the number of pockets or the focus of the cover itself. That's why we've created this complete guide to choosing a long gun holster that will protect your gun during transport.
Below, we'll go over aspects like the size of the case, the difference between a soft case and a holster, or the pros and cons of each version of these covers.

Our tip and plea:
We must point out one important fact. In the Czech Republic, it is mandated by gun law that a gun of any category must be carried/carried completely concealed. Failure to do so will result in a fine at best. It is absolutely unacceptable to play with the weapon or take it out of the holster in public!

We therefore ask all players to respect this fact and not to degrade this beautiful sport by handling an airsoft replica in an unprofessional manner!

Rifle holster size

How big a holster do you actually need? Of course, that depends on your guns. will you be carrying one long gun or two or more? Do you want to store accessories along with your weapon? Does the gun have a rifle scope, bipod, etc.? These questions need to be answered before buying a holster.
There are holsters for one or more guns on the market.
A single gun holster is designed to protect primarily one rifle or shotgun. They are the lightest, more compact and easier to transport. They can usually fit a rifle and scope, but make sure they are properly sized.
A two-gun holster can carry a single gun just as easily, and has plenty of room for some accessory items. Again, if you have two long guns with optics, you need to make sure that both guns will fit in the holster without any problems and there will be no risk of damaging the optics, for example.

Our Tip:
If you plan to travel with your holster, it's best to look for a model that has wheels. The wheels make transportation much easier, and some models even come with built-in luggage racks that you can attach the rest of your luggage to, making traveling easier.

Types of long gun holsters

There are two main types of long gun cases on the market, namely hard cases and soft cases. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages that make them better suited for different types of shooters. Let's take a look at the main differences between them.

Soft cases for long guns

Soft holsters are a great option for those looking for an affordable way to protect their guns. They are usually lighter and easier to carry than cases while protecting them from scratches, dents, prying eyes and other damage,

Storage space

Soft cases can often offer more storage space than hard cases, thanks to pockets around the perimeter of the case. So you can easily pack additional ammunition or other necessary equipment into them.

The versatility of soft cases

Soft holsters are quite versatile and have many uses. Made from a variety of materials from nylon to neoprene to cordura, these holsters also offer rain protection so your stored gun will stay dry even in heavy rain. 

Our Tip:
As an added bonus, the holster can also be used as a seat cushion or, in the case of a multi-day event, can double as a pillow.

Advantages of soft rifle holsters

•    Light weight: Soft rifle holsters are significantly lighter than their hard counterparts, making them easier to carry during outdoor activities such as hunting, shooting competitions and airsoft events.
•    Versatility: They are available in a variety of styles, including holster-style cases for maximum storage and simplicity, such as "sock" style cases, and fully padded satchels for maximum safety.
•    Portability: These cases are very compact, making them ideal for transport by car, train or bus.
•    Concealment: Soft holsters offer a discreet way to carry firearms that minimizes attention and potential theft risk compared to open carry rifles. In addition, carrying any weapon prohibited by the Firearms Act is visible in the country.

Disadvantages

•    However, soft cases do not offer the same level of protection as hard cases and may be more susceptible to weather damage or mechanical damage. If you're looking for maximum protection for your firearm, a hard case is a better fit.

Long gun cases

When it comes to protecting your airsoft guns, there is no such thing as overprotection. This is why many airsoft players but also shooters prefer hard rifle cases typically suitcases. 
Hard cases provide excellent protection from both weather and impact, so your guns will remain safe no matter what treatment they may be subjected to.

Inner padding

Hard cases provide the greatest protection for your airsoft guns. These cases feature polystyrene or foam inner padding that protects your gun from impact while keeping it secured and in place.
It is the movement inside the holster that is highly undesirable, especially at the risk of damaging, for example, the optics or collimator. In order to keep your airsoft gun safely secured, you'll want a quality and thick lining. Some holsters even have foam that you can customize to fit your firearm perfectly.

What material and type of case?

Several different materials are used in the manufacture of cases, but plastic and aluminum are the most popular. Aluminum cases are lightweight, yet extremely durable, they don't rust like some other metals. Plus, they are also relatively inexpensive, making them a great choice for shooters on a budget. Plastic cases are the most popular material for making cases. They are very strong, resistant to mechanical damage, waterproof, and lighter compared to cases made of aluminum.
However, suitcases can be considerably more expensive than soft cases and can be quite heavy, making them difficult to carry over longer distances. They may also not offer as much storage space as soft cases, so you need to consider what all you need to store in the case before you buy. Buying a suitcase with wheels is ideal for carrying.

Benefits:

•    Provide the greatest protection for your gun, both from mechanical and weather damage.
•    They are more durable and last longer.
•    Can be locked for added security

Disadvantages:

•    Heavier and harder to transport
•    Can be more expensive than soft cases
•    Can't fit in your car or bus as easily as soft cases

Features of the materials used

Manufacturers of all types of gun cases typically use durable and high-quality materials to ensure protection and longevity. The most common materials include:
•    Nylon: Nylon is known for its abrasion and mildew resistance and is a popular choice for its balance between durability and affordability.
•    Polyester: this material has excellent resistance to fading and stretching, making it ideal for long-term use in a variety of conditions.
•    Neoprene: Often used in inner linings for its cushioning properties, neoprene provides excellent shock absorption and water resistance.
•    Plastic: This is the material we will most often encounter in conjunction with suitcases. This material has the advantage of being highly resistant to mechanical damage, being waterproof and featuring high quality and strong linings such as hardened polystyrene and foam.

Locks and security

Some cases can be locked with a lock.
A lockable holster makes it easier to control who handles your gun.

Protection from water

If you're planning on going to an outdoor or multi-day event and the weather forecast is calling for rain, then you'll definitely want a quality waterproof holster. Waterproof holsters have their pros and cons. For example, the weight and size of these holsters are greater, but investing in this type of holster just makes sense to keep your gun protected from unnecessary getting wet while stored in a tent or shelter.
However, there is a slight disadvantage to this type of holster. If you have a waterproof holster that keeps moisture out when closed, it also keeps it just as well closed inside the holster. Therefore, you need to make sure that you have dried the gun sufficiently before putting it in the holster.

Cleaning the holster

Cleaning the exterior surface of any holster is very easy. Wash the outer shell with a mild solution of soap or detergent and rinse with clean water. If you own a case with a removable liner, we recommend removing it. The foam can absorb moisture and hold it when the case is closed, causing corrosion on most guns - even airsoft ones. Therefore, we recommend putting it in a place where it can air out well and the moisture can evaporate.

Tips for proper use and maintenance

•    Drying: Let the holster air dry thoroughly before storing the rifle to prevent moisture from accumulating inside the holster.
•    Condition Check: Periodically check the holster for signs of wear, especially for any rips or loose zippers. After all, nobody wants their gun to fall out of the holster.
•    Proper use: Make sure your rifle is securely and tightly locked in the holster so that it cannot shift inside the holster during transport. We recommend putting small accessories and short guns in the pockets and compartments provided.

Manufacturer's recommendations

With us you will find proven manufacturers, each of whom you will always be assured of quality protection for your weapons. Here we have a few of them who are worth investigating:
Nuprol: This manufacturer offers protective cases, in addition to various gun accessories, where you can find both single-gun models and large cases for multiple guns. We like to use them ourselves!
GFC: This well-known manufacturer has prepared different types of soft cases for us, where we can choose from different types and total lengths of cases. They are great in price/performance ratio.
Specna arms: This well-known manufacturer of airsoft replicas also offers protective gun covers. They offer both soft cases and hard cases. Like the GFC, these are cases in a good price/performance ratio.
Negrini: A well-known Italian company with more than 40 years of tradition in the production of protective cases, mostly gun cases.
DASTA: A very high quality Czech manufacturer, focusing on the production of cases for weapons and equipment. Their products can be found, for example, in Police, Army, etc.
Swiss Arms: Swiss Arms' product range is mainly aimed at the hobby market and offers high quality equipment at affordable prices.

Conclusion

There are many factors to consider when choosing a rifle holster, but the most important is to choose one that will fit your gun well and thus protect your gun well. Hard cases are usually more durable and offer better protection against weather, and mechanical damage, while soft cases are usually lighter and more affordable and will hide rather than protect the gun. The decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a rifle holster. Hard cases will definitely offer the best protection, while soft cases are lightweight and well packable, with plenty of pockets.