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

FN SCAR 01
FN SCAR 01

FN Releases New SCAR Rifles & QD Suppressors

FN made headlines when it announced it would discontinue its legacy SCAR rifle platform in 2025, but for 2026, the design is back and better than ever.

Review: KelTec SUB2000 GEN3 In 10 mm

At long last, KelTec has answered customer requests for a more potent version of their folding pistol-caliber carbine with its SUB2000 GEN3 chambered for the 10 mm Auto cartridge.

Lowering Decibels For Less: Lyman's New Sonicore Suppressor Lineup

As 2026 shapes up to be the "Year Of The Suppressor," firearm manufacturers are racing their new designs to market, and one of the most affordable options out of the gate is Lyman Products' Sonicore line of suppressors.

Nighthawk Custom Releases Trio Of New Pistols For 2026

Ahead of SHOT Show 2026, Nighthawk Custom announced it would be releasing three new handguns, all built with the company's "One Gun, One Gunsmith" approach.

I Have This Old Gun: Remington Nylon 66

When Remington Arms wanted an inexpensive, mass-market .22 rifle, the company's designers departed from traditional manufacturing materials. The resulting Remington Nylon 66 emerged as an incredibly innovative, durable design that went on to be produced in great numbers.

Nevada, Missouri Law Enforcement Agencies Adopt Springfield Echelon

Police departments in Nevada and Missouri became the latest law-enforcement agencies to adopt the Springfield Armory Echelon 4.5F as their official duty pistol.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.