Travis Olander 03.28.23
You don’t always need to reinvent the wheel. Sometimes, it pays dividends to KISS: keep it simple, shooter. That’s the approach 5.11 Tactical, normally the big name in all things, well, tactical, did with their soft-serve single pistol case. It’s a basic-looking lil’ bag that’ll hold just about any handgun you own, plus some spare mags and kit. It’s a great price, but is it too cheap? Let’s find out in this review of the 5.11 Tactical Single Pistol Case.
The 5.11 Tactical Single Pistol Case at a Glance
The 5.11 Case is pretty straightforward: Ballistic nylon is what makes up the shell, with some pretty well-built nylon handles stitched to either side of the case. The zippers are YKK. They feel robust and don’t give any trouble opening or closing. The handle’s stitching is nice and solid, and the case can handle quite a bit of weight. A nametape is present for you to write identifying info.
Specifications – 5.11 Tactical Single Pistol Case
- Made from 1050D ballistic nylon
- Five elastic magazine straps
- Lockable YKK zippers
- Fully padded interior
- Weight (empty): 0.7 pounds
- Total Capacity: 168 cubic inches (3 liters)
- Interior Dimensions: 8.75″H x 11″L x 1.75″D
Although this pistol case looks unassuming at first, it’s pretty rugged. The 1050D nylon is thick and is water-resistant, so it can withstand a light drizzle or a wet-weather environment for a bit, without your gear getting soaked inside. The handles and their stitching are overbuilt, to say the least. They feel about as solid as the drag handle on a plate carrier, so it’s safe to say this case can hold more weight than you can fit inside it. I also like how the nylon is layered and folded around the edges of the case. No external stitching is present that could get frayed over time.
Zippers & Interior Compartments – 5.11 Tactical Single Pistol Case
The zippers wrap all the way around the case, allowing it to open up to lay completely flat. The zippers feel solid and don’t bind up when the case is loaded with gear. Inside, you’ve got the interior padded compartment for your pistol – it can easily fit two subcompacts, or one full-size 1911 or revolver – with five wide elastic bands for stowing magazines or other gear. The interior’s padding is concealed behind more layers of fabric, and both sides of the case come padded to protect both pistols and magazines.
Firearm & Gear Storage – 5.11 Tactical Single Pistol Case
I threw one of my Springfield 1911s inside with a few magazines, a tac-light, and a bladed multi-tool to give you an idea of what the 5.11 Pistol Case can hold. It provides plenty of room for equipment, and the elastic bands are wide enough to accommodate single- and double-stack magazines. The interior zipper is just as smooth as the ones securing the case, and I had no trouble getting the compartment opened or closed once it was loaded up.
Final Thoughts & FAQ – 5.11 Tactical Single Pistol Case
With a pistol case this simple, some might not be impressed. But its simplicity is why I like it. There’s no foam to cut or modify, no removable totes to play around with, no bells and whistles to break or tear away over time. It’s just a good, all-around soft pistol case. It trades those bells and whistles for a compact but well-protected container that doesn’t draw attention. It doesn’t even look like a gun case at first glance, and I find that to be a plus. Whether you’re getting to the range or wanting to organize your sidearms in your larger gun safe, that’s where the 5.11 Tactical Single Pistol Case shines.
Q: What kind of lock can I use on this case?
A: You can use any small luggage keyed lock or small combination lock. Obviously, this case won’t keep a thief out since they could technically cut into it. But it’ll do well enough to stop children or curious passersby from easily accessing your pistol.
Q: Is this case waterproof?
A: Not quite. It’s certainly water-resistant, thanks to its high-density ballistic nylon. It could easily be treated with any waterproofing spray, and the nylon will take it quite well. It’ll withstand the occasional splash and a light drizzle.
Q: What is the interior lining made of?
A: The interior is made from the same ballistic nylon as the exterior.
Q: What’s the height of the case with the handles included?
A: The handles add approximately 2.5″ of height to the total height of the case. Since they’re also made from nylon, they can be tucked down to the sides.
Q: Will this fit a pistol with a holster, too?
A: In some cases, yes. I found that you can easily store a GLOCK 19 with an appendix holster inside the compartment. Larger handgun holsters will probably not fit with the pistol stored in them, but I found you can tuck your pistol in its compartment and simply rest your holster between the magazine straps and pistol compartment. In this configuration, the zippers will still close relatively easily, and the bag won’t bulge too much.
