The TRC39 Tactical Rifle Crate is a two-layer divided container featuring egg-shell foam, a water-resistant O-ring seal, and divided partitions for organization. Included is a gun tray that accommodates most short hunting rifles, tactical carbines, or break-apart shotguns. MSRP $140 (Photo by Michael Anschuetz)
March 11, 2024
By Antonio Acitelli
MTM Case-Gard offers its TRC39 Tactical Rifle Crate and “The Mule” Mobile Gear Crate. Measuring 431/2-inches by 14.7 inches by 111/2-inches tall, these are MTM’s largest storage crates. When closed, an O-ring seal protects the interior, and recessed wheels with a 75-pound tolerance make both crates easy to take to the range or backcountry.
Sharing the same exterior design as the Tactical Rifle Crate, The Mule Mobile Gear Crate trades out the gun tray and foam in lieu of more storage. Dividers and bins lets you organize gear. MSRP $120 (Photo by Michael Anschuetz) The Mule is the more straightforward of the two crates. With 81 quarts of storage space, its interior can be divided into three compartments of various capacities. The TRC39 Tactical Rifle Crate makes use of the same storage space to include a gun tray that supports modern sporting rifles, compact hunting rifles, and disassembled shotguns. Even with an occupied tray, a respectable 54 quarts of space is available beneath. Egg carton-type foam keeps firearms safe and protects them from sliding in the tray during transport. When used with the partitions, guns, ammo, and gear are all kept organized in one crate. No one wants to spend time at the range sorting or searching for gear.
Four no-break snap latches and adjacent tie-down points keep the lid firmly in place. Two low-profile wheels support 75 pounds. (Photo by Michael Anschuetz) Modular storage is a strong suit of the Tactical Rifle Crate and The Mule. Bins inside both cases can be moved or removed entirely to accommodate MTM Case-Gard products such as ammo and mag cans. The crates can also be stacked on top of one another, fitting neatly into specifically contoured tops and bottoms. Both cases feature tie-down points and four “no-break” snap latches with padlock tabs.
To evaluate these products, I took both crates to a wooded property for some target shooting with an AR-15. Given MTM’s claims that these could make good hunting companions, wheeling them along a concrete range floor wouldn’t cut it. I drug the wheels of each across debris and through knee-height grass without issue. I’d like to see MTM Case-Gard develop a long-rifle version. The durability and storage capacity would be great for hauling into a deer camp.
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Both the Mule and Tactical Rifle Crate are O-ring sealed for water resistance. Molded ribs add structural rigidity and strength. (Photo by Michael Anschuetz) Something that stuck out during this review was the feeling that MTM’s crates did not rely on any sort of gimmick or special feature. Both were simply well-executed, sturdy products that worked as they should, as if designed by shooters. These crates made efficient use of space and reduced clutter, sporting features that a person would ask of a gun or gear case. Is it water resistant, easy to transport, and secure? Yes, to all.
Sound Off Have a preferred way to get your rifles and gear to the range and back? email gaeditor@outdoorsg.com and use “Sound Off” in the subject line.
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