Pelican Cases

Pelican is headquartered in Torrance, California, and manufactures protective cases that are built to handle the kind of abuse firearms and optics see during travel. Since 1976, they have focused on injection-molded polymer cases with pressure equalization valves, customizable foam interiors, and long-term warranty support on many of their cases, rather than disposable, budget-level protection.

Protector Series

The Pelican Protector case line represents their core offering, available in over 60 size configurations that cover everything from compact handgun storage to full-length rifle transport. Long, wheeled rifle cases are built to accommodate typical scoped hunting and sporting rifles, while more compact cases work well for handguns, optics, and range accessories. All Protector models use Pelican’s signature double-throw latches and gasketed lids, with many models tested to IP67 for dust and water protection when properly closed.

Storm Series

The Pelican Storm case range uses a different latch system with single-action press-and-pull triggers and slightly different styling compared to the Protector line. Storm cases are often positioned at a slightly lower price point than comparable Protector cases while maintaining similar levels of impact resistance and environmental sealing. Longer Storm cases are popular choices for takedown rifles or for transporting multiple handguns and accessories in a single case.

Micro Cases

Compact storage options cover pistols, ammunition, and small accessories that still need proper protection from impact, dust, and moisture. Smaller hard cases in this family can handle everything from subcompact pistols to full-size service pistols with a spare magazine, and they fit easily into range bags, backpacks, or vehicle console storage.

Why We Stock Pelican Cases

For customers in the European market, we keep common Pelican case sizes in stock because the cost difference between proper protection and replacing damaged firearms or optics is significant. Pricing varies by size and configuration, but in general smaller accessory and pistol cases are considerably more affordable than large rifle or multi-gun transport cases, which reflects the amount of material and hardware involved. Competitive shooters, hunters who travel, and collectors moving valuable firearms all tend to converge on the same basic lineup of rugged hard cases rather than risking damage with ultra-cheap alternatives.

FAQs

What is so special about Pelican cases?

Pelican cases use high-impact polymer construction with gasketed lids and many models are tested to IP67 standards for dust and water resistance when they are properly closed. They incorporate automatic pressure valves that equalize internal pressure during air travel, which helps protect the seals. On their injection-molded case lines, Pelican offers a lifetime warranty against breakage or defects in workmanship, with claims handled through their official warranty process. Customizable foam systems allow you to shape the interior around your specific firearms and equipment instead of relying on generic one-size-fits-all inserts.

Why is Pelican case so expensive?

The manufacturing approach uses robust injection-molded shells with reinforced structural ribs, metal hardware, and more precise sealing surfaces than typical budget cases. That adds cost compared with thinner plastic, simple snap closures, or lightly built hinges. In return, hinges, latches, and seal areas are much less prone to early failure, so Pelican cases are known to stay serviceable for many years of hard use. Spread over that service life, the higher purchase price often works out cheaper than replacing multiple low-cost cases that crack, warp, or lose their seal.

Why do they call it a Pelican case?

“Pelican case” comes from the company name, Pelican Products, which has been designing protective cases since the 1970s. Over time, the brand has become so closely associated with hard protective cases that people sometimes use “pelican case” as a generic term for any rugged equipment case. Strictly speaking, though, it refers to genuine Pelican products, which have specific design, testing, and warranty support behind the name.

Does the US military use Pelican cases?

Pelican and Pelican-Hardigg cases are widely used in military and government contexts for transporting weapons, optics, communications equipment, and other sensitive electronics, and the company holds various government supply contracts. Many of their case designs are built and tested to meet common military and transport standards such as MIL-STD-810 and ATA Spec 300. The same characteristics that make them suitable for those users – impact resistance, environmental sealing, and long-term durability – are what make them attractive to civilian shooters and professionals who need dependable protection for their gear.