Tactical Operations drag bag

The "Tac Ops" version of a sniper drag bag that is a worthy standard to be measured against:



After finishing my sniper rifle project I was looking for a good solid range bag that could hold not just the rifle, but various equipment as well. I'd been using the Pelican 1750 which is a super nice lockable hard case, but it is heavy and not super practical for range trips.

Here's the deal about this bag; try to find a padded, durable rifle case, that has a shooting mat integrated, as well as TONS of storage for things like dope books, sand bags, bipods, rangefinders, etc. This bag has them all. It even has a special compartment for a suppressor.

The first bag I tried was the Blackhawk "Long Gun Pack Mat". Great bag, don't get me wrong, but there was almost no room for anything but the gun, and what bothered me the most was that when folded up into the gun case, the top remained open (folded together and clamped, but open). If I had my scope cover on, this was "OK" but if not, the top turret of the scope would poke out and be subject to banging around, etc.

I was going to buy the Blackhawk "Sniper Drag Bag", when I came across a review here for the Tac Ops bag, and since it fit my 24" rifle exactly, I had to buy it. Not only does it completely enclose the rifle, but there is a thick tongue of padding that completely covers the whole thing as it is being zipped up. (The top is as padded as the bottom as a result).

I have used the bag primarily on range trips, but it has by no means been babied. I toss it (ok, maybe not "toss") into the back of my truck, drag it out and I shoot prone from the mat often. I do wish the mat was 6 inches wider, because my elbows are usually off the edges, but elbow pads are a great solution for that, and help with grip and stability as well.

Two issues you do need to be aware of though: First, with all those pockets, this bag can get stuffed and when it gets stuffed it gets HEAVY! I actually wish the outside pockets were made maybe a third smaller. The straps for the backpack are on the back of the bag, against the compartment for the shooting pad which also adds to the width. Nice to have the backpack option though, and if you don't like it, easy to take them out, they simply unclip.

Second, my shooting partner is a big fan of cheaperthandirt.com, and he's found a very similar bag for the amazing price of $71. To be clear, the Tac Ops bag is not $71, it's more than 4 times that expensive. Now, my bag has really nice oversized zippers, and every detail is well thought out. We'll see whose lasts longer, and he has had to make his own shooting pad, but there is something to be said for 4 times cheaper - yikes.

To wrap up, I love this bag. I've carried my 700 in here a ton, and even doubled it up with a Remington 870 shotgun for a couple trips with no trouble. It will more than protect your rifle, and is a great transport option.