First Impressions of MTM Tactical 39in Rifle Crate
The MTM Tactical 39in Rifle Crate promises an all-in-one solution for transporting and storing your valuable firearms and gear. MTM, known for their practical and affordable storage solutions, ventures into the tactical realm with this crate, aiming to blend portability with organization. For years, I’ve struggled with mismatched bags and cases, juggling rifles, ammo, and essential kit – hoping this crate offers a streamlined answer to that chaos.
My need stemmed from a recurring issue: inefficient range trips and disorganized hunting setups. I’ve often found myself scrambling for gear, wasting precious time and potentially compromising safety. I was searching for a durable, organized, and portable solution to consolidate my essential shooting and hunting equipment.
Upon unboxing, the MTM Tactical 39in Rifle Crate presents itself as a lightweight, army green container. The plastic construction immediately suggests a focus on portability over heavy-duty protection. The divided interior and removable partitions hint at the organizational capabilities, although the egg-shell foam raises some concerns, as noted in user feedback.
Compared to a traditional hard-sided rifle case like a Pelican or a soft-sided rifle bag from Voodoo Tactical, the MTM Tactical 39in Rifle Crate occupies a unique niche. The Pelican offers unmatched protection but sacrifices portability and dedicated organization, while the soft bag is easily carried but lacks structural integrity. The MTM aims for a middle ground, emphasizing organized transport at a more accessible price point. I ultimately chose this one hoping its unique internal design would better suit organizing loose equipment.
My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. The lightweight design and organizational features are promising, but the overall build quality and flimsy lid raise questions about its long-term durability and suitability for demanding environments. It seems almost overpriced until considering it fills a unique niche.
Real-World Testing: Putting MTM Tactical 39in Rifle Crate to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the MTM Tactical 39in Rifle Crate during a trip to my local outdoor range. I loaded it with two AR-15s (without optics), several smaller ammo cans, magazines, hearing protection, eye protection, and a cleaning kit. The crate handled the weight surprisingly well, and the recessed wheels made it easy to transport across the parking lot and to my designated shooting bay.
The weather was dry, but the range was dusty. After a few hours of shooting, I noticed a fine layer of dust had penetrated the O-ring seal, coating some of the interior contents. The firearms were mostly protected by the eggshell foam, but the ammunition and accessories required wiping down. I did not try this in wet conditions.
The crate was simple to use; I was already familiar with crate designs, so there was no learning curve. The only initial issue was the aforementioned foam in the lid falling out when opened.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, primarily for range trips and occasional hunting excursions, the MTM Tactical 39in Rifle Crate shows moderate signs of wear. The plastic exterior has some minor scratches and scuffs, but the overall structure remains intact.
The hinges and latches are still functional, although the latches require a firm push to secure properly. The wheels continue to roll smoothly, but I’m concerned about their long-term durability if used frequently on rough terrain.
Cleaning the crate is relatively straightforward, requiring only a damp cloth to wipe down the interior and exterior. The foam padding is more difficult to clean and tends to retain dust and debris.
Compared to my previous experiences with dedicated hard cases, the MTM Tactical 39in Rifle Crate falls short in terms of protection and durability. However, it outperforms standard soft-sided bags in organization and ease of transport. This is due to the semi-rigid nature of the container.
Breaking Down the Features of MTM Tactical 39in Rifle Crate
Specifications
The MTM Tactical 39in Rifle Crate is designed as an all-in-one solution for storing and transporting hunting and shooting gear. The Manufacturer, MTM, specifies the crate has an internal length of 39 inches and comes in Army Green. It is designed to hold rifles and other related accessories.
The crate features a two-layer design: a lift-out gun tray with eggshell foam padding and two spacious compartments below with removable partitions. Four snap latches, padlock tabs, and a water-resistant O-ring seal aim to keep contents secure. Recessed wheels and large handles facilitate easy portability. These specifications matter because they define the crate’s capacity, protection level, and ease of use.
Performance & Functionality
The MTM Tactical 39in Rifle Crate performs adequately as a storage and transportation solution for firearms and related gear. The gun tray securely holds rifles up to 39 inches in length, while the lower compartments offer ample space for ammunition, magazines, and accessories.
However, the crate’s light-duty construction and somewhat flimsy lid detract from its overall functionality. The foam liner in the lid is a persistent annoyance. The O-ring seal provides only minimal water resistance, making it unsuitable for use in heavy rain or submerged conditions.
While it’s not perfect, the crate meets the basic expectations for a budget-friendly, organized storage solution. The recessed wheels and comfortable handles make transport easy over smooth surfaces.
Design & Ergonomics
The MTM Tactical 39in Rifle Crate features a utilitarian design, prioritizing functionality over aesthetics. The army green color and molded plastic construction give it a tactical appearance.
The layout of the interior compartments is well thought out, allowing for efficient organization of firearms and accessories. However, the lightweight plastic and somewhat flimsy construction detract from the overall sense of quality. There is a slight learning curve related to foam management.
Durability & Maintenance
The MTM Tactical 39in Rifle Crate is not designed for extreme durability. The lightweight plastic construction is susceptible to scratches and scuffs, and the hinges and latches may wear out over time.
The O-ring seal provides limited water resistance and may degrade with prolonged exposure to the elements. Cleaning the crate is relatively easy. It is recommended to check the latches.
Accessories and Customization Options
The MTM Tactical 39in Rifle Crate does not come with many accessories. It is ready to go directly out of the box.
The removable partitions in the lower compartments allow for some customization of the storage space. However, the crate is not designed to accommodate aftermarket accessories such as custom foam inserts or MOLLE panels. The top tray and partitions can be removed completely if needed.
Pros and Cons of MTM Tactical 39in Rifle Crate
Pros
- Affordable price point.
- Good internal organization with removable partitions.
- Recessed wheels and large handles for easy transport.
- Suitable for range visits with multiple rifles.
- Lightweight design.
Cons
- Flimsy lid and overall light-duty construction.
- Foam liner in the lid tends to fall out.
- Limited water resistance.
- Overpriced for what it is.
Who Should Buy MTM Tactical 39in Rifle Crate?
The MTM Tactical 39in Rifle Crate is perfect for casual range shooters, hunters who need organized transport on relatively smooth terrain, and anyone seeking a budget-friendly storage solution for their firearms and accessories. It is a good fit for individuals who need an all-in-one solution.
Those who need heavy-duty protection, waterproof storage, or a crate that can withstand rough handling should skip this product. This includes Military/LE professionals or those who travel frequently with their firearms.
A must-have modification would be securing the foam liner in the lid with adhesive or Velcro strips.
Conclusion on MTM Tactical 39in Rifle Crate
The MTM Tactical 39in Rifle Crate offers an intriguing blend of organization and portability at an affordable price. However, its light-duty construction and design flaws detract from its overall value.
At a price point of $99.99, the crate offers reasonable value for casual users who prioritize organization and ease of transport. The price is only justified if organization is your absolute priority.
I would cautiously recommend it to shooters who need a budget-friendly solution for transporting multiple rifles and accessories to the range. Secure the lid with adhesive. However, those seeking heavy-duty protection or waterproof storage should consider alternative options.