Let’s Talk About Carry All 8.5in Pistol Case
The Carry All 8.5in Pistol Case is a simple, budget-friendly solution for transporting your handgun. This soft-sided case from Carry All promises to protect your firearm from scratches and minor bumps during transport. For shooters looking for a no-frills, lightweight option at an incredibly affordable price point, this pistol case might just fit the bill.
I needed a basic, inexpensive case to safely transport a newly acquired .22LR pistol to and from the range. I wasn’t looking for something heavy-duty, just something to keep it separate from other gear and provide a bit of padding. The Carry All 8.5in Pistol Case seemed like the perfect candidate given its compact size and low price.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the lightweight nature of the case. The Condura material felt reasonably durable, though certainly not as robust as higher-end cases I’ve used. The internal lining appeared soft enough to prevent scratches on my pistol’s finish.
Compared to hard-sided cases from brands like Plano or soft cases from more tactical-focused brands such as Voodoo Tactical, the Carry All 8.5in Pistol Case sacrifices a lot in terms of protection. However, those cases also come at a significantly higher cost. I chose this one for its simplicity and affordability, understanding its limitations.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It seemed like a decent value for the price, but I was eager to see how it would hold up to actual use and whether its low price point meant equally low quality.
Real-World Testing: Putting Carry All 8.5in Pistol Case to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Carry All 8.5in Pistol Case during a routine trip to my local indoor shooting range. I used it to transport a small-frame .22LR pistol. It fit snugly inside, with just enough room to zip it closed without excessive force.
The case performed adequately in the controlled environment of the range. The padding offered basic protection from scratches as I moved the case in and out of my range bag. The zippers functioned smoothly, even with repeated use during the session.
I didn’t experience any major issues, but I did notice that the thin Condura material offered very little impact protection. A drop onto a hard surface would likely damage the pistol inside.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of weekly range trips, the Carry All 8.5in Pistol Case is showing some minor signs of wear. The Condura material is slightly frayed around the zipper seams. However, the zippers themselves still function reliably.
The case’s durability is definitely a weak point. It’s designed for light use and doesn’t offer much resistance to abrasion or impact. Cleaning is simple – a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.
In comparison to a higher-end pistol case I used previously, the Carry All 8.5in Pistol Case falls short in terms of overall protection and longevity. However, given the significant price difference, it has served its purpose adequately as a basic transport solution.
Breaking Down the Features of Carry All 8.5in Pistol Case
Specifications
- The Carry All 8.5in Pistol Case is designed to accommodate pistols up to 8.5 inches in length. This makes it suitable for compact and subcompact handguns, as well as some smaller revolvers.
- The case is constructed from Condura nylon fabric. This provides a degree of water resistance and abrasion resistance.
- The interior is lined with a soft, scratch-resistant fabric. This helps protect the firearm’s finish.
- The case features a full-length zipper closure. This allows for easy access to the pistol.
- The dimensions are approximately 8.5 inches (length) x 6 inches (height). This compact size makes it easy to store in a range bag or backpack.
These specifications are important because they dictate the size of the firearm that can be accommodated, the level of protection offered, and the ease of use. The size is a limiting factor, but the lightweight Condura and scratch-resistant lining do enhance the utility for basic transport.
Performance & Functionality
The Carry All 8.5in Pistol Case performs its primary function – protecting a pistol from scratches during transport – reasonably well. It’s simple to use; just unzip, place the pistol inside, and zip it closed. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry.
The main weakness is the lack of substantial padding. This offers minimal impact protection. Improvement could be made by adding a thicker foam padding or reinforcing the Condura material.
For its intended purpose as a basic, affordable case, it meets expectations. Someone seeking serious protection should consider a hard case or a more robust soft case.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is simple and functional, with no unnecessary frills. The Condura material feels reasonably durable for its weight, and the soft interior lining is a plus. However, the overall build quality reflects the low price point.
The case is very user-friendly, requiring no learning curve. The zipper operates smoothly, and the size is convenient for storage.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability is a concern. The thin Condura material and basic construction are unlikely to withstand heavy use or rough handling. Maintenance is straightforward – a quick wipe-down is usually sufficient.
Given its construction, I anticipate that the case will last for a reasonable amount of time with gentle use. However, it’s not designed for heavy-duty applications or long-term durability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Carry All 8.5in Pistol Case comes with no additional accessories. There are no customization options available. Its simple design focuses solely on basic pistol protection during transport.
It is not specifically designed to be compatible with any particular brand or accessory, other than fitting the appropriate sized pistol. The minimalist design offers no MOLLE webbing or internal straps for securing magazines or other accessories.
Pros and Cons of Carry All 8.5in Pistol Case
Pros
- Extremely affordable price point. Makes it accessible to budget-conscious shooters.
- Lightweight and compact design. Easy to store and transport.
- Soft interior lining. Protects the firearm’s finish from scratches.
- Simple and user-friendly. No learning curve required.
- Adequate for basic protection. Suitable for preventing scratches and minor bumps during transport.
Cons
- Minimal impact protection. Thin padding offers little protection from drops or impacts.
- Questionable long-term durability. The Condura material and basic construction may not withstand heavy use.
- No additional features or customization options. Lacks magazine pouches, MOLLE webbing, or other enhancements.
Who Should Buy Carry All 8.5in Pistol Case?
The Carry All 8.5in Pistol Case is perfect for casual shooters who need a basic, inexpensive way to transport their handguns to and from the range. It is also suitable for those who want to store their pistols safely at home, protecting them from dust and scratches. College students or anyone on a strict budget might find this case adequate for their needs.
Those who need maximum protection for their firearms, such as competitive shooters, law enforcement officers, or individuals who frequently travel with their handguns, should skip this product. They should invest in a more robust hard-sided case with thicker padding and a more durable construction.
A must-have modification would be to add extra padding. Cutting some foam and inserting it into the case would significantly improve the impact protection, although this would require some DIY effort.
Conclusion on Carry All 8.5in Pistol Case
The Carry All 8.5in Pistol Case is a no-frills, budget-friendly option for basic pistol protection. It offers minimal impact protection and may not be the most durable choice. However, for its incredibly low price, it performs its primary function adequately: protecting a handgun from scratches and minor bumps during transport.
The price is definitely justified for what you get. It’s hard to argue with such an affordable option when you just need a simple case.
I would cautiously recommend it to those who understand its limitations and need a basic, inexpensive solution. If you’re looking for serious protection, look elsewhere. But if you just need a simple case to keep your pistol from getting scratched, the Carry All 8.5in Pistol Case will do the job. Consider purchasing if you value affordability and simplicity above all else.
