Let’s Talk About Sentry Armadillo Water Resistant Firearm Cover
The Sentry Armadillo Water Resistant Firearm Cover is a packable, lightweight solution designed to protect your rifle, shotgun, or AR from the elements. Manufactured by Sentry, this cover offers protection from muzzle to stock, even when shouldered, and easily folds for compact storage. Its water-resistant material and stretchable fabric, coupled with a drawstring, ensures a snug fit around your weapon’s unique configuration, promising peace of mind during hunts or competitions.
My journey to finding the Sentry Armadillo started with a soaked rifle during a late-season deer hunt in the Pacific Northwest. I needed something to keep my firearm dry and protected, but also compact enough to carry without adding significant weight or bulk to my pack. Other options I considered included traditional gun socks and full-sized hard cases.
The Sentry Armadillo immediately impressed me with its lightweight design and packability. Pulling it out of its packaging, the material felt durable, yet surprisingly soft and silent. The Sentry Armadillo felt much more pliable and adaptable than a rigid case.
My initial thought was, “This might actually be the perfect solution for those unpredictable weather days.” I was excited to put it to the test and see if it lived up to its claims of water resistance and ease of use in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Sentry Armadillo Water Resistant Firearm Cover to the Test
First Use Experience
I field-tested the Sentry Armadillo Water Resistant Firearm Cover on a weekend upland bird hunt in the high desert of Oregon. Conditions were mixed, with periods of light rain and gusty winds kicking up dust. The cover slipped easily over my shotgun, and the drawstring cinched down nicely around the stock and forend, keeping the elements out.
During the rain showers, the water-resistant material beaded up nicely, preventing moisture from soaking into the firearm. I was particularly impressed that I could keep my shotgun shouldered and ready while still being shielded from the elements. The stretchable fabric accommodated my optic without issue.
No issues arose, however, after a full day of walking and hunting, the Sentry Armadillo showed some signs of minor wear around the muzzle area from brush.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple hunts and range trips, the Sentry Armadillo Water Resistant Firearm Cover has held up well, overall. There are no rips or tears in the fabric, and the drawstring still functions perfectly. The initial minor wear around the muzzle hasn’t worsened.
Cleaning is simple; I just wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use to remove any dirt or grime. It’s far easier to maintain than cleaning a firearm that’s been exposed to the elements. Compared to carrying my rifle in the pouring rain on previous hunts, the Sentry Armadillo has significantly improved my peace of mind.
Breaking Down the Features of Sentry Armadillo Water Resistant Firearm Cover
Specifications
The Sentry Armadillo Water Resistant Firearm Cover is made from a silent, water-resistant, stretch material. It’s designed to fit most ARs, shotguns, and rifles. The color is Moss Green.
A drawstring is included to help conform the Armadillo around your firearms optics and accessories. It folds up to a compact size for easy storage, roughly the size of a deck of cards. This cover is meant to offer lightweight, easily packable protection from the elements.
Performance & Functionality
The Sentry Armadillo Water Resistant Firearm Cover performs its primary function admirably: protecting your firearm from rain, snow, and dust. It’s not fully waterproof, but it provides ample water resistance for most field conditions. The stretchable material and drawstring ensure a snug fit, preventing moisture from seeping in.
The main strength is its packability and ease of use. The greatest weakness is that it is not truly waterproof for submersion. It meets my expectations as a lightweight, easily deployable cover for inclement weather.
Design & Ergonomics
The Sentry Armadillo features a simple yet effective design. The stretchable material allows it to conform to a variety of firearm shapes and sizes. The drawstring further enhances the fit.
The Moss Green color blends well in most outdoor environments. There is no learning curve; simply slip it over your firearm and cinch the drawstring.
Durability & Maintenance
The Sentry Armadillo Water Resistant Firearm Cover is reasonably durable for its weight and packability. The water-resistant material is not abrasion-resistant, so it’s best to avoid excessive contact with sharp or rough surfaces. Maintenance is minimal; a quick wipe-down after each use is typically sufficient.
I expect it to last several seasons with proper care. Repairing a tear would be difficult due to the stretchable nature of the fabric, but with reasonable use, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Sentry Armadillo Water Resistant Firearm Cover doesn’t come with any additional accessories. However, its design is compatible with a wide range of firearms and optics. It works equally well with scoped rifles, shotguns with red dots, and AR-style rifles with various attachments.
There are no specific customization options, but the Armadillo’s adaptability makes it a versatile addition to any firearm setup.
Pros and Cons of Sentry Armadillo Water Resistant Firearm Cover
Pros
- Lightweight and packable, making it easy to carry in a pack or pocket.
- Water-resistant material effectively protects firearms from rain and snow.
- Stretchable fabric and drawstring ensure a snug fit on various firearm types.
- Easy to use, with no complicated setup or adjustments required.
- Silent material minimizes noise when moving through the field.
Cons
- Not fully waterproof for complete submersion.
- Material is not highly abrasion-resistant and could be damaged by sharp objects.
Who Should Buy Sentry Armadillo Water Resistant Firearm Cover?
The Sentry Armadillo Water Resistant Firearm Cover is perfect for hunters, competitive shooters, and anyone who uses their firearms in inclement weather. It’s an excellent choice for those who prioritize lightweight, packable protection. The Sentry Armadillo is great for hunters who don’t want a wet rifle in the field.
Those needing absolute waterproof protection for extended submersion should skip this product and opt for a fully waterproof hard case.
There are no must-have accessories, but a small microfiber cloth for wiping down the cover after use is a good addition.
Conclusion on Sentry Armadillo Water Resistant Firearm Cover
The Sentry Armadillo Water Resistant Firearm Cover is a well-designed, practical solution for protecting your firearm from the elements. Its lightweight design, ease of use, and water-resistant properties make it a valuable addition to any hunter’s or shooter’s gear. At $45.99, the price is justified for the peace of mind it provides.
I would definitely recommend the Sentry Armadillo to anyone looking for a compact, effective way to keep their firearms dry and protected in the field. Don’t let rain or snow ruin your hunt or range day – grab a Sentry Armadillo and stay prepared!