Quick answer: for most game and clay shooting, a leather gun slip with a soft lining, a flap-and-buckle or full-length zip opening and a padded shoulder strap is the best all-round choice. Pick a shotgun slip sized to your gun's overall length, or a rifle slip with room for your scope. Choose full leather for looks and longevity, waxed canvas with leather trim for a lighter, rain-friendly slip, and Cordura if you want the toughest budget option.
This guide walks you through every decision, from type and material to sizing, features, care and price, so you can buy the right slip the first time.
What is a gun slip?
A gun slip is a soft, padded sleeve that protects a rifle or shotgun while you carry it to the peg, the range or the field, and while it travels in the car. Unlike a hard case, a slip is light, quick to open and easy to sling over your shoulder, which is why it is the standard choice for driven shooting, rough shooting and stalking.
- Gun slip: a soft, lined sleeve with a carry strap. Light, quick and the everyday choice for shooting days.
- Gun case: a broader term; in our range it covers slips with extra structure, pockets or reinforced ends.
- Scabbard: a stiffer, shaped leather holder, traditionally used to carry a rifle or shotgun on horseback or in a vehicle.
- Hard case: a rigid lockable box, mainly needed for air travel. Not covered in this guide.
Rifle slip or shotgun slip?
The biggest difference is shape. A shotgun slip is slim and straight, sized to the gun's overall length. A rifle slip or rifle case is cut wider around the action so it can take a mounted scope, and is often a little shorter. If you shoot both, buy one of each: a slip that is too roomy lets the gun move about, and one that is too tight strains the zip and seams.
Single or double slip?
A single slip carries one gun and is what most shooters need. A double slip carries a pair of guns side by side, which is popular for driven days when you shoot with a loader, or if you simply want to keep two guns together. Some doubles are detachable, so they can be split into two singles when you only take one gun. Doubles are heavier and cost more, so only buy one if you regularly carry two guns.
Leather vs waxed canvas vs Cordura
| Full leather | Waxed canvas + leather trim | Cordura (+ leather trim) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Traditional, develops a rich patina | Classic country style | Practical, modern |
| Weight | Heaviest | Lighter | Lightest |
| Rain | Good when conditioned; dry it after use | Very good; the wax sheds water | Very good |
| Durability | Lasts decades with care | Very durable; re-wax over time | Very tough against abrasion |
| Care | Clean and condition a few times a year | Brush off dirt, re-wax occasionally | Wipe clean |
| Our price range | about $189 to $514 | about $147 to $392 | about $73 to $131 |
Choose full leather if you want the classic look and a slip that ages with you. Choose waxed canvas if you shoot in wet weather a lot or want a lighter slip that still looks traditional. Choose Cordura if you want maximum toughness for the lowest price, for example for a second slip that lives in the truck. For more detail, read leather vs synthetic shotgun cases and why leather is used in rifle and shotgun cases.
How to size a gun slip
Getting the size right matters more than anything else. A slip should be a little longer than your gun so the muzzle never presses against the end, but not so long that the gun slides about.
- Measure the overall length of the gun, from the end of the barrel to the end of the stock, with the gun assembled.
- For rifles, note the scope: measure the height and length of the scope and mounts, and check the slip is cut to take them.
- Compare with the sizes listed on each product page and choose the nearest size that is slightly longer than your gun.
Our gun slip size guide explains exactly how to measure a shotgun or rifle, with typical sizes for common barrel lengths. If your gun is unusual, contact us before ordering and we will help you choose or make a slip to measure.
Features to look for
- Opening: a flap and buckle is traditional and secure; a full-length zip lets you open the slip right out to dry it after a wet day. The best slips have both.
- Lining: a soft fleece or wool-type lining protects the stock and barrels from knocks and absorbs moisture. Check the lining on each product page.
- Reinforced muzzle end: the end of the slip takes the most wear, so a stitched, blocked or reinforced end lasts much longer.
- Strap and handles: a wide, adjustable shoulder strap with a pad is far more comfortable over a long day; carry handles help in and out of the car.
- Hardware: solid brass or steel buckles and D-rings, and strong stitching at every stress point.
We go deeper on this in 9 must-have features in a premium leather rifle case.
What should you pay?
Gun slips range from inexpensive synthetic sleeves to made-to-order luxury slips costing well over a thousand. As a guide to our own handmade range:
- Cordura slips: about $73 to $131
- Waxed canvas and leather slips: about $147 to $392
- Full leather single slips and scabbards: about $189 to $514
- Double slips: about $227 to $534
The price mostly reflects the amount and thickness of leather, the lining, the hardware and the hours of hand stitching. A well-made leather slip that is looked after can last as long as the gun itself, so it is worth buying the best you can afford.
Caring for your gun slip
- Never store a gun in a damp slip. After a wet day, take the gun out, open the slip fully and let both dry naturally, away from radiators and fires.
- Clean leather with a damp cloth and condition it a few times a year so it stays supple and water-resistant.
- Brush waxed canvas clean once dry and re-wax it when it stops beading water.
- Store guns in a gun cabinet, not long-term in the slip.
For the full routine, read how to care for leather gun cases and gun slips.
Complete your kit
Most shooters pair their slip with a matching leather cartridge bag or cartridge belt. Not sure which? Read cartridge belts vs cartridge bags, or browse our hunting essentials.
Shop this guide
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Frequently asked questions
What size gun slip do I need?
Measure your gun's overall length from muzzle to the end of the stock and choose the slip size that is slightly longer. For rifles, also check the slip will take your scope. Our size guide walks you through it.
Is a leather gun slip waterproof?
Well-conditioned leather resists rain well, but no leather slip is fully waterproof. Always dry the gun and the slip after a wet day. Waxed canvas and Cordura shed water more easily.
Can I use a shotgun slip for a rifle?
Usually not for a scoped rifle, because a shotgun slip is too slim to take the scope. An unscoped rifle may fit if the length is right, but a rifle slip will protect it better.
Should I get a slip with a zip or a flap and buckle?
A flap and buckle is traditional and secure; a full-length zip makes it easy to get the gun in and out and to dry the slip. Slips with both give you the best of each.
How long does a leather gun slip last?
With regular cleaning, conditioning and proper drying, a well-made leather slip can last for decades.
Can you make a gun slip to my measurements?
Many of our slips can be made to your size. Contact us with your gun's measurements before ordering.
Ready to choose? Browse all our leather gun slips, or go straight to shotgun slips or rifle cases.
